News for 'Department's Spokesperson'

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concern over information regarding USAID funding in India, calling it "concerning" and hinting at potential "bad faith" activities. Jaishankar asserted that India is looking into the matter and that the country should know who is involved in such activities. He also emphasized the need to expand India's security definition in the digital age, highlighting the influence of technology and narratives on public perception. The statements come amid controversy surrounding USAID funding for certain activities in India, with the US President Donald Trump questioning the agency's funding of voter turnout efforts.

Extended mega block disrupt Central Railway services in Mumbai

Extended mega block disrupt Central Railway services in Mumbai

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Train services on the Central Railway's main and harbour lines were disrupted on Sunday morning due to an extended mega block for a bridge girder launch, causing inconvenience to local and long distance travellers. As many as 11 long distance trains that depart from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai have been rescheduled and nine trains which arrive at CSMT have been short-terminated due to the block. There were also reports of a labourer getting injured during the girder launch. The six-hour-long mega block conducted for launching the girder of the under-construction Carnac Bridge was initially scheduled to end at 5.30 am but was delayed. The Central Railway's local train operations were cancelled between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Byculla and between CSMT and Wadala stations on the main and harbour lines due to the mega block.

Mysterious disease: Central team in Rajouri; toll rises to 17

Mysterious disease: Central team in Rajouri; toll rises to 17

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

A mysterious illness has claimed 17 lives in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, with the latest victim being a young girl named Yasmeen Kousar. The deaths have sparked concern and an inter-ministerial team has been sent to investigate the cause. The patients experienced symptoms such as fever, pain, nausea, and loss of consciousness before dying within days of hospitalization. The J&K government has ruled out a communicable disease of bacterial or viral origin.

Trump calls US aid for India's voter turnout a 'kickback scheme'

Trump calls US aid for India's voter turnout a 'kickback scheme'

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

After United States President Donald Trump again raised the issue of alleged US funding of $21 million for voter turnout in India and 'kickbacks', the Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that the money was used to sustain 'deep state assets' in India and demanded a probe into the matter.

Sharp Increase In Illegal Indian Migration To US

Sharp Increase In Illegal Indian Migration To US

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Indians have topped the number of illegal immigrants from Asian countries caught at land, sea, and air checkpoints of the US since 2022.

Vivek Ramaswamy quits DOGE hours after Trump inauguration

Vivek Ramaswamy quits DOGE hours after Trump inauguration

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Ramaswamy is still mulling on the exact date to formally announce his Ohio Governor run, which is slated to be in 2026.

What Zelenskyy said on 'owing Trump an apology'

What Zelenskyy said on 'owing Trump an apology'

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a heated exchange in the Oval Office, culminating in Zelenskyy's abrupt departure from the White House without signing a crucial minerals agreement. Trump accused Zelenskyy of risking millions of lives and gambling with World War III, while Zelenskyy responded by questioning the US's role in the war. The incident has strained US-Ukraine relations, with Trump questioning Zelenskyy's readiness for peace and Senator Lindsey Graham expressing doubts about future cooperation.

Los Angeles wildfires kill 5; Biden cancels last foreign trip

Los Angeles wildfires kill 5; Biden cancels last foreign trip

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

The uncontrollable fire has so far burned over 70 sq km in three areas: Palisades, west of Los Angeles; Eaton, north of Pasadena and San Fernando Valley.

Ex-RAW official declared 'wanted' by FBI in Pannun murder plot

Ex-RAW official declared 'wanted' by FBI in Pannun murder plot

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

The US Justice Department on Thursday charged Yadav for his role in the assassination plot.

US speaks again on Kejriwal, mentions frozen Cong accounts

US speaks again on Kejriwal, mentions frozen Cong accounts

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

Ministry of External Affairs officials summoned the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena at its office in South Block in Delhi and lodged a strong protest against a US State Department official's remarks on Kejriwal's arrest.

'Manipur Will Celebrate R-Day Come What May'

'Manipur Will Celebrate R-Day Come What May'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

'We are not anti-national like these armed secessionists. We have no intention of breaking away from the Indian Union.'

Tell Putin...: US urges India to 'utilise' ties with Russia

Tell Putin...: US urges India to 'utilise' ties with Russia

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

India has been stoutly defending its "special and privileged strategic partnership" with Russia and maintained the momentum in the ties notwithstanding the Ukraine conflict.

Hope everyone's rights are protected: UN on Kejriwal's arrest

Hope everyone's rights are protected: UN on Kejriwal's arrest

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the world body 'hopes' that in India and any country that is having elections, people's 'political and civil rights' are 'protected' and everyone is able to vote in a 'free and fair' atmosphere.

TDP Reacts Cautiously To Adani Charges

TDP Reacts Cautiously To Adani Charges

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

The Telugu Desam Party, a key member of the National Democratic Alliance, will react to allegations of the Adani Group paying bribes for solar power contracts in Andhra Pradesh only after studying the issue.

'Concerned' US to closely monitor implementation of CAA

'Concerned' US to closely monitor implementation of CAA

Rediff.com15 Mar 2024

The United States on Thursday said it is concerned about the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in India and is closely monitoring its implementation.

Five soldiers killed as Army vehicle falls into gorge in Poonch

Five soldiers killed as Army vehicle falls into gorge in Poonch

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Five soldiers were killed and five others were injured when an Army vehicle carrying them skidded off the road and rolled down into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. The accident occurred in the Gharoa area when the vehicle was on its way to Banoi in the district. Rescue teams have recovered five bodies. The vehicle plunged into a gorge, approximately 300-350 feet deep.

I-T raids Hemant Soren's aide ahead of Jh'khand poll

I-T raids Hemant Soren's aide ahead of Jh'khand poll

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

A total of nine premises in the state's capital Ranchi and Jamshedpur are being raided in an operation that started early morning. A security team of the CRPF is assisting the I-T sleuths, the sources said.

If celebs are not safe then who is?: Oppn slams Maha govt on Saif attack

If celebs are not safe then who is?: Oppn slams Maha govt on Saif attack

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

'The attack on Saif Ali Khan yet again raises questions on Mumbai Police & the Home Minister'

Strike called off; Samsung says won't take any action

Strike called off; Samsung says won't take any action

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

Appliances and consumer electronic major Samsung has welcomed trade body CITU's decision to call off over one month long strike at its Tamil Nadu-based plant and said it would not take any action against workers who merely participated in the strike. Samsung India also thanked the Tamil Nadu government, which held extensive discussions with the concerned parties at various stages, according to a company statement.

Cong infighting over prez poll: Spokespersons asked to keep mum

Cong infighting over prez poll: Spokespersons asked to keep mum

Rediff.com23 Sep 2022

A day after Congress leader Gourav Vallabh taunted Shashi Tharoor over his probable All India Congress Committee president poll bid, the party on Friday urged all its spokespersons and communication department office bearers to refrain from commenting on any colleague contesting the elections.

Report reveals Elon Musk wanted Ramaswamy out of DOGE

Report reveals Elon Musk wanted Ramaswamy out of DOGE

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

As Indian-origin entrepreneur and Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy pulled out of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), just 69 days after he was announced the co-head of the team along with tech billionaire Elon Musk, a report has revealed that it was the Tesla CEO who wanted Ramaswamy 'out' of the team.

Urged India to...: 'Deeply concerned' US on Trudeau's charges

Urged India to...: 'Deeply concerned' US on Trudeau's charges

Rediff.com26 Sep 2023

'We are deeply concerned by the allegations referenced by (Canadian) Prime Minister (Justin) Trudeau. We remain in close contact with our Canadian partners'

UP police book PWD officials, Google Maps in bridge death case

UP police book PWD officials, Google Maps in bridge death case

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

Police in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, have filed a case against Public Works Department (PWD) officials and Google Maps in connection with the deaths of three men whose car fell into a river from a partially constructed bridge while following directions on the navigation app. The car was led by Google Maps onto an unsafe route, according to police. An FIR was filed against four PWD engineers, and the regional officer of Google Maps is also being investigated.

Beed sarpanch murder: Munde's aide turns himself in, govt in soup

Beed sarpanch murder: Munde's aide turns himself in, govt in soup

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Before going to the police, Karad posted a video on social media, announcing that he would surrender and claimed he was being linked to the murder case due to political vendetta.

Osama's close aide, Al-Qaeda leader arrested in Pak

Osama's close aide, Al-Qaeda leader arrested in Pak

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

Amin ul Haq had allegedly planned sabotage activities across the province and wanted to target important installations and personalities.

Allahbadia apologises for 'parents have sex' remarks after backlash

Allahbadia apologises for 'parents have sex' remarks after backlash

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

During his recent appearance on the show, Ranveer Allahbadia asked a contestant whether they would rather watch their parents have sex for the rest of their life or join them once and put a stop to it.

Despite India's ties with Russia...: US on Modi-Putin meet

Despite India's ties with Russia...: US on Modi-Putin meet

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

India will continue to be a strategic partner for the United States despite concerns over its ties with Russia, the Biden Administration has said.

'Can never go to heaven': Kharge taunts Shah for Kumbh dip

'Can never go to heaven': Kharge taunts Shah for Kumbh dip

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

The BJP keeps taking dips till it appears good on the camera, he said.

80 more flights get bomb threats, Rs 600 crore lost

80 more flights get bomb threats, Rs 600 crore lost

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

Nearly 80 domestic and international flights received bomb threats in less than 24 hours that later turned out to be hoaxes, keeping thousands of passengers and security agencies on tenterhooks.

US to wait for India's probe into plot to kill Pannun

US to wait for India's probe into plot to kill Pannun

Rediff.com6 Dec 2023

"We have noted at the most senior levels of this government the secretary of state has raised this directly with his foreign counterpart that we take this issue very seriously. They told us they would conduct an investigation," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday.

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

A high-level inter-ministerial team conducted a six-hour investigation in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, to ascertain the causes of death of 17 members of three families under mysterious circumstances. The team, led by a director-rank officer in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, collected samples and briefed by senior district, health and police officers. The team's visit follows the deaths of 16 people between December 7 and January 19. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on potential neurotoxins and a spring that tested positive for pesticides.

Rajnath's statement: US advises India-Pak to avoid escalation

Rajnath's statement: US advises India-Pak to avoid escalation

Rediff.com9 Apr 2024

The United States will encourage India and Pakistan to avoid escalation and resolve their outstanding issues through dialogue and will 'not get in the middle of the situation', a top State Department official has said.

Beware The American Deep State

Beware The American Deep State

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Do not underestimate the ingenuity of the Deep State in America to have its way. Keeping the guard down will be a catastrophic mistake on the part of the Delhi establishment. We could get hit when least expected. That's what happened in Bangladesh and Syria, warns Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has links to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation, which has reportedly supported the idea of an independent Kashmir. The party claims this connection demonstrates foreign influence in Indian internal affairs. This comes after BJP's claims of US involvement in destabilizing India, which the US has denied. The BJP also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with the Soros-funded OCCRP to damage India's economy and reputation. The allegations have drawn criticism from the US embassy and the opposition Congress.

India will do...: Trump discusses migrant row with Modi

India will do...: Trump discusses migrant row with Modi

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

President Trump made these remarks on Monday while talking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Joint Base Andrews from Florida.

Saif Ali Khan stabbed six times, is 'out of danger', say docs

Saif Ali Khan stabbed six times, is 'out of danger', say docs

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Khan, 54, was "out of danger" following an emergency surgery, said the doctors at the Lilavati Hospital where he was rushed following the incident that took place around 2.30 am at his apartment in `Satguru Sharan' building.

India to pursue Dalla's extradition with Canada

India to pursue Dalla's extradition with Canada

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

India on Thursday said it will pursue an extradition request with Canada for Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, following his arrest in that country.

Modi-Putin summit: 'No solution on battlefield'

Modi-Putin summit: 'No solution on battlefield'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Ahead of Modi-Putin talks, the US called upon India to make it clear to Russia that any resolution of the Ukraine conflict must respect the United Nations charter and Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

US evades question on giving nod to Pak strike on Iran

US evades question on giving nod to Pak strike on Iran

Rediff.com19 Jan 2024

The United States on Thursday (local time) evaded a question on whether Pakistan held prior consultations with Washington, DC before conducting retaliatory air strikes on Iran.

Not familiar with BBC documentary on Modi: US

Not familiar with BBC documentary on Modi: US

Rediff.com24 Jan 2023

"I'm not familiar with the documentary you're referring to, however, I am very familiar with the shared values that enact the United States and India as two thriving and vibrant democracies," US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Monday, responding to a media query on a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi which has sparked controversy since its release.