News for 'state department'

BJP Accuses AAP Of Bengal-Like Tactics In Punjab

BJP Accuses AAP Of Bengal-Like Tactics In Punjab

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has accused the Aam Aadmi Party of orchestrating attacks on BJP offices in the state, demanding action against those responsible and warning against creating 'Bengal-like conditions' in Punjab.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

Fadnavis rides motorcycle to work after Modi's austerity call

Fadnavis rides motorcycle to work after Modi's austerity call

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rode a motorcycle to work following Prime Minister Modi's appeal to cut down fuel consumption amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Maharashtra Authorities Destroy Illegal Sand Mining Boats In Jalna

Maharashtra Authorities Destroy Illegal Sand Mining Boats In Jalna

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Authorities in Maharashtra's Jalna district seized and destroyed four boats and extracting machines involved in illegal sand mining using gelatin sticks.

IIT Bombay Inks Deal To Boost Battery Recycling

IIT Bombay Inks Deal To Boost Battery Recycling

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has signed a technology licensing agreement with Evergreen Lithium Recycling to improve the extraction of critical minerals from battery reprocessing, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in battery recycling operations.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Four Arrested In Arunachal Pradesh Rhino Horn Smuggling Case

Four Arrested In Arunachal Pradesh Rhino Horn Smuggling Case

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Four individuals have been apprehended in Arunachal Pradesh's Papum Pare district for trafficking a rhinoceros horn valued at approximately Rs 1.2 crore. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the forest department, underscores the government's commitment to wildlife protection and combating organised crime.

Tributes Pour In For Sports Administrator Randhir Singh

Tributes Pour In For Sports Administrator Randhir Singh

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Indian sporting fraternity mourns the death of veteran administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh, with tributes pouring in from prominent figures like Abhinav Bindra and PT Usha.

Chhattisgarh MLA Accused Of Assaulting Government Official

Chhattisgarh MLA Accused Of Assaulting Government Official

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A revenue official in Chhattisgarh has accused BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo and his supporters of assault, following allegations of misbehaviour against the official by the MLA's cousin.

Naidu Focuses On Quantum Tech For Andhra Pradesh's Future

Naidu Focuses On Quantum Tech For Andhra Pradesh's Future

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day by emphasising the state's growing quantum technologies ecosystem and the importance of secure digital infrastructure.

Doctor Assaulted At Bidar Medical Institute; Protests Erupt

Doctor Assaulted At Bidar Medical Institute; Protests Erupt

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A doctor at Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences was allegedly assaulted by a group of people, leading to protests by medical staff demanding action and protection.

Rare Albino Deer Spotted In Kaziranga

Rare Albino Deer Spotted In Kaziranga

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The pale-coloured hog deer is believed to be affected by albinism, a rare genetic condition characterised by the absence or reduction of melanin pigment in the skin, fur, and eyes.

Sports World Mourns Demise Of Randhir Singh

Sports World Mourns Demise Of Randhir Singh

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first shooting gold-medallist in Asian Games, Randhir Singh, has died at the age of 79. Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences.

Five Terrorists Killed In Pakistan Security Operation

Five Terrorists Killed In Pakistan Security Operation

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Security forces in Pakistan have killed five terrorists in intelligence-based operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following an attack on a police checkpost that resulted in the deaths of 15 security officials.

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with his council of ministers, focusing on enhancing 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' and setting the goal of a developed India by 2047.

CBI Nabs Doctor, Teacher In NEET Paper Leak Investigation

CBI Nabs Doctor, Teacher In NEET Paper Leak Investigation

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The CBI has arrested a doctor and a physics teacher in connection with the NEET UG paper leak case, bringing the total number of arrests to 13. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam CM for 2nd term

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam CM for 2nd term

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the chief minister of Assam for a second consecutive term, along with four other ministers, marking the formation of the third successive NDA government in the state.

Elephant Dies After IED Blast In Jharkhand's Saranda Forest

Elephant Dies After IED Blast In Jharkhand's Saranda Forest

Rediff.com15 May 2026

An elephant undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in an IED blast, allegedly triggered by Maoists in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, has died.

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Police in Belagavi, Karnataka, have arrested the operator of Shivam Associates, accused of running a multi-crore Ponzi scheme that promised high returns to depositors. The case has been registered under the BUDS Act and KPID Act, and will be transferred to the CID for further investigation.

Mumbai family deaths: No bacterial infection detected in initial report

Mumbai family deaths: No bacterial infection detected in initial report

Rediff.com7 May 2026

An initial report has ruled out bacterial infection in the deaths of four Mumbai family members who consumed watermelon. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.

How Mizoram Police Rescued Women From Trafficking Racket

How Mizoram Police Rescued Women From Trafficking Racket

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Mizoram police, in collaboration with Uttarakhand police, rescued five Mizo women, including two minors, from a sex trafficking racket operating under the guise of a spa in Rudrapur. Six individuals have been arrested, including the alleged mastermind and spa owner.

Drone Suspected In Heroin Smuggling Attempt Near Jammu Border

Drone Suspected In Heroin Smuggling Attempt Near Jammu Border

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Police in Jammu seized approximately 3 kilograms of heroin suspected to have been dropped by a drone near the International Border. The recovery followed a week-long surveillance operation based on intelligence inputs about cross-border narcotics smuggling.

Kangana Ranaut Backs Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: 'She Is Not Here To Please You'

Kangana Ranaut Backs Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: 'She Is Not Here To Please You'

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Kangana Ranaut has defended Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Cannes 2026 appearances, shutting down critics by stating, "Fashion and style is a self-expression, it is one's own interpretation of life and their attitude, no woman owes anything to anyone, Ash looks great!!"

Suvendu govt prioritises women's empowerment, welfare schemes

Suvendu govt prioritises women's empowerment, welfare schemes

Rediff.com14 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul announced the BJP government's commitment to women's empowerment and the continuation of welfare schemes. The 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme will be accessible through an online portal, ensuring ease of application for all women in Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has directed officials to implement the scheme and free bus travel for women, while also assuring that existing social welfare schemes will continue.

HC allows 2nd autopsy on Twisha Sharma by AIIMS team

HC allows 2nd autopsy on Twisha Sharma by AIIMS team

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has permitted a second postmortem of Twisha Sharma, a Noida woman who allegedly died due to dowry harassment. The family sought the second autopsy citing discrepancies in the first postmortem report.

Mizoram Women's Group Condemns Trafficking Of Women

Mizoram Women's Group Condemns Trafficking Of Women

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The apex women's association in Mizoram, Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), has strongly condemned the alleged trafficking and exploitation of women from the state under the guise of employment outside Mizoram. The organisation is pursuing the matter to ensure the accused receive stringent punishment under the law.

Why V D Satheesan Will Be A Good Kerala Chief Minister

Why V D Satheesan Will Be A Good Kerala Chief Minister

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, citing his vision, competence, and strength. Other Congress leaders have also expressed their views on the new CM.

Why Satheesan's Leadership Is Crucial For Kerala's Future

Why Satheesan's Leadership Is Crucial For Kerala's Future

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, emphasising the need for a strong team to meet public expectations. He highlighted the importance of unity within the party and the focus on public welfare.

Kerala Police Arrest Four After ED Officials Attacked

Kerala Police Arrest Four After ED Officials Attacked

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Kerala police have arrested four individuals in connection with the violent attack on vehicles carrying Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials who raided former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's rented house. The arrests followed a stand-off with CPI(M) party workers and leaders.

Court Orders Police FIR Over Madhya Pradesh Boat Tragedy

Court Orders Police FIR Over Madhya Pradesh Boat Tragedy

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A court in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has directed police to register an FIR regarding the Bargi Dam cruise boat tragedy that resulted in 13 deaths. The court cited the crew's failure to rescue passengers as potential culpable homicide.

Twisha Sharma death case: CBI probe recommended; kin moves HC for 2nd autopsy

Twisha Sharma death case: CBI probe recommended; kin moves HC for 2nd autopsy

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has proposed transferring the case of Twisha Sharma, who allegedly died due to dowry harassment, to the CBI. The family has also filed a plea in the High Court for a second post-mortem, citing flaws in the initial one.

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka: Key Developments

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka: Key Developments

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Police in Karnataka have arrested an individual running a firm accused of operating a multi-crore deposit scam, attracting investments with promises of high returns. The case involves Shivaanand S Neelanavar and his firm Shivam Associates, also known as Acumen, who allegedly failed to return money to depositors after promising a 36 per cent annual return.

Governor dissolves Bengal assembly amid Mamata's refusal to resign

Governor dissolves Bengal assembly amid Mamata's refusal to resign

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The West Bengal State Legislative Assembly has been dissolved by Governor R N Ravi, marking the end of its term after the recent elections where the Trinamool Congress was defeated by the BJP.

Mulayam Singh Yadav's Son Prateek Dies At 38

Mulayam Singh Yadav's Son Prateek Dies At 38

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, has died at the age of 38 due to cardiac-lung complications. The news has prompted condolences from across the political spectrum in Uttar Pradesh.

Trinamool splits as 58 MLAs elect rebel leader as Leader of Opposition

Trinamool splits as 58 MLAs elect rebel leader as Leader of Opposition

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The dramatic development marked the culmination of a revolt that began with allegations of forged signatures on a letter proposing a Leader of Opposition and snowballed into an open challenge to the party leadership following the TMC's defeat at the hands of the BJP in the assembly elections.

Odisha govt slaps Rs 233 crore penalty on Vedanta for 'illegal' water extraction

Odisha govt slaps Rs 233 crore penalty on Vedanta for 'illegal' water extraction

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The Odisha government has issued a notice to Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Jharsuguda, demanding 233.11 crore for allegedly extracting over 30 lakh cubic metres of water monthly from the Bheden river system without authorisation between May 2025 and April 2026, a charge the company denies, claiming compliance with existing agreements.

RBI's forex gains jump 52% in FY26, balance sheet swells

RBI's forex gains jump 52% in FY26, balance sheet swells

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported a significant 52 per cent year-on-year increase in gains from foreign exchange transactions, reaching 1.69 trillion in FY26. This surge occurred despite the central bank selling a gross $195 billion in the spot market to manage rupee volatility, which saw a 9.85 per cent depreciation.

CBI arrests Pune woman lecturer for leaking NEET-UG physics paper

CBI arrests Pune woman lecturer for leaking NEET-UG physics paper

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The CBI has arrested a Pune-based lecturer for allegedly leaking the physics paper of NEET UG 2026 to a select group of aspirants. The lecturer, employed with a Pune school, is termed as another 'source' for the paper leak. The CBI investigation continues with searches and analysis of seized documents.

Rs 10 Crore Money Trail Uncovered In Jharkhand Treasury Scam

Rs 10 Crore Money Trail Uncovered In Jharkhand Treasury Scam

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Jharkhand Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has uncovered a money trail of Rs 10 crore related to the Bokaro treasury scam, freezing several fixed deposits and arresting multiple individuals, including police personnel and an accountant.

Meerut Police Bust Illegal Telephone Exchange, Online Loan Fraud

Meerut Police Bust Illegal Telephone Exchange, Online Loan Fraud

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Police in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, have dismantled an illegal telephone exchange allegedly used for revenue loss and an online fake loan racket, arresting three individuals and seizing a large quantity of equipment.