News for 'personnel ministry'

What Happens After The Pope Dies?

What Happens After The Pope Dies?

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Pope Francis shaped the Church he led. And in death, his reforms shape his farewell.

ALH-Dhruv, Tejas not part of Republic Day flypast

ALH-Dhruv, Tejas not part of Republic Day flypast

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

The indigenously designed and developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-Dhruv) and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will not be part of the upcoming Republic Day flypast in India due to the grounding of the entire fleet of ALH-Dhruv helicopters following a crash earlier this month. The grounding of the helicopters is a result of a Coast Guard ALH crash in Porbandar, Gujarat on January 5, which claimed the lives of two pilots and an aircrew diver. The decision to exclude the ALH-Dhruv and Tejas from the flypast comes as a high-level probe panel investigates the cause of the crash.

Suspicious late-night radio signals detected near Indo-Bangladesh border

Suspicious late-night radio signals detected near Indo-Bangladesh border

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Amateur Ham Radio operators have picked up suspicious late-night radio signals in coded Bengali, Urdu and Arabic along the Indo-Bangladesh border in South Bengal over the last two months, raising concerns about possible extremist activities. The signals, which have been detected between 1 AM and 3 AM, are unusual in their pattern and language usage, according to Ham radio operators, who have reported the matter to authorities. The development comes amidst ongoing unrest in Bangladesh and growing anti-India rhetoric in the neighbouring country. Security agencies are investigating the matter, and the Border Security Force (BSF) has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

After The Ceasefire: What Can India Expect?

After The Ceasefire: What Can India Expect?

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'One good outcome of Operation Sindoor -- perhaps, its best outcome -- could be that India has resumed meaningful contact directly with Pakistan at the military-to-military level,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Sharad Pawar turns down certain measures under Z-plus security cover

Sharad Pawar turns down certain measures under Z-plus security cover

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Pawar was amenable to increasing the height of the boundary walls of his house in Delhi as part of the enhanced security measures.

Public spat, WhatsApp war among MPs expose TMC's internal rift

Public spat, WhatsApp war among MPs expose TMC's internal rift

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Infighting within West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) came to the fore after a video of an alleged verbal spat between party MPs and screenshots of heated exchanges from its official WhatsApp group for parliamentarians went viral. The incident reportedly involved a public altercation at the Election Commission headquarters, followed by a heated exchange on the party's WhatsApp group, leading to accusations of misconduct and leaked screenshots. The controversy has triggered calls for action against the party chief whip, Kalyan Banerjee, who is accused of misbehavior and tarnishing the party's image.

Pak-Afghan border tension escalates as 8 Taliban killed in retaliation

Pak-Afghan border tension escalates as 8 Taliban killed in retaliation

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple Pakistani border posts in the Upper Kurram district, killing one Frontier Constabulary (FC) soldier and injuring 11 others. The incident came after Pakistan targeted terrorist positions in Afghanistan to punish the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) militants. Pakistani forces retaliated, inflicting heavy casualties on the Afghan side.

Kejriwal attacked with liquid during padyatra in Delhi

Kejriwal attacked with liquid during padyatra in Delhi

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Kejriwal was greeting people standing behind a cordon when the man approached him and splashed the liquid on him, following which the security personnel swiftly overpowered him. Kejriwal and the security personnel accompanying him were later seen wiping their faces.

Centre giving 2,000 additional paramilitary personnel to Punjab

Centre giving 2,000 additional paramilitary personnel to Punjab

Rediff.com19 May 2022

Mann said this after a meeting in New Delhi with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured him of all assistance from the central government.

Medic murder: Doctors resume strike post vandalism at Kolkata hospital

Medic murder: Doctors resume strike post vandalism at Kolkata hospital

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

The strike will continue following the tragic incident at the RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, it said.

'There was panic in the streets': Syria returnees

'There was panic in the streets': Syria returnees

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

A batch of Indian nationals, who returned to their homeland on Saturday after being evacuated from crisis-hit Syria, recalled the panic situation they faced in that country but praised the Indian Embassy there for being in 'constant touch' with them.

Kejriwal reacts as intel says Khalistani hit squad out to kill him

Kejriwal reacts as intel says Khalistani hit squad out to kill him

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Amid intelligence reports of a pro-Khalistan group plotting an attack against him, Delhi Chief Ministerial candidate Arvind Kejriwal responded with faith, stating "God will save him." The threat comes ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls, with authorities reviewing Kejriwal's security and deploying round-the-clock surveillance.

14 Maoists gunned down in Chhattisgarh

14 Maoists gunned down in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Earlier on Monday, two women Naxalites were killed and one CoBRA jawan was injured in an encounter during the same operation, they said.

Ajit Doval back as NSA, P K Mishra as principal secretary to PM

Ajit Doval back as NSA, P K Mishra as principal secretary to PM

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

The government on Thursday reappointed former IPS officer Ajit Doval as the National Security Adviser (NSA), according to an official order.

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka over border tensions, accusing India of violating a bilateral agreement by constructing fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangla border. The development comes after Bangladesh officials alleged that India had halted construction of barbed wire fencing due to strong opposition from the Border Guard Bangladesh and local residents.

MHA gets Rs 2.33 lakh crore, bulk of funds for security

MHA gets Rs 2.33 lakh crore, bulk of funds for security

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 on Saturday allocated Rs 2,33,210.68 crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs with the majority of the fund -- Rs 1,60,391.06 crore -- being given to central police forces like Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which are responsible for internal security, border guarding and security of vital installations.

The defence Budget for this year is...

The defence Budget for this year is...

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Under capital expenditure, Rs 48,614 crore has been set aside for aircraft and aero engines while Rs 24,390 crore has been allocated for the naval fleet.

J-K mysterious disease: AIIMS to test samples for toxicity cause

J-K mysterious disease: AIIMS to test samples for toxicity cause

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

A five-member team of experts from AIIMS Delhi, including specialists in toxicology, is investigating a mysterious illness that has claimed 17 lives in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. The team has spoken to 11 patients undergoing treatment and will collect samples from affected homes and surrounding areas to determine the cause of toxicity. Meanwhile, no new cases have been reported in the past nine days, and the village has been declared a containment zone with strict measures in place to prevent further spread.

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has seen a reduction in fighter squadrons due to the phasing out of ageing MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 aircraft. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence acknowledged the "shortage" and highlighted the multi-pronged approach being taken to address it. This includes the induction of indigenous Tejas fighters and the procurement of additional LCA Mk-1A aircraft. The report also addresses concerns over "incidences of spying" within the IAF and details the action taken against those involved.

Amid chat leak, TMC MP Roy says Mahua Moitra cried after...

Amid chat leak, TMC MP Roy says Mahua Moitra cried after...

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sougata Roy has demanded the removal of Kalyan Banerjee as the party's chief whip in the Lok Sabha after a spat with fellow MP Mahua Moitra. Roy accused Banerjee of "uncivilised" behaviour on multiple occasions and cited incidents of Banerjee breaking a bottle and throwing it at the chairman of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting and making inappropriate remarks about Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The spat between Moitra and Banerjee reportedly occurred on April 4 when a TMC delegation met the Election Commission over duplicate voter ID numbers. Banerjee was tasked with collecting signatures from TMC MPs on a memorandum to be submitted to the Election Commission, and Moitra alleged that she was not included in the signatories, leading to a heated exchange. Roy, who was present at the time, said he saw Moitra crying and complaining about Banerjee's behaviour. Roy believes that Banerjee's actions warrant his removal as chief whip and left the decision to Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee. The incident has also been highlighted in leaked WhatsApp messages, where Banerjee engaged in heated exchanges with another TMC MP, Kirti Azad, leading to further accusations of uncivilised behaviour.

Jailed MP Engineer seeks custody parole to attend Parl; HC reserves order

Jailed MP Engineer seeks custody parole to attend Parl; HC reserves order

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on a plea by jailed MP Rashid Engineer, facing trial in a terror funding case, seeking custody parole to attend the ongoing Parliament session. Engineer, a Baramulla MP, was opposed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) who argued that he has no vested right to attend Parliament and there were security concerns. The court said though there might not be a vested right to attend the session, it could exercise its discretion. The NIA also argued that Rashid misused the telephone facility in Tihar jail and that allowing him to attend the session would be a security risk.

Escort to female health staffers among security norms for central hospitals

Escort to female health staffers among security norms for central hospitals

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

In a communication sent to all heads of central government hospitals, the ministry asked them to ensure adequate number of well secured duty rooms with basic amenities for female health professionals and deployment of women health professionals at night be preferably done in more than one in number.

Centre forms panel to choose next CEC: Sources

Centre forms panel to choose next CEC: Sources

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The government has set up a search committee under Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to shortlist names for the appointment of the next chief election commissioner, sources said on Monday, citing an order.

Bulldozer will roll if needed: Fadnavis on Nagpur violence

Bulldozer will roll if needed: Fadnavis on Nagpur violence

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Fadnavis further said it was too early to comment on a foreign or Bangladeshi link to the riots as the probe is underway.

Nijjar killing accused no longer in custody in Canada, show documents

Nijjar killing accused no longer in custody in Canada, show documents

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Documents released by the Justice Department of British Columbia, Canada show that all four alleged accused in the murder of National Investigation Agency (NIA) designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar appear to be no longer in custody.

How Modi Has Changed Babus

How Modi Has Changed Babus

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

At the PMO, policies are framed by factoring in analytical perspectives, implications, sustainability, and other dimensions.

IIM Bangalore student dies after falling from hostel building

IIM Bangalore student dies after falling from hostel building

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

The death of a student at the Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru (IIM-B), has sparked an online debate on caste-based discrimination. While the police investigation points to an accidental fall, several posts on 'X' speculate the student's death could have been a suicide due to discrimination. The All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) has demanded clarification from IIM-B and called on the Ministry of Education to take action to prevent student suicides and strengthen support systems for marginalized communities.

Hindu leader's arrest: Bangladesh detains 30 in lawyer's killing

Hindu leader's arrest: Bangladesh detains 30 in lawyer's killing

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

At least 30 suspects have been detained in Bangladesh's Chattogram city for their alleged involvement in the killing of a lawyer and attacking security personnel following the arrest of a prominent Hindu community leader. The violence erupted after Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was denied bail and sent to jail in a sedition case. The lawyer, Assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam, was killed during clashes between security personnel and Das' followers. The interim government has condemned the violence, urging people to remain calm and has ordered an investigation into the killing and appropriate legal measures.

Sri Lankan navy arrests 32 Indian fishermen, seizes 5 boats

Sri Lankan navy arrests 32 Indian fishermen, seizes 5 boats

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 Indian fishermen and seized five fishing boats for allegedly venturing into the island nation's territorial waters. This incident is the latest in a series of arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy for alleged illegal fishing activities. The issue of fishermen is a contentious one in the relationship between India and Sri Lanka, with past incidents involving firing at fishermen and seizures of boats. This latest incident follows an earlier arrest of 10 Indian fishermen earlier this month and an incident in January where five Indian fishermen were injured after the Sri Lankan Navy fired on them. India has expressed its displeasure regarding the use of force by Sri Lanka.

Evacuated all citizens who wished to return from Syria: Govt

Evacuated all citizens who wished to return from Syria: Govt

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

India has successfully evacuated all of its citizens who wished to return home from Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad's government by rebel forces. The evacuation process, which began on Tuesday, saw 77 Indian nationals brought back to safety. The Indian Embassy in Syria continues to function and is monitoring the situation closely, advocating for a peaceful and inclusive political solution.

New chief secretary appointed in violence-hit Manipur

New chief secretary appointed in violence-hit Manipur

Rediff.com7 May 2023

Joshi, a 1992 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Manipur cadre, replaced Dr Rajesh Kumar.

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

China flags handling differences, resolving misgivings in India talks with Misri

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

In the talks, China emphasised that the two sides should proceed from the fundamental interests of China, India and adhere to the strategic height and long-term perspective of China-India relations, the readout said.

Home secretary Bhalla gets 4th extension, to retire in Aug next year

Home secretary Bhalla gets 4th extension, to retire in Aug next year

Rediff.com4 Aug 2023

The latest extension will allow Bhalla to stay in the post during the general elections due early next year.

200 ambulances, 1200 personnel worked at Odisha train crash site

200 ambulances, 1200 personnel worked at Odisha train crash site

Rediff.com3 Jun 2023

Balasore district hospital looked like a war zone with the injured lying on stretchers in the corridor and rooms bursting at its seams with extra beds propped up.

India, Pak renew Kartarpur agreement for 5 yrs

India, Pak renew Kartarpur agreement for 5 yrs

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

In view of the continued requests of the pilgrims regarding the removal of $20 service charge levied by Pakistan per pilgrim per visit, India has once again urged Pakistan to not levy any fee or charges on the pilgrims, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Maldives Prez Muizzu speaks on 'India Out' agenda

Maldives Prez Muizzu speaks on 'India Out' agenda

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since November last year when Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge as Maldivian president.

President Murmu confers 10 Kirti Chakras, 26 Shaurya Chakras

President Murmu confers 10 Kirti Chakras, 26 Shaurya Chakras

Rediff.com6 Jul 2024

Three personnel, including two of major-rank and one naib subedar, have been conferred the Kirti Chakra, the ministry said.

Babus have to give good conduct undertaking to avail of study leave

Babus have to give good conduct undertaking to avail of study leave

Rediff.com13 Jun 2023

The move comes after it noticed instances of certain all India service officers not conducting themselves fully in consonance with the spirit of the AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968 while on study leave.

What Rs 101.47 Billlion Will Get The Army

What Rs 101.47 Billlion Will Get The Army

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

'A crucial role in bolstering the Indian Army's firepower by enabling precise and long-range strikes.'

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

A high-level inter-ministerial team conducted a six-hour investigation in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, to ascertain the causes of death of 17 members of three families under mysterious circumstances. The team, led by a director-rank officer in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, collected samples and briefed by senior district, health and police officers. The team's visit follows the deaths of 16 people between December 7 and January 19. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on potential neurotoxins and a spring that tested positive for pesticides.