News for '-bureau'

Trump aide greets Kash Patel in 'Bollywood' style

Trump aide greets Kash Patel in 'Bollywood' style

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump took a leaf out of Bollywood to congratulate Indian-origin Kash Patel after his confirmation as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Maoists call for peace talks as search op in Chhattisgarh enters Day 5

Maoists call for peace talks as search op in Chhattisgarh enters Day 5

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

A massive anti-Naxal operation involving around 10,000 security personnel along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border entered its fifth day on Friday, with the Maoists reportedly issuing a statement calling for a halt to the exercise and initiating "peace talks." The statement, circulating on social media, claims that the government is resorting to repression and violence despite the possibility of resolving the issue through dialogue. The operation, considered one of the largest counter-insurgency actions in the Bastar region, involves personnel from various units including the Chhattisgarh police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and its elite CoBRA unit. The operation, launched on Monday in the densely forested hills of Karregutta and Durgamgutta along the inter-state border, is aimed at targeting PLGA battalion No. 1, the strongest military formation of the Maoists.

'State Banks Must Take Affordable Housing Seriously'

'State Banks Must Take Affordable Housing Seriously'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

'Unless banks focus on the Rs 10-15 lakh loan segment, growing affordable housing will remain a challenge.'

Timeline of Tahawwur Rana's extradition from US

Timeline of Tahawwur Rana's extradition from US

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian national accused of playing a role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited from the United States to India. Rana was arrested in the US in 2009 and convicted in 2011 for providing material support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, which carried out the Mumbai attacks. He had been fighting extradition since 2012, but the US Supreme Court ultimately denied his review petition, paving the way for his transfer to India. Rana will now face trial in India for his alleged role in the attacks, which killed 166 people.

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A new report, "India Justice Report 2025", highlights the stark gender disparity in India's police force, with less than 1,000 women holding senior positions like Director-Generals and Superintendents of Police. Despite growing awareness about the need for gender diversity in law enforcement, not a single state or Union Territory has met its target for women's representation in the police force. The report also emphasizes the significant challenges faced by the justice system as a whole, including infrastructural deficiencies, overcrowding in prisons, and inadequate staffing levels. The report calls for systemic reforms to address these issues and ensure a more equitable and accessible justice system for all.

Court raps Tihar authorities for keeping Christian Michel with 'desperate criminal'

Court raps Tihar authorities for keeping Christian Michel with 'desperate criminal'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

A Delhi court has reprimanded Tihar Jail authorities for allegedly keeping Christian Michel James, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, with an inmate who has received 41 punishments for misconduct, raising concerns about Michel's safety. The court also ordered the jail to provide Michel with a table fan, stating that even animals in zoological parks are provided air conditioning. Michel had previously requested to finish his sentence and leave India due to security risks.

'If You Spoke Pro-Rhea, You Were Taken As Anti-Sushant'

'If You Spoke Pro-Rhea, You Were Taken As Anti-Sushant'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'Rhea's mom lost her voice, she just couldn't talk. 'She would stand for hours in the temple with folded hands, constantly praying for protection.' 'Her father was constantly trying to reach out to people who could help his kids.'

ED raids Raj Cong leader, Punjab AAP MLA in Rs 48,000 cr PACL scam

ED raids Raj Cong leader, Punjab AAP MLA in Rs 48,000 cr PACL scam

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on the premises of Rajasthan Congress leader and former minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and Punjab AAP MLA Kulwant Singh as part of a money laundering probe linked to the Rs 48,000-crore PACL Ponzi scam. Khachariyawas, who served as a minister in the Ashok Gehlot government, claimed the ED action was politically motivated due to his criticism of the government. Singh, a real estate promoter, is reported to be Punjab's richest MLA with assets worth Rs 1,000 crore. The ED has been investigating the PACL scam since 2015, alleging that the company defrauded investors of Rs 48,000 crore through fraudulent investment schemes.

SC rejects PIL seeking gender-neutral dowry, maintenance laws

SC rejects PIL seeking gender-neutral dowry, maintenance laws

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to make dowry harassment and maintenance provisions "gender neutral." The court stated that it cannot legislate law and it is the responsibility of Parliament to look into such matters. The PIL, filed by an NGO, argued that these provisions are often misused to harass husbands and their families. The court, however, emphasized that every case must be judged on its own merits, and that the provisions are intended to protect women and children. The court also noted that the allegation of misuse was vague and that such claims should be examined on a case-by-case basis.

No central data on Maha Kumbh stampede casualties: Govt

No central data on Maha Kumbh stampede casualties: Govt

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Indian government has informed the Lok Sabha that it does not maintain data on casualties and injured victims from the Maha Kumbh stampede, as "public order" and "police" are state subjects. The Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, stated that state governments are responsible for crowd management, disaster prevention, and providing assistance to victims. He added that the National Disaster Management Authority and the Bureau of Police Research and Development have issued guidelines on crowd management and crowd control.

CBI raids ex-C'garh CM Bhupesh Baghel's residence

CBI raids ex-C'garh CM Bhupesh Baghel's residence

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai on Wednesday. The agency also searched the residences of a senior police officer and a close associate of the former chief minister. The CBI is tight-lipped about the matter in which the searches are taking place. Further details are awaited. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate had conducted searches at Baghel's residence in connection with an alleged liquor scam case.

32 yrs on, Tiger Memon's 14 properties to be handed over to Centre

32 yrs on, Tiger Memon's 14 properties to be handed over to Centre

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

A special court in Mumbai has ordered the transfer of 14 properties belonging to Tiger Memon, an alleged mastermind of the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, and his family to the central government. The properties, which were in the possession of the Bombay High Court's receiver since 1994, were forfeited under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEM) after proceedings initiated against Memon in 1993 based on a detention order issued by the Maharashtra government. The properties include a flat in Bandra, an office in Mahim, a plot in Santacruz, and several other properties across Mumbai.

Bohras Launch Save Our Sparrows

Bohras Launch Save Our Sparrows

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

dawoodi Bohra volunteers distributed around 50,000 bird feeders to households, schools, parks and community centres across the country.

Pahalgam attack: Perpetrators won't be spared, says Modi

Pahalgam attack: Perpetrators won't be spared, says Modi

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

A deadly terror attack targeting tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday drew strong condemnation and outrage. 26 people, including two foreigners and two locals, were killed in the attack, which is the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the perpetrators will not be spared and their evil agenda will never succeed. Opposition leaders demanded accountability, claiming the government's claims of normalcy in Kashmir have fallen flat.

Kash Patel becomes first Indian-American to lead FBI

Kash Patel becomes first Indian-American to lead FBI

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Dan Scavino, Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff on Thursday said that United States President Donald Trump has officially signed the commission to confirm Kash Patel as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Get ready to be fired if.....: Elon Musk's ultimatum to federal staffers

Get ready to be fired if.....: Elon Musk's ultimatum to federal staffers

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The email came from the Office of Personnel Management's new HR email address but had no signature. The subject line reads: "What did you do last week?"

Crypto use suspected in terrorism, secessionist activities: FIU report

Crypto use suspected in terrorism, secessionist activities: FIU report

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

A trends study conducted by India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has expressed suspicion that cryptocurrency is being used across the country in serious criminal acts like terrorist financing, fuelling secessionist activities, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, illegal betting and gambling. The report, which was based on suspicious transaction reports and operational analysis, shared these trends and credible intelligence with law enforcement agencies.

US slams India's telecom, electronics testing norms, standards

US slams India's telecom, electronics testing norms, standards

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The US wants India to recognise internationally accredited labs, harmonise labelling requirements and the validity period of test reports and certification with global practices, and eliminate retesting requirements.

Chennai teacher hits Class 3 student for not reciting Hindi poem, suspended

Chennai teacher hits Class 3 student for not reciting Hindi poem, suspended

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Following the incident last week, the parents of the student studying in Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram School in Chennai took up the issue with the management of the CBSE school that maintained a 'zero tolerance' policy' to violence.

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

HC orders CBI to submit police diary in RG Kar doctor's murder case

HC orders CBI to submit police diary in RG Kar doctor's murder case

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit the case diary initially prepared by the Kolkata Police in connection with the rape-murder of an on-duty doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court also instructed the CBI to present a list of individuals interviewed in the case at the next hearing scheduled for April 23. The CBI has been investigating the incident since August 13, 2024, when the case was transferred from Kolkata Police. The court noted inconsistencies between the inquest and post-mortem reports, with two injury marks mentioned in the inquest report but absent in the post-mortem report. The CBI is currently investigating whether there was a larger conspiracy behind the crime and if there had been any attempt to destroy evidence.

4-week reprieve for Buch: HC stays FIR against ex Sebi chief

4-week reprieve for Buch: HC stays FIR against ex Sebi chief

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday stayed for four weeks a special court's order directing FIR against ex-Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and five other officials for alleged stock market fraud and regulatory violations, noting the order was passed mechanically.

FIFA lifts suspension of Pakistan Football Federation

FIFA lifts suspension of Pakistan Football Federation

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

FIFA has lifted its suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after it approved constitutional amendments.

India slaps 150% tariff on US alcohol, not helping: White House

India slaps 150% tariff on US alcohol, not helping: White House

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'President Trump believes in reciprocity and it is about time that we have a president who actually looks out for the interests of American businesses and workers'

Disha Salian's father seeks fresh probe into her death; names Aaditya

Disha Salian's father seeks fresh probe into her death; names Aaditya

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Satish Salian, the father of Disha Salian, former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking a fresh probe into her death in 2020. The petition alleges that Disha Salian was brutally raped and murdered and that there was a politically-orchestrated cover-up to protect certain influential persons. The petition names Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and calls for the probe to be transferred to the CBI. The petition also claims that the Mumbai police hastily closed the case as a suicide or accidental death without considering forensic evidence. Salian's death occurred on June 8, 2020, after she fell from the 14th floor of a residential building. The city police had registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) case at the time. The case has drawn renewed attention after Rajput's death on June 14, 2020, which was also initially ruled a suicide but was later handed over to the CBI. The petition has sparked reactions from various political figures, with some calling for Thackeray to resign and face the investigation.

'US Wants To Use India To Beat Up China'

'US Wants To Use India To Beat Up China'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'Don't play the American game... India is too big for a US game.'

AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel to walk out of jail after 6 yrs

AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel to walk out of jail after 6 yrs

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The Delhi high court granted bail to alleged middleman Christian Michel James in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland money laundering case on Tuesday. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, while granting the reprieve to James, said it was an "exceptional situation" where the accused was in custody for over 6.2 years but the trial had not yet commenced due to incomplete investigation. James, who was extradited from Dubai in December 2018, can now walk out of prison subject to compliance with the conditions.

Majority Of Police Support Use Of Force And Torture

Majority Of Police Support Use Of Force And Torture

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Kerala police were the most sensitised to the rights of those arrested while that of Jharkhand and Gujarat the least.

Kash Patel takes oath on Bhagavad Gita as FBI director

Kash Patel takes oath on Bhagavad Gita as FBI director

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Kash Patel took oath as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the Bhagavad Gita and spoke about how a first-generation Indian kid is living the American dream, reflecting on his heritage.

Why Modi's White House Visit Was A Success

Why Modi's White House Visit Was A Success

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Modi lived up to his declaration that his visit was purely meant to strengthen India's relationship with the US, but there may be situations in which our silence on some issues will haunt us in the future, cautions Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Rana to finally face law in India; probe likely to expose larger plot

Rana to finally face law in India; probe likely to expose larger plot

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian national accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the United States. Rana's interrogation is expected to shed light on the role of Pakistani state actors in the attacks, which claimed 166 lives. Indian authorities are particularly interested in his travels across India in the days leading up to the attacks, including visits to Hapur, Agra, Delhi, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. Rana's extradition follows a lengthy legal battle, with the US Supreme Court ultimately denying his application to challenge it. Rana is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks. The investigation into the Mumbai attacks has implicated senior members of terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul Jihadi Islami (HuJI), as well as officials from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

First Meitei-Kuki meet held since beginning of Manipur violence

First Meitei-Kuki meet held since beginning of Manipur violence

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

In a significant step towards restoring peace in Manipur, representatives of the warring Meitei and Kuki communities met face-to-face for the first time since ethnic violence erupted nearly two years ago. The meeting, facilitated by the Union Home Ministry, aimed to enhance trust and cooperation between the communities and find a roadmap to restore normalcy in the state.

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will expose Pak state actors' role in 26/11

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will expose Pak state actors' role in 26/11

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is expected to be extradited to India from the United States soon. The US Supreme Court denied his last-ditch effort to stop his extradition, moving him closer to being handed over to Indian authorities. Rana's extradition is expected to help probe agencies expose the role of Pakistani state actors behind the attacks and shed new light on the investigation. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Rioters will face bulldozer action in Gujarat: Minister

Rioters will face bulldozer action in Gujarat: Minister

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi has defended the state government's use of bulldozers to demolish the homes of alleged anti-social elements, saying that only opposition parties are upset about the measure. He also vowed to take strict action against those involved in "love jihad", saying that they would be paraded on the streets. Sanghavi's comments come amid rising tensions over the issue of religious conversions in India.

Eight posing as students, prof to UK held in Mumbai airport

Eight posing as students, prof to UK held in Mumbai airport

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Eight individuals, including seven posing as students and one as a professor, were apprehended at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai while attempting to illegally immigrate to London. The accused, who claimed to be part of an exchange program, were caught at the airport's immigration checkpoint and were found to be using forged documents and false information to obtain UK visas. The incident involved alleged human trafficking, with the accused reportedly paying Rs 20 lakh each to an agent for facilitating their illegal immigration. The case has been handed over to the Sahar Police, and the crime branch is investigating further.

USTR flags hurdles in medical device exports to India

USTR flags hurdles in medical device exports to India

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The USTR report, released just ahead of the US' April 2 deadline for implementing reciprocal tariffs, has also cited high tariffs and price caps, which have not increased in line with inflation, as key obstacles for US businesses.

Modi holds 'insightful discussion' with Vivek Ramaswamy

Modi holds 'insightful discussion' with Vivek Ramaswamy

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Indian-American billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in Washington, D.C., discussing India-US relations, innovation, biotechnology, and the role of entrepreneurship. Modi also met with US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during his visit.

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects privilege notice against Amit Shah

Rajya Sabha Chairman rejects privilege notice against Amit Shah

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has rejected a privilege notice against Union Home Minister Amit Shah after he cited a 1948 government press release to authenticate his statement that a Congress leader was part of the management of Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had moved the notice against Shah for "casting aspersions" on Congress Parliamentary Party head Sonia Gandhi.

Former HC judge acquitted in 'cash at door' case 17 yrs later

Former HC judge acquitted in 'cash at door' case 17 yrs later

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

Seventeen years after the cash-at-judge's door case rocked the judiciary, a special Central Bureau of Investigation court in Chandigarh on Saturday acquitted former Punjab and Haryana high court judge Nirmal Yadav and four others in the matter.

Her husband made her CM when...: Nitish lashes out at Rabri

Her husband made her CM when...: Nitish lashes out at Rabri

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a scathing attack on his predecessor Rabri Devi, calling her appointment as Chief Minister "suspension-induced" during a heated debate in the state legislative council. The verbal sparring, marked by accusations and counter-accusations on law and order, saw Kumar accusing the RJD of being unable to handle Hindu-Muslim tensions and engaging in "mischief." Rabri Devi, in response, asserted her right to speak about her achievements during her tenure as Chief Minister. Kumar, however, retorted with a sharp, local phrase, dismissing Rabri Devi's claims. The exchange, which saw both sides engage in mudslinging, ended with the Chairman admonishing the opposition for their unruly behavior.