News for 'Departments of State'

US seizes Venezuela-linked Russian-flagged oil tanker

US seizes Venezuela-linked Russian-flagged oil tanker

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

According to a post on X by the US European Command, the tanker violated US sanctions and was tracked by the US Coast Guard cutter Munro prior to the operation.

Lights On Hills, Joy In Valleys: Meghalaya At Christmas

Lights On Hills, Joy In Valleys: Meghalaya At Christmas

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

There aren't too many places in India happier than Meghalaya at Christmas.

Retired soldier loses Rs 98 lakh during 15-day 'digital arrest'

Retired soldier loses Rs 98 lakh during 15-day 'digital arrest'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

A retired soldier of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh has been duped of Rs 98 lakh after being kept under 15 days 'digital arrest' by the fraudsters, officials said on Friday.

Revealed: CM Nitish poorer than ministers, assets put at Rs 1.65 cr

Revealed: CM Nitish poorer than ministers, assets put at Rs 1.65 cr

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's assets have increased slightly to Rs 1.65 crore, while several ministers are wealthier, according to the latest asset disclosure.

Revealed: How US ensured Jaishankar's security during shutdown

Revealed: How US ensured Jaishankar's security during shutdown

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The US Department of State highlighted a mission-defining challenge during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit in November amid the US government shutdown, detailing the security measures taken to ensure his protection.

Adani Power gets relief as SC nixes SEZ electricity duty

Adani Power gets relief as SC nixes SEZ electricity duty

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Customs duty cannot be levied on electricity supplied from a special economic zone (SEZ) to the domestic market, ruled the Supreme Court on Monday while upholding Adani Power's appeal against a 2019 judgment of the Gujarat high court. The 2019 judgment had denied relief to Adani Power from Customs duty on electricity supplied from its Mundra SEZ unit to the domestic tariff area (DTA).

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.

Indore water crisis: Commissioner shunted out, 2 officials suspended

Indore water crisis: Commissioner shunted out, 2 officials suspended

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Following the deaths of at least four people due to water contamination in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, the Madhya Pradesh government has taken action, including removing the municipal commissioner and suspending senior officials. The government has also submitted a status report to the High Court and is implementing measures to control the outbreak and provide assistance to affected families.

DRDO tests 150-500 km range Pralay missiles, induction next

DRDO tests 150-500 km range Pralay missiles, induction next

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

India successfully test-fired two Pralay missiles in quick succession off the coast of Odisha, paving the way for its induction into the military. The missile is indigenously developed and features a state-of-the-art navigation system.

Elephant-train collision: Injured calf dies, toll rises to 8

Elephant-train collision: Injured calf dies, toll rises to 8

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

"The calf, the only tusker which had survived the accident, died this morning while undergoing treatment at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga," Nagaon Division's Forest Ranger Shamim Akhtar told PTI.

Canada flags Air India, alerts DGCA over pilot issue

Canada flags Air India, alerts DGCA over pilot issue

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

An investigation into the matter is currently ongoing, and police have stated that no further details will be released at this stage.

State Bank of India readies plan to ease KYC process

State Bank of India readies plan to ease KYC process

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

State Bank of India has embarked on a drive to cut the Know Your Customer (KYC) process to a single one across its branches, a top official said on Tuesday.

UK unveils stricter road safety norms named after Indian-origin boy

UK unveils stricter road safety norms named after Indian-origin boy

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The UK government has announced a new road safety strategy, including 'Dev's Law' named after an Indian-origin boy killed in a road accident, to reduce deaths and serious injuries on British roads.

Cylinder blast near Mysore Palace, NIA team on spot

Cylinder blast near Mysore Palace, NIA team on spot

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

An NIA team inspected the site of a balloon gas cylinder blast in Mysuru that killed one person and injured four others. The investigation is ongoing.

Lab test confirms 'life-threatening' water contamination in Indore

Lab test confirms 'life-threatening' water contamination in Indore

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

A vomiting-diarrhoea outbreak in Indore, India, caused by contaminated drinking water, has resulted in at least four deaths and affected over 1,400 people. A leakage in a pipeline in the Bhagirathpura area is believed to be the source of the contamination.

Air India Delhi-New York flight suffers engine damage at Delhi airport

Air India Delhi-New York flight suffers engine damage at Delhi airport

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

An Air India Airbus A350 sustained engine damage after ingesting a baggage container while taxiing at Delhi airport. The incident occurred after the flight returned to Delhi due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace. The DGCA is investigating.

US launches 'deadly' strike on ISIS in Nigeria

US launches 'deadly' strike on ISIS in Nigeria

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The United States on Thursday launched a 'deadly' strike against the terror organisation Islamic State in Northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump said.

ICC unlikely to shift Bangladesh's T20 WC matches

ICC unlikely to shift Bangladesh's T20 WC matches

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

"The overall security risk for the tournament in India has been assessed as low to moderate, which is consistent with the profile of many major global sporting events," the source said.

Dalit woman's murder sparks tension in K'taka; Hindu outfits call for bandh

Dalit woman's murder sparks tension in K'taka; Hindu outfits call for bandh

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

A 30-year-old Dalit woman was stabbed to death in Uttara Kannada, allegedly by a man known to her. The accused was later found dead. The incident has sparked tension, with Hindu outfits alleging 'love jihad'.

Mumbai civic polls: Mahayuti woos voters with AI, free bus travel for women

Mumbai civic polls: Mahayuti woos voters with AI, free bus travel for women

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

The Mahayuti alliance has released its manifesto for the upcoming Mumbai civic elections, promising technology-led governance, concessions for women, and addressing issues like illegal immigration and infrastructure.

FBI offers $50,000 reward for Indian who killed woman, son

FBI offers $50,000 reward for Indian who killed woman, son

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The FBI is offering a reward for information about an Indian national wanted in connection with the 2017 murder of an Indian woman and her son in New Jersey. US authorities are urging India to extradite the suspect, Nazeer Hameed.

Climate activist Harjeet Singh's NGO calls ED allegations 'baseless'

Climate activist Harjeet Singh's NGO calls ED allegations 'baseless'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Satat Sampada, the organisation of climate activist Harjeet Singh and his wife, said the allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate against the firm and its founder were baseless, biased and misleading.

Why States Miss Monthly Spending Ceilings

Why States Miss Monthly Spending Ceilings

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

CAG warns most states of fiscal imprudence as March spending overshoots limits, with key departments exhausting large portions of budgets in the last month of FY24.

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'It would have polarised the Marathi-non Marathi divide further. 'Fadnavis had a very clear strategy: Let all Marathi people campaign for us (the BJP), and whatever results we get will be delivered by Marathi people only.'

US warns Beijing as Chinese vessels encircle Taiwan

US warns Beijing as Chinese vessels encircle Taiwan

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The United States has warned China against escalating tensions as Taiwan detected multiple Chinese naval vessels, official ships and balloons operating around the island amid Beijing's large-scale live-fire military drills.

China using LAC calm to stabilise India ties, curb US closeness: US report

China using LAC calm to stabilise India ties, curb US closeness: US report

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The agreement was to disengage from remaining standoff sites along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), two days before a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

SMS Alerts To Check Student Absenteeism

SMS Alerts To Check Student Absenteeism

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

>Under the new system, an application used to monitor attendance will automatically send SMS alerts to parents and class teachers if a student remains absent for five consecutive days.

Trump says his New Year wish is to see...

Trump says his New Year wish is to see...

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

United States President Donald Trump held a New Year bash at his Florida resort on Thursday and when he was quizzed about his wish for the New Year he said he wanted peace on Earth, reported Fox News.

HC Orders Fishing Ban In Kaziranga During Magh Bihu

HC Orders Fishing Ban In Kaziranga During Magh Bihu

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The court asked the state government, forest department and Kaziranga National Park authorities to place on record the steps taken so far to control illegal fishing and to explain how such activities can be effectively prevented in future.

India vs NZ: Why Bracewell wants Jamieson to deliver

India vs NZ: Why Bracewell wants Jamieson to deliver

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

NZ will lean on Kyle Jamieson to lead pace attack, Kristian Clarke to debut: Michael Bracewell

Bengal polls: Amit Shah lays tough rules for BJP, brings Dilip Ghosh back

Bengal polls: Amit Shah lays tough rules for BJP, brings Dilip Ghosh back

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed BJP leaders to intensify grassroots outreach in West Bengal, setting performance benchmarks for the upcoming state elections. He emphasized party unity and the importance of booth-level workers.

Goa nightclub built illegally on salt pan, no licence: Probe report

Goa nightclub built illegally on salt pan, no licence: Probe report

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

A magisterial inquiry report reveals that the Goa nightclub where a deadly fire killed 25 people was built illegally on salt pan and operated without a valid trade license, indicating serious lapses and collusion at multiple official levels.

Activist Harjeet Singh held after ED raids; Pak, B'desh trips under lens

Activist Harjeet Singh held after ED raids; Pak, B'desh trips under lens

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Uttar Pradesh excise department arrested climate activist Harjeet Singh for allegedly possessing excess liquor after the ED searched his premises in connection with a foreign exchange violation case. The ED is investigating the misuse of funds received from abroad and Singh's visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday dramatically turned up at the residence of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) chief Pratik Jain amid an ongoing Enforcement Directorate raid, alleging that the central agency was attempting to seize the Trinamool Congress's internal documents, hard disks and sensitive data linked to its election strategy.

Indore man dies after diarrhoea, officials deny contaminated water link

Indore man dies after diarrhoea, officials deny contaminated water link

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

A man in Indore died after a diarrhoea outbreak, with family claiming contaminated water was the cause. Officials deny the link, citing pre-existing conditions and hospital admission date.

Minor girl raped, murdered in Odisha, 1 held; Oppn calls bandh

Minor girl raped, murdered in Odisha, 1 held; Oppn calls bandh

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati expressed deep anguish over the incident, and stressed the need for a thorough and impartial investigation and strict punishment for the culprits as per the law.

Cold Days Ahead After Warm 2025

Cold Days Ahead After Warm 2025

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Above-normal cold wave days are expected in some areas of central India, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during January 2026.

White collar terror module: Kashmir starts profiling mosques, madrasas

White collar terror module: Kashmir starts profiling mosques, madrasas

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Authorities in Kashmir have initiated a profiling process of mosques, madrassas, and individuals associated with their management following the exposure of a 'white collar' terror module. The enumeration drive focuses on the finances of these institutions and the backgrounds of their personnel.

ONGC takes over Andhra gas well blaze, finalises control plan

ONGC takes over Andhra gas well blaze, finalises control plan

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The ONGC expert teams are arriving from Mumbai and Delhi to douse the gas well blaze in Mori in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh, an official said on Tuesday.

Karbi Anglong: Assam To Evict Encroachers From Tribal Land

Karbi Anglong: Assam To Evict Encroachers From Tribal Land

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Karbi leader Litsong Rongphor, who was part of the discussions, described the situation in Karbi Anglong as 'extremely critical' following the recent violence.