News for 'government officials'

WhatsApp Is Changing. Are You Safe?

WhatsApp Is Changing. Are You Safe?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

WhatsApp is finally letting you hide your phone number behind a custom username. While it's a massive win for privacy, cybersecurity experts warn it could unleash a wave of identity scams. Here is what you need to know.

BJP rebel stuns Mahayuti, defeats Sena nominee in Nashik council polls

BJP rebel stuns Mahayuti, defeats Sena nominee in Nashik council polls

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

BJP rebel Gokul Gite secured a surprising victory in Maharashtra legislative council's Nashik district local governing body constituency, defeating the ruling Shiv Sena nominee Narendra Darade by 109 votes, despite senior Mahayuti leaders' attempts to resolve his independent candidature.

Ram Temple donation probe: FIR alleges criminal conspiracy

Ram Temple donation probe: FIR alleges criminal conspiracy

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ayodhya Police have taken Ram Shankar Yadav into custody following an FIR alleging embezzlement of donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The complaint, lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, names nine individuals and others for systematic theft and misappropriation of funds. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, and its preliminary findings led to the FIR. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has vowed a 'zero-tolerance' policy and urged evidence submission to the SIT.

SC Fines Centre for Challenging CISF Official's Dismissal

SC Fines Centre for Challenging CISF Official's Dismissal

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has criticised the central government for engaging in unnecessary litigation, imposing a fine for challenging a High Court order regarding the dismissal of a CISF official.

Chautala Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Failures

Chautala Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Failures

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Former Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala has criticised the state government for failing to ensure proper crop procurement arrangements and timely compensation for farmers affected by unseasonal rain.

Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon truce, vows to fight

Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon truce, vows to fight

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

In a statement issued following the announcement of the US-mediated deal, Qassem characterised the agreement as a 'humiliating' and 'shameful' surrender of Lebanese sovereignty that prioritises Israeli and American dictates over the nation's independence.

Court Orders Charges Against Jacqueline Fernandez In Money Laundering Case

Court Orders Charges Against Jacqueline Fernandez In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A Delhi court has ordered the framing of charges against actress Jacqueline Fernandez, Sukesh Chandrashekhar, and 15 others in connection with a Rs 200-crore money laundering case.

Himachal Pradesh Appoints Chief Secretary Despite Corruption Allegations

Himachal Pradesh Appoints Chief Secretary Despite Corruption Allegations

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Sanjay Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the chief secretary of Himachal Pradesh amidst allegations of corruption, sparking controversy and criticism from opposition parties.

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A three-storey under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area collapsed, killing three people and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 individuals already saved, amid allegations of substandard construction materials and illegal building practices.

Telegram app is back on Google after ban, not on Apple

Telegram app is back on Google after ban, not on Apple

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Instant messaging platform Telegram has been restored in India after a week-long government ban, imposed due to its alleged role in circulating leaked NEET examination papers, expired. The Delhi High Court had upheld the ban as lawful and necessary.

Lightning strikes claim 11 lives in Jharkhand in past 24 hours

Lightning strikes claim 11 lives in Jharkhand in past 24 hours

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

At least 11 people, including three women and a 10-year-old girl, were killed in lightning strikes across Jharkhand over the last 24 hours, police said on Monday.

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has launched the Unified Health Interface (UHI), an interoperable digital network under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). UHI aims to connect patients and healthcare providers across various digital platforms, addressing fragmentation in India's digital health ecosystem and improving access to verified services, especially in rural areas.

Man Arrested for Setting Official's Vehicles on Fire Over Girlfriend's Job

Man Arrested for Setting Official's Vehicles on Fire Over Girlfriend's Job

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A man in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to two vehicles belonging to a government official, reportedly due to his anger over his girlfriend's employment as a cook at the official's residence.

Exodus continues from AIADMK, 3 former ministers join Vijay's TVK

Exodus continues from AIADMK, 3 former ministers join Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Three former AIADMK ministers, Dr C Vijayabaskar, M R Vijayabaskar, and M S M Anandan, along with their supporters, have joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), prompting the DMK to label the move as 'washing machine' politics, referencing allegations of corruption against the defectors.

Iran invites Modi to Khamenei's funeral

Iran invites Modi to Khamenei's funeral

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Indian prime minister has been invited by President Pezeshkian to the burial ceremonies, the diplomatic sources said.

Mohan Yadav's Family Land Deals Raise Conflict Of Interest Questions

Mohan Yadav's Family Land Deals Raise Conflict Of Interest Questions

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's family is under scrutiny after an Indian Express newspaper report revealed their extensive land purchases in Ujjain, particularly in areas benefiting from state infrastructure projects, raising questions of propriety and conflict of interest.

India-Nepal Boundary Dispute Needs Solution

India-Nepal Boundary Dispute Needs Solution

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The boundary mess between India and Nepal needs a solution in a manner as mentioned by Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal: 'On evidence not emotions', counsels Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung (retd).

Why Make Yoga Day A Ritual

Why Make Yoga Day A Ritual

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

We have Yoga Day. We have Hindi Day. We have, I am fairly certain, so many days, though I have never met anyone enjoying these days, notes Binu Alex.

BJP Protests, Demands CBI Investigation into Punjab Official's Suicide

BJP Protests, Demands CBI Investigation into Punjab Official's Suicide

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Punjab BJP held a state-level protest against the AAP government, demanding a CBI probe into the suicide of a warehousing corporation official who allegedly faced harassment from a state minister.

Delhi airport hold-up of Bangladesh PM adviser triggers diplomatic row

Delhi airport hold-up of Bangladesh PM adviser triggers diplomatic row

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Bangladesh summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner to convey "deep disappointment" after Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to the Prime Minister, was stopped and questioned by immigration authorities at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident led to Rahman's decision to return home despite being cleared to proceed.

IAS officer transferred in UP days after altercation with BJP leader

IAS officer transferred in UP days after altercation with BJP leader

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Days after an altercation with a Bharatiya Janata Party block chief, IAS officer Rinku Singh Rahee, posted as sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Jalaun tehsil, has been transferred with immediate effect.

Why Villagers Attacked Forest Anti-Encroachment Team In MP

Why Villagers Attacked Forest Anti-Encroachment Team In MP

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Five forest department personnel were injured in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district after villagers allegedly attacked an anti-encroachment team. Four individuals have been arrested, and a case has been registered under relevant laws.

Had no role in daily donation collection at Ram Temple: Trust treasurer

Had no role in daily donation collection at Ram Temple: Trust treasurer

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Under the lens over serious lapses in the donation management system at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Govind Dev Giri, has said that all audit reports were "safe" and that he had no role in the daily donation collection process at the temple.

Hooda Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Policies

Hooda Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Policies

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has criticised the state government's crop procurement policies, alleging that new conditions are being imposed on farmers instead of procuring crops at MSP. Hooda plans to tour mandis to assess the problems faced by farmers.

Satluj Review: Brave Political Drama

Satluj Review: Brave Political Drama

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Satluj is a chilling reminder of what happens when a state is allowed to become judge, jury and executioner, asserts Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Mamata dares 'treacherous' rebels to join BJP as another close aide quits

Mamata dares 'treacherous' rebels to join BJP as another close aide quits

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress supremo, has launched a strong counterattack against rebel party members, accusing them of conspiring with the BJP to split the party. She dared them to formally join the BJP and defended her leadership amidst the worst organisational crisis for TMC, while also announcing leadership changes and criticising the rebels' past actions and attempts to seize party assets.

How Kerala police saved a NEET aspirant's exam dream amid a crisis

How Kerala police saved a NEET aspirant's exam dream amid a crisis

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

A police team in Kochi intervened to help a NEET candidate who was about to be denied entry to her examination centre due to a missing passport-size photograph. Their timely action, involving contacting a studio owner on a Sunday, ensured the student could sit for the crucial medical entrance test.

Lucknow fire: 'Only her face was visible'

Lucknow fire: 'Only her face was visible'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The massive fire broke out on Monday afternoon in the three-floor commercial building housing an animation centre, killing at least 15 people, mostly students.

Seat Dispute Leads To Stabbing On Mumbai Local Train

Seat Dispute Leads To Stabbing On Mumbai Local Train

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Two individuals have been arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) for allegedly stabbing a man on a Mumbai local train following a dispute over a seat. The victim sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment, while a search is on for a third accused.

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking arranged special bus services for students appearing in the NEET re-examination in Mumbai, deploying 60 buses on 24 routes for approximately 180 trips, despite an ongoing strike by its employees that has paralysed public transport.

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian has resigned from the council of ministers following the conclusion of his Rajya Sabha term. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation, which was effective immediately.

AIFF Seeks Ministry, FIFA Nod For Name Change To FFB

AIFF Seeks Ministry, FIFA Nod For Name Change To FFB

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has proposed changing its name to the Football Federation of Bharat (FFB). This significant proposal, accepted during a Special General Body Meeting, now awaits crucial approvals from the sports ministry and FIFA.

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

At the Iran-Belgium FIFA World Cup match, least one attendee wearing a pre-revolutionary flag shirt was detained for trying to run onto the pitch and Iranian player Alireza Jahanbakhsh said after the match that he doesn't want to keep focusing on the challenging situations faced by his team.

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

There are strong possibilities of some Union ministers being sent to take organisational roles in the BJP and party office-bearers being inducted into the Modi ministry.

How Lenient Refereeing Is Driving World Cup's High-Intensity Play

How Lenient Refereeing Is Driving World Cup's High-Intensity Play

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The World Cup has seen a shift to a more lenient refereeing style, prioritising game flow and reducing stoppages. This, combined with stronger, faster players, has led to a quicker, more physically demanding tournament with higher scoring. While welcomed, experts warn that this intensity tests players' physical limits, increasing injury risks, especially for those not fully fit.

Rajasthan officials attacked over proposed dumping yard

Rajasthan officials attacked over proposed dumping yard

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Police and municipality teams were attacked in a village in Rajasthan's Banswara district after locals allegedly pelted stones at them when they arrived to demarcate land allotted for a dumping yard.

UP: Part of bridge collapses due to storm, 6 labourers killed

UP: Part of bridge collapses due to storm, 6 labourers killed

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Six labourers died and three were injured when part of an under-construction bridge collapsed in Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh, following a storm. The incident occurred early Friday morning as labourers slept on a slab of the bridge.

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve: Forest Officials Attacked, Timber Smuggling Suspected

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve: Forest Officials Attacked, Timber Smuggling Suspected

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

A forest department patrol team in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve was allegedly attacked by suspected timber smugglers and villagers, resulting in injuries to five forest officials. Villagers have accused the forest department team of assault.

At 94, Andhra woman renounces US citizenship to die an Indian

At 94, Andhra woman renounces US citizenship to die an Indian

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

A 94-year-old woman, K Mahalakshmamma, who lived in the United States for over two decades, has renounced her American citizenship to return to her native village in Andhra Pradesh and die as an Indian citizen. She underwent an oath-taking ceremony before the Bapatla District Collector, and her application for Indian citizenship restoration has been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Lucknow fire: Autopsy reveals all 15 suffocated to death

Lucknow fire: Autopsy reveals all 15 suffocated to death

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A post-mortem report for the 15 victims of the Lucknow Aliganj fire revealed that they died from suffocation due to smoke inhalation, not major burn injuries. Doctors found soot in nasal passages and swelling around faces, indicating heavy smoke exposure. The tragedy has led to a high-level probe, arrests, and a directive for fire safety inspections across Uttar Pradesh.