News for 'Department's Spokesperson'

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Haryana government is taking strict action against black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, registering FIRs and seizing hundreds of cylinders to ensure adequate supply for citizens.

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The deployment could include infantry and armoured units, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division, which is already stationed in the region.

Open Strait of Hormuz or...: Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran

Open Strait of Hormuz or...: Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Donald Trump has warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face military action, escalating tensions amid regional conflict and impacting global oil supplies.

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Haryana government is taking strict action against individuals involved in the black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, resulting in multiple FIRs and the seizure of hundreds of cylinders.

Fire destroys municipal office, two homes in J-K's Kishtwar

Fire destroys municipal office, two homes in J-K's Kishtwar

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A fire in Kishtwar town, Jammu and Kashmir, has destroyed a municipal council office and two residential houses, prompting a police investigation into the cause.

J&K Revenue Official Nabbed for Accepting Bribe in Srinagar

J&K Revenue Official Nabbed for Accepting Bribe in Srinagar

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a revenue department official in Srinagar for accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 for issuing revenue extracts.

US loses aircraft during Iran op, IRGC claims it was shot down

US loses aircraft during Iran op, IRGC claims it was shot down

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Iran's state media cited the spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Iran's military to claim that a United States military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in western Iraq. The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six service members on board had been killed.

Iran vows to hit tourist destinations 'beyond' West Asia

Iran vows to hit tourist destinations 'beyond' West Asia

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The threat has raised concerns about possible asymmetric attacks outside the region. Iran has also stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf countries.

Canada acts against Tahawwur Rana before Carney's India visit

Canada acts against Tahawwur Rana before Carney's India visit

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Canadian government is seeking to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Rana Hussain, a Pakistan-born businessman accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, due to misrepresentation on his citizenship application.

NIA Investigates Blast Outside BJP Office in Chandigarh

NIA Investigates Blast Outside BJP Office in Chandigarh

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

An explosion outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh has triggered an investigation by the NIA, raising concerns about security and potential threats to party officials.

Cong alleges Sarma's wife holds 3 passports, CM threatens lawsuit

Cong alleges Sarma's wife holds 3 passports, CM threatens lawsuit

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has denied allegations made by the Congress party that his wife possesses multiple passports and concealed property information, vowing to take legal action against the Congress leader who made the claims.

Vigilance Bureau Probes 150 Crore Discrepancies in Panchkula Municipal Funds

Vigilance Bureau Probes 150 Crore Discrepancies in Panchkula Municipal Funds

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Haryana's State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has filed an FIR to investigate alleged discrepancies involving nearly 150 crore of Panchkula Municipal Corporation funds held in a Kotak Mahindra Bank branch.

Haryana Orders Probe into Panchkula Municipal Corporation's Missing Funds

Haryana Orders Probe into Panchkula Municipal Corporation's Missing Funds

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

An FIR has been filed regarding alleged discrepancies in Panchkula Municipal Corporation's fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) of nearly Rs 150 crore held at a Kotak Mahindra Bank branch, leading to a state-level investigation.

Probe Launched into Alleged Financial Discrepancies at Panchkula Municipal Corporation

Probe Launched into Alleged Financial Discrepancies at Panchkula Municipal Corporation

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

An FIR has been filed regarding alleged discrepancies related to Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) involving nearly Rs 150 crore of Panchkula Municipal Corporation with a Kotak Mahindra Bank branch, leading to a formal investigation.

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The BJP has criticised the Congress party for allegedly prioritising its vote bank and outdated ideologies over India's national interest and citizen safety in its foreign policy approach towards Iran.

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

India addresses the escalating conflict in West Asia, outlining its diplomatic efforts to ensure energy security, the safety of its citizens, and advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

US to pause visa for Russia, Iran among 75 countries from Jan 21

US to pause visa for Russia, Iran among 75 countries from Jan 21

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The pause will begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely until the State Department completes a reassessment of visa processing, the report said.

Swift Rescue Operation Saves Lives in Gurugram Guest House Fire

Swift Rescue Operation Saves Lives in Gurugram Guest House Fire

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A fire broke out at a five-storey guest house in Gurugram, India, trapping several residents. Emergency services and locals successfully rescued all those trapped, averting a major tragedy.

Deadly retaliation awaits: Iran on killing of IRIS Dena sailors

Deadly retaliation awaits: Iran on killing of IRIS Dena sailors

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Following the death of Iranian sailors in the Indian Ocean, Iran's navy has threatened 'deadly retaliation,' accusing the US of attacking its warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, escalating tensions in the region.

French soldier killed, several injured in attack in Iraq

French soldier killed, several injured in attack in Iraq

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

A French soldier was killed while several others were injured in an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed. Macron, in a post on X, confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins lost his life in the attack.

Iran threatens to strike US energy infra, IT systems over fuel site attack

Iran threatens to strike US energy infra, IT systems over fuel site attack

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

According to Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the threat was articulated by Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

All 6 crew members killed after US refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq

All 6 crew members killed after US refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Rescue operations are currently underway, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, the command said.

HP Police Seizes Drugs, Liquor in Anti-Chitta Operation

HP Police Seizes Drugs, Liquor in Anti-Chitta Operation

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Himachal Pradesh Police conducted a large-scale anti-drug operation, seizing drugs and illegal liquor across the state and registering multiple cases under the NDPS and Excise Acts.

China announces $200,000 aid after deadly strike on Iran's school

China announces $200,000 aid after deadly strike on Iran's school

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

China has condemned the attack on an elementary school in Iran and pledged USD 200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance.

India rejects reference to PM Modi in Epstein files

India rejects reference to PM Modi in Epstein files

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

India has strongly rejected a reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein, dismissing it as baseless and contemptible.

Is Bill Gates attending AI Impact Summit at New Delhi?

Is Bill Gates attending AI Impact Summit at New Delhi?

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Confusion prevailed on Tuesday over Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates attending the high-profile AI Impact Summit with government sources saying he will not attend the meeting while a spokesperson of his foundation contradicted, saying he is. Gates featured among the tech moguls, industry leaders, policymakers, founders, and technologists listed as speakers on the official website of the AI Impact Summit, underway in the national capital from February 16-20.

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are urging the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could weaken the rights of transgender individuals.

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are calling for the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could dilute the rights of transgender individuals.

Sri Lanka recovers bodies of 80 Iranian sailors killed in US strike

Sri Lanka recovers bodies of 80 Iranian sailors killed in US strike

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 Iranian sailors from a sinking naval ship off the southern coast, while also recovering several bodies. The incident occurred outside Sri Lankan waters but within its search and rescue zone.

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

At least 101 people are missing and 78 are injured after a suspected submarine attack on an Iranian naval ship off Sri Lanka's southern coast on Wednesday, Reuters quoted sources in Sri Lanka's Navy and defence ministry as saying.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Pakistan Assures Saudi Arabia of Support 'Before It Is Needed' Amid West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Assures Saudi Arabia of Support 'Before It Is Needed' Amid West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A senior Pakistani official has affirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia, even before assistance is explicitly requested, amidst ongoing conflict in West Asia. This pledge underscores the close ties between the two nations and Pakistan's role in regional stability.

PM Modi has our full support: US State Department

PM Modi has our full support: US State Department

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The United States stands strong with India against terrorism and Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'has our full support', the State Department said underlining that Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges India and Pakistan to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.

Sri Lanka lets second Iranian ship dock in Trincomalee, evacuates 208

Sri Lanka lets second Iranian ship dock in Trincomalee, evacuates 208

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka is deliberating appropriate action after a second Iranian ship sought entry to its territorial waters, following an attack on an Iranian frigate near the island nation. The government is focused on safeguarding lives and regional peace.

Epstein files: Bill Gates sought pills to treat STD

Epstein files: Bill Gates sought pills to treat STD

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Epstein claimed this was due to the consequences of 'sex with Russian girls'.

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Israel's Defence Minister has issued a stark warning that any leader succeeding Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be considered a target, as reports suggest his son Mojtaba may be next in line.

Bill Gates skips AI Impact Summit keynote amid Epstein files row

Bill Gates skips AI Impact Summit keynote amid Epstein files row

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The organisation further clarified that it will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who 'will speak later today at the Summit'.

Bill Gates apologises for Epstein Files, admits having affairs

Bill Gates apologises for Epstein Files, admits having affairs

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Bill Gates has apologized to the Gates Foundation staff for his association with Jeffrey Epstein and admitted to having affairs with Russian women, stating he did nothing illicit but regrets the mistake.

Rinku Singh's father passes away after battling stage-four cancer

Rinku Singh's father passes away after battling stage-four cancer

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh's father passed away after battling stage-four cancer. Rinku had briefly returned home from the T20 World Cup to see his father.