News for 'Department of State'

Why Bank Frauds Keep Rising

Why Bank Frauds Keep Rising

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'It's not about individuals operating the mule accounts being more or less skilled. Instead, 'lower-level' refers to the role the individual account plays in the broader mule network.'

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre has reviewed the monsoon situation, noting a reduced rainfall deficit and ongoing preparedness for the kharif season amidst El Nino concerns. A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed measures across various sectors, emphasising continuous monitoring and coordinated action to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and essential commodities.

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

In response to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the NTA has initiated a significant security upgrade, floating a Rs 7.5 crore tender for comprehensive, round-the-clock security services to protect its critical infrastructure and confidential examination materials.

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.

Bankipur win gives Prashant Kishor's party a foothold in Bihar

Bankipur win gives Prashant Kishor's party a foothold in Bihar

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has secured its first seat in the Bihar Assembly, with Kishor winning the Bankipur bypoll in his electoral debut, stunning the BJP in its long-held bastion.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Capdevila seeks Trump's help after Iran-linked ESTA rejection

FIFA World Cup 2026: Capdevila seeks Trump's help after Iran-linked ESTA rejection

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has appealed to President Donald Trump for help after being denied permission to enter the United States for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina.

Ranbir Kapoor's Complex Daddy Issues On Screen

Ranbir Kapoor's Complex Daddy Issues On Screen

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Ranbir Kapoor's filmography frequently explores complex father-son relationships, from rebellious youth seeking approval to sons grappling with loss and dysfunctional dynamics, culminating in his latest role as an exiled prince honouring his father's promise in Ramayana.

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court was strongly urged to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a former judge to investigate alleged police excesses against students protesting the NEET paper leak across various states. The court, while issuing interim directions, restrained states from coercive action against protesters and ordered the release of minors without criminal antecedents.

Lok Sabha to take up anti-paper leak bill today

Lok Sabha to take up anti-paper leak bill today

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Indian Parliament is scheduled for a significant legislative day, with the Lok Sabha set to consider and pass the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. Concurrently, the Rajya Sabha will introduce the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and pass the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, highlighting a busy agenda for both houses.

CM Shivakumar Appeals For Calm During FIFA World Cup Final Screening

CM Shivakumar Appeals For Calm During FIFA World Cup Final Screening

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged football fans to maintain peace during the FIFA World Cup final and announced special permissions for hotels and restaurants to screen the match live until 3:30 AM. He is also set to join a public screening event in Koramangala, organised by the KSFA and DYES, to watch the final between Argentina and Spain with other enthusiasts.

Glimpses Of Monsoon Mayhem

Glimpses Of Monsoon Mayhem

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The southwest monsoon has intensified across India, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and prompting red alerts for several states, alongside concerns over landslides and urban flooding.

Kerala police's internal app down, cyber attack suspected

Kerala police's internal app down, cyber attack suspected

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Kerala Police has launched a probe after an internal application, crucial for handling files, became dysfunctional, with officials suspecting a cyber attack. The system, maintained by Keltron through a private firm, has been non-functional for four days, affecting internal file movement. Police have confirmed no data breach, and public-facing services remain operational.

US launches major probe into H-1B visa fraud, names Indian IT firm

US launches major probe into H-1B visa fraud, names Indian IT firm

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The US Department of Labour's Office of the Inspector General has initiated an investigation into alleged fraud in H-1B and PERM work visa programmes. Indian IT firm Cognizant is among the companies under scrutiny for widespread schemes involving fraudulent applications, exploitation of foreign workers, and undercutting American labour. The probe aims to dismantle networks exploiting the guest worker visa system.

Modi video removal: IT panel wants Zuckerberg to apologise

Modi video removal: IT panel wants Zuckerberg to apologise

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A parliamentary standing committee on Information Technology has demanded a personal apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook. The committee also discussed potential legal action and the withdrawal of safe harbour protection, while questioning Meta officials on algorithmic bias and accountability.

7 Life Lessons From Spider-Man: Brand New Day

7 Life Lessons From Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Spider-Man: Brand New Day shows that even superheroes need friends, healthy outlets for their emotions and the courage to learn from their mistakes.

US F-1 Visa: 'Continuing Studies In The US Will Depend On...

US F-1 Visa: 'Continuing Studies In The US Will Depend On...

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

With the duration of stay capped at four years, the biggest impact of the new F-1 visa rules is likely to be on PhD scholars, students enrolled in longer professional programmes, those whose graduation gets delayed and students moving from one academic programme to another, highlight education experts.

IIT Indore Pioneers Rapid Waste-To-Chemical Conversion

IIT Indore Pioneers Rapid Waste-To-Chemical Conversion

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Researchers at IIT Indore have developed a groundbreaking method to convert carbon dioxide and glycerol, two common waste materials, into valuable green chemicals like lactic acid and formic acid in just seven minutes. This low-energy process uses a specially designed ruthenium-based catalyst and microwave heating, offering a sustainable solution for waste management and green manufacturing.

Two dead, 5 fall ill amid crowd surge, rain-hit Rath Yatra in Puri

Two dead, 5 fall ill amid crowd surge, rain-hit Rath Yatra in Puri

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

One person died and many others fell ill in a temporary crowd surge during the Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha's Puri on Thursday, official sources said.

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.

31 dead in Assam floods, nearly 6 lakh people affected

31 dead in Assam floods, nearly 6 lakh people affected

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Floods in Assam have claimed 31 lives, with 21 fatalities reported in the last 24 hours, affecting nearly 5.65 lakh people across multiple districts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited affected areas, announcing an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased's family and acknowledging difficulties in relief distribution to submerged villages.

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'Instead of choosing dialogue, the government chose repression... Force ought to be the last resort, not the first.'

UP doctor suspended over solitary march in support of Wangchuk

UP doctor suspended over solitary march in support of Wangchuk

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Dr. Roopak Ikhe, an anaesthesiology diploma student, undertook the protest alone.

35 dead in 2 days as floods ravage Gujarat

35 dead in 2 days as floods ravage Gujarat

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Gujarat has reported 35 rain-related deaths in the past two days, primarily in the worst-affected districts of Valsad and Navsari, as floodwaters recede and authorities initiate damage assessment surveys and post-flood cleanliness drives.

Raj Kumar Pal Returns To India's Asian Games Hockey Squad

Raj Kumar Pal Returns To India's Asian Games Hockey Squad

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's men's hockey team has announced its 20-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, featuring one change with midfielder Raj Kumar Pal replacing Aditya Arjun Lalage. Led by Harmanpreet Singh, the team aims for gold and direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics.

Deschamps On Why He Stepped Down As France Coach After FIFA World Cup

Deschamps On Why He Stepped Down As France Coach After FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Didier Deschamps has revealed that a "stifling atmosphere" around him led to his decision to step down as France coach after 14 years.

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.

Karnataka Backs Pole Vault Star Sindhushree Ganesh For Asian Games

Karnataka Backs Pole Vault Star Sindhushree Ganesh For Asian Games

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has provided international-standard pole vaulting equipment and financial aid to Sindhushree Ganesh, who will represent India at the Asian Games. Sindhushree, from an underprivileged background, has overcome challenges to achieve national recognition in pole vault, fulfilling her late father's dream.

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.

Tripura top cop found dead in office, probe ordered

Tripura top cop found dead in office, probe ordered

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Tripura's Director General of Police, Anurag Dhankar, was found dead in his office. While the cause of death is yet to be determined pending a post-mortem, opposition leaders have called for a judicial inquiry amidst reports suggesting suicide. A magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident.

Atlanta Police enhance security for high-stakes England vs. Argentina World Cup semi-final

Atlanta Police enhance security for high-stakes England vs. Argentina World Cup semi-final

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Atlanta Police Department has significantly increased security measures for the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, two nations with a historically fierce football rivalry, deploying additional personnel and resources across the city and stadium.

10 killed after Typhoon Noul makes landfall in southern China

10 killed after Typhoon Noul makes landfall in southern China

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Ten people were killed in rain-triggered floods in China as Typhoon Noul made landfall early Sunday in the southern province of Guangdong.

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The BJP is significantly increasing its digital engagement with young people on Instagram, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, in response to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and subsequent student protests. This strategic shift aims to counter the narrative and communicate government actions on examination reforms.

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.

HC bars 4 lawyers from Lucknow courts, orders IB probe into alleged assault

HC bars 4 lawyers from Lucknow courts, orders IB probe into alleged assault

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has barred four advocates from entering any court premises in Lucknow and ordered a confidential inquiry by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) into their background and activities following an alleged assault on a litigant and Delhi lawyers.

'Humiliated' by teachers, Class 8 girl ends life in Bengaluru

'Humiliated' by teachers, Class 8 girl ends life in Bengaluru

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A Class 8 student in Bengaluru died by suicide, with her parents alleging harassment and humiliation by school staff. The education department has launched an inquiry into the incident, which occurred after the girl and classmates complained about a teacher's harsh behaviour.

Filmed inappropriately: Kerala minister shares voyeurism ordeal

Filmed inappropriately: Kerala minister shares voyeurism ordeal

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Kerala Women and Child Development Minister Bindu Krishna revealed she was voyeuristically filmed during a school event in Kollam, prompting her to advocate for a comprehensive state policy to combat digital harassment against women.

Pune plant mishap: 2 officials booked over safety lapses

Pune plant mishap: 2 officials booked over safety lapses

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Police in Pune have registered a case against two officials of Antony Lara Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd following the collapse of a three-storey building at a waste-to-energy project, which resulted in nine deaths. The officials are booked for culpable homicide and negligence, as preliminary inquiries suggest a lack of safety measures despite heavy rains and the proximity of a large waste mound. The Maharashtra government has formed a high-level technical committee to investigate the incident and recommend preventive measures.

8 women, minor die after surgery in 2 Rajasthan hospitals

8 women, minor die after surgery in 2 Rajasthan hospitals

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Nine patients, including eight women and a minor, died after undergoing surgery in obstetrics and gynaecology departments at government hospitals in Bhilwara and Banswara, prompting the Rajasthan government to launch expert inquiries into the incidents.

US targets Iranian infrastructure in fresh wave of strikes

US targets Iranian infrastructure in fresh wave of strikes

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The US Central Command announced a new wave of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, aiming to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels. This comes as US President Donald Trump described the situation as a 'skirmish' and suggested Iran wants to 'make a deal,' while Iran's Foreign Minister warned of a 'decisive response' to any aggression.

Assam Floods: Olympian Jayanta Talukdar, Newborn Twins Rescued

Assam Floods: Olympian Jayanta Talukdar, Newborn Twins Rescued

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Olympian and World Cup gold medallist archer Jayanta Talukdar and his one-month-old twin babies were rescued from their flood-hit apartment in Guwahati's Rukmininagar on Friday.