Search results for 'Department of State'

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

Rediff.com7 days ago

An American Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft reportedly landed in Moscow on Monday morning, according to online air traffic monitoring systems, Russian news agency TASS reported.

Govt sought removal of 2.44 lakh URLs in five months

Govt sought removal of 2.44 lakh URLs in five months

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Government departments requested social media platforms to remove 2.44 lakh pieces of content between March and July, with states initiating 82% of these requests. The IT Intermediaries Rules 2021 were amended to reduce takedown time to three hours. The PIB Fact Check unit clarified its role in content moderation, refuting claims of automated blocking by Meta and emphasising the need to address lawlessness in cyberspace.

Over 10 dead as monsoon batters several states; Uttarakhand on alert

Over 10 dead as monsoon batters several states; Uttarakhand on alert

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Torrential monsoon rains unleashed widespread destruction across several parts of the country on Thursday, inundating roads, uprooting trees, damaging property and disrupting normal life as authorities scrambled to restore normalcy.

US revoked over 1.75 lakh visas during Trump's tenure

US revoked over 1.75 lakh visas during Trump's tenure

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The US on Monday announced that it had revoked more than 1.75 lakh visas during President Donald Trump's tenure for a range of crimes from reckless driving to sexual assault.

2 NRI women hailing from Chhattisgarh missing in flood-hit Nepal

2 NRI women hailing from Chhattisgarh missing in flood-hit Nepal

Rediff.com4 days ago

Two Non-Resident Indian (NRI) women linked to Chhattisgarh have been reported missing following flash floods in Nepal, while two other women from the state who were earlier reported missing have established contact with their families, officials said on Friday.

India to buy Javelin anti-tank system from US

India to buy Javelin anti-tank system from US

Rediff.com4 days ago

India has finalised a deal with the United States to acquire Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems, significantly enhancing the Indian Army's combat capabilities. This procurement, facilitated through the US Foreign Military Sales process, underscores the deepening bilateral defence partnership and opens avenues for future collaboration and co-production between the defence industries of both nations.

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Maharashtra's transport department has initiated a statewide drive to assess taxi and autorickshaw drivers' working knowledge of Marathi, issuing notices to 1,268 drivers on the first day. Those who fail the initial 16-question test will receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, with subsequent failure leading to a three-month badge suspension.

High-level panel set up to tackle road woes in Maha's Chakan industrial belt

High-level panel set up to tackle road woes in Maha's Chakan industrial belt

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee to address road repairs, traffic congestion and management issues in the rapidly expanding Chakan industrial belt in Pune district, and set up a mechanism for time-bound redressal of industrial grievances.

Nurse found dead in govt hospital washroom in Kolkata

Nurse found dead in govt hospital washroom in Kolkata

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A 30-year-old nurse was found dead in a Kolkata hospital washroom, with preliminary investigations suggesting a possible overdose of an anaesthetic drug. Police are probing all angles, including mental stress, while an internal health department committee has been formed.

Breakthrough Nanopore Technology Detects Neurodegenerative Disease Biomarkers Early

Breakthrough Nanopore Technology Detects Neurodegenerative Disease Biomarkers Early

Rediff.com4 days ago

Researchers at BRIC-RGCB in Thiruvananthapuram have developed a novel nanopore-based sensing technology. This innovation allows for the early and highly sensitive detection of biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and ALS, addressing a critical challenge in current diagnostic methods. The technology, published in Nature Nanotechnology, uses self-assembling dual-diameter nanopore sensors to identify disease-specific biomarkers even at low concentrations.

Five killed, 558 missing in flash floods in Tibet's Gyirong: China

Five killed, 558 missing in flash floods in Tibet's Gyirong: China

Rediff.com4 days ago

Flash floods in Tibet's Gyirong County, near the China-Nepal border, have resulted in five deaths and 558 missing individuals, including 260 foreign nationals. The disaster also caused significant casualties in Nepal and disrupted infrastructure. Rescue operations are underway, and concerns are rising over a newly formed barrier lake that poses a risk of further flooding.

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A major tragedy was averted in Assam's Hojai district on Wednesday when forest personnel alerted the Rajdhani Express after spotting a large herd of elephants crossing a railway track, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Blue Colts Triumph In Friendly Ahead Of AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Blue Colts Triumph In Friendly Ahead Of AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

The India Under-20 men's football team secured a 1-0 victory over Yemen in their second friendly match in Bengaluru. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scored the decisive goal. This win comes as the Blue Colts prepare for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers in Uzbekistan, scheduled from August 31 to September 6.

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.

Chitra Core: India's New Coronary Stent Promises Safer Cardiac Care

Chitra Core: India's New Coronary Stent Promises Safer Cardiac Care

Rediff.com11 hours ago

SCTIMST and Invasive Technologies have launched "Chitra Core," a new drug-eluting coronary stent designed with significantly less metal to reduce complications. This indigenous innovation, developed in collaboration, aims to provide advanced and cost-effective cardiac care, building on decades of Indian medical device development. The institute is also developing a unique TiN-coated stent for global markets.

5 killed in UP firecracker factory blast; train ops suspended for one hour

5 killed in UP firecracker factory blast; train ops suspended for one hour

Rediff.com1 days ago

Five people were killed after a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district on Monday afternoon, officials said.

FDA withdraws action on Pune Cipla unit, MCA eateries after HC rebuke

FDA withdraws action on Pune Cipla unit, MCA eateries after HC rebuke

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Bombay High Court severely criticised the Maharashtra FDA for its "undue haste" and "high-handed" actions, forcing the regulator to withdraw orders against Cipla Pharma and five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association premises. The court admonished the FDA for violating principles of natural justice and taking a "pedantic instead of pragmatic view," even threatening contempt action against officials.

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Deepak Mhaskey, an academic and former member of the board of Engineers India Limited, has been appointed as the new head of the BJP's social media department, taking over from Amit Malviya, who led the department for 11 years. Malviya expressed confidence in the new leadership to further strengthen the party's digital communication.

HC slams FDA for 'going overboard', fines Rs 5 lakh

HC slams FDA for 'going overboard', fines Rs 5 lakh

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to a Pune-based sweets shop. The court criticised the FDA for suspending the shop's license despite a 98 per cent compliance report, calling its policy "strange and perverse" and stating the regulator was "going overboard."

Barrier lake formed at Tibet-Nepal border, China issues alert

Barrier lake formed at Tibet-Nepal border, China issues alert

Rediff.com4 days ago

China has issued a Level-IV alert due to a newly formed barrier lake at the Tibet-Nepal border, warning of a high risk of breaching and flooding downstream areas. The lake, formed at the confluence of Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, has accumulated an estimated two million cubic metres of water, with inflows expected to increase, raising concerns for areas including Gyirong Port.

AC coach horror: Rat bites passenger's nose on Himachal-Indore Express

AC coach horror: Rat bites passenger's nose on Himachal-Indore Express

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

A passenger travelling in an AC coach of the Una Himachal-Indore Express was allegedly bitten on the nose by a rat, leading to a complaint on X. Railway officials confirmed the incident, stating that first aid was provided and anti-rodent measures had been taken before departure.

Bengal Minister Promises Action Against Food Department Corruption

Bengal Minister Promises Action Against Food Department Corruption

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister Ashok Kirtania has warned of strict action against corruption in the department, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan 'Na khaunga, na khane dunga'. He promised to act against those involved in irregularities during the previous regime, particularly concerning the public distribution system and ration distribution.

Protests erupt over 3 TN men's death in K'taka forest firing; officials booked

Protests erupt over 3 TN men's death in K'taka forest firing; officials booked

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu's DMK and PMK parties have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of three Tamil men by Karnataka Forest Department personnel. The incident, which occurred on August 15, has sparked protests and led to an FIR being filed against forest officials, with political leaders demanding justice and compensation for the victims' families.

Maha govt to act against drivers not knowing Marathi from tomorrow

Maha govt to act against drivers not knowing Marathi from tomorrow

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced a drive against auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers lacking a 'working knowledge' of Marathi, with penalties ranging from licence suspension to cancellation, sparking fears among non-Marathi speaking drivers.

Nepal flash floods: 59 Mansarovar pilgrims among missing Indians

Nepal flash floods: 59 Mansarovar pilgrims among missing Indians

Rediff.com5 days ago

Over 130 Indian nationals, including Kailash Manasarovar Yatra pilgrims and tourists, are missing or stranded in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have cut off central districts and disrupted communication links. Indian states and the embassy in Kathmandu have launched helplines to assist those affected.

Now Unnao school students take to the streets in protest

Now Unnao school students take to the streets in protest

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Hundreds of students at a government residential school in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, staged a protest against alleged poor-quality food, inadequate drinking water, teacher shortages, and the principal's behaviour. The demonstration, part of a recent trend of "Gen alpha protests" in the state, briefly disrupted traffic before officials intervened and assured the students that their grievances would be addressed, leading to a peaceful resolution.

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Deepak Mhaskey, an academic and former board member of Engineers India Limited, as the new head of its social media department. He replaces Amit Malviya, who led the department for 11 years. Mhaskey, who holds a state minister-rank and is a permanent invitee of the BJP's Chhattisgarh unit, expressed gratitude for the significant responsibility.

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that autorickshaw and taxi drivers will be given an opportunity to learn Marathi before any action is taken against them for non-compliance with the language requirement. This move softens the state's earlier stance, which had evoked mixed reactions and concerns about livelihoods.

Jail escapee visits police station for Aadhaar, flees again

Jail escapee visits police station for Aadhaar, flees again

Rediff.com5 days ago

An Assam native, Madhur Jya Sonowal, who escaped from Aluva Sub Jail, surprisingly went to the Perumbavoor police station to retrieve his Aadhaar card. Police have intensified their search for Sonowal, who fled the station after being recognised by officials. A detailed investigation into the security lapse has been launched.

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com4 days ago

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

SC quashes FIRs against protesters, CJP calls off stir

SC quashes FIRs against protesters, CJP calls off stir

Rediff.com5 hours ago

The Supreme Court has quashed all FIRs against students who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests, stating the cases should not affect their future, while the government affirmed its commitment to youth welfare.

Remarks on Col Sofiya: Sanction awaited to prosecute MP minister, SC told

Remarks on Col Sofiya: Sanction awaited to prosecute MP minister, SC told

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court was informed that sanction is awaited to prosecute Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks against Army officer Col Sofiya Qureshi. The SIT probe is complete, and a chargesheet will be filed once sanction is obtained. Shah had previously apologised for his controversial comments.

H1N1, Flu Cases: 'No Need To Panic'

H1N1, Flu Cases: 'No Need To Panic'

Rediff.com6 days ago

Several Indian cities report a surge in influenza cases, prompting state governments to issue advisories asking people to mask up in public spaces and follow basic respiratory hygiene.

Maha bans illegal dhabas, eateries, structures on NHs

Maha bans illegal dhabas, eateries, structures on NHs

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has issued strict directives to local authorities, mandating an immediate ban on illegal dhabas, eateries, and commercial structures within national highway Right of Way. The order requires demolition of existing encroachments within 60 days, formation of highway safety task forces, and mandates prior clearance from NHAI or PWD for any new licenses in highway safety zones, aiming to enhance commuter safety and clear obstructions.

Sugar should be 'very expensive': BJP leader amid price surge

Sugar should be 'very expensive': BJP leader amid price surge

Rediff.com6 days ago

Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has ignited a political firestorm with his controversial remarks suggesting sugar should be "very expensive" and avoided by those over 40, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition amidst rising inflation concerns.

Maharashtra govt contractor dies by suicide over unpaid dues

Maharashtra govt contractor dies by suicide over unpaid dues

Rediff.com6 days ago

A 37-year-old government contractor in Navi Mumbai died by suicide due to severe financial strain from unpaid bills for completed work. Opposition parties in Maharashtra have accused the state government of negligence, demanding a culpable homicide case against the administration and highlighting a pattern of such incidents among Marathi contractors.

Bengal to fast-track CAA hearings, 23,000 get citizenship: CM Suvendu

Bengal to fast-track CAA hearings, 23,000 get citizenship: CM Suvendu

Rediff.com7 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said that hearings of applications for citizenship under the CAA will soon be over, and so far the state has issued certificates to 23,000 people out of 2.30 lakh applicants.

IIT steps in to ease queues at Puri Jagannath Temple

IIT steps in to ease queues at Puri Jagannath Temple

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Odisha government has roped in IIT-Bhubaneswar to introduce a queue management system at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, including setting up wooden ramps for a clearer view of the deities, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Tuesday.

No more military strikes on Iran, Rubio informs US allies

No more military strikes on Iran, Rubio informs US allies

Rediff.com6 days ago

The US has informed allies it will avoid new military strikes on Iran, instead focusing on economic sanctions and maritime enforcement, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic shift aims to intensify pressure on Tehran's economy and oil exports while keeping the military option open if Iran initiates aggression. Diplomatic efforts continue amidst persistent regional tensions and maritime incidents.

Recruitment exams scrapped, now Jharkhand faces another job crisis

Recruitment exams scrapped, now Jharkhand faces another job crisis

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A tense situation prevailed at the Jharkhand secretariat on Wednesday after a large number of successful candidates, who are likely to be rendered jobless following the government's cancellation of recruitment examinations, forcibly entered the campus in defiance of a prohibitory order, an official said.