News for 'Department of State'

US to close consulate in Pak's Peshawar citing personnel's safety

US to close consulate in Pak's Peshawar citing personnel's safety

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The State Department spokesperson said the US will continue to engage meaningfully with the people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people.

'Baseless': Iran dismisses Trump's claim on attacking Indian ships

'Baseless': Iran dismisses Trump's claim on attacking Indian ships

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Iran has dismissed US President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran was responsible for a drone attack on Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz as 'simply baseless'. The Iranian embassy stated that Trump's comments were an attempt to deflect attention from recent US military strikes on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners.

Delhi Government To Formulate New Rules For Coaching Centres

Delhi Government To Formulate New Rules For Coaching Centres

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Delhi government is establishing a multidisciplinary committee to develop a regulatory framework for coaching institutes. This initiative follows recent tragedies, including the Saket building collapse and the Old Rajendra Nagar coaching centre incident, and aims to address issues like fee structures, student safety, infrastructure, and grievance redressal.

Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme: LDF Accuses UDF Of Misinformation And Double Standards

Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme: LDF Accuses UDF Of Misinformation And Double Standards

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Senior CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty has criticised the Kerala UDF government for allegedly spreading misinformation about the Centre's PM SHRI scheme and attempting to implement it despite earlier opposition. He clarified that the previous LDF government froze the agreement over concerns about the National Education Policy and that funds received were not for PM SHRI. The scheme continues to be a politically contentious issue in the state.

Gurugram Clinic Run By Fake Doctor Busted

Gurugram Clinic Run By Fake Doctor Busted

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A man was arrested in Gurugram for allegedly running a fake clinic and treating patients without a medical degree for six years.

Assam Rifles Seize Meth Tablets In Mizoram

Assam Rifles Seize Meth Tablets In Mizoram

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Assam Rifles and the Excise and Narcotics Department seized methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 17.10 lakh in Champhai district, Mizoram. The suspected drug traffickers fled towards Myanmar, leaving behind the consignment.

LDF govt left Rs 5 lakh cr liabilities, says Kerala CM on tabling white paper

LDF govt left Rs 5 lakh cr liabilities, says Kerala CM on tabling white paper

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday hit out at the previous Left Democratic Front government, claiming that it had left behind huge liabilities, including Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board borrowings, amounting to Rs 5.07 lakh crore.

30 Indian truck drivers arrested for living illegally in US, to be deported

30 Indian truck drivers arrested for living illegally in US, to be deported

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

About 30 Indian nationals living illegally in the US and working as commercial truck drivers have been arrested and will be deported as part of 'Operation Checkmate'.

Odisha CM Under Fire For Alleged Rise In Police Brutality

Odisha CM Under Fire For Alleged Rise In Police Brutality

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Opposition parties in Odisha, BJD and Congress, have criticised Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accusing him of a surge in police brutality. The allegations stem from a custodial death in Ganjam district and other instances of alleged police misconduct. The BJP has defended the government, stating that prompt action has been taken in response to these cases.

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Nagaland is seeking to implement the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations in a way that respects the state's customary laws and traditional systems of care, while remaining legally sound.

'Unlawful': US court strikes down Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee

'Unlawful': US court strikes down Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A US federal judge has ruled that the USD 100,000 fee imposed by former President Donald Trump for H-1B visa applications was unlawful, as it lacked congressional approval. The ruling states the fee was a tax, exceeding the administration's authority and impacting skilled global talent.

HimClimX: New AI Platform For Himalayan Climate Insights

HimClimX: New AI Platform For Himalayan Climate Insights

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

BIT Mesra has launched 'HimClimX', an AI-powered platform designed for Himalayan climate intelligence and visualisation. It integrates over a century of climate data to offer trend analysis, anomaly detection, spatial visualisation, impact assessment, and AI-driven forecasting for the Himalayan region.

Doctor Attacked At Pulwama Hospital After Dispute

Doctor Attacked At Pulwama Hospital After Dispute

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A doctor at a government hospital in Pulwama was injured after allegedly being assaulted by a patient's attendant following a dispute over examination timings.

'Annamalai Is A Proxy For The BJP'

'Annamalai Is A Proxy For The BJP'

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

'The generational shift belongs to Vijay, Udhayanidhi and Annamalai.' 'The BJP cannot fit into the shift.' 'So they threw Annamalai into the situation where he is comparable with Vijay and Udhayanidhi.'

Pune hooch tragedy claims 14 lives, 8 held; CID to probe case

Pune hooch tragedy claims 14 lives, 8 held; CID to probe case

Rediff.com29 May 2026

At least 12 people have died in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad after consuming suspected spurious liquor. Police have arrested eight individuals, including a key bootlegger, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the illegal operation.

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the remote tribal village of Pahadpur, preparations are in full swing as it looks to script history.

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian government has issued a stern warning to industrial users who are reportedly procuring cheaper retail fuel instead of industrial-grade fuel, leading to significant losses for state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) and potential local shortages. This diversion, driven by a substantial price difference between retail and bulk diesel, is adversely impacting OMCs, which are absorbing daily losses of approximately 550 crore to keep retail prices stable.

Teen Daughter Of IPS Officer Found Dead In Bhopal

Teen Daughter Of IPS Officer Found Dead In Bhopal

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The 17-year-old daughter of IPS officer Sanjeev Kumar Kanchan allegedly committed suicide at their residence in Bhopal. She was found hanging at their home in the Char Imli area.

Noida techie death: Irrigation department raised flag in 2023

Noida techie death: Irrigation department raised flag in 2023

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

A software engineer's death in Noida after his car plunged into a water-filled pit has sparked allegations of negligence against local authorities. An Irrigation Department letter warning about the need for head regulators to manage water accumulation in the area was allegedly ignored.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Rediff.com11 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari has directed senior officials to ensure transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to rules in governance. He emphasised the importance of honest opinions and actions for the state's development, urging officials to restart stalled centrally sponsored schemes and implement promises from the BJP's election manifesto.

Kerala on high alert as fresh Nipah case found in Kozhikode

Kerala on high alert as fresh Nipah case found in Kozhikode

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The patient initially developed a fever that subsided but later returned, prompting hospitalisation.

Make Iran pay: US weighs using frozen assets for Gulf reconstruction

Make Iran pay: US weighs using frozen assets for Gulf reconstruction

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

A source familiar with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's thinking revealed on Saturday that the department "intends to utilise all available authorities to make Iranian assets accessible for rebuilding and repair efforts related to any future damage inflicted by Iran."

CID notice to Abhishek over TMC MLAs' complaint: Suvendu on signature row

CID notice to Abhishek over TMC MLAs' complaint: Suvendu on signature row

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denies political vendetta in the CID's investigation into alleged signature forgery by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, following complaints from within his own party.

2 fires in Noida: High-rise evacuated, no injuries reported

2 fires in Noida: High-rise evacuated, no injuries reported

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Two separate fire incidents occurred in Noida on Friday morning, one in a 12th-floor flat of a high-rise residential society in Sector 75, leading to a full evacuation, and another in a building in Sector 52. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incidents, directing immediate relief and rescue operations. No casualties or injuries have been reported in either incident, and the causes are under investigation.

Mandaviya To Review National Games Preparations In Meghalaya

Mandaviya To Review National Games Preparations In Meghalaya

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will visit Meghalaya to review preparations for the 39th National Games and inaugurate a sports complex.

Rajasthan ACB Nabs Engineer, Middleman In Bribe Case

Rajasthan ACB Nabs Engineer, Middleman In Bribe Case

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a JVVNL assistant engineer, Navneet Singh Gurjar, and a middleman, Mohammad Shazim, in Tonk for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. The bribe was demanded to return a removed electricity meter and prevent further action.

Rajasthan Teachers Face Action Over Minister Protest

Rajasthan Teachers Face Action Over Minister Protest

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Several teachers in Kota have been booked for allegedly holding an unauthorised demonstration against Rajasthan's Education Minister, including burning his effigy and raising slogans.

Mandaviya To Review National Games Preparations In Meghalaya

Mandaviya To Review National Games Preparations In Meghalaya

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will visit Meghalaya to review preparations for the 39th National Games and inaugurate a sports complex in Shillong.

'Migrants Lost Confidence After The War'

'Migrants Lost Confidence After The War'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

'We thought everything will be back to normal within one month. Now it's four months and still a final solution is miles away.'

25,000 Litres Of Illegal Diesel Seized In Thane, Maharashtra

25,000 Litres Of Illegal Diesel Seized In Thane, Maharashtra

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Police in Thane, Maharashtra, seized 25,000 litres of diesel worth Rs 24.5 lakh from a tanker transporting the fuel illegally. A case has been registered against eight people, including the tanker owner and driver.

West Bengal To Re-Verify Caste Certificates Issued Since 2011

West Bengal To Re-Verify Caste Certificates Issued Since 2011

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The West Bengal government has initiated a re-verification process for all caste certificates issued since 2011, following allegations of irregularities during the previous administration.

Annapurna Yojana: West Bengal To Transfer Funds From June 3

Annapurna Yojana: West Bengal To Transfer Funds From June 3

Rediff.com30 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the first phase of fund transfers under the 'Annapurna Yojana' will begin on June 3, with eligible women beneficiaries receiving Rs 3,000 directly in their bank accounts.

Madhya Pradesh Refers Dowry Death Case To CBI

Madhya Pradesh Refers Dowry Death Case To CBI

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has proposed transferring the case of Twisha Sharma, who allegedly died due to dowry harassment, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The notification has been issued by the Home Department, granting consent to extend the powers and jurisdiction of the Delhi Special Police Establishment for investigating the case.

Haryana Groom Lands In Jail For Reckless SUV Stunts During Wedding Procession

Haryana Groom Lands In Jail For Reckless SUV Stunts During Wedding Procession

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A groom and three others were arrested in Haryana's Nuh district for allegedly performing dangerous stunts on SUVs while on their way to a wedding venue. The incident, captured on video, involved individuals standing and sitting on moving vehicle roofs, prompting police action and a stern warning against reckless driving during celebrations.

Delhi Fire Deaths Rise: What's Causing The Spike?

Delhi Fire Deaths Rise: What's Causing The Spike?

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Delhi has seen a significant increase in fire-related fatalities this year, with 45 deaths reported between January and May 27, according to Delhi Fire Services data. The summer months have seen a sharp rise in fire emergencies, with garbage and rubbish fires accounting for a significant share of incidents.

Pak steps up US-Iran peace push with third ministerial visit to Tehran

Pak steps up US-Iran peace push with third ministerial visit to Tehran

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for the third time recently to mediate peace amidst rising tensions between the US and Iran. Pakistan is actively leading diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, which has impacted global energy markets and trade.

West Bengal To Restart Rural Employment Scheme In Most Districts

West Bengal To Restart Rural Employment Scheme In Most Districts

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The West Bengal government will resume the rural employment scheme under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen) Act in all districts of the state, barring Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas, where allegations of irregularities in its implementation are being investigated.

US op in Nigeria eliminates ISIS second-in-command: Trump

US op in Nigeria eliminates ISIS second-in-command: Trump

Rediff.com16 May 2026

US President Donald Trump announced the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a key ISIS leader, in a joint operation with Nigerian forces.

Another Arrest In Assam Fisheries Corporation Scam

Another Arrest In Assam Fisheries Corporation Scam

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Another accused in the alleged financial irregularities in Assam Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd has been apprehended in Odisha, marking the ninth arrest in the case.