News for 'exercise'

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-pitched campaign for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections concluded with the BJP and TMC focusing on electoral rolls and dietary habits, while making promises to voters. Voting is scheduled in 152 constituencies across north Bengal and southern districts, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote. A record number of Central paramilitary forces have been deployed, and several districts have been identified as highly sensitive.

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

Rediff.com20 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new border security initiative, including land transfer to the BSF and a 'detect, delete and deport' policy targeting infiltrators.

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo announced that the Census 2027 will be a fully digital and paperless exercise, utilising mobile technology, AI, and cloud computing for accuracy and efficiency, marking a shift towards data-driven governance.

SC allows release of convict in Madhumita Shukla murder case after 22 years

SC allows release of convict in Madhumita Shukla murder case after 22 years

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed a plea seeking the premature release of Rohit Chaturvedi, a convict in the 2003 murder case of poet Madhumita Shukla, emphasising reformation over retribution.

Mamata storms EVM strong room amid rigging claims

Mamata storms EVM strong room amid rigging claims

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Banerjee reached the venue in the evening, ignoring torrential rains in Kolkata and was still seated inside till reports last received.

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

AM Shahjahan and Vanni Arasu from IUML and VCK respectively were sworn in as ministers in Tamil Nadu, increasing the number of allies in the TVK government. This marks the first time representatives from both parties have been inducted into the state cabinet, signifying a shift in Tamil Nadu's coalition dynamics.

SEBI Court Convicts Harshad Mehta-Linked Firms For Non-Compliance

SEBI Court Convicts Harshad Mehta-Linked Firms For Non-Compliance

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A special SEBI court convicted two directors and their five firms, linked to late stockbroker Harshad Mehta, for failing to provide information during a 1998 investigation into the manipulation of shares belonging to BPL and Videocon.

Punjab Opposition Demands Clarity On Blast Investigation

Punjab Opposition Demands Clarity On Blast Investigation

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab's Leader of Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, has criticised the government's conflicting statements regarding recent blasts, calling for transparency and accountability instead of political theatrics.

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Trinamool Congress counting agents in Bhabanipur ahead of the vote count for the assembly election. The meeting aimed to ensure agents are well-prepared and updated on the counting process.

PFRDA unveils new retirement income scheme, eases annuity exit rules for NPS subscribers

PFRDA unveils new retirement income scheme, eases annuity exit rules for NPS subscribers

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched a new Retirement Income Scheme (RIS) and drawdown options under the National Pension System (NPS), offering greater flexibility for managing pension savings post-retirement. Additionally, PFRDA has eased annuity surrender rules, allowing exits in cases of critical illness or for older contracts with explicit surrender clauses.

Bengal SIR: Nearly 91 lakh names deleted from voter list

Bengal SIR: Nearly 91 lakh names deleted from voter list

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission reports a significant reduction in West Bengal's electoral rolls following a Special Intensive Revision, with nearly 9.1 million voters deleted.

Assam Delimitation Tilts Electoral Balance

Assam Delimitation Tilts Electoral Balance

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

While the total number of assembly seats remains unchanged at 126, the redrawing of boundaries has reshaped voter composition across constituencies -- a shift that is likely to influence electoral outcomes in the years ahead.

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Parliament is expected to extend its budget session to introduce a bill increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 for women, and amending the women's reservation law.

SC hearing on religious freedoms ends after 16 days; order reserved

SC hearing on religious freedoms ends after 16 days; order reserved

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench has reserved its order on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom.

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and others to file fresh applications regarding their claim that victory margins in 31 constituencies in the recent assembly polls were less than the deletion of votes during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

'To prevent...': Why VCK extended support Vijay's TVK

'To prevent...': Why VCK extended support Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com9 May 2026

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan announced his party's decision to support Vijay's TVK in government formation to prevent President's rule in Tamil Nadu and also ensure people's mandate for TVK was fulfilled.

SC bar body urges CJI to review Andhra HC judge's order against lawyer

SC bar body urges CJI to review Andhra HC judge's order against lawyer

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court Bar Association has expressed deep concern over an Andhra Pradesh High Court judge reportedly sending a young advocate to judicial custody for a procedural lapse, urging the Chief Justice of India to take cognisance of the incident.

Suvendu suspends 3 senior IPS officers for mishandling RG Kar rape-murder probe

Suvendu suspends 3 senior IPS officers for mishandling RG Kar rape-murder probe

Rediff.com15 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has suspended three senior IPS officers for alleged mishandling and dereliction of duty during the initial investigation into the RG Kar hospital rape-murder case.

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Central Information Commission has ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not qualify as a 'public authority' under the Right to Information Act, effectively placing it outside the scope of RTI disclosures.

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee shared a poem titled 'Brave' after her party's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly polls. The poem invokes courage, dignity, and inner strength, serving as a message to the TMC cadre.

IAF Unleashes Firepower At Pokhran

IAF Unleashes Firepower At Pokhran

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Glimpses from Vayu Shakti 2026 highlight India's aerial might and combat readiness. From sonic booms to precision strikes, the Indian Air Force showcased its full-spectrum capabilities over Rajasthan skies.

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Left Democratic Front's defeat in Kerala marks a historic moment as Left parties are without power in any state for the first time in decades, highlighting their diminishing political influence across India.

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com10 May 2026

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.

'Calculated campaign': HC initiates contempt action against Kejriwal, others

'Calculated campaign': HC initiates contempt action against Kejriwal, others

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has initiated criminal contempt proceedings against several AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, for their social media posts against a judge in relation to the excise policy case.

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Rediff.com16 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the people of Diamond Harbour have been unable to exercise their voting rights for a decade. He assured people that the scenario has now changed, and the May 21 repolling in the Falta Assembly seat will re-establish voter rights.

TN, WB assembly elections: Stalin, Rajini, Suvendu vote

TN, WB assembly elections: Stalin, Rajini, Suvendu vote

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Take a look at the famous faces who exercised their democratic right.

SC calls for rational airfares, asks Centre to provide relief to flyers

SC calls for rational airfares, asks Centre to provide relief to flyers

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to rationalise airfares and provide relief to flyers, highlighting discrepancies in pricing for the same routes and airlines. The court is addressing a plea seeking a robust regulator to ensure transparency and passenger protection in the civil aviation sector.

Tribal Cuisine: Laxmi's Leto, Neelam's Dal Pitha

Tribal Cuisine: Laxmi's Leto, Neelam's Dal Pitha

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Tribal food is more than sustenance -- it is memory, medicine, history and community.

Fadnavis Alleges TMC Plot To Include Infiltrators In Voter List

Fadnavis Alleges TMC Plot To Include Infiltrators In Voter List

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has accused the TMC of conspiring to include infiltrators in electoral rolls, claiming the party objects to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) while those rightfully removed from the rolls did not protest.

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

West Bengal Polls: TMC Alleges Irregularities In Vote Counting

West Bengal Polls: TMC Alleges Irregularities In Vote Counting

Rediff.com5 May 2026

TMC leaders have raised concerns about the vote counting process in the West Bengal Assembly elections, alleging irregularities and lack of cooperation from the Election Commission.

PCOS Is Now PMOS: Why This Change Matters

PCOS Is Now PMOS: Why This Change Matters

Rediff.com14 May 2026

PCOS is being renamed PMOS. Dr Anagha Menon breaks down why the one alphabet change matters and how it affects the diagnosis of this condition for so many women.

Pati Patni Aur Woh Do Review: Mildly Amusing Marital Comedy Of Errors

Pati Patni Aur Woh Do Review: Mildly Amusing Marital Comedy Of Errors

Rediff.com15 May 2026

If only Pati Patni Aur Woh Do were as funny as its director intended it to be, that would have been reason to celebrate, notes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Congress party is seeking one Rajya Sabha seat in Jharkhand from the JMM and plans to discuss the matter with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, according to AICC Jharkhand in-charge K Raju.

Mother's Day: 10 Simple Rules To Live By

Mother's Day: 10 Simple Rules To Live By

Rediff.com10 May 2026

This Mother's Day, Aditi Govitrikar, actor, supermodel, wellness expert and India's first Mrs World encourages all women to prioritise themselves and embrace self-care without guilt.

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi concluded without a joint statement due to disagreements over the West Asia conflict, with Iran blaming the UAE for the lack of consensus. India, as the host, issued a chair's statement highlighting the differing views.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government and opposition parties are set for a showdown in Parliament over a Constitution amendment bill concerning the implementation of the women's quota law and the delimitation exercise. The Opposition is concerned about the potential impact of delimitation on the political representation of southern states.

UP electoral roll swells by 84 lakh after special revision

UP electoral roll swells by 84 lakh after special revision

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Uttar Pradesh's electorate has increased by over 84 lakh following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), according to the final voter list. The revision exercise, conducted across all 75 districts, aimed to update and refine the electoral roll, resulting in a significant rise in both male and female voters, as well as an improved gender ratio.

Can't have fishing inquiry: SC on alleged voter additions in WB

Can't have fishing inquiry: SC on alleged voter additions in WB

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court declined to initiate an inquiry into alleged voter roll irregularities in West Bengal, stating it would amount to a 'fishing inquiry'. The court's decision came after concerns were raised about the addition of a significant number of voters ahead of the state's Assembly elections.

We are still ahead in 170 seats: Mamata as BJP leads in Bengal

We are still ahead in 170 seats: Mamata as BJP leads in Bengal

Rediff.com4 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged TMC candidates and agents to remain vigilant at counting centres, alleging a 'game plan' by the BJP and the Election Commission to show the BJP taking an early lead.