News for 'Department of State'

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Despite facing financial constraints, Kerala has been able to invest in welfare schemes and targeted programmes.

Downpour swells Chennai reservoirs; schools, colleges shut

Downpour swells Chennai reservoirs; schools, colleges shut

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Heavy rains continue to batter Tamil Nadu, causing a rise in reservoir levels and prompting a red alert. Schools and colleges are closed in several districts as authorities prepare for potential flooding.

Not new weapons, but...: US on missile sales to Pak

Not new weapons, but...: US on missile sales to Pak

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

In a statement, the US embassy said the Department of War's September 30 announcement referred to "an amendment to an existing Foreign Military Sales contract for sustainment and spares for several countries, including Pakistan."

India to resume postal services to US from Oct 15

India to resume postal services to US from Oct 15

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

"The postal tariffs will remain unchanged, ensuring that exporters continue to benefit from affordable international delivery rates while complying with the revised US import requirements. This measure has been introduced to maintain affordability, support MSMEs, and boost India's exports through the postal channel," India Post said.

Delhi blast: Al Falah University's AIU membership suspended

Delhi blast: Al Falah University's AIU membership suspended

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended the membership of Al Falah University due to its connection to the Red Fort blast case.

Trump To Boost Pak's F-16s With AIM-120 Missiles

Trump To Boost Pak's F-16s With AIM-120 Missiles

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

The development comes as relations between the two countries showed marked improvement following the four-day military conflict between Pakistan and India in May.

US hits 8th drug vessel, this time in Pacific; 2 killed

US hits 8th drug vessel, this time in Pacific; 2 killed

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

The United States on Wednesday struck an alleged drug vessel, an eighth such attack by the US, on the Pacific side of South America, according to Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, as reported by CBS News.

INDIA bloc promises jobs, pension, free power in Bihar manifesto

INDIA bloc promises jobs, pension, free power in Bihar manifesto

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The INDIA bloc has released its manifesto for the Bihar assembly polls, promising jobs, restoration of the old pension scheme, and free power, among other things.

Accused of 'fundraising' for Bihar polls, Karnataka CM says...

Accused of 'fundraising' for Bihar polls, Karnataka CM says...

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refuted BJP's claims of Congress funding Bihar elections and defended the state's decision on mandatory permissions for using public premises, stating it's a continuation of a previous BJP policy.

India-US Trade Deal In Final Lap!

India-US Trade Deal In Final Lap!

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

'As far as the contentious issues such as agriculture are concerned, we are finding some common ground.'

How Your Grievances Can Be Fixed!

How Your Grievances Can Be Fixed!

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

CPGRAMS -- an online platform available to citizens 24x7 to lodge their grievances to public authorities on service delivery -- has existed for close to two decades. But it has never been this active, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

NBA to review betting rules after player, coach arrests

NBA to review betting rules after player, coach arrests

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

According to the memo, the NBA said that with sports betting occupying a significant part of the current sports landscape, every effort must be made to ensure that players and coaches are aware of the "dire risks" that gambling can impose upon their careers and livelihoods.

Jolt to Ukraine peace as Putin-Trump meet likely to be stalled

Jolt to Ukraine peace as Putin-Trump meet likely to be stalled

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

This comes despite Russia on Monday stating that Lavrov and Rubio held a "constructive" conversation as part of preparations for the meeting between their two presidents in Budapest, Hungary, Russian media has reported.

Centre to bring new drug law after MP cough syrup deaths

Centre to bring new drug law after MP cough syrup deaths

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

A new law is being proposed to grant statutory powers to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.

'Wangchuk's right to dissent stifled': SC to hear wife's plea on Nov 24

'Wangchuk's right to dissent stifled': SC to hear wife's plea on Nov 24

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Ladakh administration regarding the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk's wife has filed a plea challenging the detention, claiming it violates his fundamental rights. The court has given the Centre and Ladakh administration 10 days to respond and has scheduled the next hearing for November 24.

Telangana bus crash: Newborn, mother among 19 killed

Telangana bus crash: Newborn, mother among 19 killed

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

Survivors recount the horrific Telangana bus accident that claimed 19 lives, detailing the scene and the impact on affected families.

Where Are Usha, J D Vance Headed To?

Where Are Usha, J D Vance Headed To?

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Vice President J D Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance departed Joint Base Andrews and aboard Air Force Two, heading to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, where he will attend a ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

Digital arrests strike at trust and faith of people in law: SC

Digital arrests strike at trust and faith of people in law: SC

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has taken serious note of the digital arrest of a senior citizen couple in Haryana based on forged orders, highlighting the rising number of such cases and seeking responses from the Centre and CBI.

WC: Unhappy GM Nepomniachtchi checks out after shock loss

WC: Unhappy GM Nepomniachtchi checks out after shock loss

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'...There's nothing to say about the chess aspect... One of those places that you don't feel sad about leaving.'

Accused being taken to police station stabs cop to death

Accused being taken to police station stabs cop to death

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

A 42-year-old constable was allegedly stabbed to death by a habitual offender while being taken to a police station in Nizamabad. Police have launched a manhunt for the accused.

'No Kings' protests draw 7 mn across US against Trump policies

'No Kings' protests draw 7 mn across US against Trump policies

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

According to the police, the widespread rallies have been largely peaceful with no reports of incidents or arrests.

India Opens Doors To Foreign Banks, But...

India Opens Doors To Foreign Banks, But...

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

But selectively, with regulatory scrutiny and special approval, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Sikkim opens strategic border areas for tourism

Sikkim opens strategic border areas for tourism

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Sikkim government has announced the opening of Doka-La and Cho-La battlefields for domestic tourists starting October 1, under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative. Strict guidelines for security and environmental protection will be in place.

When Will Vijay Smell The Coffee?

When Will Vijay Smell The Coffee?

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

TVK cadres are worried, the leadership looks weak, and the party is not fully prepared for the 2026 elections, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

The Queue For US Visa Just Got Longer

The Queue For US Visa Just Got Longer

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

As of September 2025, the expected time of interview appointments for visitor visa (B-1/B-2) at New Delhi was 12 months, far more than the time at other US consulates in the capital cities of top economies of the world.

Make RCB stampede report public: Karnataka HC tells state govt

Make RCB stampede report public: Karnataka HC tells state govt

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Karnataka High Court has ordered the state government to publicly disclose its status report on the stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4.

SC vows iron-handed crackdown on Rs 3,000 cr digital arrest scams

SC vows iron-handed crackdown on Rs 3,000 cr digital arrest scams

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the rising cases of digital arrest cybercrime in India, where fraudsters extort money from victims by posing as law enforcement officials. The court has vowed to deal with such cases with an iron hand and has sought reports from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the CBI.

US denies reports of supplying advanced missiles to Pakistan

US denies reports of supplying advanced missiles to Pakistan

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The United States has refuted reports that it will supply new advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) to Pakistan, clarifying that a recent contract amendment only covers sustainment and spare parts.

J-K teachers warned against criticising govt policies online

J-K teachers warned against criticising govt policies online

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The chief education officer (CEO) of Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir directed teaching and non-teaching staff employed under the department to refrain from criticising government policies on social media, warning them of punitive action, including dismissal from service.

Explained: Trump's H1 Order Decoded

Explained: Trump's H1 Order Decoded

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

A deep dive into Trump's new policy and what it means for Indian professionals and companies.

Shinde's X handle hacked; images of Pak, Turkey flags posted

Shinde's X handle hacked; images of Pak, Turkey flags posted

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's 'X' handle was hacked, with images of Pakistan and Turkey flags posted. The account was recovered in 45 minutes. Congress leader Nana Patole raised concerns about cyber security.

Red alert issued in Mumbai, extremely heavy rainfall likely

Red alert issued in Mumbai, extremely heavy rainfall likely

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red alert', warning of extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts on Sunday, extending the wet patch in the region.

Rain lashes AP, Odisha as 'Montha' turns into severe cyclonic storm

Rain lashes AP, Odisha as 'Montha' turns into severe cyclonic storm

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) issued high sea waves, up to 4.7 metres high, warning across several coastal districts.

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to visit the shrine. She participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies during her visit.

'War is over in Gaza': Trump as Israel, Hamas free captives

'War is over in Gaza': Trump as Israel, Hamas free captives

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Trump described the his Israel visit as "a very special time," calling it a moment filled with excitement and unity.

Kerala puts PM SHRI project on hold under CPI pressure

Kerala puts PM SHRI project on hold under CPI pressure

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

The Kerala government will review the implementation of the Centre's PM SHRI scheme in the state following controversies and concerns. A cabinet sub-committee has been formed to study the scheme, and further proceedings are on hold pending the committee's report.

Cough syrup deaths: MP minister blames Tamil Nadu govt

Cough syrup deaths: MP minister blames Tamil Nadu govt

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Madhya Pradesh minister Narendra Shivaji Patel blames the Tamil Nadu government for the deaths of 20 children due to contaminated cough syrup, citing negligence in inspecting medicines. The Tamil Nadu government has banned the sale of the syrup and ordered its removal from the market. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh criticizes the food and drug department's administration.

US Sanctions May Not Stop Russian Oil Flow To India

US Sanctions May Not Stop Russian Oil Flow To India

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Sanctioning Russian oil would have led to a sharp surge in oil prices to above $80 per barrel levels, which would impact pump prices in the US ahead of midterm elections next year.

Cyclone Montha lashes Andhra, Odisha; 76K in relief camps, flights cancelled

Cyclone Montha lashes Andhra, Odisha; 76K in relief camps, flights cancelled

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Severe cyclonic storm 'Montha' has begun making landfall off the Andhra Pradesh coast, with the process expected to continue for the next three to four hours. The storm is expected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph.

Violent mob attacks convoy carrying accused in Zubeen death case

Violent mob attacks convoy carrying accused in Zubeen death case

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

An agitated mob attacked a convoy carrying the accused in cultural icon Zubeen Garg's death case in Assam, leading to violence, property damage, and internet shutdowns.