News for 'Department's Spokesperson'

Another former spokesperson quits Congress, joins BJP

Another former spokesperson quits Congress, joins BJP

Rediff.com11 Apr 2024

Gupta, along with some other leaders, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and the party's national general secretary Vinod Tawde.

US urges India, Pak to ease tensions; seeks Sharif's help in Pahalgam probe

US urges India, Pak to ease tensions; seeks Sharif's help in Pahalgam probe

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The phone conversation came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

US Opens Student Visa Applications, But...

US Opens Student Visa Applications, But...

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

'What we want students to understand when they're applying for that visa is that we want to see a use of that visa that is in line with their application.'

'Loktantra, not Loktantar': BJP mocks Oppn over misspelling in banner

'Loktantra, not Loktantar': BJP mocks Oppn over misspelling in banner

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The BJP criticized opposition parties for misspelling 'loktantra' (democracy) on a protest banner during a demonstration against electoral roll revisions in Bihar.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted in Mysuru over the ownership of Chamundi Hill, home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, ahead of the Dasara festival. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family criticized Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's statement that the hill is not the property of Hindus alone, leading to a heated exchange and raising questions about the nature of the upcoming Dasara celebrations.

US Visa Hurdles Delay Study Dreams

US Visa Hurdles Delay Study Dreams

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

'Such unpredictability is motivating families to seek destinations with a more stable educational system.'

US urges India, Pak to de-escalate; backs New Delhi

US urges India, Pak to de-escalate; backs New Delhi

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The United States on Thursday said it supports India's right to defend itself and its fight against terrorism as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dialled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack.

Odisha student sets herself ablaze over sexual harassment

Odisha student sets herself ablaze over sexual harassment

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

The incident took place this afternoon after the woman student met the Principal of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, Balasore, Dilip Kumar Ghose. She had earlier lodged a sexual harassment complaint against Samira Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor (Stage-l) in Educational Studies, who is also the head of the department and demanded action against him.

US Visa Shocker: Make Social Media Public Throughout!

US Visa Shocker: Make Social Media Public Throughout!

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

The US Embassy has directed all international students aspiring to study in the United States to adjust privacy settings on their social media profiles to 'public' not just while applying for a visa but also during their entire course of study, effective immediately.

Delhi-bound AI Dreamliner returns to Hong Kong 1 hour after takeoff

Delhi-bound AI Dreamliner returns to Hong Kong 1 hour after takeoff

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

The flight had departed after a delay of almost 3.5 hours as its scheduled departure was at 8.50 am, as per flight tracking website flightradar24.com.

'It Was Not Suicide, But Murder'

'It Was Not Suicide, But Murder'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

'My brother was mentally tortured and harassed.'

US, Arab world step in to defuse India-Pak tensions

US, Arab world step in to defuse India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com1 May 2025

United States Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker on Wednesday met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people were killed.

US to 'consult' Canada on allegations against Amit Shah

US to 'consult' Canada on allegations against Amit Shah

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Canada's allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah are 'concerning', the United States said on Wednesday, noting that it would continue to consult Ottawa on the issue.

MP govt forms panel to fix Bhopal's 90-degree bridge

MP govt forms panel to fix Bhopal's 90-degree bridge

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The Public Works Department (PWD) of Madhya Pradesh has formed a committee to suggest a solution after a newly constructed railway overbridge with a 90-degree turn became the subject of criticism and much ridicule.

Flash floods kill 3 in J-K's Ramban; more than 100 rescued

Flash floods kill 3 in J-K's Ramban; more than 100 rescued

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Heavy rain triggered flash floods in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, killing three people and prompting the rescue of over 100 others. The floods also caused landslides and mudslides, disrupting traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the situation is being monitored by authorities.

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.

Gandhi Called Him 'Father Of The Nation'

Gandhi Called Him 'Father Of The Nation'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

On his 200th birth anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra traces the life, thought, and legacy of Dadabhai Naoroji, the Grand Old Man of India.

BJP workers ransack Cong headquarters in Patna, Kolkata

BJP workers ransack Cong headquarters in Patna, Kolkata

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

Workers from the BJP and Congress clashed in Patna during a protest march organized by the BJP against the use of abusive language towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother. The protest turned violent, with stone pelting and vandalism reported. Police intervened to control the situation, and an investigation is underway.

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistani military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from Indian fighter jets and the retaliation largely focused on command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas, Qureshi said.

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

Trump deploys more 2,000 National Guard troops in LA amid protests

Trump deploys more 2,000 National Guard troops in LA amid protests

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

The latest deployment comes on the same day California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asking a judge to declare the deployments unconstitutional.

Technical glitch delays Air India Express Kolkata flight for 18 hours

Technical glitch delays Air India Express Kolkata flight for 18 hours

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

The flight was delayed post midnight because of a "technical glitch" and passengers remained seated inside all the while, an aggrieved traveller said in a video that has gone viral on social media.

BJP trashes reports of distributing sindoor to women

BJP trashes reports of distributing sindoor to women

Rediff.com30 May 2025

No politician should use such language, the Bharatiya Janata Party said on Friday as it chastised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her choice of words targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Uttarkashi floods: 2 bodies recovered, fear grows for trapped

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Landslides blocked arterial roads leading up to Dharali where dozens of people were trapped and many homes and cars swept away by the raging waters on Tuesday. Eleven Army personnel from the nearby camp in Harsil were among those missing.

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.

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.

'Sadly, SOPs Are Written On Somebody's Blood'

'Sadly, SOPs Are Written On Somebody's Blood'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

'The tone of the preliminary report creates a narrative towards pilot error. This is wrong.' 'Selected conversation has been divulged. It's not as if the pilots did not speak anything else in the cockpit.'

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.

No format, no action: Lokpal issues circular on corruption complaints

No format, no action: Lokpal issues circular on corruption complaints

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

In a circular dated June 5, it said the Lokpal did not have the power to review its orders while noting "increasing instances of complainants desirous of a reconsideration of the verdict given by it".

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.

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.

Air India cancels Ahmedabad-London flight over 'aircraft unavailability'

Air India cancels Ahmedabad-London flight over 'aircraft unavailability'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

Air India's flight to London from Ahmedabad, which has started operating with a new code post the June 12 crash of AI-171, was cancelled on Tuesday due to "operational issues", an airport official said.

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The labourers, who are said to be of Nepali origin, were engaged in the construction of a hotel.

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

Kolkata gang rape: BJP rally stopped, leaders detained during protest

Kolkata gang rape: BJP rally stopped, leaders detained during protest

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The rally was not allowed to proceed towards the South Calcutta Law College, where the 24-year-old student was allegedly gang-raped by three men, including an alumnus of the institute, on June 25.

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.

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).

'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'

'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."