News for 'Department of State'

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

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

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

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.

Nagaland postpones yoga day events to Monday after widespread opposition

Nagaland postpones yoga day events to Monday after widespread opposition

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Nagaland government has postponed its official International Day of Yoga programme from Sunday to Monday following significant opposition from student bodies, tribal organisations, churches, and political groups. These groups cited religious sentiments in the Christian-majority state against holding the event on a Sunday.

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

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.

FIFA World Cup: US Says Iran Travel Restrictions Stay In Place

FIFA World Cup: US Says Iran Travel Restrictions Stay In Place

Rediff.com4 days ago

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed that the US will continue to assess Iran's travel arrangements for the tournament despite their complaints about restrictions.

Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Pakistan Cleric's Murder

Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Pakistan Cleric's Murder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A prominent cleric was shot dead by gunmen belonging to the Islamic State in a targeted attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

Goa Minister Accused Of Illegal Soil Transport, Obstructing Officials

Goa Minister Accused Of Illegal Soil Transport, Obstructing Officials

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A Goa forest department official has filed a police complaint against state minister Subhash Phal Desai, alleging he obstructed officials and facilitated the illegal transportation of soil from a protected forest area. The complaint details the excavation and uprooting of trees, while the minister claims the soil was for a sports ground.

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three Congress candidates, including All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, and one Bharatiya Janata Party nominee were declared elected "unanimously" to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka on Thursday, election officials said.

Massive Goa Liquor Haul In Thane: Rs 1.89 Crore Worth Seized

Massive Goa Liquor Haul In Thane: Rs 1.89 Crore Worth Seized

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Excise department in Thane seized 73,440 bottles of Goa-made Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs 1.89 crore from a truck on the Panvel-Mumbra highway. The liquor, lacking batch numbers and MRP, is banned for sale in Maharashtra, leading to the driver's arrest under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.

UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres, several sealed

UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres, several sealed

Rediff.com1 days ago

In a bid to provide students with a safe, transparent and quality educational environment, a special drive is being conducted across Uttar Pradesh to strengthen the regulation of coaching institutes and against illegal coaching centres.

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.

Tamil Nadu Schools Must Conduct Physical Education Classes

Tamil Nadu Schools Must Conduct Physical Education Classes

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has made physical education classes mandatory for students from Class 6 to 12 in all schools, including private institutions, starting this academic year. Detailed guidelines have been issued, and officials will monitor compliance, identify unused playgrounds, and promote special sports training.

Monsoon Activity Brings Relief To Uttar Pradesh

Monsoon Activity Brings Relief To Uttar Pradesh

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Several districts in Uttar Pradesh experienced rainfall, with Kanpur City recording the highest precipitation. The India Meteorological Department reported a drop in temperatures across the state, including Lucknow, and issued a forecast for continued rain in western UP.

How Nykaa Is Revolutionising Beauty And Fashion Shopping With OpenAI

How Nykaa Is Revolutionising Beauty And Fashion Shopping With OpenAI

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

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.

Mandaviya, Akshay Kumar To Lead Yoga Day Celebrations

Mandaviya, Akshay Kumar To Lead Yoga Day Celebrations

Rediff.com4 days ago

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will lead a mass yoga session in New Delhi for the 12th International Day of Yoga, themed "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," joined by actor Akshay Kumar. The Sports Ministry is organising nationwide events with over 15,000 participants, highlighting yoga's global impact since its UN adoption in 2014.

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.com6 days 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.

RG Kar doc's mother breaks down in assembly as CM Suvendu promises justice

RG Kar doc's mother breaks down in assembly as CM Suvendu promises justice

Rediff.com1 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said in the assembly that justice would be delivered in the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case, leaving the victim's mother, a BJP MLA who was present in the House, in tears.

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

Rediff.com5 days ago

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a comprehensive advisory to all states and Union Territories, recommending mandatory annual POSH audits and other measures to strengthen the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The advisory aims to ensure safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive working environments for women across all sectors, emphasising institutional accountability, proper committee constitution, and robust awareness programmes.

Major Heroin Haul: Nine Arrested In Mizoram Drug Bust

Major Heroin Haul: Nine Arrested In Mizoram Drug Bust

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

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.

Gurugram Police SHO Transferred After Head Constable Caught In Bribe Scandal

Gurugram Police SHO Transferred After Head Constable Caught In Bribe Scandal

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

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.

Over 20 lakh aspirants take NEET re-test in India, abroad amid tight security

Over 20 lakh aspirants take NEET re-test in India, abroad amid tight security

Rediff.com3 days ago

The NEET-UG re-exam was held at centres across the country and overseas on Sunday amid tight security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examination.

Uttar Pradesh Steps Up Road Safety Measures After Accidents

Uttar Pradesh Steps Up Road Safety Measures After Accidents

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government is conducting awareness and enforcement campaigns to reduce road accidents and promote responsible driving, issuing thousands of challans and seizing vehicles for traffic violations.

How AI Is Transforming Wildlife Protection In Rajasthan

How AI Is Transforming Wildlife Protection In Rajasthan

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

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.

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra excise department has arrested over 210 people and registered 313 cases in a five-day crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing and sales in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This intensified action follows the Pune hooch tragedy, which claimed at least 15 lives, leading to the seizure of property worth Rs 1.58 crore and the suspension of 22 police and excise personnel.

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra excise department has arrested over 210 people and registered 313 cases in a five-day crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing and sales in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This intensified action follows the Pune hooch tragedy, which claimed at least 15 lives, leading to the seizure of property worth Rs 1.58 crore and the suspension of 22 police and excise personnel.

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.com12 Jun 2026

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.

Lucknow blaze: 'Papa, please save me, there is a fire'

Lucknow blaze: 'Papa, please save me, there is a fire'

Rediff.com20 hours ago

Families of the victims who perished in the massive Aliganj fire in Lucknow are mourning their losses, with several alleging that delayed rescue efforts contributed to the high death toll. Many victims, including young animation artists, were trapped, and some attempted to save themselves by jumping from the building.

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have all described the risk of Ebola to World Cup host countries as low, citing measles, COVID-19 and influenza -- which spread when large crowds gather -- as the most likely threats.

Maha makes free drinking water mandatory for customers at eateries

Maha makes free drinking water mandatory for customers at eateries

Rediff.com9 hours ago

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has issued a comprehensive order mandating free drinking water for customers in all food establishments, banning food served in newspapers, and introducing rigorous operational standards. These new regulations aim to improve food safety, hygiene, and transparency across hotels, restaurants, and other food service providers in the state.

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Rediff.com5 days ago

Employees of Mumbai's BEST undertaking have launched an indefinite strike, severely impacting public transport and electricity services. The strike, called by a joint action committee, demands budget merger with BMC, settlement of dues, and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, among other issues. Despite court orders and MESMA invocation, the strike continues, causing widespread inconvenience to millions of commuters and electricity consumers.

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.

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.

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.com16 Jun 2026

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.

Father-Daughter Duo Busted In Rs 5.3 Crore Government Job Scam

Father-Daughter Duo Busted In Rs 5.3 Crore Government Job Scam

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A father and daughter have been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly defrauding over 40 job seekers of more than Rs 5.30 crore by promising them government jobs through fake connections and training centres.

TN YouTuber detained for criticising CM Joseph Vijay

TN YouTuber detained for criticising CM Joseph Vijay

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Well-known YouTuber Maridhas was detained by a special team of the Chennai City Police for allegedly posting critical videos targeting the TVK government, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, and several state ministers. He was apprehended in Madurai and is being brought to Chennai for further interrogation.

TN CM Vijay carries forward DMK govt-initiated Rs 38,000-crore Hyundai project

TN CM Vijay carries forward DMK govt-initiated Rs 38,000-crore Hyundai project

Rediff.com5 days ago

Tamil Nadu's new government, led by C Joseph Vijay, is committed to advancing the ~38,000 crore shipbuilding project with HD Hyundai in Thoothukudi, securing bipartisan support from the Opposition DMK, despite initial industry concerns about policy continuity after the change in leadership.

Mizoram's 'Red Card' Scheme To Drink Alcohol

Mizoram's 'Red Card' Scheme To Drink Alcohol

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Mizoram has long maintained one of the country's strictest prohibition regimes.

Bihar Asks Madrasas To Furnish Details: Here's Why

Bihar Asks Madrasas To Furnish Details: Here's Why

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bihar education department has requested madrasas, Sanskrit, and other government-aided minority schools to provide details regarding the number of students, teachers, and non-teaching staff to ensure proper utilisation of government aid.

91 Life Convicts Released From Telangana Prisons

91 Life Convicts Released From Telangana Prisons

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Telangana Prisons and Correctional Services Department facilitated the release of 91 life convicts who were granted special remission by the state government. The released prisoners include 85 men and six women, all of whom were found eligible for remission under the government's prescribed guidelines.

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

Rediff.com4 days ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has implemented extensive security and logistical arrangements, including AI-based CCTV monitoring, biometric verification, and police escorts, to ensure the smooth, secure, and transparent conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

Rediff.com2 days ago

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a war threat against India, citing water security as a national concern. This comes as Pakistan grapples with a severe internal water crisis, attributed by experts to mismanagement, and India maintains its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack. Asif accused India of "weaponising water" but admitted to lacking current data on the situation.