News for 'Federal Office'

Harvard's 788 Indian Students: What Next?

Harvard's 788 Indian Students: What Next?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's eligibility to enrol foreign students, raising concerns over the legal status of thousands of students, including nearly 800 from India, currently enrolled at the varsity.

BFI vs IOA: Why Indian boxing is in turmoil

BFI vs IOA: Why Indian boxing is in turmoil

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Abuse of power, financial misconduct, and the never-ending turf wars are now coming to light as Boxing Federation of India's officials jostle to escape blame for the shocking turn of events.

Boxing crisis: Vijender demands urgent action

Boxing crisis: Vijender demands urgent action

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Olympic medallist Vijender Singh has called for greater international exposure for Indian boxers to boost their 2028 Los Angles Games medal hopes while also urging fresh and fair elections in the BFI to strengthen its governance. He believes that more international competition and a strong federation are crucial for Indian boxers to succeed at the upcoming Olympics.

Left maintains foothold in JNU, ABVP wins joint secy post

Left maintains foothold in JNU, ABVP wins joint secy post

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The RSS-affiliated ABVP has won the post of joint secretary in the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) election, ending a nine-year period out of office. The ABVP's victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of JNU, breaking the Left's long-standing dominance. Left candidates won the remaining three central panel posts, but the ABVP's victory is seen as a major gain for the right-wing group.

Boxing Interim Committee fast-tracks key decisions

Boxing Interim Committee fast-tracks key decisions

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

In its latest order, the Himachal Pradesh High Court directed the Sports Ministry observer and the Returning Officer to issue a fresh election schedule before April 28, when the case is set to be heard again.

ED raids 'Empuraan' producer over Rs 1,000 cr FEMA case

ED raids 'Empuraan' producer over Rs 1,000 cr FEMA case

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

"L2: Empuraan", the second part of the "Lucifer" movie, a trilogy planned by the Prithviraj-Mohanlal team, has become a topic of hot debate over its critique of right-wing politics and the covert mention of the Gujarat riots.

Indian student self-deports after US revokes visa for supporting Hamas

Indian student self-deports after US revokes visa for supporting Hamas

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, a citizen and national of India, entered the United States on a F-1 student visa as a doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on Friday. It added that Srinivasan was "involved in activities supporting" Hamas, a terrorist organisation.

ED to restore Rs 15K cr to victims of frauds; returns Rs 31,951 cr so far

ED to restore Rs 15K cr to victims of frauds; returns Rs 31,951 cr so far

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has earmarked assets worth about Rs 15,000 crore that will be restored to victims of real estate, Ponzi and other frauds across India during the current financial year. The agency has been "aggressively" initiating this provision for restitution since last year to ensure rightful claimants duped by financial crime get their dues. The ED has already restored Rs 31,951 crore worth of assets under this provision, including Rs 15,201.65 crore from 2019-21 in cases related to Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and the National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL). The ED Director has issued directions to all regions to actively work on cases marked for restitution of assets worth Rs 15,000 crore during the financial year 2025-26.

Is Trump planning a 3rd term? Prez says 'not joking'

Is Trump planning a 3rd term? Prez says 'not joking'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Trump's comments have been met with fierce criticism, with Rep. Daniel Goldman labeling it an "escalation in his clear effort to take over the government and dismantle our democracy." Goldman urged Congressional Republicans to oppose Trump's ambitions.

ED conducts raids in case linked to Senthil Balaji

ED conducts raids in case linked to Senthil Balaji

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Tamil Nadu on Thursday as part of a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), including the purported role of its minister Senthil Balaji. The raids covered the offices of TASMAC, its employees, corporate offices of distilleries and plants, as well as "key associates" linked to Balaji, but not the minister's premises. The ED is looking into liquor sale transactions and the role of alleged middlemen in connection with TASMAC. Balaji, the minister for electricity, is also in charge of TASMAC, which holds a monopoly over liquor trade in the state. The agency is also investigating Balaji's role in an earlier money laundering case linked to the "cash for jobs scam" in the state transport department. He was arrested in that case but is currently out on bail.

ED grills Vadra for 5 hrs in land case; more quizzing on Wednesday

ED grills Vadra for 5 hrs in land case; more quizzing on Wednesday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Vadra has been questioned multiple times by the federal probe agency in a different money laundering case.

'Tech support' Musk says he is fixing US 'govt computer systems'

'Tech support' Musk says he is fixing US 'govt computer systems'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

"Anybody unhappy with Elon? If you are, then we'll throw them out of here," Trump said

US: Pro-Palestinian protest leader taken away in handcuffs

US: Pro-Palestinian protest leader taken away in handcuffs

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Immigration officials on Monday detained Mohsen Mahdawi, an organiser of pro-Palestinian protests last year at Columbia University, after he arrived at the Vermont immigration office, hoping to begin the final step to becoming a US citizen, CNN reported.

Gold rises Rs 70 to hit a fresh peak of Rs 98,170/10g

Gold rises Rs 70 to hit a fresh peak of Rs 98,170/10g

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Gold prices rose by Rs 70 to hit yet another record high of Rs 98,170 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday amid firm global demand, according to the All India Sarafa Association. On Wednesday, the precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity soared by Rs 1,650 to hit an all-time high of Rs 98,100 per 10 grams.

NADA suspends coach Ramesh for 'complicity' in doping

NADA suspends coach Ramesh for 'complicity' in doping

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Junior National team chief coach Ramesh Nagpuri was suspended by the National Anti Doping Agency for "complicity" in doping and seven athletes were in dock for "evading" tests after a slew of dope cases rocked Indian athletics.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

Row in Kerala over naming skill centre after RSS founder

Row in Kerala over naming skill centre after RSS founder

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The alleged threats by the BJP's district president Prasanth Siva came in the wake of a row over naming a skill development centre for disabled persons after RSS founder K B Hedgewar.

Indian student files lawsuit against possible deportation from US

Indian student files lawsuit against possible deportation from US

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Four students, including an Indian, at Michigan public universities have filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration officials, alleging their student immigration status was unlawfully terminated. The lawsuit claims the students' status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was illegally terminated without proper notice or explanation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan, representing the students, says they were targeted by the Trump administration without a valid reason. The lawsuit seeks to reinstate the students' status to allow them to complete their studies and avoid the risk of detention and deportation. The case is part of a growing trend of lawsuits against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown on higher education. Experts warn that these actions could deter future international scholars from choosing the US as their academic destination, undermining the reputation of US universities.

Wanted Punjab terrorist arrested in US; had links with ISI, BKI

Wanted Punjab terrorist arrested in US; had links with ISI, BKI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia alias Jora, an alleged terrorist who had illegally entered the US, was arrested by the FBI and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations in Sacramento.

Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal Release NOT Allowed

Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal Release NOT Allowed

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'We will take all necessary steps to ensure that Abir Gulaal is not released in India.'

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, was extradited to India to face charges related to his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The US Department of Justice said Rana allegedly commended the LeT terrorists who carried out the attacks and suggested they should be awarded Pakistan's highest gallantry award. Rana is accused of facilitating a fraudulent cover for his childhood friend, David Headley, to conduct surveillance in Mumbai for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. He is also accused of helping Headley submit false visa applications to Indian authorities. This extradition follows a lengthy legal process that began in 2020 with India's request for Rana's surrender. Rana, who was previously convicted in the US for providing material support to LeT, will now face trial in India on 10 criminal charges related to the Mumbai attacks.

'Naidu Will Not Waste Time Now'

'Naidu Will Not Waste Time Now'

Rediff.com3 May 2025

'Amaravati will be a game changer for Andhra Pradesh.'

Missing Indian-origin student was seen with man on the beach

Missing Indian-origin student was seen with man on the beach

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

A 20-year-old Indian student, Sudiksha Konanki, has gone missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. US federal law enforcement agencies are working with Dominican authorities to investigate her disappearance. Konanki, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, was reported missing on March 6 while vacationing with friends in Punta Cana. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is assisting in the investigation, which includes a review of surveillance video, telephone records, and interviews with anyone who may have seen Konanki. The LCSO has filed for a Yellow Notice (worldwide police alert for a missing person) to be issued by INTERPOL. While Dominican officials believe Konanki may have drowned in the ocean, the LCSO cautions against drawing any unsubstantiated conclusions. The investigation is ongoing.

Sonia, Rahul conspired to usurp Rs 2,000-cr AJL assets: ED

Sonia, Rahul conspired to usurp Rs 2,000-cr AJL assets: ED

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in the National Herald case, accusing Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of a "criminal conspiracy" to "usurp" properties worth Rs 2,000 crore of its public company AJL by transferring 99 per cent shares for just Rs 50 lakh to their private company Young Indian. The ED has named Sonia Gandhi as accused no 1 and Rahul Gandhi as accused no 2 in the chargesheet, which was filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Trump aide greets Kash Patel in 'Bollywood' style

Trump aide greets Kash Patel in 'Bollywood' style

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump took a leaf out of Bollywood to congratulate Indian-origin Kash Patel after his confirmation as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Ex-FIFA chief Blatter, Platini cleared in corruption case

Ex-FIFA chief Blatter, Platini cleared in corruption case

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and France soccer great Michel Platini were both cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court on Tuesday.

Spain seek retrial in World Cup kiss case

Spain seek retrial in World Cup kiss case

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Prosecutor Marta Durantez requested the trial be repeated, arguing that evidence and many of her questions were not admitted.

Former Governor Soundararajan, TN BJP chief detained during protest

Former Governor Soundararajan, TN BJP chief detained during protest

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai and many party functionaries were detained by police in Chennai on Monday ahead of a protest against alleged irregularities in state-run liquor retailer TASMAC. The BJP had planned to picket the TASMAC headquarters over alleged Rs 1,000 crore irregularities, as claimed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Annamalai was detained near his house along with his supporters, and senior party leaders including Tamilisai Soundararajan were placed "under house arrest" by the police. The ED had earlier said it found "multiple irregularities" in TASMAC operations, including "manipulation" in tender processes and "unaccounted" cash transactions worth Rs 1,000 crore.

Gold at fresh record high of Rs 91,950/10 gm

Gold at fresh record high of Rs 91,950/10 gm

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Gold prices advanced Rs 700 to reach a new lifetime high of Rs 91,950 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday on the back of continued buying by jewellers ahead of wedding season, according to the All India Sarafa Association. Besides, increased tensions in the Middle East and concerns about the US economic slowdown have kept the demand for safe-haven assets intact.

Can Insurers Invest In Bima Sugam India?

Can Insurers Invest In Bima Sugam India?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

'Investment by insurers in the Bima Sugam India Federation is illegal as it is a private limited company.'

ED seeks confiscation of Rs 661cr assets in National Herald case

ED seeks confiscation of Rs 661cr assets in National Herald case

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in the Associated Journals Limited-Young Indian-National Herald money-laundering case, seeking confiscation of assets worth Rs 661 crore and appending statements of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The agency has accused the Gandhis of orchestrating a conspiracy to illegally obtain the underlying assets of AJL by the beneficial owners of YI (Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi). Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have denied any wrongdoing and said the takeover of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by Young Indian (YI) was not for commercial purposes. The Congress has slammed the chargesheet, alleging that the ED action against its leaders shows panic and moral bankruptcy of the "despotic" government, while the BJP has continued to call out the role of the Gandhi family in the matter.

Blatter, Platini return to court over corruption charge

Blatter, Platini return to court over corruption charge

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Blatter and Platini were suspended from football in 2015 by FIFA for ethics breaches, originally for eight years, although their exclusions were later reduced.

Motor Insurance Growth Slows Amid Weak Vehicle Sales

Motor Insurance Growth Slows Amid Weak Vehicle Sales

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'The slowdown in motor insurance premium growth is due to slower growth in vehicle sales. Also, there has been minimal hike in third-party rates in the past three years which is affecting the growth rate of third-party premiums.'

Trump issues order to dismantle Voice of America

Trump issues order to dismantle Voice of America

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

United States President Donald Trump has ordered the dismantling of the government-funded news agency Voice of America (VOA), accusing it of promoting biased media reports, as reported by Fox News.

US court dismisses Pannun's claim of serving summons on Ajit Doval

US court dismisses Pannun's claim of serving summons on Ajit Doval

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

A US court has dismissed a claim by Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun that court documents, including a summons, had been served on National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his visit to Washington in February. The court found that the complaint was not delivered to Doval as required by the court's order.

Police name person of interest in Sudiksha Konanki case

Police name person of interest in Sudiksha Konanki case

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

US authorities have identified a 24-year-old man as a person of interest in the case of a 20-year-old Indian student who has gone missing during a spring break visit to the Dominican Republic. Sudiksha Konanki, a citizen of India and a permanent resident of the United States, was last seen on March 6 at the Riu Republic Resort in Punta Cana. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, Konanki's hometown in Virginia, said Joshua Riibe was seen with Sudiksha at a resort before she went missing. While Konanki's father has asked local authorities to broaden the investigation, authorities maintain that the case is not a criminal investigation and Riibe is not considered a suspect. However, he is considered a person of interest as he was the last one to be seen with Konanki. The Dominican Republic National Police has established a "high-level commission" to oversee the investigation and will be reinterviewing "targeted individuals" who were seen near or with Konanki at the time of her disappearance.

Trump orders 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay

Trump orders 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The Guantanamo Bay facility, which has so far been used to hold terrorists, will now also house illegal immigrants with criminal records.

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

In more than one way, it's a setback for the DMK and Chief Minister Stalin in political terms. The electoral fall-out, if any, will have to wait until the next summer, only when assembly elections are due in the state, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

ED seizes 'biggest' crypto fund worth Rs 1,646 crore

ED seizes 'biggest' crypto fund worth Rs 1,646 crore

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized its biggest-ever cryptocurrency worth Rs 1,646 crore in a money laundering investigation into a fraud investment scheme called BitConnect. The scheme, which ran between 2016 and 2018, promised investors high returns through a proprietary trading bot but was found to be a sham. The ED tracked transactions through the dark web and seized the cryptocurrency from numerous wallets. This is the agency's largest-ever seizure of virtual digital assets and the investigation is ongoing.

US judge stops Indian student's deportation weeks before graduation

US judge stops Indian student's deportation weeks before graduation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Krish Lal Isserdasani is an engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.