News for 'Department's Spokesperson'

Out on parole, Pistorius attends triathlon event!

Out on parole, Pistorius attends triathlon event!

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Oscar Pistorius competes in triathlon 12 years after murdering girlfriend

None of our business: J D Vance on India-Pak conflict

None of our business: J D Vance on India-Pak conflict

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has said it will not get involved in the conflict, stressing that it is "fundamentally none of our business." While acknowledging concerns about a potential nuclear war, Vice President J D Vance emphasized that the US cannot control India and Pakistan, but can encourage them to de-escalate. The US has also reiterated its support for direct dialogue between the two countries and encouraged efforts to improve communications.

Pannun case: US 'satisfied' with Indian response

Pannun case: US 'satisfied' with Indian response

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The United States had a 'productive meeting' with visiting officials of the India Enquiry Committee, a State Department official said on Wednesday, adding they were satisfied with the cooperation from the Indian side.

'Bomb threat': Hyderabad-bound flight forced to make a U-turn

'Bomb threat': Hyderabad-bound flight forced to make a U-turn

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

In Hyderabad, airport sources on Monday said, "A bomb threat email targeting Lufthansa flight LH 752 was received at the Hyderabad airport at 18:01 hrs on 15th June 2025."

Pak army spokesman has Osama bin Laden connection

Pak army spokesman has Osama bin Laden connection

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, is the son of a nuclear scientist who was sanctioned by the United Nations and the US for providing information and expertise to al-Qaeda, according to Indian officials. Chaudhry's father, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, allegedly provided insights into nuclear weapons infrastructure and raised funds for a fundamentalist organization linked to the Taliban. Mahmood was arrested in 2001 after admitting to meeting Osama bin Laden but was later released.

Will India Inc get to explore critical minerals overseas?

Will India Inc get to explore critical minerals overseas?

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

India is planning to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2023 to specify the use of funds currently earmarked at 5,600 crore for exploring critical mineral mines overseas, according to a top official. The proposed amendments also aim to introduce a tailings policy and modify the royalty structure to facilitate the extraction of critical minerals from waste materials, the official added.

Vi partners SpaceX-rival AST SpaceMobile for satcom service on smartphones

Vi partners SpaceX-rival AST SpaceMobile for satcom service on smartphones

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Vi partners SpaceX-rival AST SpaceMobile for satcom service on smartphones

Have better...: Shashi Tharoor slams 'zealots' amid Cong criticism

Have better...: Shashi Tharoor slams 'zealots' amid Cong criticism

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Tharoor said his remarks were preceded by a reference to the several attacks that have taken place in recent years alone, during which previous Indian responses were both restrained and constrained by India's responsible respect for the LoC and the IB.

'Free Palestine': 2 Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in US

'Free Palestine': 2 Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in US

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'Horrific act of terror that the people of Israel are waking up to this morning. AG Pam Bondi called to let me know and was at the scene. 2 dead in shooting targeting Israeli embassy staffers outside Jewish Museum in Washington DC'

Won't be fully satisfied until...: US talks tough on Pannun case

Won't be fully satisfied until...: US talks tough on Pannun case

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

US says it wants 'meaningful accountability' on results of India's probe into Pannun murder-for-hire plot

2 dead, 19 hurt as Mexican navy ship crashes into New York bridge

2 dead, 19 hurt as Mexican navy ship crashes into New York bridge

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The Mexican Navy ship carrying 277 passengers lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, said on Sunday (local time).

Virgin Atlantic flyers stuck in Turkey land in Mumbai after 40 hrs

Virgin Atlantic flyers stuck in Turkey land in Mumbai after 40 hrs

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Over 250 Virgin Atlantic passengers, including Indians, landed at the Mumbai airport late in the evening on Friday after being stranded for more than 40 hours at a Turkey airport. The passengers were stuck at the Diyarbakir Airport in Turkey after their Mumbai-bound aircraft from London was diverted to the airport on Wednesday. The flight landed at around 9 pm at the Mumbai airport. A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said the plane departed Diyarbakir Airport at 13:00 local time on Friday, April 4, operating as flight VS1358. The passengers were provided with overnight hotel accommodation on Thursday evening.

Is it so difficult to be patriotic: Salman Khurshid's cryptic post

Is it so difficult to be patriotic: Salman Khurshid's cryptic post

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Congress leader Salman Khurshid, who is a part of India's diplomatic mission abroad, on Monday said it is 'distressing' that people back home are calculating political allegiances and asked if it is 'so difficult to be patriotic'.

Air India cancels Lucknow-Mumbai flight, diverts 2 others

Air India cancels Lucknow-Mumbai flight, diverts 2 others

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Air India on Wednesday said it has cancelled its Lucknow-Mumbai flight scheduled for June 17 due to 'operational reasons' and the ripple effect of flight diversions.

Rajasthan govt employee held for spying for Pak, BJP alleges Cong link

Rajasthan govt employee held for spying for Pak, BJP alleges Cong link

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Shakur Khan was detained on Wednesday night by an intelligence department team who were acting on security-related inputs.

US reaffirms support for India's pursuit of justice in 26/11 attacks

US reaffirms support for India's pursuit of justice in 26/11 attacks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The United States has extradited Pakistani-Canadian Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Rana, 64, was convicted in the US in 2011 for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistani militant group responsible for the Mumbai attacks. The US Department of State said it has long supported India's efforts to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice and that the extradition is a critical step towards seeking justice for the victims. Rana's extradition comes after the US Supreme Court denied his last-ditch attempt to evade extradition. He will now face justice in India for his role in the attacks which killed 166 people, including six Americans.

Will US extradite Lawrence Bishnoi's brother to India?

Will US extradite Lawrence Bishnoi's brother to India?

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been arrested by US law enforcement authorities in Iowa. He is wanted in connection with several criminal cases in India, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and the firing outside actor Salman Khan's Mumbai home.

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

'If you follow the law, America offers opportunities. But those who violate the law will face the consequences.'

Rubio speaks to Jaishankar, Sharif, urges both sides to de-escale

Rubio speaks to Jaishankar, Sharif, urges both sides to de-escale

Rediff.com8 May 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday spoke separately with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, emphasising the need for de-escalation and reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups.

Tharoor factually incorrect, but part of family: Cong

Tharoor factually incorrect, but part of family: Cong

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Tensions between the Congress and its leader Shashi Tharoor escalated on Thursday with the party saying he was very much part of their family but had erred in claiming that surgical strikes against Pakistan were held for the first time in 2016.

RCB, KSCA, event management firm booked over Bengaluru stampede

RCB, KSCA, event management firm booked over Bengaluru stampede

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Following a complaint by a police inspector, the case was registered at Cubbon Park station, they said.

Insecurity or jealousy? BJP hits out at Cong for ignoring Tharoor

Insecurity or jealousy? BJP hits out at Cong for ignoring Tharoor

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government nominated Tharoor, who serves as chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, to lead one of the seven multi-party delegations abroad for putting across India's stand against Pakistan for supporting terrorism.

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. The US State Department said Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation" and telling them "not to escalate the situation."

IIT Kharagpur student found hanging in hostel room; police launch probe

IIT Kharagpur student found hanging in hostel room; police launch probe

Rediff.com4 May 2025

A third-year BTech student of IIT Kharagpur was found hanging in his hostel room on Sunday, the third such incident at the institute this year. Mohammad Asif Qamar, a civil engineering student, was found dead in his room in Madanmohan Malviya Hall. The institute said it is cooperating with authorities in the investigation and has offered condolences to Qamar's family. The institute has also reiterated its commitment to providing counseling services to students.

Samsung management, workers reach agreement on wage hike

Samsung management, workers reach agreement on wage hike

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The discord between the Samsung workers affiliated to the Samsung India Thozhilalar Sangam and the company management over wage hike has been amicably resolved with the company agreeing to increase the wages, Tamil Nadu Labour Minister C V Ganesan informed on Monday. Noting that employee welfare remained a top priority for it, Samsung India said the company 'constructively engaged' with all its workers at the Chennai plant and was delighted to announce a mutual agreement to enhance wages and benefits for the next three years.

Shinde blames early arrival of monsoon for Mumbai flooding

Shinde blames early arrival of monsoon for Mumbai flooding

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday attributed early arrival of the southwest monsoon and heavy rainfall in a short span for the inundation of low-lying areas in Mumbai, which disrupted road and railway traffic.

Cong spokesperson Radhika Khera quits citing 'injustice'

Cong spokesperson Radhika Khera quits citing 'injustice'

Rediff.com5 May 2024

All India Congress Committee spokesperson Radhika Khera on Sunday resigned from the party claiming that criticism over her visit to Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya led to the denial of justice to her in the incident that happened at the Chhattisgarh Congress office.

Sidda suspends Bengaluru police chief, orders RCB representatives' arrest

Sidda suspends Bengaluru police chief, orders RCB representatives' arrest

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, the chief minister also announced a one-man judicial probe, headed by Justice Michael D'Cunha, a retired high court judge of Karnataka, into the tragic incident.

From warehouses to local stores: Ola Electric shifts gear

From warehouses to local stores: Ola Electric shifts gear

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Amid the ongoing controversy in Maharashtra over Ola Electric stores operating without a trade certificate, sources at the Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer said the company is currently transitioning from a centralised warehouse model to a retail-focused approach. They emphasized that Ola Electric is ensuring all regulatory compliances are being met during this shift.

'Sar tan se juda imagery': BJP slams Cong's gayab dig at PM

'Sar tan se juda imagery': BJP slams Cong's gayab dig at PM

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The picture, without naming Modi, shows a figure in saffron kurta and white churidar with its head and palms missing.

Amid global layoff, Google may rejig roles in Bengaluru, Hyderabad offices

Amid global layoff, Google may rejig roles in Bengaluru, Hyderabad offices

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Google is likely to rejig the roles of some of the engineering talent from its Hyderabad and Bengaluru offices and move some of its employees to more revenue-generating projects instead of letting them go for now, sources told Business Standard.

From CM's wife to Col Qureshi: Vijay Shah's trail of foul remarks

From CM's wife to Col Qureshi: Vijay Shah's trail of foul remarks

Rediff.com16 May 2025

For Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah, currently under fire for his comments aimed at Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, this is not the first time he has been embroiled in a controversy.

'Deeply troubling': MEA on US funds for voting in India

'Deeply troubling': MEA on US funds for voting in India

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

India on Friday said that the United States' administration's information regarding funding in India is 'deeply troubling' and has led to concerns regarding foreign interference in India's internal affairs.

Dust storm, rain lash Delhi, trees uprooted; 15 flights diverted

Dust storm, rain lash Delhi, trees uprooted; 15 flights diverted

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

A strong dust storm and gusty winds followed by rain hit Delhi-NCR on Friday evening, causing trees to be uprooted in several parts and leading to traffic congestion. Thunderstorms caused power disruptions in several parts of the city, primarily due to trees and branches falling on electricity cables. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, recommending people stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections were a 'blueprint for rigging democracy' and this 'match-fixing' would next happen in Bihar and 'anywhere the Bharatiya Janata Party is losing'.

Pahalgam attack: Trump dials Modi, offers full support

Pahalgam attack: Trump dials Modi, offers full support

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

US President Donald Trump strongly condemned the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam in a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of the "heinous attack". Trump conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack and said that India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror. The attack, which killed 26 people, mostly holidayers from other states, is the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. Modi, who was on a two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his visit and returned to New Delhi on Tuesday night after the attack.

Roads waterlogged, trains delayed as heavy rains disrupt Mumbai

Roads waterlogged, trains delayed as heavy rains disrupt Mumbai

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The IMD issued a "Nowcast" warning, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and intense spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph at isolated places in Mumbai in the next three to four hours.

Mercury soars past 43 deg C in 26 places, another heatwave next week

Mercury soars past 43 deg C in 26 places, another heatwave next week

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

In Rajasthan, Pilani recorded 44.9 degrees Celsius, Phalodi and Churu touched 43.8 degrees Celsius and 43.5 degrees Celsius respectively, while Bikaner and Jaipur registered 43.4 degrees Celsius and 43 degrees Celsius.

London's Heathrow airport closure disrupts flight ops

London's Heathrow airport closure disrupts flight ops

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Following a significant power outage, operations at the London Heathrow (LHR) have been suspended till 2359 hours (local time) on March 21 (05.30 am March 22, IST).

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, is facing deportation after US authorities accused him of "spreading Hamas propaganda" and having "close connections to a suspected terrorist." The Department of Homeland Security claims Suri has been actively promoting antisemitism on social media and is connected to a senior Hamas advisor. Suri's lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, argues that his client is being targeted due to his wife's Palestinian heritage and their opposition to US foreign policy towards Israel. The incident follows the self-deportation of another Indian student from Columbia University who was also accused of supporting Hamas.