News for 'Department's Spokesperson'

US to close consulate in Pak's Peshawar citing personnel's safety

US to close consulate in Pak's Peshawar citing personnel's safety

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The State Department spokesperson said the US will continue to engage meaningfully with the people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people.

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Rediff.com4 days ago

Donald Trump has strongly refuted claims of a munitions shortage and denied any confrontation with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, labelling the reports as "fake news" and asserting the nation's robust military production capabilities.

Air India Phuket-Delhi Incident Probe Widens

Air India Phuket-Delhi Incident Probe Widens

Rediff.com8 hours ago

=The investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's sudden altitude variation and the actions of the flight crew.

Four bodies found after 10 climbers, including Nirmal Purja, missing on Broad Peak

Four bodies found after 10 climbers, including Nirmal Purja, missing on Broad Peak

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A search and rescue operation is underway for at least 10 climbers, including renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who are missing on Pakistan's Broad Peak following a suspected avalanche on Thursday.

FIFA To Hear Iran's Complaint Over US World Cup Travel Rules

FIFA To Hear Iran's Complaint Over US World Cup Travel Rules

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Iranian football team is facing significant travel restrictions in the US during the World Cup, requiring them to enter and leave within 24 hours of matches. This has led the Football Federation of Iran to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, citing concerns over fair play and technical preparation, while US authorities maintain the measures are for safety and security.

Mumbai Shuts Schools, Colleges Amid Downpour Alert

Mumbai Shuts Schools, Colleges Amid Downpour Alert

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Mumbai civic body declared a holiday for schools and colleges in the afternoon session following an India Meteorological Department (IMD) red alert for extremely heavy rainfall. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors unless necessary, as the city continues to experience significant monsoon downpours, with some areas receiving over 100 mm of rain.

US targets Iranian infrastructure in fresh wave of strikes

US targets Iranian infrastructure in fresh wave of strikes

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The US Central Command announced a new wave of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, aiming to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels. This comes as US President Donald Trump described the situation as a 'skirmish' and suggested Iran wants to 'make a deal,' while Iran's Foreign Minister warned of a 'decisive response' to any aggression.

World Cup Brings Increased Policing, Displacement For Vancouver's Homeless

World Cup Brings Increased Policing, Displacement For Vancouver's Homeless

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The FIFA World Cup in Vancouver has intensified concerns among locals regarding increased policing and displacement of homeless individuals and drug users. Residents report more aggressive sweeps and confiscation of belongings, despite city officials stating these are routine operations and not directly influenced by the tournament.

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The BJP is significantly increasing its digital engagement with young people on Instagram, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, in response to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and subsequent student protests. This strategic shift aims to counter the narrative and communicate government actions on examination reforms.

'Iran is finished': Trump vows zero financial relief during 60-day talks

'Iran is finished': Trump vows zero financial relief during 60-day talks

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Following the signing of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran, US President Donald Trump reiterated the terms for a 60-day negotiation period, vowing that Tehran will receive "not ten cents" in financial relief.

Farmers on way to protest in Delhi stopped at Haryana border

Farmers on way to protest in Delhi stopped at Haryana border

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Indian farmers staged a significant protest at the Shambhu border against a proposed India-US trade deal, fearing its detrimental effects on the domestic agricultural sector and demanding its immediate abandonment. They later ended their agitation after assurances from the Haryana Agriculture Minister regarding the release of detained farmers and a meeting with the Union Agriculture Minister.

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana has seen 81 lakh registered beneficiaries removed following a multi-month e-KYC verification drive, with the state's Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare clarifying the process was mandatory to filter out ineligible individuals, income-tax payers, and government employee families.

Iran-US deal in trouble? Vance cancels Switzerland trip

Iran-US deal in trouble? Vance cancels Switzerland trip

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

US Vice President JD Vance has postponed his visit to Switzerland for technical talks with Iranian negotiators, citing logistical issues. These negotiations are crucial for finalising the details of a recently signed peace deal between the US and Iran, which aims to end the conflict in West Asia and includes a 60-day period for technical discussions.

CBI Uncovers Rs 657 Crore Fraud In Haryana And Chandigarh Government Funds

CBI Uncovers Rs 657 Crore Fraud In Haryana And Chandigarh Government Funds

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The CBI has filed two chargesheets in connection with the siphoning of Rs 657 crore from Haryana government and Chandigarh Smart City Limited funds held at IDFC First Bank. The fraud involved fictitious transactions, shell entities, and alleged gold purchases and real estate investments, with IDFC First Bank having already reimbursed the Haryana government.

Mumbai gets brief respite from rain, orange alert remains in place

Mumbai gets brief respite from rain, orange alert remains in place

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Mumbai and Pune are grappling with severe monsoon weather, triggering an 'orange' alert, widespread disruptions, school closures, and tragic fatalities from landslides and wall collapses.

Police use lathi charge, tear gas to break up CJP's march; several injured, detained

Police use lathi charge, tear gas to break up CJP's march; several injured, detained

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Police forces from several adjoining districts were requisitioned to man key junctions, sensitive locations and government buildings in the Lutyens' area ahead of the march.

Heavy showers flood parts of Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Heavy showers flood parts of Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging across Mumbai, disrupting traffic and daily life. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Mumbai and surrounding districts, advising precautions. Specific areas recorded over 200 mm of rainfall, and the IMD forecasts continued heavy rains for the Konkan region, Goa, South Gujarat, Odisha, and Central India.

Iranian World Cup players will be able to enter US the day before matches

Iranian World Cup players will be able to enter US the day before matches

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Iran's national soccer team, currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be able to enter the US the day before each of their three World Cup matches, the Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday.

Gurugram Police SHO Transferred After Head Constable Caught In Bribe Scandal

Gurugram Police SHO Transferred After Head Constable Caught In Bribe Scandal

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A Head Constable at Manesar Women Police Station was caught accepting a Rs 50,000 bribe by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, leading to the immediate transfer of the station's SHO and a departmental inquiry for lack of supervision.

China's submarine missile test rattles Pacific; Australia, Japan protest

China's submarine missile test rattles Pacific; Australia, Japan protest

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

China on Monday successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean, drawing sharp reactions from Japan and Australia.

Visa drama leaves Ghana star out of FIFA World Cup opener

Visa drama leaves Ghana star out of FIFA World Cup opener

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada for a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Panama due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK, where he faces rape and sexual assault charges. Canada's Federal High Court upheld the visa refusal, despite Ghana's government calling the decision "extremely unfair" and questioning the reliance on unproven allegations.

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.

Monsoon fury brings Mumbai-Pune to a standstill; 'Missing Link' reopens

Monsoon fury brings Mumbai-Pune to a standstill; 'Missing Link' reopens

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Heavy monsoon rains have severely impacted Mumbai and its surrounding areas, leading to landslides, suspension of train services, and at least 13 fatalities over the past few days. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was also shut due to a concrete pillar collapse and waterlogging.

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified that not all immigrants seeking green cards will be required to return to their home country to make such applications, partially walking back a previous announcement.

Pakistan Police Foil Terror Attack, Arrest 13 Terrorists

Pakistan Police Foil Terror Attack, Arrest 13 Terrorists

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Pakistani police in Punjab province have foiled a major terror attack and arrested 13 terrorists, mostly belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The arrests were made during intelligence-based operations, and weapons, explosives, and prohibited materials were recovered.

J-K Police Attach Properties Worth Rs 2 Cr Linked To Drug Trafficking

J-K Police Attach Properties Worth Rs 2 Cr Linked To Drug Trafficking

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir police have attached properties worth approximately Rs 2 crore, allegedly acquired through proceeds from illicit narcotics trafficking, as part of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan.

J-K Police Attach Properties Worth Rs 2 Crore In Anti-Drug Drive

J-K Police Attach Properties Worth Rs 2 Crore In Anti-Drug Drive

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir police have attached properties worth approximately Rs 2 crore, allegedly acquired through proceeds from illicit narcotics trafficking, as part of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan.

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Employees of Mumbai's BEST undertaking have launched an indefinite strike, severely impacting public transport and electricity services. The strike, called by a joint action committee, demands budget merger with BMC, settlement of dues, and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, among other issues. Despite court orders and MESMA invocation, the strike continues, causing widespread inconvenience to millions of commuters and electricity consumers.

300 mm rain in 24 hrs floods Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

300 mm rain in 24 hrs floods Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Mumbai experienced heavy overnight monsoon rains, with some areas receiving over 200 mm in 24 hours, leading to widespread waterlogging, traffic congestion, and disruptions in suburban train services, particularly on Central Railway lines due to a track cave-in.

Bangladesh turns to China on Teesta: Should India be concerned?

Bangladesh turns to China on Teesta: Should India be concerned?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Dhaka and Beijing on Thursday agreed to strengthen cooperation on the management of the Teesta and other rivers and signed 13 agreements to bolster bilateral ties following talks between Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Maharashtra TET 2026 exam postponed day before test over paper leak

Maharashtra TET 2026 exam postponed day before test over paper leak

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026 in Maharashtra has been postponed following a raid in Bhiwandi, Thane, where individuals were found with questions matching the actual exam paper. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) confirmed the breach and initiated a thorough investigation, registering a criminal case. The postponement aims to ensure transparency and allow law enforcement to probe the malpractice racket.

US Tightens Sanctions On Iran's 'Shadow Oil Economy'

US Tightens Sanctions On Iran's 'Shadow Oil Economy'

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran's 'shadow oil economy,' accusing Tehran of using illicit oil revenues to fund the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional activities.

'Baseless': Iran dismisses Trump's claim on attacking Indian ships

'Baseless': Iran dismisses Trump's claim on attacking Indian ships

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Iran has dismissed US President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran was responsible for a drone attack on Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz as 'simply baseless'. The Iranian embassy stated that Trump's comments were an attempt to deflect attention from recent US military strikes on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners.

Iran attacked 3 ships with Indians, alleges Trump; denies peace pact

Iran attacked 3 ships with Indians, alleges Trump; denies peace pact

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Trump further alleged that Iran was behind the attacks on three vessels carrying Indian seafarers near the Hormuz Strait, which resulted in the deaths of three, despite the US Central Command having confirmed that the strikes were carried out by American naval forces, calling the incident "totally unacceptable."

Haryana Groom Lands In Jail For Reckless SUV Stunts During Wedding Procession

Haryana Groom Lands In Jail For Reckless SUV Stunts During Wedding Procession

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A groom and three others were arrested in Haryana's Nuh district for allegedly performing dangerous stunts on SUVs while on their way to a wedding venue. The incident, captured on video, involved individuals standing and sitting on moving vehicle roofs, prompting police action and a stern warning against reckless driving during celebrations.

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has strongly protested to the United States after three merchant ships with Indian crew members were attacked by the American military off the coast of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals.

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed striking the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. This incident marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the region this week, with three Indian seafarers previously losing their lives in an attack on the MT Settebello.

Why DR Congo Changed World Cup Plans Due To Ebola Outbreak

Why DR Congo Changed World Cup Plans Due To Ebola Outbreak

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo's national team has been forced to cancel World Cup buildup events in Kinshasa due to the Ebola virus outbreak and will instead continue preparations in Belgium.

After 3 deaths in ship attacks, India summons US envoy for second time

After 3 deaths in ship attacks, India summons US envoy for second time

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

India has summoned the US charge d'affaires for the second time this week to protest American Navy strikes on three commercial vessels off the coast of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members. New Delhi has demanded an end to these attacks, acknowledging that the US Navy targeted the ships, some of which were reportedly non-compliant with US sanctions.