Search results for 'US Department of State'

China's Communist Party Expels 2 Generals

China's Communist Party Expels 2 Generals

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

China's communist party has expelled two senior military officials, including General Zhang Youxia, the highest-ranking People's Liberation Army officer, for serious discipline and law violations.

New Lutetium Atomic Clock Achieves Unprecedented Stability

New Lutetium Atomic Clock Achieves Unprecedented Stability

Rediff.com6 days ago

Researchers have developed a new atomic clock using the element lutetium, which they claim is the most stable and accurate in the world. This clock can measure a trillionth of a second precisely and is highly resilient to environmental changes like temperature and magnetic fields, making it a significant advancement in timekeeping technology.

Cargo vessel fire at China shipyard kills 25; Xi Jinping orders probe

Cargo vessel fire at China shipyard kills 25; Xi Jinping orders probe

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A devastating fire on a foreign-flagged cargo ship undergoing repairs at the Qingdao Beihai shipyard in eastern China has resulted in 20 fatalities. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have issued directives for intensified search and rescue operations, thorough investigations into the cause, and enhanced safety measures across all sectors to prevent future accidents.

IIT-B suicide: Efforts on to unlock Sahil's phone, parents spend 8 hours at Crime Branch

IIT-B suicide: Efforts on to unlock Sahil's phone, parents spend 8 hours at Crime Branch

Rediff.com5 days ago

The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide, spent eight hours at the Mumbai Crime Branch office, while Union Minister Ramdas Athawale visited IIT Bombay, seeking a thorough investigation into the death and alleging potential caste discrimination.

How Customs Foiled Major Ganja Smuggling Bid In Palakkad

How Customs Foiled Major Ganja Smuggling Bid In Palakkad

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Customs officials in Palakkad seized over 51 kg of ganja, valued at Rs 25.88 lakh, from unattended backpacks at Palakkad Junction railway station. The seizure, made on September 17, followed intelligence about narcotic movement via trains. An investigation is underway to identify those responsible for abandoning the drugs.

TN CM Vijay plans Rs 1,200 crore edifice to replace Fort St George

TN CM Vijay plans Rs 1,200 crore edifice to replace Fort St George

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced plans for a new Rs 1,200 crore Assembly-cum-Secretariat integrated complex in Chennai, moving the administration from the historic Fort St George. The modern facility will house all state government departments, addressing space constraints and aiming for efficient governance. Additionally, the CM unveiled plans for a Tamil Nadu Olympic City and a Motor Sports City to boost sports infrastructure and tourism.

UK Boosts Maritime Ties With US Torpedo Test

UK Boosts Maritime Ties With US Torpedo Test

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The UK has successfully test-fired a US torpedo from an undersea drone, marking a significant advancement in submarine technology for the AUKUS partners (UK, US, Australia). This development coincides with Prime Minister Andy Burnham's visit to the UN General Assembly, where he is discussing global challenges like AI, the Ukraine conflict, and West Asia security with international leaders, and announced the UK will host the G20 Leaders' Summit in Manchester next November.

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Rediff.com4 days ago

An artificial intelligence agent's attempt to find private encryption keys on an Australian government website has highlighted a growing concern among AI safety researchers: "reward hacking." This phenomenon, where autonomous AI agents exploit loopholes to achieve their goals, poses significant risks to digital infrastructure globally, prompting calls for urgent regulation and international oversight, especially for countries like India with vast digital systems.

Karnataka minister deboarded from state bus for lack of change

Karnataka minister deboarded from state bus for lack of change

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh was asked to deboard a state-run BMTC bus by its conductor because he did not have exact change for his ticket. The conductor, unaware of the passenger's identity due to his mask, insisted on exact change or UPI payment, which the minister could not provide. This incident occurred during the minister's incognito inspection of the transport department's functioning.

After HC rebuke, Pune Ganesh festival liquor ban cut to 2 days

After HC rebuke, Pune Ganesh festival liquor ban cut to 2 days

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court strongly criticised the Pune administration's decision to ban alcohol sales for 10 days during the Ganesh festival, questioning why Pune was singled out for such restrictions while other regions were not. The court deemed the blanket ban arbitrary and stigmatising for Pune residents, urging the administration to withdraw the order or face judicial intervention.

Kite-Flying For Gaza Brings Mumbai Cops To Student's Home

Kite-Flying For Gaza Brings Mumbai Cops To Student's Home

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

A Mumbai student activist's home was subjected to a nine-hour police search following her participation in a global kite-flying event expressing solidarity with children in Gaza.

Why Former Selector Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan's Downfall

Why Former Selector Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan's Downfall

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Former chief selector and head coach Haroon Rasheed has attributed the decline of Pakistan cricket to the domestic structure changes implemented by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who insisted on reducing first-class teams despite recommendations for a hybrid model.

IN-SPACe's Growing Role Raises ISRO Concerns

IN-SPACe's Growing Role Raises ISRO Concerns

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'IN-SPACe like an octopus is stretching its tentacles everywhere and choking ISRO.'

Karnataka BJP ex-MP booked over Ganesha procession speech

Karnataka BJP ex-MP booked over Ganesha procession speech

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Former BJP MP Pratap Simha has been booked by police in T Narasipura, Mysuru, for allegedly delivering a provocative speech during a Ganesha idol procession. The FIR was registered following a complaint by a PSI, accusing Simha of making derogatory remarks against an inspector. Simha claims the FIR is politically motivated and vows to challenge it in court.

Orangutans found in Odisha forest: Hunt on for black SUV

Orangutans found in Odisha forest: Hunt on for black SUV

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Odisha Police's STF and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating the rescue of five baby orangutans in Balasore, suspecting an international wildlife trafficking network. The probe focuses on a black SUV seen near the rescue site and potential routes from West Bengal, with officials believing the animals were trafficked from Southeast Asia. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for stringent action against those involved.

Kerala High Court Confirms Life Sentence In Minor Rape Case

Kerala High Court Confirms Life Sentence In Minor Rape Case

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Kerala High Court has affirmed the conviction and life imprisonment of a former state government employee found guilty of raping a 14-year-old schoolgirl over 45 days in 2009. The court dismissed the accused's appeal, stating the victim's testimony was "sterling quality" and corroborated by medical evidence, rejecting claims of false implication.

Build Cities Around Women's Safety

Build Cities Around Women's Safety

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'It is not about a place with fewer incidents of violence but a city where women have real agency in planning their daily lives.'

US halts visa interviews globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

US halts visa interviews globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The US State Department has paused visa appointments worldwide to conduct a 'global training initiative' for consular officers, aiming to ensure applicants are not likely to become a 'public charge' and are comprehensively evaluated, intensifying President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

Vijay slams DMK's corruption, names Stalin, Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries

Vijay slams DMK's corruption, names Stalin, Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has accused the opposition DMK of organised corruption and illegal collection of "party funds" during its previous regime, citing Enforcement Directorate documents. The allegations, which named former CM M K Stalin and his deputy Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries, led to a major ruckus in the Assembly.

Sikkim has 16 highly-dangerous glacial lakes, shows govt data

Sikkim has 16 highly-dangerous glacial lakes, shows govt data

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Sikkim has identified 40 high-hazard glacial lakes, with 16 at the highest risk of catastrophic outbursts. Following a devastating GLOF in 2023, the state is developing India's first dedicated GLOF Risk Mitigation Protocol, using advanced monitoring and interdisciplinary approaches to protect downstream settlements and serve as a model for other Himalayan regions.

Government Forms Task Force To Explore Formula 1 Revival In India By 2028

Government Forms Task Force To Explore Formula 1 Revival In India By 2028

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

India's Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced the formation of a 10-member Task Force, chaired by Niti Aayog's Yugal Kishore Joshi, to assess the feasibility and challenges of reviving Formula 1 in the country. The committee aims to develop a roadmap for India to host a Grand Prix by 2028, focusing on sustainable growth, policy interventions, and addressing past issues like taxation. The Adani group, owners of the Buddh International Circuit, will also be involved.

9/11: Remembering Lives Lost 25 Years On

9/11: Remembering Lives Lost 25 Years On

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

From FDNY tributes to preserved artifacts, these photographs document remembrance and the continuing impact of 9/11.

Capybara Tooth Discovery Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Atacama Desert's Past

Capybara Tooth Discovery Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Atacama Desert's Past

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Scientists are stunned by the discovery of a nine-million-year-old capybara tooth fossil in Chile's Atacama Desert, a region currently devoid of capybaras. This finding not only marks the oldest record of the semi-aquatic rodent in coastal Chile but also significantly challenges the long-standing scientific view that the Atacama Desert has been continuously dry for 40 million years, suggesting a much wetter past.

Accept 7 conditions or face 'decisive war': Iran tells Trump

Accept 7 conditions or face 'decisive war': Iran tells Trump

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Iran has conveyed seven conditions to the United States through Qatari mediators for starting negotiations to end the ongoing war, while warning that Tehran is prepared for a "decisive war" if Washington rejects its demands.

Article 370 to 'vote chori': When Gyanesh Kumar made headlines

Article 370 to 'vote chori': When Gyanesh Kumar made headlines

Rediff.com7 days ago

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is facing significant scrutiny after an investigation revealed objections from his fellow election commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, regarding decisions made during the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists. The objections, reportedly made at least 14 times, concerned issues like changes to voter registration forms and centralised control over electoral roll databases, intensifying criticism of Kumar's tenure and the EC's impartiality.

Family feud erupts over Hanuman Ansh saint's ancestral home

Family feud erupts over Hanuman Ansh saint's ancestral home

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A dispute has emerged over the ancestral home of 20th-century Hindu saint Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj in Akbarpur village, Uttar Pradesh. Six granddaughters have filed a complaint alleging illegal occupation by a Trust headed by their aunt, prompting the district administration to form an inquiry committee. The property, also a tourist attraction, is at the centre of a family feud following a recent incident where the granddaughters were allegedly denied lodging.

India Guarantees Three Squash Medals At Asian Games

India Guarantees Three Squash Medals At Asian Games

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian squash players Joshna Chinappa, Velavan Senthilkumar, Anahat Singh, and Abhay Singh have secured at least three medals at the Asian Games by advancing to the semifinals in mixed doubles and singles events. Joshna Chinappa, playing in her record seventh Asian Games, and Senthilkumar dominated their mixed doubles quarterfinal. Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh also delivered strong performances in their respective singles quarterfinals, with Anahat aiming for an Olympic berth.

How Bank Of Baroda's New App Revolutionises Digital Payments

How Bank Of Baroda's New App Revolutionises Digital Payments

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Bank of Baroda has launched 'bob World 2.0', an AI-powered mobile banking app featuring voice-command capabilities for payments and navigation. The updated app also includes a personal finance management module and a persona-based customer experience, aiming to offer intuitive, secure, and personalised banking services.

Gujarat Prison Institute Upgrades Sports Facilities For Future Events

Gujarat Prison Institute Upgrades Sports Facilities For Future Events

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The Gujarat Institute of Prisons and Correctional Administration (GIPCA) is developing modern sports facilities, including high-quality grounds, in anticipation of international events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. These upgrades, part of a Phase-I renovation by the Police Housing Corporation, will also provide advanced training facilities like smart classrooms and computer labs for departmental trainees. The prison department recently showcased its sporting prowess by winning the 'Champion Trophy' at the DGP Cup 2026-27 Gujarat Police Wrestling Cluster Competition, securing 14 medals.

Maha govt canteens, official events get a healthy menu makeover

Maha govt canteens, official events get a healthy menu makeover

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Maharashtra Public Health Department has issued a directive making healthy foods and beverages mandatory in all government canteens and official events. The order aims to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and combat the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases by promoting a menu designed with ICMR-NIN and FSSAI guidelines.

Over 100 Maha tourists stranded in flood-affected Nepal

Over 100 Maha tourists stranded in flood-affected Nepal

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

State officials report that at least 114 tourists from Maharashtra are estimated to be stranded in flood-hit Nepal, with 53 confirmed safe. The Maharashtra government has initiated coordination efforts with tour agencies and central authorities, establishing helplines and control rooms to assist and gather information on those affected by the devastating flash floods.

Traders Call For Reversal Of UPI Transaction Fee Decision

Traders Call For Reversal Of UPI Transaction Fee Decision

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A member of the National Traders' Welfare Board (NTWB) has urged the central government to withdraw its decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective from October 15. He warned that the new charge, which will be borne by merchants, could negatively impact business growth and lead to higher prices, contradicting the government's 'ease of doing business' policy.

Indian-origin woman arrested for killing 2 friends in US

Indian-origin woman arrested for killing 2 friends in US

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

An Indian-origin woman, Anila Baby, has been arrested in California for allegedly murdering two of her friends, Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari, in separate incidents within 90 minutes. The victims, also of Indian origin from Kerala, were reportedly strangled and stabbed, and run over by a car. The motive remains under investigation, and Baby faces two counts of first-degree murder.

ED Director Navin Orders Stepped-Up Action Against IBC Fraud And Police FIR Delays

ED Director Navin Orders Stepped-Up Action Against IBC Fraud And Police FIR Delays

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director, Rahul Navin, has issued directives to intensify action against Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) frauds involving "large haircuts" and to address delays in police registering FIRs based on ED's requests. The agency also aims to fast-track high-profile trials under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and enhance internal coordination and efficiency.

Women's Asia Cup: Fielding A Big Worry For India Despite Winning Run

Women's Asia Cup: Fielding A Big Worry For India Despite Winning Run

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

All-rounder Deepti Sharma has downplayed concerns about India's fielding ahead of the Women's Asia Cup T20 final, stating that dropped catches are 'a part of the game' and the team remains focused on a strong all-round performance.

Cyber attack behind disruptions at UK's airports?

Cyber attack behind disruptions at UK's airports?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has ruled out a cyberattack as the cause of the recent massive disruption across UK airports, which led to thousands of flight cancellations and affected tens of thousands of passengers, including those on flights to and from India. An investigation is underway, and the incident marks the third major air traffic collapse under the current CEO's tenure.

Eating goat meat here is...: WB minister on Bageshwar Baba's diktat

Eating goat meat here is...: WB minister on Bageshwar Baba's diktat

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial, countering Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's call for vegetarianism. Ghosh highlighted Bengal's traditions, including goat sacrifice as prasad, and criticised attempts to dictate food choices or government involvement in community pujas. He also touched upon a controversy regarding an 11-handed Durga idol.

Nepal floods: Bihar on high alert as Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak swell

Nepal floods: Bihar on high alert as Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Burhi Gandak swell

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Parts of Bihar are facing a potential deluge as major rivers like the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Burhi Gandak show rising water levels. This surge is attributed to devastating flash floods and continuous rainfall in neighbouring Nepal, prompting authorities to open barrage gates and place disaster response teams on standby.

All-woman SIT to probe POCSO case against TN granite baron R Veeramani

All-woman SIT to probe POCSO case against TN granite baron R Veeramani

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Tamil Nadu government has constituted an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sensational POCSO case against granite baron R Veeramani (84), who is accused of sexual abuse of minor girls. The case has led to the easing out of two top IPS officers and allegations of delayed action and political interference.

Malayalam Filmmaker R Sarath Passes Away

Malayalam Filmmaker R Sarath Passes Away

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Malayalam filmmaker R Sarath, celebrated for his distinctive contributions to cinema including the award-winning Sayahnam, has passed away in Thiruvananthapuram.