News for 'government officials'

Bengal Jail Officials Suspended Amid Mobile Phone Allegations

Bengal Jail Officials Suspended Amid Mobile Phone Allegations

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The West Bengal government has suspended two senior officials at Presidency Correctional Home following allegations that inmates were using mobile phones within the facility. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that a network of organised crime was being operated from within the state's prisons.

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'Once the numbers come out, they fear that the OBCs would start to demand, and articulate what they are lacking, why they are lacking and what should be done to go forward.'

9 killed, 7 injured in blast at illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad

9 killed, 7 injured in blast at illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad

Rediff.com1 days ago

An explosion and subsequent fire at an unlicensed firecracker factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, resulted in the deaths of nine people and injuries to six others. The incident prompted condolences and financial aid from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with authorities initiating an investigation into the illegal operation.

Passports 'regulate departure' of Indians from country: MEA

Passports 'regulate departure' of Indians from country: MEA

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document issued to regulate the departure of citizens and is not intended as proof of citizenship. This statement comes amidst a debate on its use for verifying citizenship, particularly concerning electoral rolls, and has drawn criticism from opposition parties.

Tamil Nadu Government Intensifies Efforts To Protect Children

Tamil Nadu Government Intensifies Efforts To Protect Children

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Tamil Nadu government is taking proactive measures to curb crime against children, following the sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore. The government is focusing on strict policing, public awareness, and swift justice through fast-track courts.

Sports Ministry Approves Indian Contingent For Commonwealth Games

Sports Ministry Approves Indian Contingent For Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has approved a 191-member Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, comprising 126 athletes and 51 officials. The Ministry has stipulated that expenses for Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Executive Committee members will not be covered by the government. Additionally, National Sports Federations are required to conduct background checks on their contingents, and a performance report must be submitted post-Games.

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

Rediff.com5 days ago

Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.

Red Alert in Wayanad after landslide

Red Alert in Wayanad after landslide

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Kerala's Wayanad district is under a red alert due to very heavy rainfall and a landslide at the Kalladi tunnel project site, resulting in one confirmed death, seven hospitalised, and seven missing. Neighbouring Kozhikode is also under a red alert, with orange alerts for other districts. Evacuation efforts are underway, and the landslide pushed a bus into a river.

Relief likely for India from US tariffs over forced labour

Relief likely for India from US tariffs over forced labour

Rediff.com3 days ago

India anticipates a reduction in the United States' proposed tariffs on Indian goods under the Section 301 investigation, following New Delhi's recent notification to restrict the import of products made with forced labour.

Punjab Government Reallocates Portfolios After Minister's Arrest

Punjab Government Reallocates Portfolios After Minister's Arrest

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Punjab government has redistributed portfolios held by arrested minister Sanjeev Arora among other cabinet members, including Aman Arora, Harjot Singh Bains, and Tarunpreet Singh Sond.

Delhi Government To Conduct Structural Audits Of Schools

Delhi Government To Conduct Structural Audits Of Schools

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Delhi government has announced it will conduct structural audits of its government schools following an inspection by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who noted a lack of facilities at a school in Rupnagar.

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstruction' at Taxila site

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstruction' at Taxila site

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

UNESCO has warned Pakistan that two historical sites within the Taxila World Heritage site could be placed on a "danger list" or even delisted if "unnecessary interventions" and "reconstructions" are not reversed. The UN cultural agency highlighted concerns about new masonry replacing ancient walls and increased wall heights, compromising the authenticity of the sites. Pakistani officials, however, maintain that the work constitutes conservation, not reconstruction.

Monsoon session: Controversial bills, NEET Leak, Ram temple row set to dominate

Monsoon session: Controversial bills, NEET Leak, Ram temple row set to dominate

Rediff.com23 hours ago

The Indian government and opposition are preparing for a contentious Monsoon Session of Parliament, with key issues including the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation and women's reservation, the alleged NEET paper leak, and a row over Ram temple donations set to spark heated debates.

Two dead, 5 fall ill amid crowd surge, rain-hit Rath Yatra in Puri

Two dead, 5 fall ill amid crowd surge, rain-hit Rath Yatra in Puri

Rediff.com2 days ago

One person died and many others fell ill in a temporary crowd surge during the Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha's Puri on Thursday, official sources said.

Schoolchildren among 5 dead as train hits pool car in Murshidabad

Schoolchildren among 5 dead as train hits pool car in Murshidabad

Rediff.com2 days ago

Five people, including two school students, have died after a local train struck a pool car at an open level crossing in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. The gateman has been arrested, and a railway permanent way inspector suspended for alleged dereliction of duty.

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Rediff.com6 days ago

West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.

HP India resellers fined Rs 142 crore by CCI for cartelisation, bid rigging

HP India resellers fined Rs 142 crore by CCI for cartelisation, bid rigging

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a total penalty of approximately Rs 142.37 crore on HP India Sales Private Limited and several of its resellers for engaging in cartelisation and bid rigging on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

Equestrian Federation Governance Reforms Face Lengthy Delays

Equestrian Federation Governance Reforms Face Lengthy Delays

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Ad-Hoc Committee appointed to run the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) has informed the Delhi High Court that governance reforms and elections may take longer than initially planned. The committee cited statutory requirements under the new sports law and delays in gaining full control of the federation as reasons for the extended timeline.

Maharashtra Officials Jailed for Accepting Bribe in Business Deal

Maharashtra Officials Jailed for Accepting Bribe in Business Deal

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A senior Maharashtra government official and a junior clerk were convicted by a special court in Latur for accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 for approving a business proposal in 2014.

Kerala School Roof Collapse: Official Blames Municipal Corporation

Kerala School Roof Collapse: Official Blames Municipal Corporation

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A CPI(M) leader has blamed the municipal corporation for the roof collapse at a government school in Kerala, alleging negligence in issuing a fitness certificate.

White sheets, plain cloths: How Sonam Wangchuk was removed from Janta Mantar

White sheets, plain cloths: How Sonam Wangchuk was removed from Janta Mantar

Rediff.com1 days ago

Delhi Police executed a meticulously planned overnight operation, involving white sheets and potential network jammers, to shift activist Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital after his health deteriorated during a 20-day hunger strike, following directions from the Delhi High Court.

BJP Demands CBI Investigation into Punjab Official's Suicide, Alleges Government Cover-Up

BJP Demands CBI Investigation into Punjab Official's Suicide, Alleges Government Cover-Up

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A Punjab BJP delegation has requested a CBI investigation into the suicide of a Punjab State Warehousing Corporation official, alleging harassment and a cover-up by the state government.

Car catches fire inside tunnel on Mumbai's coastal road

Car catches fire inside tunnel on Mumbai's coastal road

Rediff.com4 days ago

A car caught fire inside the southbound tunnel of Mumbai's Coastal Road, causing temporary panic and stranding vehicles. Authorities responded swiftly, and no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.

J-K's Doda tense after SOG firing kills man; 3 cops hurt, internet suspended

J-K's Doda tense after SOG firing kills man; 3 cops hurt, internet suspended

Rediff.com1 days ago

A 30-year-old man was killed and three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel were injured during a firing incident following an alleged attempt to snatch a service rifle in the Jaie area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, officials said.

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Rediff.com1 days ago

A controversy has erupted in Odisha after Lord Jagannath's idol was moved from the Puri temple to the chariot during the Rath Yatra without its traditional 'Tahia' floral headgear, leading to strong criticism from opposition parties BJD and Congress against the BJP government.

3 killed, 5 missing in massive landslide at Wayanad tunnel site

3 killed, 5 missing in massive landslide at Wayanad tunnel site

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A devastating landslide at Kalladi near Meppady in Wayanad, Kerala, has resulted in one death and seven missing individuals at a crucial tunnel road project site, with Chief Minister V D Satheesan attributing the tragedy to contractors' failure to heed warnings about accumulated mud.

Tamil Nadu Government Steps Up Efforts To Protect Children

Tamil Nadu Government Steps Up Efforts To Protect Children

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Tamil Nadu minister Rajmohan has asserted the state government is taking proactive measures to curb crime against children, following the sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore. The minister detailed the government's approach of strict policing and public participation to prevent such crimes, while also hinting at the revival of student union elections in colleges across the state.

Late-night meeting of NCP, NCP-SP leaders at CM's house sparks buzz

Late-night meeting of NCP, NCP-SP leaders at CM's house sparks buzz

Rediff.com4 days ago

A late-night meeting between leaders of the ruling NCP and Opposition NCP (SP) at the Maharashtra Chief Minister's residence has sparked intense speculation about shifting political dynamics in the state. This comes as the BJP reportedly seeks support for the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill, which proposes to increase Lok Sabha seats and initiate delimitation, a move criticised by Congress leader P Chidambaram for potentially disadvantaging states that controlled population growth.

UP teachers suspended after intimate classroom video goes viral

UP teachers suspended after intimate classroom video goes viral

Rediff.com4 days ago

Two assistant teachers at a government primary school in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, have been suspended after a video purportedly showing them in an intimate act inside a classroom surfaced on social media. An inquiry confirmed the conduct was inconsistent with expected standards, leading to disciplinary action and an ongoing departmental investigation.

Odisha Government Honours Para Archer Payal Nag For World Series Win

Odisha Government Honours Para Archer Payal Nag For World Series Win

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Odisha government felicitated para archer Payal Nag for winning two gold medals at the World Para Archery Series 2026 in Bangkok and qualifying for the Para Asian Games. She received a cash award and funds for sports equipment.

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Rediff.com4 days ago

'There is no need for panic as there is widespread protective immune memory in the population from vaccination as well as prior infections.'

TN: Differently-abled man arrrested for selling gutkha dies in custody

TN: Differently-abled man arrrested for selling gutkha dies in custody

Rediff.com4 days ago

A 34-year-old 'differently-abled' man, SabariVarman, arrested for selling tobacco products, died in judicial custody in Tamil Nadu's Kanniyakumari district, prompting his family to allege police brutality and stage protests demanding an investigation.

Haryana Government Approves CBI Probe Into Bank Fraud Case

Haryana Government Approves CBI Probe Into Bank Fraud Case

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Haryana government has authorised the CBI to investigate the alleged involvement of five IAS officers in a Rs 590-crore fraud case involving IDFC First Bank. The CBI can now summon the officers for questioning.

How Mizoram's NHM Boosts India's Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

How Mizoram's NHM Boosts India's Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Environment Ministry has designated the Natural History Museum (NHM) in Mizoram as India's 21st designated repository, significantly enhancing the country's biodiversity conservation and scientific infrastructure, particularly within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.

ICC team to reach Sri Lanka to assess governance of cricket board

ICC team to reach Sri Lanka to assess governance of cricket board

Rediff.com15 May 2026

An ICC team, including a BCCI official, is visiting Sri Lanka following the government's appointment of an interim committee to manage the cricket board after the resignation of the previous executive committee.

Quit Before July 21: Mamata Tells Rebels

Quit Before July 21: Mamata Tells Rebels

Rediff.com2 days ago

'Those under pressure from the BJP and the police, or due to court cases, the ED, CBI, CID, local police officers, or the STF, I request that you make your decision before July 21.'

Delhi Government To Address School Infrastructure Gaps

Delhi Government To Address School Infrastructure Gaps

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A digital profiling exercise by the Delhi government has revealed significant infrastructure deficiencies in government schools, including shortages of drinking water taps, lack of facilities for children with special needs, and structurally unsafe buildings.

Navi Mumbai Airport starts international operations with Abu Dhabi service

Navi Mumbai Airport starts international operations with Abu Dhabi service

Rediff.com4 days ago

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced its international flight operations with an Air India Express service to Abu Dhabi, marking a significant boost in connectivity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and establishing a new global gateway.

Delhi High Court Ruling Paves Way For YFI Recognition

Delhi High Court Ruling Paves Way For YFI Recognition

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Yoga Federation of India (YFI) announced its intention to seek recognition from the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) following a Delhi High Court decision. The court set aside Yogasana Bharat's national federation status, mandating a fresh affiliation process. YFI plans to meet with IOA President P T Usha and Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya to present its vision for Yogasana development.

Ex-Employees Accused Of Fraud In Government Tenders

Ex-Employees Accused Of Fraud In Government Tenders

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Two former employees of a Delhi-based pharmaceutical firm have been booked for allegedly cheating, forging documents and impersonating to secure government tenders, including supplies to Army hospitals.