News for 'Department of State'

Mexico agrees to host Iran team during FIFA World Cup

Mexico agrees to host Iran team during FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday her government agreed to allow the Iranian national football team to stay in Mexico during the World Cup, adding that the United States did not want to host the team.

Cooperative Official Arrested In Odisha For Rs 75 Lakh Fraud

Cooperative Official Arrested In Odisha For Rs 75 Lakh Fraud

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Odisha Vigilance arrested a cooperative official, Tarini Prasad Tripathy, for his alleged involvement in a Rs 75 lakh fraud case at K Singhpur Large Area Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society (LAMPCS) in Rayagada district.

New CM Shivakumar battles discontent over portfolio allocation

New CM Shivakumar battles discontent over portfolio allocation

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Karnataka Minister K H Muniyappa has publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the portfolio allocation in the new D K Shivakumar government, citing a lack of consideration for seniority. He urged the Congress leadership to review the assignments, highlighting his preference for portfolios like Social Welfare or Agriculture, and noted that another senior minister, Ramalinga Reddy, also resigned over the issue.

Kerala Government Forms SIT For 'Kafir Screenshot' Election Cases

Kerala Government Forms SIT For 'Kafir Screenshot' Election Cases

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Kerala government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe two 'kafir screenshot' cases that caused a political storm during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign in Vadakara constituency. The cases involve alleged communal polarisation and the circulation of fake messages against LDF candidate K K Shailaja, with the new SIT reopening a previously inconclusive investigation.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

'Himanta Biswa Sarma Is the Answer': Sushmita Dev

'Himanta Biswa Sarma Is the Answer': Sushmita Dev

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

'It's a bit uncertain. Let's see what happens. But he is the top man of Assam, and since my politics is in Assam, I thought it's best to seek his guidance before I take any decision.'

St Stephen's College Appoints First Woman Principal Despite DU Objections

St Stephen's College Appoints First Woman Principal Despite DU Objections

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

St Stephen's College has appointed Susan Elias as its 14th principal, despite objections from Delhi University (DU) regarding alleged violations of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. Elias is the first woman to hold the position in the college's 145-year history.

West Bengal Approves Prosecution Of Former Medical College Principal

West Bengal Approves Prosecution Of Former Medical College Principal

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The West Bengal government has sanctioned the prosecution of Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with a case of financial irregularities.

'In Situation Room, to make final determination': Trump on Iran truce

'In Situation Room, to make final determination': Trump on Iran truce

Rediff.com30 May 2026

In a development that could reshape West Asia's security landscape, US President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will convene an emergency meeting in the White House Situation Room to make a final decision on a broad, multi-part peace deal with Iran.

Ebola fears: Another Sudanese hospitalised in Hyderabad, Ugandan girl isolated in Jaipur

Ebola fears: Another Sudanese hospitalised in Hyderabad, Ugandan girl isolated in Jaipur

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

A Sudanese national with fever was admitted to the state-run Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, taking the total number of Ebola-related admissions at the facility to two, officials said on Friday, while a 19-year-old woman from Uganda has been admitted to a government hospital in Jaipur after showing symptoms similar to Ebola virus infection.

Maharashtra Sends Samples For Avian Flu Testing

Maharashtra Sends Samples For Avian Flu Testing

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Maharashtra health department is sending samples from poultry workers in Nandurbar district to the National Institute of Virology for human avian flu testing as a precautionary measure after a bird flu outbreak.

Odisha Gymnastics Body Apologises For Late President's Name On Letterhead

Odisha Gymnastics Body Apologises For Late President's Name On Letterhead

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Odisha Gymnastics Association secretary has apologised for using the late president's name on official letterheads, attributing it to an unintentional mistake after reports surfaced regarding invoices issued under the deceased president's name.

PHF Clears Dues, Boosts Morale Ahead Of FIH Pro League And World Cup

PHF Clears Dues, Boosts Morale Ahead Of FIH Pro League And World Cup

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has paid its players daily allowances and bonuses in advance for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches and the Hockey World Cup, aiming to boost morale and focus. This move includes clearing PKR 4.5 million in dues and increasing daily allowances to USD 110, following their qualification for the World Cup after an eight-year absence.

Indian-Origin Man In US Faces Denaturalisation Over Fraud

Indian-Origin Man In US Faces Denaturalisation Over Fraud

Rediff.com9 May 2026

A 62-year-old Indian-origin man, now a US citizen, faces denaturalisation proceedings for allegedly defrauding investors of USD 2.5 million and concealing this from US authorities.

US, Iran close to a 'very good deal', says Trump; signals tough action if...

US, Iran close to a 'very good deal', says Trump; signals tough action if...

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump indicated that a peace deal with Iran is possible, but stressed that military action remains an option if talks fail. He emphasised the need for guarantees against nuclear weapons in any agreement.

Kerala Ministers Allege CPI(M)-BJP Understanding Amid ED Raids

Kerala Ministers Allege CPI(M)-BJP Understanding Amid ED Raids

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Kerala ministers deny allegations of a Congress-BJP operation behind ED searches at residences linked to Marxist veteran Pinarayi Vijayan, claiming instead that the CPI(M) had an understanding with the BJP. They also downplayed the significance of the searches and the meeting between the Kerala CM and the Prime Minister.

Bengal mulls holding centres near Bangladesh border

Bengal mulls holding centres near Bangladesh border

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The West Bengal government is considering establishing holding centres near the Petrapole border in North 24 Parganas district to manage growing movement and congestion in border areas.

Trump to put his pic in limited edition American passports

Trump to put his pic in limited edition American passports

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The US State Department is set to release a limited-edition passport featuring images of President Donald Trump and the Founding Fathers to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in July. The special passports will be available in person at the Washington Passport Agency.

Rajasthan Police To Combat Child Labour, Trafficking

Rajasthan Police To Combat Child Labour, Trafficking

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Rajasthan Police will launch a month-long special campaign against child labour, bonded child labour, and human trafficking from June 1. The campaign, titled "Umang-7", will continue till June 30 across the state.

Bengal sanctions prosecution of RG Kar ex-principal in graft case

Bengal sanctions prosecution of RG Kar ex-principal in graft case

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The West Bengal government has sanctioned the prosecution of Sandip Ghosh, former principal of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with a case of financial irregularities. The decision follows a Calcutta High Court order and subsequent investigations by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate.

Revanth unveils NTR statue in outreach to TDP sympathisers

Revanth unveils NTR statue in outreach to TDP sympathisers

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy unveiled a statue of TDP founder N T Rama Rao in Hyderabad, aiming to appeal to TDP supporters ahead of upcoming civic polls. The move is seen as an attempt by the Congress to gain ground in areas with a significant Andhra Pradesh-native voter base.

'Deal largely negotiated', claims Trump; Iran responds

'Deal largely negotiated', claims Trump; Iran responds

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Donald Trump claims a peace deal with Iran is 'largely negotiated' after calls with Israel and other allies, but Iran rejects Trump's claim on Strait of Hormuz.

Kerala Government Orders Probe Into Periya Murder Parole

Kerala Government Orders Probe Into Periya Murder Parole

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has ordered an urgent inquiry into the parole granted to the accused in the Periya twin murder case, following political concern and scrutiny.

New TN cabinet vows break from Dravidian-era governance

New TN cabinet vows break from Dravidian-era governance

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Following the swearing-in of C Joseph Vijay as Tamil Nadu's chief minister, the new cabinet has pledged a 'white paper' audit of all state departments and a 'zero-interference' policy in administration, signalling a significant shift in governance.

Sikkim Police Investigate Fake Amit Shah Merger Document

Sikkim Police Investigate Fake Amit Shah Merger Document

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Sikkim home department has filed an FIR to investigate the creation and circulation of a forged document falsely attributed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which claimed a merger of Sikkim and Darjeeling.

Nagaland Launches 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan' For Remote Areas

Nagaland Launches 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan' For Remote Areas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Nagaland has launched the 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan -- Sabse Dur, Sabse Pehle' campaign to ensure government welfare schemes and essential services reach remote areas and underserved communities.

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Iran's national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of its three FIFA World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament.

Bengal lunches probe into Abhishek Banerjee-linked Diamond Harbour FC

Bengal lunches probe into Abhishek Banerjee-linked Diamond Harbour FC

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik has announced an investigation into Diamond Harbour FC, a football club linked to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. The probe will examine complaints regarding the club's formation, funding sources, expenditure, and alleged illegal occupation of training grounds. The Sports department is collaborating with the Indian Football Association on the inquiry.

Maharashtra Revenue Officials Arrested For Alleged Bribery

Maharashtra Revenue Officials Arrested For Alleged Bribery

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Two women staffers of the revenue department have been arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 to update land records in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, officials said on Friday.

High Court Seeks Solution For Juvenile Homes' Funding Delay

High Court Seeks Solution For Juvenile Homes' Funding Delay

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the delay in the release of funds to NGO-run juvenile homes operating under the Mission Vatsalya scheme, warning of action if a solution is not presented by May 29.

Over Rs 2.56 Crore Unaccounted Cash Seized In Gujarat

Over Rs 2.56 Crore Unaccounted Cash Seized In Gujarat

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Police in Dahod, Gujarat, seized over Rs 2.56 crore in unaccounted cash from a car during a routine vehicle check. The cash was being transported from a courier firm to Vadodara, and the driver could not provide documentation for the money's source.

Iran to play FIFA World Cup warm-up games behind closed doors

Iran to play FIFA World Cup warm-up games behind closed doors

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Iran will play their final World Cup warm-up behind closed doors in Turkey on Thursday before departing for their tournament base in Mexico on Saturday.

'Evict me by force': Rabri Devi dares Bihar govt over Patna bungalow

'Evict me by force': Rabri Devi dares Bihar govt over Patna bungalow

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi has refused to vacate a government bungalow in Patna, daring the current CM to evict her by force. The dispute arose after the bungalow was allotted to another minister.

UP Police Nab Wildlife Trafficker, Rescue Parrots

UP Police Nab Wildlife Trafficker, Rescue Parrots

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force arrested an alleged interstate wildlife trafficker in Gorakhpur and rescued 100 protected rose-ringed parrots from his possession.

IIT Guwahati Develops Innovative Semiconductor Platform

IIT Guwahati Develops Innovative Semiconductor Platform

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'Our research demonstrates the potential of perovskite-based semiconductor technologies for next-generation solar cells and memory devices.'

Odisha Engineer Under Scrutiny For Alleged Disproportionate Assets

Odisha Engineer Under Scrutiny For Alleged Disproportionate Assets

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A government engineer in Odisha's Bhadrak district is under investigation after the Vigilance Department allegedly discovered multiple assets, including land plots and residential buildings, disproportionate to his known income sources.

Why Did CID Visit Abhishek Banerjee's Home Again?

Why Did CID Visit Abhishek Banerjee's Home Again?

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

CID officers visited TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee's residence for the second time in 48 hours regarding a signature forgery case. This occurred after Banerjee requested a 15-day extension due to health reasons. The investigation concerns alleged forged signatures of party legislators submitted to the assembly secretariat.

Karnataka Bans Obscene Songs In School Cultural Events

Karnataka Bans Obscene Songs In School Cultural Events

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Karnataka School Education Department has banned children from dancing to obscene songs in educational and cultural programmes, citing negative impacts on mental health and moral values.

Croatia grab late win to beat Slovenia in World Cup warm-up

Croatia grab late win to beat Slovenia in World Cup warm-up

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Luka Modric scored to put Croatia ahead before they edged Slovenia 2-1 in the international friendly before the World Cup.

Bengal CM Denies Vendetta In Signature Forgery Probe

Bengal CM Denies Vendetta In Signature Forgery Probe

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denies political vendetta in the signature forgery probe involving TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, stating the investigation stems from complaints by TMC MLAs.