News for 'Department of State'

'Nobody is...': Tukaram Mundhe on notice to SRK, Ajay Devgn and Tiger

'Nobody is...': Tukaram Mundhe on notice to SRK, Ajay Devgn and Tiger

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Mundhe said the FDA was examining advertisements for products other than tobacco-related items and would act wherever misleading claims or other violations were found.

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has approved the deployment of sovereign artificial intelligence solutions from Sarvam AI for its departments, with a two-year outlay of Rs 11.26 crore. This initiative includes the Indus AI workspace for 2,500 users, ensuring government data remains within India, along with citizen outreach agents and speech models for the MahaAI platform.

Why Women Remain Under-Represented In Cabinets

Why Women Remain Under-Represented In Cabinets

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Lack of women in Karnataka's new council of ministers has put the spotlight once again on women's under-representation in politics and policy.

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Rediff.com6 days ago

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.

Supreme Court: 1978 'Industry' Definition Not for 2020 Labour Code

Supreme Court: 1978 'Industry' Definition Not for 2020 Labour Code

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Supreme Court, in a 6:3 majority verdict, has ruled that the expansive, labour-friendly definition of 'industry' from its 1978 Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board judgement will not be used for interpreting the Industrial Relations Code of 2020. However, the 'triple test' from the 1978 verdict will still apply to pending cases under the now-repealed 1947 Industrial Disputes Act.

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Rediff.com16 hours ago

Nepal is grappling with one of its worst disasters in recent years as massive flash floods, triggered by an ice avalanche, have claimed 270 lives and left thousands missing across multiple districts, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

CJP team attacked in Rajasthan during 'School Thik Karo' campaign

CJP team attacked in Rajasthan during 'School Thik Karo' campaign

Rediff.com7 days ago

A Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) team, inspecting a government school in Rampura Kanwarpura village, Rajasthan, as part of its 'School Thik Karo' campaign, was allegedly attacked by villagers and BJP workers. CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka claimed their workers were assaulted, vehicles damaged, and women supporters roughed up, accusing the state police of inaction.

Iran knew Trump's exact location in Turkey, including his hotel floor

Iran knew Trump's exact location in Turkey, including his hotel floor

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

US intelligence agencies intercepted information indicating Iran had precise details of President Donald Trump's location in Ankara during a NATO summit, prompting a secretive departure due to a specific surface-to-air missile threat and the presence of a shoulder-fired missile near the summit.

Govt Orders Quick Response Teams Against Fake Posts

Govt Orders Quick Response Teams Against Fake Posts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The move comes days after the Delhi police said false information linked to the recent students' protest was being circulated through fake social media posts.

After Gen z, Gen Alpha steps out of classrooms in protest

After Gen z, Gen Alpha steps out of classrooms in protest

Rediff.com2 days ago

Across India, Gen Alpha students (born between 2010 and 2024) are increasingly taking to the streets to protest against poor school infrastructure, lack of teachers, and unhygienic conditions, leading to some significant wins and drawing attention to the declining state of public education.

Brazil Delegation Inspects Kolkata Ahead Of India Friendly

Brazil Delegation Inspects Kolkata Ahead Of India Friendly

Rediff.com6 days ago

A delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) visited Kolkata to inspect venues and infrastructure for the upcoming international friendly against India on October 3. The inspection covered the stadium, training facilities, accommodation, and security, with West Bengal's Sports Minister assuring world-class arrangements.

Bombay HC flags Aadhaar, PAN card fraud by infiltrators

Bombay HC flags Aadhaar, PAN card fraud by infiltrators

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Bombay High Court has identified a worrying trend of foreign nationals infiltrating India, fraudulently acquiring documents like Aadhaar and PAN cards to claim Indian citizenship. The court highlighted serious gaps in inter-agency coordination and document verification, noting that some individuals have engaged in anti-national activities. It urged the Centre to amend the Aadhaar Act to facilitate tracing and deportation, and to establish procedures for dealing with human trafficking and border infiltration. The ruling came during a case involving an Afghan national who overstayed his visa and obtained fake documents to secure an Indian passport.

'China didn't inform, Nepal toll could rise unbelievably'

'China didn't inform, Nepal toll could rise unbelievably'

Rediff.com22 hours ago

Nepal's former Forest and Environment Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain has expressed concern over the lack of timely information exchange with China ahead of the devastating floods, stating that the disaster's scale could lead to an 'unbelievable' rise in the death toll.

SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Supreme Court has agreed to constitute a special bench to address the Centre's plea regarding the applicability of its March 11 judgment on OBC creamy-layer criteria to candidates of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation for 958 recommended candidates based on the creamy-layer determination applied before the verdict, citing potential unequal treatment and disruption to training schedules.

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Rediff.com30 May 2026

International water sports star Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt case against the Jammu and Kashmir sports department for withholding her salary for over two-and-a-half years, despite a tribunal order to release it.

West Asia Crisis May Hit FY27 Fiscal Deficit

West Asia Crisis May Hit FY27 Fiscal Deficit

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The fiscal consolidation path and Rs 1 trillion stabilisation fund provide room to absorb mild shocks, but sustained oil-price increases pose risks.

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Goa has successfully completed its first pilot drone-skilling workshop for 12 women and plans to train 100 women annually under the Goa Drone Didi Training Scheme. This initiative aims to promote drone technology, rural livelihoods, and women-led entrepreneurship, aligning with the Centre's Namo Drone Didi programme.

Ladakh sets precedent with 4 percent job reservation for outstanding sportspersons

Ladakh sets precedent with 4 percent job reservation for outstanding sportspersons

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Ladakh has approved a four per cent reservation for outstanding sportspersons in Group 'C' government jobs, becoming the first Union Territory in India to implement such a fixed quota. This initiative aims to provide financial security and career opportunities for talented athletes, fostering an ecosystem where sporting excellence is recognised and rewarded.

Guj CID busts Rs 1,071 cr China-linked cybercrime ring, 'mastermind' held

Guj CID busts Rs 1,071 cr China-linked cybercrime ring, 'mastermind' held

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Gujarat CID has arrested Rafiqul Alam, the alleged 'mastermind' behind 1,090 cybercrimes totalling Rs 1,071.5 crore, who was found to have links with China-based criminals and converted illicit funds into cryptocurrencies.

How IIT Dhanbad's New Optical Sensor Revolutionises Structural Monitoring

How IIT Dhanbad's New Optical Sensor Revolutionises Structural Monitoring

Rediff.com7 days ago

Researchers at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad have secured a patent for a novel temperature-independent optical sensor designed to precisely measure structural tilt in two directions. This lightweight sensor, utilising Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology, offers enhanced monitoring capabilities for various applications including bridges, robotics, aerospace, and geotechnical systems, promising low maintenance and long-term stability checks.

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A veteran White House reporter has revealed that the Clinton administration used a decoy aircraft during President Bill Clinton's high-risk visit to Pakistan in 2000, a security measure disclosed to journalists off-the-record due to the significant dangers involved.

IIT Madras Faculty Honoured With ANRF J C Bose Grant For Research Excellence

IIT Madras Faculty Honoured With ANRF J C Bose Grant For Research Excellence

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Six faculty members from IIT Madras have been awarded the prestigious ANRF J C Bose Grant, recognising their outstanding research contributions in engineering and science. The highly competitive grant provides Rs 25 lakh annually for five years to support frontier research.

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government has cancelled 44 recruitment examinations conducted by the state Public Service Commission (JPSC) and an outsourced agency since 2014, including the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, following a 25-day student agitation over alleged irregularities. This decision has led to protests from around 2,000 candidates who had already been appointed to various state government departments after clearing the JSSC-CGL exam.

Maharashtra to amend law to make Marathi mandatory for cab drivers

Maharashtra to amend law to make Marathi mandatory for cab drivers

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, making 'working knowledge of Marathi language' mandatory for cab drivers, with non-compliance potentially leading to suspension or revocation of driving licences.

Indian man held in US for multi-million-dollar fraud targeting elderly

Indian man held in US for multi-million-dollar fraud targeting elderly

Rediff.com6 days ago

An Indian national, Jay Sunilbharthi Goswami, has been arrested and charged in the US for his alleged role as a "money mule" in a multi-million-dollar internet and telephone fraud scheme targeting elderly victims. Goswami, a Gujarat native, was detained in Canada while attempting to flee to Qatar, facing charges including wire fraud and money laundering.

Bank unions threaten strike on Sept 11 over 5-day banking

Bank unions threaten strike on Sept 11 over 5-day banking

Rediff.com4 days ago

If the strike materialises, banking services, especially in public sector banks, would be impacted for four days in many parts of the country. September 11 is a Friday, and the subsequent two days are bank holidays.

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Rediff.com1 days ago

A massive flash flood originating in Tibet has devastated central Nepal, killing 17 people and leaving nearly 500 missing, including 105 Indians. The deluge, caused by a rock slide near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept through districts, washing away bridges and severely damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects.

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Two Indian-origin individuals, Pritesh Walia, a jazz guitarist, and Venkata Vasamsetty, a green-card holder grandmother, have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in separate cases, highlighting the Trump administration's intensified deportation and enforcement drive.

Jharkhand exam stir: Students plan CM residence gherao on Aug 30

Jharkhand exam stir: Students plan CM residence gherao on Aug 30

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Students protesting against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment exams announced burning the effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi in all districts on Sunday, accusing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-Congress alliance of "failing to take concrete action" on their demands.

Mundhe urges people not to buy loose edible oil

Mundhe urges people not to buy loose edible oil

Rediff.com7 days ago

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has urged consumers to avoid buying loose or unsealed edible oil due to safety concerns, announcing a compliance order for the entire edible oil sector after detecting widespread violations, including adulteration and improper packaging.

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has banned the literature of terrorist organisations such as Islamic State, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment, and Al Qaeda (AQIS), citing its content glorifying violent extremism, promoting radicalisation, and providing information on bomb-making and lone-wolf attacks.

India sees Rs 4,896 crore FDI in 29 projects after easing China stake norms

India sees Rs 4,896 crore FDI in 29 projects after easing China stake norms

Rediff.com6 days ago

India has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth approximately 4,896 crore across 29 projects since May, following the government's relaxation of norms under Press Note 2 of 2026. The revised rules permit investment without government approval from entities with up to 10 per cent non-controlling ownership by land-bordering countries.

How Max Hospital Performed North India's First Four-Way Paired Kidney Transplant

How Max Hospital Performed North India's First Four-Way Paired Kidney Transplant

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, successfully performed North India's first four-way paired kidney transplant, involving four patients and four donors from different states. This complex procedure addressed blood-group and immunological incompatibilities, offering a new avenue for patients needing transplants.

Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre rushes expert team to Gujarat, Rajasthan

Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre rushes expert team to Gujarat, Rajasthan

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Union health ministry has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to strengthen the response to the ongoing Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) outbreak.

Karnataka organisations divided over Cauvery water bandh call

Karnataka organisations divided over Cauvery water bandh call

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A call for a strike by the Federation of Kannada organisations against the CWMA's directive to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu has seen mixed support, with many groups offering only moral backing while essential services and schools are expected to function normally.

Chaos at Abhishek Banerjee's office as civic body removes TMC billboard

Chaos at Abhishek Banerjee's office as civic body removes TMC billboard

Rediff.com15 hours ago

Private guards at Ttrinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's office, his supporters and some party leaders on Thursday scuffled with police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, trying to prevent them from entering the building on Camac Street and dismantling an "unauthorised" billboard.

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Hotel officials claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit. A woman from Kolkata, who managed to escape the blaze, recalled the panic inside the hotel.

Let's Not Get Flattered By Sergei Gor's Kashmir Remarks

Let's Not Get Flattered By Sergei Gor's Kashmir Remarks

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

New Delhi must look for formal, institutional statements issued directly from Washington rather than rely on casual pronouncements meant for local audiences, notes Ambassador Rajasekhar.

Assam floods death toll rises to 87, 1.3 lakh affected

Assam floods death toll rises to 87, 1.3 lakh affected

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Assam's flood toll has climbed to 87 with two new fatalities, even as water levels recede in most inundated areas, affecting nearly 1.3 lakh people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, which could impact several bordering Assam districts.

Consumer forum lifts liquor seller's spirits, tells insurer to pay Rs 1.2 cr

Consumer forum lifts liquor seller's spirits, tells insurer to pay Rs 1.2 cr

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

A consumer disputes commission in Mumbai has directed National Insurance Company Ltd to pay a liquor wholesaler over 1.2 crore for stock ruined during the 2017 Mumbai floods, deeming the claim rejection 'arbitrary and unreasonable'.