News for 'Department's Spokesperson'

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.

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.

Biden admin approves $150 mn weapon sale to Israel bypassing Congress again

Biden admin approves $150 mn weapon sale to Israel bypassing Congress again

Rediff.com30 Dec 2023

The spokesperson said the additional items were added to previous sales, which "increased the total value of the sale to $147.5 million," according to CNN.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

Avoid...: US on Modi's 'ghar me ghus kar' remark

Avoid...: US on Modi's 'ghar me ghus kar' remark

Rediff.com17 Apr 2024

When asked if Modi and Singh's comments can be seen as "confessions" on the alleged "assassination of (Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh) Nijjar in Canada, (designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh) Pannu's murder-for-hire plot in New York, and killings in Pakistan", Miller said the US will not get involved in the matter.

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).

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

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.

'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'

Waiting for...: US on India's probe into Pannun murder plot

Waiting for...: US on India's probe into Pannun murder plot

Rediff.com7 May 2024

The United States is waiting to see the results of the Indian investigations on the murder allegations.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.'

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.

'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."

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.

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'.

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.

'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.

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

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, 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."

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.

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.

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.

US remarks on Kejriwal's arrest unwarranted: MEA

US remarks on Kejriwal's arrest unwarranted: MEA

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

India on Thursday said the United States State Department's recent remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is 'unwarranted' and asserted the country is 'proud of its independent and robust democratic institutions' and committed to protect them from any form of undue external influences.

Canada's allegations serious, India not cooperating: US

Canada's allegations serious, India not cooperating: US

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

"When it comes to the Canadian matter, we have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously. We wanted to see the government of India cooperate with Canada in its investigation. Obviously, they have not chosen that path," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference.

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.

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.

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.

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.