News for '-sonowal'

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Dozens of Indian-flagged ships and over a thousand seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and surrounding areas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Assam Faces Ecological Loss as Over One Lakh Mature Trees Felled Since 2016

Assam Faces Ecological Loss as Over One Lakh Mature Trees Felled Since 2016

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Official records reveal that over one lakh mature trees have been felled in Assam since May 2016 for various development projects, raising concerns about ecological loss despite compensatory afforestation efforts.

85% pvt participation in key ports by '30: Sonowal

85% pvt participation in key ports by '30: Sonowal

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

The government has identified 50 public-private partnership (PPP) projects worth over Rs 60,000 crore, significantly surpassing the original targets of the National Monetisation Pipeline, said Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the Business Standard Infrastructure Summit on Thursday.

India poised to be global hub for digital infra, AI: Modi

India poised to be global hub for digital infra, AI: Modi

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is promoting India as a global hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, highlighting the government's incentives for data center investments and inviting the world's data to reside in India.

Why Lok Sabha was adjourned on Wednesday just before Modi's speech

Why Lok Sabha was adjourned on Wednesday just before Modi's speech

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The prime minister is now expected to speak on Thursday in the Rajya Sabha, where the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address has taken place without any disruption.

Modi unveils India's first nature-themed airport in Guwahati

Modi unveils India's first nature-themed airport in Guwahati

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

The Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati has inaugurated a new nature-themed terminal building, designed to handle 13.1 million passengers per year and serve as a key aviation hub for the northeast and a gateway to Southeast Asia.

Ports are being developed as hubs of green hydrogen production

Ports are being developed as hubs of green hydrogen production

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The government is developing ports across the country as centres for green hydrogen production and export, Sarbananda Sonowal, minister of ports, shipping and waterways (MoPSW) said on Tuesday. "Across the country, over 12 million tonnes of green hydrogen-based e-fuel capacity has been announced.

Lavish Kochi Wedding for PT Usha's Son Vignesh

Lavish Kochi Wedding for PT Usha's Son Vignesh

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

PT Usha, now president of the Indian Olympic Association, had a proud family moment as her son, Dr. Vignesh, tied the knot

Assam Bids Farewell to Zubeen Garg

Assam Bids Farewell to Zubeen Garg

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

As the smoke from the flames flared up, slogans like 'Zubeen, Zubeen' and 'Jai Zubeenda' reverberated in the air, and people were heard singing his song Mayabini Ratir Buku.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

I was beaten up, jailed in Assam, recalls Amit Shah

I was beaten up, jailed in Assam, recalls Amit Shah

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Recalling his detention during Hiteshwar Saikia's tenure as Assam Chief Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that during the Congress government in Assam, he was beaten up and had jail food for seven days in the state.

Going local for global: Bharat Global Ports to test waters at home first

Going local for global: Bharat Global Ports to test waters at home first

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

The government is looking to give Bharat Global Ports a certain amount of domestic exposure after it set up the state-owned consortium to increase India's global maritime heft, officials aware of the development said. The intended domestic exposure is meant to give the consortium experience and build its credentials for international projects.

Sonia Gandhi faces privilege motion over remarks on Prez

Sonia Gandhi faces privilege motion over remarks on Prez

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

"The President was getting very tired by the end... she could hardly speak, poor thing," Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress chief, was heard saying in clips in what appeared to be a reference to how long the address was.

Sonowal, Himanta called to Delhi to discuss CM issue

Sonowal, Himanta called to Delhi to discuss CM issue

Rediff.com8 May 2021

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were on Friday called to New Delhi by the Bharatiya Janata Party central leadership, apparently to discuss about the leadership issue of the next government, five days after the saffron party-led alliance emerged victorious in the assembly elections, sources said.

Sonowal, Sushmita Dev elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Sonowal, Sushmita Dev elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

Bharatiya Janata Party nominee S Selvaganapathy was declared elected unopposed to the lone seat in Rajya Sabha from Puducherry, the first time the saffron party has got representation in the Upper House from the Union Territory, while Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's two nominees, Kanimozhi N V N Somu and K R N Rajeshkumar, were elected without contest from Tamil Nadu.

Sonowal, Sarma meet BJP top brass over Assam CM pick

Sonowal, Sarma meet BJP top brass over Assam CM pick

Rediff.com8 May 2021

After a series of meetings, Sarma told reporters that BJP's Assam legislature party is likely to meet in Guwahati on Sunday and all questions related to the next government will be answered there.

Sonowal's roller-coaster journey to 2nd time berth in Modi cabinet

Sonowal's roller-coaster journey to 2nd time berth in Modi cabinet

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

Sonowal, a law graduate, is considered to be a rarity -- an honest politician who also worked to unite different communities with his oft-repeated lines 'Barak-Brahmaputra-plains-hills'.

People blessed us, BJP to retain power in Assam: Sonowal

People blessed us, BJP to retain power in Assam: Sonowal

Rediff.com2 May 2021

The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is surging ahead of the Grand Alliance spearheaded by the Congress in Assam.

Modi plays drum, witnesses grand Jhumoir dance in Assam

Modi plays drum, witnesses grand Jhumoir dance in Assam

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam and participated in a grand Jhumoir dance performance, celebrating 200 years of the state's tea industry and the rich cultural heritage of the tea tribe community. He played a traditional drum of the tea tribe community, highlighting the government's efforts to support the tea industry and uplift the tea tribe community. The event, attended by dignitaries and ambassadors from around 60 countries, showcased Assam's vibrant traditions to a global audience.

Assam conundrum: Even if BJP returns, Sonowal may not

Assam conundrum: Even if BJP returns, Sonowal may not

Rediff.com22 Mar 2021

While Himanta Biswa Sarma scotched rumours that he would be the king this time, political sources in Guwahati maintained that he, and not Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, had a bigger say in choosing candidates, reports Radhika Ramaseshan.

'Maritime Development Fund to generate Rs 1.5 trillion investment by 2030'

'Maritime Development Fund to generate Rs 1.5 trillion investment by 2030'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'Additionally, the significant employment multiplier will boost direct and indirect jobs of up to 1.1 million.'

Sarma, Sonowal to meet Nadda today; decision on CM likely

Sarma, Sonowal to meet Nadda today; decision on CM likely

Rediff.com8 May 2021

Almost a week after winning the Assam Assembly polls, Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to decide on the name of its Chief Ministerial nominee on Saturday in a crucial meeting called by the central leadership of the party.

Parliament adjourned amid chaos over 'Cong-Soros' link

Parliament adjourned amid chaos over 'Cong-Soros' link

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day after repeated disruptions amid uproarious scenes as members of treasury and opposition benches traded charges on the Soros and Adani issues.

National Games: Uttarakhand hockey teams knocked out

National Games: Uttarakhand hockey teams knocked out

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Karnataka to face Services in men's doubles tennis final

Scindia, Sonowal among ministerial probables who met Modi

Scindia, Sonowal among ministerial probables who met Modi

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

Those meeting Modi included BJP's Narayan Rane, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ajay Bhatt, Bhupender Yadav, Shobha Karandlaje, Pritam Munde and Meenakshi Lekhi, Lok Janshakti Party's Pashupati Paras and Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel, sources said.

Assam flood situation worsens, over 2.5 lakh affected; two more dead

Assam flood situation worsens, over 2.5 lakh affected; two more dead

Rediff.com30 Jun 2024

Five major rivers, including the Brahmaputra at two places, were flowing over the danger level, it said.

Sonowal elected as BJP legislature party leader

Sonowal elected as BJP legislature party leader

Rediff.com22 May 2016

Sarbananda Sonowal was on Sunday unanimously elected as Bharatiya Janata Party legislature party leader in Assam

Sonowal to be a guide, grateful to PM for support: Sarma

Sonowal to be a guide, grateful to PM for support: Sarma

Rediff.com9 May 2021

Sarma, after being elected unanimously as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance legislature party, said in his address that he was grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda, Sonowal and all other party leaders for giving him an opportunity to serve the people of the state, and pledged to carry out his duties with "dedication and honesty".

Assam's 1994 fake encounter case settles with compensation for kin victims

Assam's 1994 fake encounter case settles with compensation for kin victims

Rediff.com4 Aug 2024

Seven accused army personnel, including a major general and two colonels, escaped from any punishment even though a military court initially and a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry found they were involved in the alleged crime.

Sarma or Sonowal: Who will be Assam's CM?

Sarma or Sonowal: Who will be Assam's CM?

Rediff.com3 May 2021

Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma added to the mystery by declaring only that the next CM would be from the BJP, without naming Sarbananda Sonowal, the CM of the outgoing government.

NDA eyes majority in Rajya Sabha after bypolls

NDA eyes majority in Rajya Sabha after bypolls

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is expected to achieve a clear majority in Rajya Sabha after bye-elections for 12 seats scheduled next month, which would help the party get the nod for key legislations such as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

India, Iran sign 10-year Chabahar pact

India, Iran sign 10-year Chabahar pact

Rediff.com13 May 2024

India and Iran on Monday signed a 10-year contract for the operation of a terminal at the strategically important Chabahar port in Iran, a move that will boost regional connectivity as well as trade ties. This is the first time India will take over the management of an overseas port that will also have a multiplier effect on trade among India, Iran and Afghanistan as efforts continue to directly tap the potential in Central Asia, bypassing neighbouring Pakistan.

India urges Iran to release 40 sailors detained from 4 ships

India urges Iran to release 40 sailors detained from 4 ships

Rediff.com15 May 2024

Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal made the request during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran on Monday.

7 former CMs join Modi's council of ministers

7 former CMs join Modi's council of ministers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

Narendra Modi (Gujarat), Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Madhya Pradesh), Rajnath Singh (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal Khattar (Haryana), Sarbananda Sonowal (Assam), H D Kumaraswamy (Karnataka), and Jitan Ram Manjhi (Bihar).

From AGP to BJP: Sonowal's journey to the peak

From AGP to BJP: Sonowal's journey to the peak

Rediff.com19 May 2016

Sonowal's name as the party's face came as no surprise as he came with a clean image and no baggage and enjoyed the confidence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

'I Want To Teach Assam CM A Lesson'

'I Want To Teach Assam CM A Lesson'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

'There is a saying in Assamese about inflicting pain on an adversary: He cut my hands with a sword and rubbed salt into my wounds.' 'This has never been the BJP's culture but it started happening openly and frequently under Himanta Biswa Sarma.'

Resign and face fresh election: AGP tells Sonowal

Resign and face fresh election: AGP tells Sonowal

Rediff.com8 Jan 2019

Accusing the BJP of adopting an anti-Assam policy, Mahanta said, "Let the BJP form a new government alone. We will welcome that".

The India Story: 90% Work In Progress

The India Story: 90% Work In Progress

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

From highways connecting once-remote regions to aviation networks carrying millions, India's infrastructure story is one of transformation.

Modi carries out major overhaul of Cabinet; Sonowal, Scindia brought in

Modi carries out major overhaul of Cabinet; Sonowal, Scindia brought in

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

This is the first reshuffle in the Council of Ministers by Prime Minister Modi since he assumed charge for a second term in May 2019.

'Jai Shri Ram, NEET-NEET': Slogans fly in Lok Sabha on Day 1

'Jai Shri Ram, NEET-NEET': Slogans fly in Lok Sabha on Day 1

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

The Lok Sabha witnessed a display of linguistic diversity on Monday, with the newly-elected MPs taking their oaths in English and Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Dogri, Bengali, Assamese and Odia.