News for 'Department of State'

No AGR relief for Vodafone Idea: MoS Telecom

No AGR relief for Vodafone Idea: MoS Telecom

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The telecom department is not contemplating providing any relief to Vodafone Idea with regard to adjusted gross revenue, Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said on Monday. "We have recently converted a lot of their debt into equity.

Now, OBC activist threatens protests over Maratha quota

Now, OBC activist threatens protests over Maratha quota

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced forming a committee to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members with historical evidence of their Kunbi heritage, a social group classified as an OBC in the state.

Tigress, 4 cubs found dead in K'taka forest; govt orders probe

Tigress, 4 cubs found dead in K'taka forest; govt orders probe

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Expressing sorrow over the incident, Khandre immediately ordered an investigation into the matter, which will be led by a team under the principal chief conservator of forests.

'Go back, you are late': Kangana faces protest in Manali

'Go back, you are late': Kangana faces protest in Manali

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Heated arguments were also witnessed when BJP leaders and others accompanying Kangana tried to pacify the residents, and police had to intervene to restore peace.

Downpour slows down Mumbai traffic, IMD issues alert

Downpour slows down Mumbai traffic, IMD issues alert

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Incessant rains and water-logging slowed down traffic in Mumbai, with the IMD issuing a 'red alert', predicting very heavy showers in the city and neighbouring areas. Commuters faced water accumulation on tracks and delays in local train services.

CRPF claims Rahul Gandhi violated protocol; intimidation, says Cong

CRPF claims Rahul Gandhi violated protocol; intimidation, says Cong

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

The sources said such communication was "routine" in nature and had been sent by the CRPF security wing in the context of Gandhi's security in the past too.

Lookout notice issued against Zubeen Garg's manager

Lookout notice issued against Zubeen Garg's manager

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday that lookout notices have been issued against North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and Zubeen Garg's manager Siddharth Sharma in the singer's death case.

Delhi on alert as Yamuna breaches danger mark; cremation ghats shut

Delhi on alert as Yamuna breaches danger mark; cremation ghats shut

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Rising Yamuna River levels flood low-lying areas of Delhi, displacing residents and disrupting businesses. Families struggle with loss of homes and livelihoods.

Around 500 cops deployed for TVK chief Vijay's Karur rally: Police

Around 500 cops deployed for TVK chief Vijay's Karur rally: Police

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Referring to the findings of the preliminary investigation, he denied the claims of a section that there was a stone pelting during the rally.

IIT Jodhpur professor assaults director during meeting, arrested

IIT Jodhpur professor assaults director during meeting, arrested

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

An assistant professor at IIT Jodhpur has been arrested for allegedly abusing and manhandling the institution's director during a departmental meeting. Both parties have filed counter-FIRs, and an investigation is underway.

After stampede, Chinnaswamy hosts games sans fans

After stampede, Chinnaswamy hosts games sans fans

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

The Maharaja Trophy, the state's top franchise-based T20 tournament, was also moved outside Bengaluru as police had rejected KSCA's proposal to host it behind closed doors. The tournament was played in Mysore behind closed doors.

Trump Loyalist US Ambassador To India

Trump Loyalist US Ambassador To India

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'For the most populous Region in the World, it is important that I have someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.'

New H-1B visa fee not for existing holders, clarifies US

New H-1B visa fee not for existing holders, clarifies US

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Donald Trump administration has clarified that the new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas does not apply to current visa holders and is a one-time payment only for new petitions.

Pleas filed opposing Maratha quota in Bombay HC

Pleas filed opposing Maratha quota in Bombay HC

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Petitions challenging the Maharashtra government's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to the Maratha community for reservation have been filed in the Bombay High Court. The pleas claim the decision is arbitrary and unconstitutional.

'Silence Wasn't Absence. It Was Grief'

'Silence Wasn't Absence. It Was Grief'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'We return to this space today, not with celebration but with care.'

Kashmir cut off from rest of India; Yamuna threatens Delhi

Kashmir cut off from rest of India; Yamuna threatens Delhi

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Incessant rains and flooding have caused widespread disruption in northern India, with states like Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir facing landslides, road closures, and displacement. Rescue efforts are underway as authorities grapple with the aftermath of the deluge.

Rs 1,000 Crore Tax Refunds Expected Before New I-T Law

Rs 1,000 Crore Tax Refunds Expected Before New I-T Law

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

'We want to clear these pending refunds so that no issues arise once the new I-T Act takes effect.'

What A Drive In Bihar Tells You About Coming Election

What A Drive In Bihar Tells You About Coming Election

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Nowhere are the stories of the coming election better told than on the roads of Bihar.

Monsoon withdrawal likely to begin around Sep 15: IMD

Monsoon withdrawal likely to begin around Sep 15: IMD

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from northwest India around September 15. This year's monsoon covered the country earlier than usual, resulting in surplus rainfall and extreme weather events.

'Petitioners not aggrieved': HC rejects PILs against Maratha quota

'Petitioners not aggrieved': HC rejects PILs against Maratha quota

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The Bombay high court on Thursday said it was not inclined to hear PILs against the Maharashtra government's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members for reservation, noting the petitioners were not aggrieved persons.

Bhujbal to challenge Maha order on Kunbi certificates, skips cabinet meet

Bhujbal to challenge Maha order on Kunbi certificates, skips cabinet meet

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal to challenge Maharashtra government's order expediting Kunbi caste certificates for Marathas, citing concerns from OBC leaders and seeking legal opinion on the government's authority to change people's caste.

Indore horror: Rats bite 2 newborns in hospital, one dies of pneumonia

Indore horror: Rats bite 2 newborns in hospital, one dies of pneumonia

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

Two newborn babies were bitten by rats at a government hospital in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, leading to an investigation and demands for accountability.

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

Heavy rains battered Jammu and Kashmir, triggering floods, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting normal life. Authorities issued advisories and rescue operations were conducted.

Javed Akhtar event postponed after Muslims protest

Javed Akhtar event postponed after Muslims protest

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

The West Bengal Urdu Academy has postponed a 'mushaira' featuring Javed Akhtar following protests by some Muslim groups who claim his comments hurt religious sentiments. Left student organizations condemn the postponement.

My intention was...: Ajit Pawar on video of 'rebuking' IPS officer

My intention was...: Ajit Pawar on video of 'rebuking' IPS officer

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accuses Ajit Pawar of protecting 'thieves' after a video surfaces showing Pawar allegedly chiding an IPS officer for taking action against illegal excavation. Raut demands Pawar's resignation.

Can't deny funds to states not implementing NEP: Parl panel

Can't deny funds to states not implementing NEP: Parl panel

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A parliamentary panel has criticized the Indian government for withholding funds from states that have not agreed to implement the PM SHRI schools scheme, calling the reasoning behind the decision "not factual or justified." The panel has recommended the immediate release of pending funds to states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, which have been significantly impacted by the delays.

Newly-married UP bizman killed in Pahalgam cremated with state honours

Newly-married UP bizman killed in Pahalgam cremated with state honours

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Shubham Dwivedi, a 31-year-old businessman from Kanpur who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, was cremated at his native village with full state honours on Thursday morning. The cremation was attended by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet ministers Yogendra Upadhyay and Rakesh Sachan, who placed wreaths on Dwivedi's mortal remains and offered their condolences to the bereaved family. A guard of honour was also presented to the departed soul. Dwivedi, who got married to Ashanya on February 12, was among the 26 persons, mostly tourists, who were killed on Tuesday at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Anantnag district in one of the most gruesome attacks targeting civilians in Kashmir in a long time.

Ankit, Siddarth shine but Central close in on Duleep glory

Ankit, Siddarth shine but Central close in on Duleep glory

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

South leads by a mere 64 runs, and Central should be able to surmount the target without much fuss on the fifth day on Monday.

'Next 48 hours crucial': 10 dead, hundreds displaced as rain lash Maha

'Next 48 hours crucial': 10 dead, hundreds displaced as rain lash Maha

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Heavy rains in Maharashtra have caused floods, road blockages, and widespread damage, resulting in casualties and displacement. The state government is monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue efforts.

Modi to meet Putin after Tianjin SCO Summit: Will Ukraine figure?

Modi to meet Putin after Tianjin SCO Summit: Will Ukraine figure?

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

During a special briefing in Tianjin, Misri confirmed that the prime minister will first address the SCO plenary session before meeting President Putin.

Maha minister Kokate shifted to sports ministry after rummy row

Maha minister Kokate shifted to sports ministry after rummy row

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate was shifted from the agriculture ministry to the sports and youth welfare department in a late-night reshuffle. Dattatrey Bharne will be the new agriculture minister. The reshuffle comes after Kokate faced controversy for playing online rummy during a legislative council session and allegedly equating farmers with beggars.

10-day Ganeshotsav begins in Maharashtra

10-day Ganeshotsav begins in Maharashtra

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The 10-day Ganesh festival has begun in Maharashtra, with devotees welcoming Lord Ganesha into their homes and public pandals. The state government has declared the celebrations a state festival for the first time.

Wife donates liver to husband, both die after transplant surgery

Wife donates liver to husband, both die after transplant surgery

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The Pune hospital has been directed to submit all details pertaining to the transplant procedure by Monday, Deputy Director of Health Services, Dr Nagnath Yempalle, said on Sunday.

Why was Deepa Bhasthi sidelined for Dasara inauguration? BJP to Sidda

Why was Deepa Bhasthi sidelined for Dasara inauguration? BJP to Sidda

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra questions the Congress government's decision to exclude Deepa Bhasthi, co-winner of the International Booker Prize, from inaugurating the Mysuru Dasara 2025.

Super 4 showdown: India looks to dominate Pakistan again

Super 4 showdown: India looks to dominate Pakistan again

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav will depend heavily on his spin troika as India gear up for yet another demolition act of Pakistan in what promises to be an intense and tense Super 4 face-off of the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday.

BMW crash: Accused tests -ve for alcohol, faces culpable homicide

BMW crash: Accused tests -ve for alcohol, faces culpable homicide

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Senior finance ministry official Navjot Singh, killed in a BMW crash, was cremated. The driver's alcohol test was negative, and an investigation is underway.

Flood fury from Himachal to Kerala; Kashmir breathes easy

Flood fury from Himachal to Kerala; Kashmir breathes easy

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Heavy rains across India have led to widespread flooding, causing damage to infrastructure, displacement of residents, and disruption of normal life. Rescue efforts are underway in affected areas.

Indore hospital under fire as rats bite, kill two newborns

Indore hospital under fire as rats bite, kill two newborns

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Contradictory statements from officials have surfaced regarding the post mortem examination in the case of two infants who died after being bitten by rats at a government-run hospital in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The incident has triggered investigations and disciplinary actions.

Mumbai receives over 200 mm rainfall in 24 hours

Mumbai receives over 200 mm rainfall in 24 hours

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Several parts of Mumbai received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, with Vikhroli reporting the highest downpour. The IMD reported significant rainfall in various areas of the city.

Five missing, several stranded as heavy rains lash Maha's Nanded

Five missing, several stranded as heavy rains lash Maha's Nanded

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

Heavy rains in Maharashtra's Nanded district have left five people missing and several others stranded. Rescue operations are underway with NDRF, military, and police teams coordinating efforts.