News for 'Department of State'

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.

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.

'People Want To Kill Me'

'People Want To Kill Me'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

'My wife was disturbed. She didn't know how to sleep next to me. It was traumatising.' 'I remember having a frankie at a roadside stall, and a lady came to me and shouted, 'Oh my God!'' 'I said, 'No, no, no... I'm just an actor'.

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.

Navi Mumbai aganwadi video: Police probe reveals mother assaulted child

Navi Mumbai aganwadi video: Police probe reveals mother assaulted child

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

A viral video showing a toddler being assaulted at a Navi Mumbai anganwadi initially sparked outrage against staff, but a police probe revealed the child's own mother was the perpetrator. The mother lost her temper due to the child's restlessness. Authorities counselled the parents and a minister addressed the spread of misinformation.

Nine Maha cops get life term in 2011 custodial death case

Nine Maha cops get life term in 2011 custodial death case

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A court in Washim, Maharashtra, has sentenced nine police personnel to life imprisonment for the 2011 custodial death of Begya Pawar. The court found them guilty of murder, wrongful confinement, and causing grievous hurt, ruling their actions were "serious and brutal" and not part of public duty. The victim died after being brutally beaten to extort a confession, and the police attempted to cover up the incident with a fabricated FIR.

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.

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.

Exodus continues from AIADMK, 3 former ministers join Vijay's TVK

Exodus continues from AIADMK, 3 former ministers join Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Three former AIADMK ministers, Dr C Vijayabaskar, M R Vijayabaskar, and M S M Anandan, along with their supporters, have joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), prompting the DMK to label the move as 'washing machine' politics, referencing allegations of corruption against the defectors.

Q1 PSU Stake Sales Beat FY26 Divestment Total

Q1 PSU Stake Sales Beat FY26 Divestment Total

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Divestment has emerged as a priority for the government following a moderation in direct tax collections.

Haryana Strengthens Sports Coaching With 33 New Appointments

Haryana Strengthens Sports Coaching With 33 New Appointments

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam announced that the state has appointed 33 sportspersons to coaching positions within the last month. These new coaches are expected to play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing grassroots talent to prepare athletes for future international competitions, including the 2036 Olympics. The state also highlighted its sports policy, which includes job reservations for outstanding sportspersons.

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.com18 Jun 2026

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.

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

India's men's hockey team head coach Craig Fulton believes the squad can defeat any country if they stick to their game plan, following confidence-boosting victories against Germany and the Netherlands in the FIH Pro League, despite finishing eighth overall. The team's improved performance and maturity are seen as crucial stepping stones for upcoming major tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games.

'Heavens are not going to fall': SC refuses urgent hearing in Ram temple donation case

'Heavens are not going to fall': SC refuses urgent hearing in Ram temple donation case

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on a plea demanding a fair and time-bound investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the revered Ram temple in Ayodhya, deferring the matter until after the summer break.

US Tightens Sanctions On Iran's 'Shadow Oil Economy'

US Tightens Sanctions On Iran's 'Shadow Oil Economy'

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran's 'shadow oil economy,' accusing Tehran of using illicit oil revenues to fund the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional activities.

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

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

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

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.

Mandaviya, Akshay Kumar To Lead Yoga Day Celebrations

Mandaviya, Akshay Kumar To Lead Yoga Day Celebrations

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

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.

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.

UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres, several sealed

UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres, several sealed

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

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.

Haryana Revamps Sports Policy For Olympic Glory And Athlete Welfare

Haryana Revamps Sports Policy For Olympic Glory And Athlete Welfare

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana is revamping its 2015 Sports Policy to focus on long-term talent development for future Olympians, moving beyond just prize money and jobs. Key initiatives include 'Mission Olympics-2036 Vijayee Bhavah' for young athletes and the 'Khelo Haryana App' for integrated athlete services. The state aims to strengthen athlete welfare, infrastructure, and institutional support.

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.com21 Jun 2026

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.

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.

Ghaziabad Police Register FIRs Against Two Illegal Madrasas

Ghaziabad Police Register FIRs Against Two Illegal Madrasas

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Police in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, have registered FIRs against two madrasas for allegedly operating illegally without proper registration or approval from the Minority Welfare Department. The action follows the sealing of these institutions in the Khoda area and is linked to the recent murder of a 17-year-old, Surya Chauhan, whose alleged killer was later killed in a police encounter. Three individuals have been named in the FIRs, with one madrasa specifically cited for lacking various essential certificates.

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.

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.com24 Jun 2026

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.

Himachal Forest Guard Arrested For Assaulting Female Colleagues

Himachal Forest Guard Arrested For Assaulting Female Colleagues

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A forest guard in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district has been suspended and arrested for allegedly misbehaving with and assaulting three women Van Mitras while on duty.

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.com19 Jun 2026

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.

Kerala To Inspect Eateries Amid Rising Infectious Diseases

Kerala To Inspect Eateries Amid Rising Infectious Diseases

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Kerala's Health Minister K Muraleedharan has announced increased inspections of eateries across the state due to a rise in infectious diseases. The Food Safety Department has been directed to conduct searches, and licences will be revoked for any violations of food safety norms.

FIR In Ram Temple Donation Embezzlement

FIR In Ram Temple Donation Embezzlement

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Most of those named were involved with the donation-counting process.

Passenger Caught With 29 Exotic Animals At Mumbai Airport

Passenger Caught With 29 Exotic Animals At Mumbai Airport

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Customs officials at Mumbai international airport intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok with 29 exotic wild animals, including a gibbon, melanistic squirrel, ball python, and iguana. A rescue team was called to identify and stabilise the animals, which will be repatriated to their country of origin.

Bangladesh turns to China on Teesta: Should India be concerned?

Bangladesh turns to China on Teesta: Should India be concerned?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Dhaka and Beijing on Thursday agreed to strengthen cooperation on the management of the Teesta and other rivers and signed 13 agreements to bolster bilateral ties following talks between Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Mumbai man dies after falling into open manhole; 4 officials suspended

Mumbai man dies after falling into open manhole; 4 officials suspended

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 55-year-old man died after falling into an open manhole in Mumbai during heavy rains, leading to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) suspending four officials and initiating a homicide case against the responsible contractor for alleged negligence.

High Court Expresses Concern Over Police Handling Of Missing Minor Girls

High Court Expresses Concern Over Police Handling Of Missing Minor Girls

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has expressed serious concern over the rising number of missing minor girls in the state capital, directing senior police officers to ensure effective monitoring and accountability in such cases. The court ordered a detailed report from the DCP (East) and sought explanations from the Police Commissioner, stressing the need for vigilance.

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.

Rubio signals early end to Russian oil waivers as US tightens sanctions

Rubio signals early end to Russian oil waivers as US tightens sanctions

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said the United States would prefer to end its extension of waivers on Russian oil "as soon as possible", while noting that such decisions ultimately rest with the US Treasury Department.

MIT-WPU Innovates Thermal Battery For Post-Sunset Solar Use

MIT-WPU Innovates Thermal Battery For Post-Sunset Solar Use

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Researchers at MIT World Peace University in Pune have developed an innovative thermal energy storage system using a phase change material (PCM)-based battery. This technology addresses the intermittent nature of solar energy by storing excess heat for use after sunset, potentially reducing reliance on conventional fuels for water heating and enhancing energy security.

Kerala on alert after 2 students test positive for Shigella infection

Kerala on alert after 2 students test positive for Shigella infection

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Two students of a school in Kerala's Wayanad district tested positive for Shigella infection, state minister T Siddique said on Monday.

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Odisha Gymnastics Association is under investigation for allegedly using the name of its deceased president to secure funds from the state government. A complaint questions the association's governance and financial practices, including the sanctioning of funds from multiple agencies for the same event.

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Goa's Venkata Chigurupati has earned his maiden India Under-19 call-up for the Sri Lanka tour after a standout season of 49 wickets and 380 runs, as the fast-bowling all-rounder sets his sights on the U-19 World Cup and a future in India's Test team.