News for 'state representation'

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has abolished the mandatory one-year service bond for MBBS students, citing an "inverse ratio" of available positions to graduating candidates. This decision benefits graduates from various medical colleges, exempting most from the bond, though those who have already joined their postings must complete it. The move aims to ease postgraduate admission difficulties and address issues of competency and motivation in bond service, a decision welcomed by the Maharashtra Association for Resident Doctors (MARD).

Earning spouses must share household expenses, says HC

Earning spouses must share household expenses, says HC

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that both earning partners must contribute to household and child's education expenses to maintain a lifestyle, reducing a man's monthly maintenance payment to his estranged wife and son. The court emphasised that equality cannot be claimed selectively, especially when both parties are earning.

Fake GST Credit Jumps To Rs 75,000 Cr In FY26

Fake GST Credit Jumps To Rs 75,000 Cr In FY26

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Central tax authorities detected input tax credit (ITC) fraud worth Rs 74,781.56 crore across 30,162 cases in FY26, more than doubling the number of cases from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Finance.

No court relief for Azam Khan university but babu stays razing

No court relief for Azam Khan university but babu stays razing

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition filed by a businessman on behalf of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University regarding the demolition of its buildings, citing that the pleader was an outsider. Separately, the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner's court granted an interim stay on the demolition of 38 university buildings until the final hearing.

Audio of special exam centre offer for Rs 12 lakh puts Maha CET under cloud

Audio of special exam centre offer for Rs 12 lakh puts Maha CET under cloud

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's CET Cell has lodged a police complaint after an audio clip surfaced, allegedly showing a woman offering a 'special' exam centre for the MH-CET engineering entrance test for Rs 12 lakh, promising a high percentile.

Assam floods worsen, 41 killed so far, over 6.5 lakh affected

Assam floods worsen, 41 killed so far, over 6.5 lakh affected

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Assam faces a severe flood crisis with 41 deaths and over 6.5 lakh people displaced, prompting intensified rescue operations and a critical alert for continued heavy rainfall.

Indian diamond merchant abducted in Mali; freed after ransom payment

Indian diamond merchant abducted in Mali; freed after ransom payment

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

An Indian-origin diamond businessman, Dhiru Ramani, abducted in Mali in April, has been freed after his family reportedly paid a 4 million euro ransom. Ramani, originally from Gujarat, remains in Mali for questioning by local authorities.

US F-1 Visa: 'Continuing Studies In The US Will Depend On...

US F-1 Visa: 'Continuing Studies In The US Will Depend On...

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

With the duration of stay capped at four years, the biggest impact of the new F-1 visa rules is likely to be on PhD scholars, students enrolled in longer professional programmes, those whose graduation gets delayed and students moving from one academic programme to another, highlight education experts.

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.

NEET-UG Counselling: Essential Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes and Secure Your Medical Seat

NEET-UG Counselling: Essential Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes and Secure Your Medical Seat

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

As the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) web site opens for NEET-UG registration, aspiring medical students are urged to avoid simple, yet costly, mistakes during the online counselling process, with experts advising thorough preparation and careful choice filling.

Omicron RF.5 variant detected in Andhra, health minister urges calm

Omicron RF.5 variant detected in Andhra, health minister urges calm

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced the detection of the Omicron RF.5 variant in four COVID-19 samples from Kadapa district, confirmed by genome sequencing in Pune. While the variant is being monitored by WHO and health officials, there is currently no indication it is more dangerous than other Omicron strains, and public vigilance is advised over panic.

Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes Approved

Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes Approved

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

RBI says polymer notes have a significantly longer lifespan, potentially reducing printing costs and replacement frequency.

576 Indians Report Rs 100 Crore Income

576 Indians Report Rs 100 Crore Income

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The number of individuals who declared a gross income of Rs 100 crore or more in their income-tax returns had risen to 301 in 2022-23, moderated slightly to 284 in 2023-24, then climbed to 415 in 2024-25.

Relief for Abhishek Banerjee as HC halts demolition of TMC MP's office

Relief for Abhishek Banerjee as HC halts demolition of TMC MP's office

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has ordered a status quo on the demolition of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's constituency office in South 24 Parganas. The court's directive prevents further demolition until a new hearing or the end of July, following a petition by Leaps and Bounds Private Limited, a company Banerjee is CEO of. The district administration had initiated demolition citing alleged construction without an approved plan.

Iran invites Kharge, Cong leaders to Khamenei's funeral

Iran invites Kharge, Cong leaders to Khamenei's funeral

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Iran has extended an invitation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other party leaders, including Salman Khurshid and Pawan Khera, to attend the burial ceremonies of its late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceremonies are scheduled from July 5 to 9 across various Iranian cities. India will also be represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Ata Hasnain.

Indian gangster Nitish Kaushal arrested in US

Indian gangster Nitish Kaushal arrested in US

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The FBI has arrested Indian national Nitish Kaushal in Vermont, a gangster allegedly involved in murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. Kaushal was added to the FBI's most wanted list days before his arrest, which was part of Operation Hard Ball targeting the India-originated Bhagwanpuria organised crime group.

Pet dog helps solve owner's murder case in Mohali

Pet dog helps solve owner's murder case in Mohali

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

A Mohali court has sentenced Jagir Singh to life imprisonment for the 2021 murder of goat farmer Sucha Singh, a case cracked with the crucial help of the victim's pet dog, Rocky, who led the family to the buried body.

Govt to introduce Bill making insult to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

Govt to introduce Bill making insult to 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Indian government plans to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha to make obstruction or insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. This amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, aims to grant 'Vande Mataram' the same statutory protection as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', with penalties up to three years' imprisonment.

Nifty Recovery Faces 200-DMA Hurdle

Nifty Recovery Faces 200-DMA Hurdle

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Nearly 50 per cent of the stocks that comprise the Nifty 50 are trading below their respective 200-DMAs.

IPS trainee attempts suicide after sexual harassment complaint

IPS trainee attempts suicide after sexual harassment complaint

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

A trainee IPS officer at SVPNPA, accused of stalking and sexually harassing a fellow woman trainee, attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance. He is currently hospitalised, and a case has been registered against him under various sections, including the BNS and IT Act.

Boeing finds no fault with Dreamliner fuel switch after Air India report

Boeing finds no fault with Dreamliner fuel switch after Air India report

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The government has confirmed that Boeing's detailed examination of the Dreamliner aircraft's fuel control switch locking mechanism found no abnormality, following an Air India pilot's report of a possible issue. This investigation was prompted after an Air India flight from London to Bengaluru in February, and comes amidst an ongoing probe into a fatal Dreamliner crash last year where fuel supply to engines was cut off.

Join politics to combat anti-India sentiment, PIO lawmakers tell desis

Join politics to combat anti-India sentiment, PIO lawmakers tell desis

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Indian-American lawmakers are encouraging the diaspora to actively participate in US politics and run for public office at all levels. This call comes amidst increasing incidents of anti-India and anti-Hindu hate, with leaders emphasising that political representation is crucial to address community concerns and ensure their voices are heard.

Rajya Sabha MPs' expenses soar to Rs 262 cr in two yrs, reveals RTI

Rajya Sabha MPs' expenses soar to Rs 262 cr in two yrs, reveals RTI

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

An RTI reply has revealed that over Rs 262 crore was spent on salaries, allowances, and facilities for Rajya Sabha MPs in the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26. This includes more than Rs 151 crore specifically for allowances and travel, with a significant increase in expenditure from the first to the second year.

HC bars 4 lawyers from Lucknow courts, orders IB probe into alleged assault

HC bars 4 lawyers from Lucknow courts, orders IB probe into alleged assault

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has barred four advocates from entering any court premises in Lucknow and ordered a confidential inquiry by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) into their background and activities following an alleged assault on a litigant and Delhi lawyers.

Pune court rules criticism of government is not 'waging war'

Pune court rules criticism of government is not 'waging war'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A Pune court has granted bail to NCP (SP) office-bearer Mahadev Balgude, ruling that criticism of the government or chief minister does not constitute "waging war" against the nation. The court emphasised every citizen's right to comment on and criticise government actions, noting that the charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 152 were debatable.

The MBBS Costs You Don't See Till It's Too Late

The MBBS Costs You Don't See Till It's Too Late

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Be aware of a set of costs that never appears on a college's fee page. They sit as clauses near the end of the state counselling body's prospectus and, in many states, not even there, warns Ashok Hegde, founder, neet2seat.

Gadgets to be examined for cause of Tripura top cop's death

Gadgets to be examined for cause of Tripura top cop's death

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Tripura Police have initiated a forensic analysis of all electronic gadgets belonging to DGP Anurag Dhankar, who was found dead in his office washroom. A case of unnatural death has been registered, and the investigation aims to determine the cause and circumstances, especially if suicide is confirmed. Calls for a judicial probe into the incident are also growing.

SC to revisit BrahMos espionage case acquittal on UP police appeal

SC to revisit BrahMos espionage case acquittal on UP police appeal

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from Uttar Pradesh police challenging a Bombay High Court ruling that absolved BrahMos Aerospace engineer Nishant Agarwal of major espionage charges under the Official Secrets Act. Agarwal was previously sentenced to life imprisonment by a Nagpur district court for spying for Pakistan's ISI, despite the High Court finding he only illegally stored sensitive data.

Mass protest erupts over Amazon's data centre plan near Mumbai

Mass protest erupts over Amazon's data centre plan near Mumbai

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Hundreds of Thane residents protested against a proposed Amazon data centre, citing environmental concerns, noise pollution, and excessive water and electricity consumption. Amazon stated compliance with environmental laws, assuring the facility would not strain local resources, but protesters remain unsatisfied, with a local MP also demanding a review.

10 Questions Men Hate Hearing From Wives

10 Questions Men Hate Hearing From Wives

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Married men reveal the everyday questions from their wives that leave them feeling awkward, guilty or annoyed.

Big win for TN, Supreme Court stays HC order banning cow slaughter

Big win for TN, Supreme Court stays HC order banning cow slaughter

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on the Madras High Court's directive that imposed a blanket ban on cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu, responding to an appeal from the State government.

Was Bullet train bridge washed away in rains? Officials clarify

Was Bullet train bridge washed away in rains? Officials clarify

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Officials clarified that only a temporary access structure for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project's Ulhas river bridge was affected by heavy rains in Thane, not the permanent bridge itself. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) confirmed the incident did not impact the project's design, safety, or execution.

UP teachers suspended after intimate classroom video goes viral

UP teachers suspended after intimate classroom video goes viral

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

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.

Tension escalates in West Asia as IRGC announces Hormuz closure

Tension escalates in West Asia as IRGC announces Hormuz closure

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday (local time) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice," stating that the strategic waterway would remain shut until the United States ends its "interference" in the West Asia region, Press TV reported.

19th maternal death in Rajasthan as woman dies post-Caesarean

19th maternal death in Rajasthan as woman dies post-Caesarean

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A 25-year-old woman's death at Bikaner's PBM Hospital due to post-Caesarean complications marks the third such fatality at the facility and brings Rajasthan's maternal death toll to 19 in three months. The state government has launched a five-day campaign to screen all pregnant women to address the rising mortality rate.

Want To Quit Smoking? Try Yoga

Want To Quit Smoking? Try Yoga

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

An AIIMS study reveals that yoga can increase a user's chances of quitting tobacco by approximately 50 per cent.

World Champion Gukesh To Clash With Nihal Sarin At Chennai Grand Masters 2026

World Champion Gukesh To Clash With Nihal Sarin At Chennai Grand Masters 2026

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

World champion D Gukesh is set to face Nihal Sarin in a highly anticipated first-round match at the Chennai Grand Masters 2026 chess tournament. The event features eight Grandmasters, including four Indians, competing for a prize purse of Rs 75,00,000 and crucial FIDE Circuit points in a double-round robin format.

Kerala police's internal app down, cyber attack suspected

Kerala police's internal app down, cyber attack suspected

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Kerala Police has launched a probe after an internal application, crucial for handling files, became dysfunctional, with officials suspecting a cyber attack. The system, maintained by Keltron through a private firm, has been non-functional for four days, affecting internal file movement. Police have confirmed no data breach, and public-facing services remain operational.

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations, and central ministries, reiterating the rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song, calling for their strict compliance.

Multiple landslides block 126 roads in Uttarakhand

Multiple landslides block 126 roads in Uttarakhand

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand has led to widespread road closures due to landslides, affecting 126 roads including two national highways. A wall collapse in Dehradun injured a woman and displaced seven families, while restoration efforts are underway across the state to clear debris and restore connectivity.