News for 'Department of State'

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

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

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

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.

West Bengal Reinstates CBI General Consent For Central Employee Probes

West Bengal Reinstates CBI General Consent For Central Employee Probes

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The West Bengal government has restored general consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate cases involving central government employees and public sector undertakings within the state. This decision reverses a 2018 move by the previous Trinamool Congress government to withdraw such consent, allowing the CBI to operate more freely in these specific matters.

Delhi Govt Offers Internships In Child Welfare Institutions

Delhi Govt Offers Internships In Child Welfare Institutions

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Delhi government's Women and Child Development Department (WCD) has introduced a new internship and research framework, offering students in social work, psychology, and related fields structured field exposure at child care institutions and welfare centres.

Nanded Collector Leads Rs 30 Lakh Seizure In Anti-Illegal Sand Mining Operation

Nanded Collector Leads Rs 30 Lakh Seizure In Anti-Illegal Sand Mining Operation

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Authorities in Nanded, Maharashtra, conducted a joint operation against illegal sand mining along the Godavari river, seizing and destroying equipment worth Rs 30 lakh. The raid, led by the Nanded collector, also resulted in the confiscation of 125 brass of illegally mined sand and the apprehension of four individuals involved in illegal transport.

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The famed Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati is set to begin, with the administration expecting around eight lakh devotees over the next four days. The temple doors will close on Monday night for the 'prabritti' period, symbolising the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, and reopen on June 26.

FIFA World Cup: Neymar back in training but unlikely to return against Haiti

FIFA World Cup: Neymar back in training but unlikely to return against Haiti

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Neymar offered Brazil a flicker of World Cup encouragement on Tuesday when he trained on the pitch with the national team in the United States for the first time.

Visa Woes Hit Pakistan Hockey Team Ahead Of England Leg

Visa Woes Hit Pakistan Hockey Team Ahead Of England Leg

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Pakistan's national hockey team is facing significant challenges ahead of the final leg of the FIH Pro League in England, with captain Ammad Shakeel Butt's visa rejected and head coach Manzur-ul-Hasan also struggling to secure his travel documents. This comes amidst a dismal performance in the league and growing criticism over team management.

Corrupt Mathura Police Officer Held For Extortion, Using History-Sheeters

Corrupt Mathura Police Officer Held For Extortion, Using History-Sheeters

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A police sub-inspector in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly running an illegal extortion racket targeting local shopkeepers and operating an unauthorised parking scheme. The officer, Shashank Kaushik, is accused of using two history-sheeters, who are now absconding, to collect "protection money" from vendors. A departmental inquiry is underway, and an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Sena-UBT remains strong, Aaditya capable of leading it: Raut

Sena-UBT remains strong, Aaditya capable of leading it: Raut

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Sanjay Raut defended the strength of Shiv Sena-UBT, backing Aaditya Thackeray as a capable next-generation leader while claiming the party cadre remains loyal to Uddhav Thackeray despite recent MP defections driven by money and central agency pressure.

Odisha Vigilance Uncovers More Gold From Engineer's Locker

Odisha Vigilance Uncovers More Gold From Engineer's Locker

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Odisha Vigilance has seized an additional 703 grams of gold from a bank locker belonging to Baikuntha Nath Behera, an assistant executive engineer, bringing the total recovery to 1.255 kg. Behera was arrested for possessing assets disproportionate to his known income, including over Rs 2 crore in cash, five buildings, 14 plots, and significant deposits.

Odisha Vigilance Uncovers More Gold From Engineer's Locker

Odisha Vigilance Uncovers More Gold From Engineer's Locker

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Odisha Vigilance has seized an additional 703 grams of gold from a bank locker belonging to Baikuntha Nath Behera, an assistant executive engineer, bringing the total recovery to 1.255 kg. Behera was arrested for possessing assets disproportionate to his known income, including over Rs 2 crore in cash, five buildings, 14 plots, and significant deposits.

US tightens Green Card rules, visa holders must apply from home countries

US tightens Green Card rules, visa holders must apply from home countries

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The US government on Friday issued a new policy memo tightening rules for foreign nationals on temporary visas seeking permanent residency, stating that persons wanting a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in "extraordinary circumstances".

SC orders eviction plan for 118 govt servants encroaching on TN's Agasthyamalai

SC orders eviction plan for 118 govt servants encroaching on TN's Agasthyamalai

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the preparation and implementation of a time-bound eviction plan to address encroachments within the protected areas of the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape in Tamil Nadu, also ordering action against government servants involved.

Inter-state Liquor Racket Busted in Thane, Maharashtra: Rs 32 Lakh Seized

Inter-state Liquor Racket Busted in Thane, Maharashtra: Rs 32 Lakh Seized

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra Excise Department dismantled a major inter-state illicit liquor racket operating in Thane district, seizing contraband valued at Rs 32 lakh after conducting multiple raids.

Will Pakistan rethink its Israel policy after Rubio talks?

Will Pakistan rethink its Israel policy after Rubio talks?

Rediff.com29 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar amid American demand that countries mediating the peace talks with Iran join the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic and economic ties with Israel.

Two Odisha Government Officers Arrested For Taking Bribes

Two Odisha Government Officers Arrested For Taking Bribes

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Odisha vigilance department apprehended two government officers on Wednesday for accepting bribes in separate incidents. An Assistant Civil Supplies Officer in Keonjhar district was caught taking Rs 15,000, while a junior engineer with the National Health Mission in Sundargarh was caught taking Rs 5,000.

US Senate passes resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers

US Senate passes resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The US Senate passed a resolution directing then-President Donald Trump to withdraw American forces from the conflict with Iran. This bipartisan vote, though largely symbolic as a concurrent resolution, highlighted congressional concerns over potential escalation and a desire to limit presidential military authority without legislative approval.

How Extreme Heat And Humidity Are Overwhelming Sindh Hospitals

How Extreme Heat And Humidity Are Overwhelming Sindh Hospitals

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Sindh province in Pakistan is experiencing a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius and high humidity, leading to a 'feels-like' temperature of up to 54 degrees Celsius in Karachi. Hospitals in the region, particularly in Karachi, are overwhelmed with patients suffering from heat-related illnesses, prompting medical staff to work round the clock.

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar announced that the TVK regime, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, will take steps to ensure fair financial devolution from the Centre, including pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court. The government also plans to conduct a 'Social Justice Survey' and address the state's severe financial deterioration.

SC to hear plea on Ram Temple Trust fund embezzlement

SC to hear plea on Ram Temple Trust fund embezzlement

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for June 29 on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the registration of an FIR and a time-bound probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking arranged special bus services for students appearing in the NEET re-examination in Mumbai, deploying 60 buses on 24 routes for approximately 180 trips, despite an ongoing strike by its employees that has paralysed public transport.

Delhi University Halts St Stephen's Ex-Principal's Absorption

Delhi University Halts St Stephen's Ex-Principal's Absorption

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Delhi University has directed St Stephen's College to halt the absorption of former principal John Varghese into the English department, citing violations of UGC regulations and procedural errors.

Odisha Vigilance Raids Engineer, Seizes Crores In Cash And Assets

Odisha Vigilance Raids Engineer, Seizes Crores In Cash And Assets

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The Odisha Vigilance Department has uncovered assets worth crores of rupees, including over Rs 2 crore in cash, multiple properties, and gold, during raids on an assistant executive engineer. The engineer, Baikuntha Nath Behera, is under investigation for disproportionate assets. Separately, a lineman was arrested for accepting a bribe.

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.

After 10-days, amputated arm of ITBP jawan's mother sent for testing

After 10-days, amputated arm of ITBP jawan's mother sent for testing

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The amputated right arm of an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawan's mother has been deposited at a medical college for examination after a 10-day deadlock between police and health authorities. The case has sparked outrage and an investigation into alleged medical negligence.

Fake video on NEET-UG exam paper leak, says NTA

Fake video on NEET-UG exam paper leak, says NTA

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strongly refuted a video circulating on social media that falsely claims the NEET-UG 2026 paper was leaked, asserting that the recent re-examination was conducted successfully with comprehensive security measures.

Amputated Arm Of ITBP Jawan's Mother Sent For Examination: Here's Why

Amputated Arm Of ITBP Jawan's Mother Sent For Examination: Here's Why

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The amputated arm of an ITBP jawan's mother, which was stored at a police station after a hospital allegedly handed it to the family, has been sent for examination as part of a medical negligence investigation in Uttar Pradesh.

Why Samrat Choudhary Wants Rabri Out Of Her Bungalow

Why Samrat Choudhary Wants Rabri Out Of Her Bungalow

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'Har haal mein ghar khali karna hoga, koi mai ka lal nahi hai jo sarkari ghar khali nahi karega'.

Police Rescue Newborn Illegally Sold For Rs 1.7 Lakh

Police Rescue Newborn Illegally Sold For Rs 1.7 Lakh

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Police in Hyderabad rescued a 12-day-old male infant who was allegedly illegally sold for Rs 1.7 lakh to a childless couple through mediators. The transaction, which bypassed legal adoption procedures, was uncovered by the Child Welfare Department, leading to a 'Zero FIR' and ongoing investigation.

Visa drama leaves Ghana star out of FIFA World Cup opener

Visa drama leaves Ghana star out of FIFA World Cup opener

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada for a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Panama due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK, where he faces rape and sexual assault charges. Canada's Federal High Court upheld the visa refusal, despite Ghana's government calling the decision "extremely unfair" and questioning the reliance on unproven allegations.

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified that not all immigrants seeking green cards will be required to return to their home country to make such applications, partially walking back a previous announcement.

Pochettino's attacking blueprint shapes US mauling of Paraguay

Pochettino's attacking blueprint shapes US mauling of Paraguay

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Mauricio Pochettino's gameplan worked a treat in the United States' 4-1 win over Paraguay in their World Cup opener on Friday, the hosts showcasing an attacking fluidity and positional interplay that overwhelmed the South Americans.

One Tigress Cub Captured After Fatal Attacks In Chandrapur

One Tigress Cub Captured After Fatal Attacks In Chandrapur

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Forest personnel in Maharashtra have captured a cub of tigress T2, which killed four women in Chandrapur district. Efforts are underway to trap her three other cubs.

NTA calls NEET-UG 2026 paper leak video 'fake' amid re-exams

NTA calls NEET-UG 2026 paper leak video 'fake' amid re-exams

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strongly refuted a video circulating on social media that falsely claims the NEET-UG 2026 paper was leaked, asserting that the recent re-examination was conducted successfully with comprehensive security measures.

Kanpur: NSI Director, 4 Others Booked For Illegal Tree Felling

Kanpur: NSI Director, 4 Others Booked For Illegal Tree Felling

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

An FIR has been registered against five individuals, including the Director of the National Sugar Institute (NSI) in Kanpur, for the alleged illegal felling and uprooting of over 600 trees on the institute's campus. The case was filed after a complaint by a Regional Forest Officer, and an inspection revealed extensive unauthorised tree cutting over several months. Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the matter.

Iraq striker Hussein questioned for hours on arrival in US for FIFA World Cup

Iraq striker Hussein questioned for hours on arrival in US for FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare Airport before being allowed into the United States, while the team's photographer was denied entry ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab jails minister Dr Ravjot Singh has warned that jail superintendents and concerned officials will be held responsible for any violent incidents, security breaches, or administrative lapses within prisons, and will face strict disciplinary action.

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab jails minister Dr Ravjot Singh has warned that jail superintendents and concerned officials will be held responsible for any violent incidents, security breaches, or administrative lapses within prisons, and will face strict disciplinary action.

Bihar government withdraws Z-plus security for Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi

Bihar government withdraws Z-plus security for Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Bihar government has withdrawn the Z-plus security cover for RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, and Y-category security for Tej Pratap, following a review of VIP protection in the state. They will now receive security from the Bihar Special Armed Police.

Tragic Road Accident Claims Life Of Panna Police Constable

Tragic Road Accident Claims Life Of Panna Police Constable

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A 26-year-old police constable, Abhay Shrivas, was killed and his friend seriously injured when their car was hit by an unidentified speeding vehicle on National Highway 39 in Panna, Madhya Pradesh. The accident occurred early Friday morning, and police are scanning CCTV footage to identify the culprit.