News for 'Department of State'

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was not too keen to discuss it on Thursday but finally conceded he was very happy his mother had obtained a U.S. visa and would be able to watch him play against Uruguay in the World Cup this weekend.

Abhishek Banerjee Faces Second CID Questioning In Signature Forgery Probe

Abhishek Banerjee Faces Second CID Questioning In Signature Forgery Probe

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

West Bengal CID has issued fresh summons to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee for a second round of questioning in an alleged signature forgery case. Investigators were reportedly dissatisfied with his previous responses regarding a disputed resolution submitted to the Assembly. The probe focuses on the authenticity of documents and signatures of legislators.

Rain brings relief to North India; Delhi sees coolest June 1 in 3 yrs

Rain brings relief to North India; Delhi sees coolest June 1 in 3 yrs

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Most north Indian states reported below-normal temperatures on Monday, with rain and thunderstorms lashing parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh. The southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala in the next two to three days.

US Treasury prepares mock-up design of $250 note with Trump's face

US Treasury prepares mock-up design of $250 note with Trump's face

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The US Treasury Department is exploring the possibility of featuring Donald Trump's portrait on a new $250 note, pending congressional approval to amend the law that prohibits living individuals from being depicted on US currency.

Unni Mukundan Lauds Kerala Government's Operation Toofan

Unni Mukundan Lauds Kerala Government's Operation Toofan

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Actor Unni Mukundan has praised the Kerala government and police for their ongoing "Operation Toofan," a sustained crackdown on narcotics and organised drug networks across the state. He lauded Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala for their decisive action and highlighted the positive impact on public faith in law enforcement.

Sri Lanka Court Imposes Travel Ban On Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over Easter Attack Probe

Sri Lanka Court Imposes Travel Ban On Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over Easter Attack Probe

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

A Sri Lankan court has imposed an overseas travel ban on former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two former military officers in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. The ban was issued after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) raised concerns that their flight could hamper the probe into the coordinated suicide bombings that killed 270 people. The current government reopened the investigation in late 2024, alleging political influence led to an earlier cover-up.

UP Minister's Nephew Allegedly Involved In Police Station Ruckus Over Illegal Mining

UP Minister's Nephew Allegedly Involved In Police Station Ruckus Over Illegal Mining

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A group, including the nephew of a Uttar Pradesh Cabinet minister, allegedly caused a disturbance at a Mathura police station following a raid on an illegal mining operation. Police seized a JCB machine and tractor-trolleys, leading to an FIR for obstructing official duties and illegal mining, though the minister's nephew is not yet named. The minister's nephew denies the allegations, claiming the excavation was for an Amrit Sarovar project.

Minister's exit rocks Shivakumar govt; damage control begins

Minister's exit rocks Shivakumar govt; damage control begins

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from his ministerial position in the newly formed Shivakumar government in Karnataka, expressing strong displeasure over the portfolio allocated to him. He had sought the Bengaluru Development portfolio but was given Major and Medium Irrigation projects, leading to a significant setback for the new administration.

How Shimla Cricket League Combats Drug Abuse And Boosts Environment

How Shimla Cricket League Combats Drug Abuse And Boosts Environment

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

A rural-level cricket competition in Shimla's Jubbal subdivision is using sports to raise awareness about drug abuse and environmental protection. The 'Shaan-e-Bushahr' Mandhol Premiere League-4, featuring over 80 teams, encourages participants to plant saplings and monitor their growth, building on previous successful tree-planting initiatives.

How India's Indigenous Quantum Refrigerator Achieved A Major Milestone

How India's Indigenous Quantum Refrigerator Achieved A Major Milestone

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

India's indigenous Dilution Refrigerator, developed by AQV, has successfully reached four Kelvin (-269C) at the Quantum Reference Facility in Amaravati, marking a significant milestone in the country's quantum technology development and cryogenic engineering capabilities.

Forest Employee Killed In Haldwani After Drunken Argument

Forest Employee Killed In Haldwani After Drunken Argument

Rediff.com23 May 2026

A forest department employee was allegedly hacked to death with an axe in the Tanda forest in Haldwani following an argument with his associate, police said.

Karnataka Minister Nagendra Faces Charges In Funds Diversion Case

Karnataka Minister Nagendra Faces Charges In Funds Diversion Case

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The CBI has filed three chargesheets against former Karnataka minister B Nagendra and his associate Nekkanti Nagaraj for allegedly diverting Rs 89 crore in state government funds intended for Scheduled Tribes.

MoSPI Upgrades Data Portal For AI Models To Ensure Credibility

MoSPI Upgrades Data Portal For AI Models To Ensure Credibility

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has upgraded its official data portal to be directly readable by AI models, aiming to prevent reliance on non-credible sources. This initiative includes standardising 288 priority datasets and addressing semantic interoperability challenges to improve public service delivery.

How Delhi Police's AI System Will Cut Emergency Response Times

How Delhi Police's AI System Will Cut Emergency Response Times

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Delhi Traffic Police is implementing an AI-based traffic management and route-mapping system to ensure quicker movement of emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire tenders. This initiative aims to reduce response times during crises, addressing concerns raised after incidents where traffic congestion delayed emergency services. The system will identify high-traffic zones, suggest the fastest routes, and involve coordinated efforts with fire departments and additional police deployment.

How Rajasthan Police Froze Rs 80 Lakh Assets Of Drug Trafficker

How Rajasthan Police Froze Rs 80 Lakh Assets Of Drug Trafficker

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Rajasthan Police in Pratapgarh has frozen assets worth approximately Rs 80 lakh belonging to an alleged drug trafficker, Asad Iqbal, under the SAFEMA and NDPS Act. The action, part of 'Operation Trinetra', followed a financial investigation into his illegal earnings from inter-state drug trafficking, after his arrest for opium possession.

Mysterious Death Of Nursing Student In Varanasi Hostel

Mysterious Death Of Nursing Student In Varanasi Hostel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A 19-year-old nursing student was found dead under mysterious circumstances on the staircase of a boys' hostel in Sarnath, Varanasi. Police are investigating the incident, awaiting the post-mortem report, and scrutinising CCTV footage and call records.

UP govt forms SIT to probe Ram Temple donation controversy

UP govt forms SIT to probe Ram Temple donation controversy

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of financial mismanagement and missing donations related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. The move follows a request from the Trust itself, amidst escalating political demands for transparency from various parties including the Samajwadi Party and Congress.

IMD forecasts below normal monsoon rainfall for India

IMD forecasts below normal monsoon rainfall for India

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the June-September southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is expected to be 90 per cent of the long-period average. While the Northeast is likely to witness normal rainfall, the remaining parts of the country may see below normal rainfall.

HDFC Bank Shares Fall After Report Alleges 'Camouflaged' Payments To MSRDC

HDFC Bank Shares Fall After Report Alleges 'Camouflaged' Payments To MSRDC

Rediff.com27 May 2026

HDFC Bank's shares experienced a dip on Wednesday after a newspaper report alleged that the bank made illegal payments to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to secure large deposits, raising concerns about corporate governance.

How Mumbai Police Tracked Down History-Sheeters Threatening Cops

How Mumbai Police Tracked Down History-Sheeters Threatening Cops

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Two history-sheeters from Satna, Madhya Pradesh, have been arrested in Mumbai for allegedly firing outside an Indian Air Force officer's house and later threatening police on social media. The accused, Amarsingh Ashoksingh Parihar and Abhigyan Sankatmochan Tripathi, were apprehended in south Mumbai after fleeing from Satna.

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha set for emotional World Cup reunion with mom

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha set for emotional World Cup reunion with mom

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Cape Verde's heroic goalkeeper Vozinha will have his mother in the stands when he next takes to the pitch at the World Cup on Sunday, after US officials moved to ensure she could obtain a visa in time.

5 Crore Silver Consignment Seized At Rajkot Airport

5 Crore Silver Consignment Seized At Rajkot Airport

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Gujarat ATS intercepts a large silver consignment worth 5 crore at Rajkot Airport, suspecting tax evasion.

Trump big fan of Modi: Rubio downplays anti-India row

Trump big fan of Modi: Rubio downplays anti-India row

Rediff.com26 May 2026

President Donald Trump is a big fan of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday, seeking to dismiss allegations of rising anti-India rhetoric in the US.

Iran attacked 3 ships with Indians, alleges Trump; denies peace pact

Iran attacked 3 ships with Indians, alleges Trump; denies peace pact

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Trump further alleged that Iran was behind the attacks on three vessels carrying Indian seafarers near the Hormuz Strait, which resulted in the deaths of three, despite the US Central Command having confirmed that the strikes were carried out by American naval forces, calling the incident "totally unacceptable."

Maharashtra To Invoke MCOCA Against Cattle Smugglers

Maharashtra To Invoke MCOCA Against Cattle Smugglers

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Maharashtra government has issued a circular directing authorities to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against individuals, gangs, and organisations repeatedly involved in cattle smuggling.

Vigilance Busts Kerala Doctor For Dual Practice

Vigilance Busts Kerala Doctor For Dual Practice

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Vigilance officials in Kerala have uncovered a case where a government doctor was allegedly engaged in private practice while also receiving a non-practising allowance. The doctor, an associate professor, was found earning an additional Rs 7 lakh monthly from a private hospital, alongside his Rs 3 lakh government salary. This discovery is part of a wider crackdown, with nearly 200 doctors under surveillance.

Mizoram Police Seize Over 1.5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Five In Major Drug Bust

Mizoram Police Seize Over 1.5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Five In Major Drug Bust

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Law enforcement agencies in Mizoram conducted two significant anti-narcotics operations, resulting in the seizure of over 1.5 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value exceeding Rs 3.3 crore. Five individuals were arrested in connection with these operations, which involved inter-state drug trafficking routes from Manipur and within Mizoram to Assam.

Trump turns 80, hosts UFC fight night at White House

Trump turns 80, hosts UFC fight night at White House

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The White House on Sunday is witnessing a "fight night" in an octagon-shaped cage as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters slug it out in the marquee event on the South Lawn on a day President Donald Trump turned 80.

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed a public grievance redressal programme in Morni, Panchkula, ordering an FIR against a contractor for electricity delays and directing probes into other infrastructure issues. He emphasized timely resolution of public complaints related to electricity, water, roads, healthcare, and pensions, while also committing to improved road connectivity and upgrading health facilities in the region.

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed a public grievance redressal programme in Morni, Panchkula, ordering an FIR against a contractor for electricity delays and directing probes into other infrastructure issues. He emphasized timely resolution of public complaints related to electricity, water, roads, healthcare, and pensions, while also committing to improved road connectivity and upgrading health facilities in the region.

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Uttar Pradesh is experiencing an intense heatwave, with Banda recording the highest temperature at 47.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a 'Red Colour Warning' for severe heatwave conditions. The extreme heat is disrupting daily life and economic activity, prompting government action to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Police Probe Alleged Ragging After Bareilly Medical Student's Suicide Attempt

Police Probe Alleged Ragging After Bareilly Medical Student's Suicide Attempt

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A first-year MD student in Bareilly allegedly attempted suicide by jumping from a college building after enduring prolonged ragging and mental harassment from senior students. Police have registered an FIR against four senior doctors and others, including the college administration, following a complaint by the student's father, who claims earlier complaints to authorities were ignored.

Medical Student Attempts Suicide After Alleged Ragging

Medical Student Attempts Suicide After Alleged Ragging

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A first-year MD medicine student in Bareilly allegedly attempted suicide by jumping from the third floor of his college building after being subjected to severe ragging and mental harassment by senior students. Police have registered an FIR against four senior resident doctors, other students, and the college administration based on the father's complaint, which also alleges inaction by college authorities despite prior warnings.

Karnataka Leaders Laud RCB's Second IPL Title

Karnataka Leaders Laud RCB's Second IPL Title

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Karnataka's chief minister-designate D K Shivakumar and outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on winning their second consecutive Indian Premier League title. Shivakumar criticised IPL organisers for moving the final match venue to Gujarat, calling it an injustice to Karnataka and alleging political motivation.

Tunisia Coach Lamouchi Joins FIFA World Cup's Infamous List

Tunisia Coach Lamouchi Joins FIFA World Cup's Infamous List

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal as Tunisia coach after a single game at the World Cup places him on an ignominious list that includes one of the most successful coaches in tournament history.

Crime Branch Arrests Telecaller In BDS Student Suicide Probe

Crime Branch Arrests Telecaller In BDS Student Suicide Probe

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The crime branch has arrested a telecaller from Uttar Pradesh linked to an illegal loan app, in connection with the alleged suicide of a first-year BDS student in Kannur. The student, Nithin Raj, was reportedly harassed by the loan app operators and also by two college faculty members, who are also accused in the case.

AI Agents to Equal Human Staff, No Downsizing Planned: TCS' Chandra

AI Agents to Equal Human Staff, No Downsizing Planned: TCS' Chandra

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced that the company anticipates having as many artificial intelligence (AI) agents as its human workforce, currently half a million, while assuring that no staff downsizing is planned.

Ram Temple funds row: SP seeks removal of trust members, probe by SC judges

Ram Temple funds row: SP seeks removal of trust members, probe by SC judges

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities in the Ram temple donation funds, a move welcomed by the Ram Mandir Construction Committee chairperson. The trust itself requested the inquiry to counter misinformation, while an opposition MP demanded a Supreme Court judge-led investigation.

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Government sources have clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in India, a stance consistent for the past 12 years and rooted in the Passport Act 1967. This clarification, reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public figures.

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Methanol Linked To Liquor Deaths

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Methanol Linked To Liquor Deaths

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Maharashtra FDA seizes 5,929 kg of toxic methanol from a warehouse in Thane district, allegedly linked to spurious liquor that caused 14 deaths in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.