Search results for 'us secretary of state'

Ayodhya donation scam: SIT to question trust officials

Ayodhya donation scam: SIT to question trust officials

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donation money at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is expected to question people associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and review banking arrangements for donations.

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the strong health cooperation within BRICS, emphasising the critical role of digital health and artificial intelligence in ensuring continuity of care. Speaking at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting, she noted shared challenges among member nations and showcased India's advancements in digital health infrastructure and AI strategy.

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

A controversy has erupted in Odisha after Lord Jagannath's idol was moved from the Puri temple to the chariot during the Rath Yatra without its traditional 'Tahia' floral headgear, leading to strong criticism from opposition parties BJD and Congress against the BJP government.

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

West Bengal Government Arranges Public Screenings For FIFA World Cup Final

West Bengal Government Arranges Public Screenings For FIFA World Cup Final

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The West Bengal government is organising live public screenings of the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at Nandan in Kolkata and other district locations. Each district has been allocated Rs 1 lakh for arrangements, with security and logistics being coordinated for the event.

Docs' assault: IMA suspends Monday strike after HC stays Sena leader's bail

Docs' assault: IMA suspends Monday strike after HC stays Sena leader's bail

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra has suspended its planned July 20 strike following the Bombay High Court's intervention in a doctor assault case. However, the medical fraternity has issued a strong warning to the Maharashtra government, threatening an indefinite statewide strike from August 9 if their demands for enhanced doctor safety, including amendments to existing laws and a new ordinance, are not met.

Prashant Kishor on Bankipur win: CJP stir may have helped

Prashant Kishor on Bankipur win: CJP stir may have helped

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor secured a significant victory in the Bankipur assembly bypoll, defeating the BJP candidate by over 19,000 votes. Kishor attributed his win to support from disgruntled members of major parties and potentially Gen Z protests, while firmly rejecting any future political alliances. He claimed the mandate was a wake-up call for the BJP-led government in Bihar and its Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, giving his party its maiden presence in the state assembly.

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Congress on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying not everyone in the BJP is a "chhanda chor" but all the "chhanda chors" are in the ruling party.

Major Restructuring Proposed For All India Tennis Association

Major Restructuring Proposed For All India Tennis Association

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Court-appointed administrator Justice Gita Mittal has proposed extensive constitutional amendments for the All India Tennis Association (AITA). These reforms aim to align AITA with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, by significantly increasing athlete representation in decision-making bodies, downsizing the Executive Committee, and establishing independent ethics and dispute resolution committees. The changes, which include inducting Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit into key committees and reducing state association representation, await approval at an upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting.

High-Performance Rifle Coach Faces SAI Inquiry Over Private Sessions

High-Performance Rifle Coach Faces SAI Inquiry Over Private Sessions

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

A High Performance national coach for rifle shooters, Manoj Kumar, is under inquiry by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for allegedly conducting private coaching at a government facility and discriminating against non-attendees. Complaints from shooters and guardians detail pressure to name him as their official coach and unequal distribution of ammunition. The National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) secretary general has refuted the charges.

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.

'5,200 applications': Ram Temple Trust defers CEO selection by a month

'5,200 applications': Ram Temple Trust defers CEO selection by a month

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday deferred the selection of its first chief executive officer (CEO) by a month after receiving 5,200 applications for the post and decided to appoint a secretary in the interim to meet growing administrative requirements.

SIT report on Ram Temple theft likely soon; may shape trust reforms

SIT report on Ram Temple theft likely soon; may shape trust reforms

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to submit its final report to the Uttar Pradesh government shortly, sources said on Thursday.

Trump scraps 20% Hormuz toll for 'massive' Gulf investment deals

Trump scraps 20% Hormuz toll for 'massive' Gulf investment deals

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Donald Trump announced he is replacing the 20% reimbursement fee for securing the Strait of Hormuz with massive trade and investment deals from Gulf States into the United States, while maintaining a full blockade on Iranian ship traffic.

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

LS erupts over anti-paper leak bill, NEET stir crackdown dominates debate

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

After six days of stalemate, a discussion on the anti-paper leak bill began on Tuesday in Lok Sabha with the government describing it as a reaffirmation of ruling dispensation's commitment to safeguard the welfare of students but opposition hit back over the lathi-charge on protesters, saying every blow on them hurt the government's prestige more than the backs of the youth.

Will Trump Impose 100 Per Cent Tariffs On India?

Will Trump Impose 100 Per Cent Tariffs On India?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

It is plain to see that the US senate bill's real objective is to derail India's time-tested strategic partnership with Russia, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Former MHA Official: Pak Cricket Teams Trafficked Drugs in India, Linked to Woolmer's Death

Former MHA Official: Pak Cricket Teams Trafficked Drugs in India, Linked to Woolmer's Death

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

R V S Mani, former Under Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has alleged that drug trafficking was a regular practice by Pakistani cricket teams and delegations visiting India, linking it to the 2006 doping scandal involving Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, and even the death of coach Bob Woolmer.

Ex-Chief Secretary Criticises Himachal CM Over Housing Project Graft Claims

Ex-Chief Secretary Criticises Himachal CM Over Housing Project Graft Claims

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Former chief secretary Vinit Chowdhary has criticised Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu over his handling of graft allegations in the Chester Hill housing project.

Why Sports Ministry Ordered IOA Probe Into Hockey Sexual Harassment Claims

Why Sports Ministry Ordered IOA Probe Into Hockey Sexual Harassment Claims

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an independent inquiry panel to investigate sexual harassment allegations made by former hockey player Asunta Lakra. This decision came after Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed concerns about the impartiality of an internal probe, as the allegations involve HI office bearers.

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'We can integrate AI and tech into education, but that is just a means and not an end.' 'Ultimately, we need to control what happens in a classroom and we need to let teachers innovate their teaching style to suit the needs of Gen Z and beyond.'

Punjab Cong rift widens as Channi vs Warring showdown continues

Punjab Cong rift widens as Channi vs Warring showdown continues

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Despite claims from Congress general secretary Bhupesh Baghel that there are no objections to Amrinder Singh Raja Warring's continuation as Punjab unit president, a significant faction of leaders, including Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi, are actively pushing for his replacement, citing the need for an 'uncompromised' leader.

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The United States on Saturday (local time) launched a third round of strikes against Iran after alleging that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Bihar assembly locked down as Pradhan exit protest turns violent in Patna

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Bihar on Wednesday witnessed a pitched battle between hundreds of student activists demanding Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the police, which used tear gas shells, water cannons and batons in a bid to prevent their 'Lok Bhavan march'.

Cong, BJP battle on streets across country as student agitation spirals

Cong, BJP battle on streets across country as student agitation spirals

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The spiralling agitation over the NEET issue saw protests and counter-protests by Congress and BJP across the country on Wednesday, with clashes and tense face-offs at many places, a day after Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders were forcibly removed from a dharna outside the prime minister's residence.

BWF World Championships: India Ready To Host Global Badminton Event

BWF World Championships: India Ready To Host Global Badminton Event

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled 'Peacko', the official mascot, and the championship anthem for the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi. India aims to solidify its position as a global sporting destination, with the event featuring top Indian shuttlers like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen.

Sports Ministry Grants Conditional Recognition To Interim Judo Federation

Sports Ministry Grants Conditional Recognition To Interim Judo Federation

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has granted conditional recognition to the interim Executive Committee of the Judo Federation of India (JFI), which was elected following a Delhi High Court order. The recognition is subject to the outcome of ongoing court cases and strict compliance with the National Sports Governance Act, with warnings of suspension or revocation for irregularities. The JFI is required to amend its constitution, conduct final elections, and submit monthly compliance reports.

Heavy rains, landslides disrupt Kedarnath, Mansarovar pilgrimages

Heavy rains, landslides disrupt Kedarnath, Mansarovar pilgrimages

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall has disrupted major pilgrimages in Uttarakhand, including the Kedarnath route and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, prompting the IMD to issue red and orange alerts for extremely heavy rainfall across several districts.

HCLTech to invest Rs 15,000 crore in AI data centre, global tech hub in Odisha

HCLTech to invest Rs 15,000 crore in AI data centre, global tech hub in Odisha

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

HCLTech, India's third-largest IT services company, announced plans to establish a global technology centre and an AI-optimised data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with a total investment of approximately Rs 15,000 crore, marking its entry into the AI infrastructure business.

Khadse acknowledges Delhi travel, says 'no longer interested in joining BJP'

Khadse acknowledges Delhi travel, says 'no longer interested in joining BJP'

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse has firmly stated his disinterest in rejoining the BJP, despite being called by Amit Shah, and affirmed his commitment to Sharad Pawar, dismissing recent speculation about his political future.

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Approximately 27 workers are trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district following a landslide and suspected gas leak. Rescue operations are underway, but the presence of gas, believed to be methane, is complicating efforts, causing dizziness among rescue personnel. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, and West Bengal are involved in the challenging operation to save the workers.

152 exam paper leaks in 10 years, zero conviction: Rahul Gandhi

152 exam paper leaks in 10 years, zero conviction: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of 'destroying' India's education system, expressing full support for protesting students and their demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Why Hockey India Wants External Body To Investigate Harassment Allegations

Why Hockey India Wants External Body To Investigate Harassment Allegations

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has requested the Sports Ministry to form an independent committee to investigate sexual harassment allegations made by Asunta Lakra, citing impartiality concerns if an internal probe is conducted due to the involvement of a federation office-bearer.

US troops set to leave Iraq after 23 years

US troops set to leave Iraq after 23 years

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The United States military is scheduled to complete its withdrawal from Iraq by September 30, marking the end of a 23-year deployment that began with the 2003 invasion and later focused on combating the Islamic State group.

FIDE's AICF Nomination Stirs Hornet's Nest

FIDE's AICF Nomination Stirs Hornet's Nest

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

FIDE's decision to shortlist the All India Chess Federation for a prestigious FIDE Excellence Award has ignited a fierce debate within the Indian chess community.

Brazil to face India in historic friendly in Kolkata on October 3

Brazil to face India in historic friendly in Kolkata on October 3

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Almost five decades after Pele ignited Kolkata's romance with Brazilian football, the iconic yellow jersey is set to return to the City of Joy, with the record five-time World Cup champions Brazil scheduled to face India in a landmark international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.

Odisha's Rising Crime Graph: BJD Alleges 'Disturbed State' Under BJP

Odisha's Rising Crime Graph: BJD Alleges 'Disturbed State' Under BJP

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The BJD alleges that Odisha has become a 'disturbed state' due to rising crime under BJP rule, citing several violent incidents and accusing the government of failing to maintain law and order. The BJP government refutes the allegations, claiming an increased conviction rate and swift arrests.

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. They highlighted that devotees feel betrayed and urged the Prime Minister to ensure accountability and make the Trust's financial affairs public. The controversy follows the arrest of eight people and the resignation of two Trust functionaries in connection with the alleged theft.

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India is the only significant power that all parties trust, or at least do not distrust, notes former defence secretary Ajay Kumar.

Iran's 'revenge list' features Meloni, Macron alongside Trump, Bibi

Iran's 'revenge list' features Meloni, Macron alongside Trump, Bibi

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a "revenge list" featuring 13 world leaders, including Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, with a graphic depicting them as targets, amidst escalating regional hostilities and US reports of an Iranian assassination plot against Trump.