News for 'Department'

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

Rediff.com7 days ago

The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

Rediff.com7 days ago

The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.

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.

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Rediff.com30 May 2026

International water sports star Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt case against the Jammu and Kashmir sports department for withholding her salary for over two-and-a-half years, despite a tribunal order to release it.

Trump Departs Beijing After China Visit

Trump Departs Beijing After China Visit

Rediff.com15 May 2026

United States President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for his return home following diplomatic engagements in Beijing.

Income Tax Department Enables Online Filing of ITR-1 and ITR-4 for AY 2026-27

Income Tax Department Enables Online Filing of ITR-1 and ITR-4 for AY 2026-27

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Income Tax department has enabled online filing for ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-4 (Sugam) for the Assessment Year 2026-27, allowing small and medium taxpayers to file returns for income earned in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Maharashtra Excise Department Seizes Illicit Liquor Worth 1.43 Crore In Thane

Maharashtra Excise Department Seizes Illicit Liquor Worth 1.43 Crore In Thane

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Maharashtra excise department seized Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) manufactured in Goa, valued at Rs 1.43 crore, in Thane city and arrested two persons.

Himachal Pradesh Forest Department Seizes Leopard Skin, Arrests Two

Himachal Pradesh Forest Department Seizes Leopard Skin, Arrests Two

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Sirmour Forest Department's rapid response team raided a house in Ghutanpur village, recovering the remains of wild animals, including a leopard skin, leading to two arrests and highlighting ongoing poaching concerns in the region.

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

Delhi Excise Department Busts Illegal Liquor Godown in Samaypur Badli

Delhi Excise Department Busts Illegal Liquor Godown in Samaypur Badli

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

An excise department team seized a container in northwest Delhi's Samaypur Badli area that was being used as a godown of illicit liquor, recovering 187 cartons worth over Rs 5 lakh.

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

Rediff.com2 days ago

The US Department of Defence has restored the name of the US Indo-Pacific Command to the US Pacific Command, reversing an eight-year-old decision. This change honours the command's deep historical roots, established in 1947, while its vast area of responsibility, extending to India's western border, and its mission remain unchanged.

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Rediff.com6 hours ago

'As the Bihar government's focus is on development and infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores, Rishu Sinha created a network to pay a decent commission to government officials for securing tenders.'

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Rediff.com7 days ago

Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Rediff.com2 days ago

A parliamentary committee has voiced concerns over ongoing examination irregularities despite government measures, recommending the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for reforms. The panel also urged a nationwide blacklist of firms involved in exam processes and suggested utilising the National Testing Agency's financial surplus to enhance its capabilities.

Haryana Labour Department Probe Uncovers Massive Work Slip Fraud

Haryana Labour Department Probe Uncovers Massive Work Slip Fraud

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Haryana Labour Minister Anil Vij reveals a major scam in the labour department, with nearly 90% of work slips examined found to be fake. An investigation into the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board reveals potential losses of thousands of crores of rupees.

Why Villagers Attacked Forest Anti-Encroachment Team In MP

Why Villagers Attacked Forest Anti-Encroachment Team In MP

Rediff.com5 days ago

Five forest department personnel were injured in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district after villagers allegedly attacked an anti-encroachment team. Four individuals have been arrested, and a case has been registered under relevant laws.

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A forest department team in Hoshiarpur was allegedly fired upon by suspected khair wood smugglers during an operation. While the accused escaped, officials managed to seize a vehicle loaded with illegally felled khair wood. The incident highlights the dangers faced by forest personnel and the lucrative nature of khair wood smuggling, which is believed to be operated by an inter-state network.

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A forest department team in Hoshiarpur was allegedly fired upon by suspected khair wood smugglers during an operation. While the accused escaped, officials managed to seize a vehicle loaded with illegally felled khair wood. The incident highlights the dangers faced by forest personnel and the lucrative nature of khair wood smuggling, which is believed to be operated by an inter-state network.

Residents sleep on Mumbai beach to escape extreme heat

Residents sleep on Mumbai beach to escape extreme heat

Rediff.com5 hours ago

As Mumbai grapples with rising temperatures and humidity, many slum dwellers are spending their nights on Versova beach to escape the unbearable heat in their poorly ventilated homes, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a gradual rise in temperatures before a decline, and a yellow alert for isolated rainfall.

India sees 41% rainfall deficit from June 4 to 18 as monsoon advance stalls

India sees 41% rainfall deficit from June 4 to 18 as monsoon advance stalls

Rediff.com20 hours ago

With the southwest monsoon stalled over southern Maharashtra, India is facing a nationwide rainfall deficit of 41 percent between June 4 and June 18, according to the latest India meteorological department (IMD) data.

Iran-US deal in trouble? Vance cancels Switzerland trip

Iran-US deal in trouble? Vance cancels Switzerland trip

Rediff.com8 hours ago

US Vice President JD Vance has postponed his visit to Switzerland for technical talks with Iranian negotiators, citing logistical issues. These negotiations are crucial for finalising the details of a recently signed peace deal between the US and Iran, which aims to end the conflict in West Asia and includes a 60-day period for technical discussions.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

Rediff.com20 hours ago

The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will finally get to watch her son play at the World Cup after receiving a visa to travel to the United States, following his tearful revelation that she missed his heroics against Spain due to travel issues.

How AI Is Transforming Wildlife Protection In Rajasthan

How AI Is Transforming Wildlife Protection In Rajasthan

Rediff.com5 days ago

Rajasthan's forest department is implementing an AI-based surveillance system across its wildlife sanctuaries to enhance anti-poaching efforts and monitor animal movement. The system, utilising thermal cameras, drones, and advanced software, provides 24x7 monitoring, helps prevent human-wildlife conflict through real-time alerts, and strengthens the fight against wildlife crime. Installations are being rolled out in phases across key protected areas, with advanced cameras capable of identifying individual animals and suspicious activities.

How Nykaa Is Revolutionising Beauty And Fashion Shopping With OpenAI

How Nykaa Is Revolutionising Beauty And Fashion Shopping With OpenAI

Rediff.com2 days ago

Beauty and lifestyle retailer Nykaa has announced a multi-year collaboration with OpenAI to integrate AI-driven shopping experiences through ChatGPT. This partnership will allow users to receive conversational recommendations for beauty and fashion products, with Nykaa fulfilling these queries. Additionally, OpenAI's technologies will be deployed across Nykaa's internal operations to boost productivity.

SC grants Bihar contractor 4-week protection from arrest in tender case

SC grants Bihar contractor 4-week protection from arrest in tender case

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Supreme Court has granted four weeks of protection from arrest to Bihar-based contractor Rishu Shree, who is accused of acting as a middleman in government tender manipulation. Shree is alleged to have charged commissions to facilitate contracts, with the Enforcement Directorate investigating a "larger conspiracy" involving multiple Bihar departments.

Shigella infection claims woman's life in Kerala; 18 new cases reported

Shigella infection claims woman's life in Kerala; 18 new cases reported

Rediff.com6 days ago

A 59-year-old woman in Malappuram district has died of a Shigella infection, the Kerala health department confirmed on Friday. Officials also reported 18 fresh cases of the bacterial disease across the state.

Indian-Origin Tech Leader Mangala Kuppa Named CIO of US Department of Labour

Indian-Origin Tech Leader Mangala Kuppa Named CIO of US Department of Labour

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Mangala Kuppa, an Indian-origin technology leader, has been appointed as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the US Department of Labour, after serving in an acting capacity since October. She also serves as the department's Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer.

Gurugram Police SHO Transferred After Head Constable Caught In Bribe Scandal

Gurugram Police SHO Transferred After Head Constable Caught In Bribe Scandal

Rediff.com5 days ago

A Head Constable at Manesar Women Police Station was caught accepting a Rs 50,000 bribe by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, leading to the immediate transfer of the station's SHO and a departmental inquiry for lack of supervision.

Major Heroin Haul: Nine Arrested In Mizoram Drug Bust

Major Heroin Haul: Nine Arrested In Mizoram Drug Bust

Rediff.com7 days ago

Nine individuals from Manipur were arrested in Mizoram's Aizawl district with 740 gm of heroin, seized during a joint operation by the Excise and Narcotics Department, Assam Rifles, and CYMA. The drugs were found concealed in soap cases, and the accused have been booked under the NDPS Act.

India's fertiliser subsidy bill set to double to Rs 3.4 trillion in FY27

India's fertiliser subsidy bill set to double to Rs 3.4 trillion in FY27

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's Central government is likely to see its fertiliser subsidy bill double to a record 3.4 trillion in FY27, up from the Budget estimate of 1.7 trillion, due to surging global fertiliser prices exacerbated by the West Asia war. This significant increase, coupled with revenue losses from excise duty cuts for oil-marketing companies, is straining the government's fiscal space, though capital expenditure plans remain unchanged.

CBI Uncovers Rs 657 Crore Fraud In Haryana And Chandigarh Government Funds

CBI Uncovers Rs 657 Crore Fraud In Haryana And Chandigarh Government Funds

Rediff.com7 days ago

The CBI has filed two chargesheets in connection with the siphoning of Rs 657 crore from Haryana government and Chandigarh Smart City Limited funds held at IDFC First Bank. The fraud involved fictitious transactions, shell entities, and alleged gold purchases and real estate investments, with IDFC First Bank having already reimbursed the Haryana government.

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Rediff.com7 days ago

Newly appointed West Bengal minister Bishal Lama performed a puja before occupying his new office, which was previously used by former education minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested in a school jobs scam. Lama stated it was a personal tradition for auspicious beginnings.

Gurnoor Brar's run-up, bounce win Sunil Gavaskar's praise

Gurnoor Brar's run-up, bounce win Sunil Gavaskar's praise

Rediff.com22 hours ago

Following India's dominant win over Afghanistan in the second ODI in Lucknow, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar for his standout performance, highlighting his rhythm, run-up and ability to extract steep bounce.

UP govt seals two illegal madrasas in Ghaziabad amid intensified drive

UP govt seals two illegal madrasas in Ghaziabad amid intensified drive

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Ghaziabad authorities have sealed two illegal madrasas in Indirapuram and Loni, citing lack of registration, NOCs, and inadequate facilities. This action is part of an intensified crackdown on unrecognised institutions, which gained momentum following the recent killing of a teenager in the area.

Income Tax Department Releases ITR Forms for Assessment Year 2026-27

Income Tax Department Releases ITR Forms for Assessment Year 2026-27

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Income Tax Department has released all income tax return (ITR) forms for the assessment year 2026-27, enabling individuals, businesses, and other entities to begin filing their returns for the financial year 2025-26.

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

Rediff.com4 days ago

Set in the crucial 21 days between 25 July and 14 August 1947, Josy Joseph's upcoming book The Birth of a Nation: The Twenty-One Days That Made India uncovers the dramatic story of how India nearly fragmented into multiple independent states before independence.

Lokayukta Raids Unearth Rs 9.5 Crore Assets From Indore Officer

Lokayukta Raids Unearth Rs 9.5 Crore Assets From Indore Officer

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Lokayukta police in Indore raided the premises of Women and Child Development Department Joint Director Laxminarayan Kandwal, uncovering assets worth approximately Rs 9.5 crore, nearly four times his total salary over 30 years of service. The raids followed a complaint of disproportionate assets, leading to a case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Inmate's Viral Video From Hoshiarpur Jail Triggers Political Outcry

Inmate's Viral Video From Hoshiarpur Jail Triggers Political Outcry

Rediff.com4 days ago

A video of an inmate from Hoshiarpur Central Jail alleging harassment and demanding money from staff has gone viral, leading to an official inquiry and a political backlash against the Punjab government.

Iranian World Cup players will be able to enter US the day before matches

Iranian World Cup players will be able to enter US the day before matches

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Iran's national soccer team, currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be able to enter the US the day before each of their three World Cup matches, the Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday.

CBI Uncovers Rs 661 Crore Government Funds Siphoning Scam

CBI Uncovers Rs 661 Crore Government Funds Siphoning Scam

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The CBI has conducted searches across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Delhi-NCR in connection with an alleged Rs 661 crore fraud involving the siphoning of government funds from Haryana government departments and the Chandigarh administration. The probe targets public servants, bank officials, and a private consultancy, with a chargesheet already filed against some accused.