News for 'Department of State'

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The Bihar government has withdrawn the Z-plus security cover for RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, and Y-category security for Tej Pratap, following a review of VIP protection in the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.

UP Man Gets Life Sentence For Killing Employer

UP Man Gets Life Sentence For Killing Employer

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

A court in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district has sentenced a man to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 after convicting him of murdering his employer in 2022, police said on Tuesday.

Iran Coach Criticises Travel Restrictions After 2-2 World Cup Draw

Iran Coach Criticises Travel Restrictions After 2-2 World Cup Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said travel restrictions and visa-related disruptions hampered his team's World Cup preparations after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, claiming Iran had become the tournament's "most oppressed" side.

India Owes Iran $7 Billion!

India Owes Iran $7 Billion!

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Formerly Iran's second-largest oil customer, Indian financial institutions were forced to withhold crude oil payments following the 2018 US sanctions.

Market participants expect RBI to provide weekly updates on FCNR (B) inflows

Market participants expect RBI to provide weekly updates on FCNR (B) inflows

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Market participants are keenly awaiting regular, preferably weekly, updates from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank), or FCNR (B), deposits, following the central bank's directive for banks to submit daily data on these inflows.

US warns India against violating Hormuz blockade

US warns India against violating Hormuz blockade

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The US has warned India that any violation of its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated, a statement made amidst a diplomatic row over the deaths of Indian seafarers in US attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman.

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.

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.

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.

How Haryana's Auto-Mutation System Is Revolutionising Land Records

How Haryana's Auto-Mutation System Is Revolutionising Land Records

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Haryana has significantly reformed its land records administration, reducing pending mutation cases by over 90% and implementing an auto-mutation system. This digitisation effort aims to make land management faster, more transparent, and technology-driven, improving efficiency and public trust.

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.

'Op Tiger' successful, declares Fadnavis; breaking news soon, says Shinde

'Op Tiger' successful, declares Fadnavis; breaking news soon, says Shinde

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Amid the buzz over a split in the ranks of Lok Sabha MPs of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray through "Operation Tiger", Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the "operation" has been successful. His deputy and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde said he never leaves an operation incomplete.

Vance reaches Zurich for talks with Iran's 'Minab 168' delegation

Vance reaches Zurich for talks with Iran's 'Minab 168' delegation

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

US Vice President J D Vance is currently in Switzerland, leading critical technical talks with Iran to advance diplomatic efforts on Iran's nuclear programme and secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon, following a recently signed memorandum of understanding aimed at de-escalating West Asian hostilities.

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.

BEST bus strike: Mumbaikars continue to struggle for 2nd day

BEST bus strike: Mumbaikars continue to struggle for 2nd day

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

BEST employees continued their strike in Mumbai for a second day, causing significant disruption to public transport despite appeals from the Maharashtra Transport Minister and the invocation of MESMA. Commuters were forced to rely on alternative, overcrowded transport options, while the striking unions maintained their demands for budget merger, improved pay, and absorption of contractual workers.

Now, TMC rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh's son sends legal notice to Mamata

Now, TMC rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh's son sends legal notice to Mamata

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Rebel Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar's son Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar has sent a legal notice to former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and several TMC leaders, including Mahua Moitra, Kalyan Banerjee, Sougata Roy and Sonali Guha, denying allegations that he had sought a party ticket from the Barasat Assembly Constituency.

Texas: 1 dead, 10 injured in mass shooting; suspect killed

Texas: 1 dead, 10 injured in mass shooting; suspect killed

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A mass shooting incident in Midland, West Texas, resulted in one death and ten injuries. The suspect, Victor Mata Villarreal, who was already wanted for attempted capital murder, was found dead after a standoff with law enforcement. The incident involved an ambush on officers and a subsequent barricade, with authorities using advanced technology to resolve the situation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

'Actual implementation of the 14-point agreement is proving hard to achieve let alone striking and sustaining a long-term treaty or deal.'

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.

West Bengal Government Approves CBI Action In Corruption Cases

West Bengal Government Approves CBI Action In Corruption Cases

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The West Bengal government has granted the CBI sanction to proceed against officials accused in corruption cases linked to recruitments in schools and civic bodies.

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.

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.

Experts Call For National Policy To Boost Assistive Technology Market

Experts Call For National Policy To Boost Assistive Technology Market

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Experts highlight India's significant market potential for assistive technologies, estimated at Rs 75,000-95,000 crore by 2030. They advocate for a National Assistive Technology Policy to address current gaps in access and service delivery, fostering inclusion, independence, and economic participation for persons with disabilities and the elderly.

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.

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.

Meghalaya Government To Examine Limestone Mining Objections

Meghalaya Government To Examine Limestone Mining Objections

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has announced that the state government will review objections raised by pressure groups and villagers regarding the proposed limestone mining project in Jaintia Hills district.

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.