News for 'Federal Office'

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

We the people are left in the wind, waiting on the whims of an unengaged president and an oligarch with a nearly bottomless wallet, observes Sree Sreenivasan.

Pahalgam Attack: 'Munir Would Have Known'

Pahalgam Attack: 'Munir Would Have Known'

Rediff.com6 May 2025

'Pakistan's only concern has been while they were on the FATF watch list was to distance their State institutions and organs from any direct connection with the actual execution of militancy inside Kashmir.'

SUNITA WILLIAMS RETURNS TO EARTH AFTER 9 MONTHS!

SUNITA WILLIAMS RETURNS TO EARTH AFTER 9 MONTHS!

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth after completing a record-breaking 9-month mission to the International Space Station. The mission was initially planned for eight days but was extended due to issues with their Boeing spacecraft. During her mission, Williams broke the record for most time spent spacewalking by a woman, completing 62 hours and 9 minutes of extra-vehicular activity.

Modi-Musk Talk: Will Starlink Get Go Ahead?

Modi-Musk Talk: Will Starlink Get Go Ahead?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Starlink's application for offering satcom services in India had been held up for the company's inability to comply with mandatory ownership disclosure norms.

US warns against travel near India-Pakistan border

US warns against travel near India-Pakistan border

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The United States has issued an advisory cautioning against travel to the immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict and to the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Kash Patel takes oath on Bhagavad Gita as FBI director

Kash Patel takes oath on Bhagavad Gita as FBI director

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Kash Patel took oath as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the Bhagavad Gita and spoke about how a first-generation Indian kid is living the American dream, reflecting on his heritage.

Spanish court slaps ex-soccer coach with fine over kiss

Spanish court slaps ex-soccer coach with fine over kiss

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Spain's High Court has found former soccer federation boss Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent

Elon Musk Takes Centrestage At Trump's Cabinet Meet

Elon Musk Takes Centrestage At Trump's Cabinet Meet

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Donald Trump held his first cabinet meeting of his second term, featuring a controversial appearance by Elon Musk, who stood wearing a "tech support" T-shirt.

ED detects irregularities worth Rs 1,000 cr in TN liquor trade

ED detects irregularities worth Rs 1,000 cr in TN liquor trade

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered "multiple irregularities" in the operations of TASMAC, the state-run monopoly controlling liquor trade in Tamil Nadu. The agency found evidence of "manipulation" in tender processes and "unaccounted" cash transactions worth Rs 1,000 crore through distillery companies. The ED alleges that these irregularities involved "kickbacks" to secure increased supply orders from TASMAC and systematic inflation of expenses by distillery companies to siphon off unaccounted cash.

Judge blocks Trump's move to end birthright citizenship

Judge blocks Trump's move to end birthright citizenship

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to terminate birthright citizenship in the United States, calling the policy 'blatantly unconstitutional', CNN reported.

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will expose Pak state actors' role in 26/11

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will expose Pak state actors' role in 26/11

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is expected to be extradited to India from the United States soon. The US Supreme Court denied his last-ditch effort to stop his extradition, moving him closer to being handed over to Indian authorities. Rana's extradition is expected to help probe agencies expose the role of Pakistani state actors behind the attacks and shed new light on the investigation. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Sports Minister on why he revoked WFI suspension

Sports Minister on why he revoked WFI suspension

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'WFI must reverse all amendments made during its suspension and ensure checks and balances in decision-making within four weeks.'

Who is Tahawwur Rana and how is he linked to 26/11 attacks?

Who is Tahawwur Rana and how is he linked to 26/11 attacks?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of David Coleman Headley, is set to be extradited to India from the US. Rana was involved in the planning and execution of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people, including six Americans. He assisted Headley in obtaining a visa for India, established a front company in Mumbai, and helped in reconnaissance of targets in Mumbai and New Delhi. Rana was convicted in the US for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and sentenced to 14 years in prison. His extradition to India will allow authorities to question him about his involvement in the Mumbai attacks and potentially uncover new information about the role of Pakistani state actors.

Students clash at Delhi's SAU over non-veg food on Maha Shivratri

Students clash at Delhi's SAU over non-veg food on Maha Shivratri

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

According to an official statement by SFI Delhi, the ABVP members attacked some students in the university mess for not complying with their demand that non-vegetarian food should not be served on Maha Shivratri.

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, claiming it was a "blatant intrusion" into the rights of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion. The plea, filed by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, argues that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreversibly damage the democratic process in their administration. Several other petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the bill, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.'

New FBI chief Kash Patel traces his roots to Gujarat village

New FBI chief Kash Patel traces his roots to Gujarat village

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Kash Patel, the first Indian-American to head the FBI, has traced his roots to Bhadran village in Gujarat's Anand district. Patel's family migrated to Uganda 70 to 80 years ago, before selling their ancestral houses and moving to foreign countries. Patel was born in New York and is a trained lawyer who is an ice-hockey fan.

Family of missing Indian student wants her declared dead

Family of missing Indian student wants her declared dead

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The family of missing 20-year-old Indian student Sudiksha Konanki has asked police in the Dominican Republic to declare her dead, according to US media reports. Konanki was last seen on March 6 at the Riu Republic Resort in Punta Cana town. She has gone missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic and US federal law enforcement agencies are working with authorities in the Caribbean country in the probe into her disappearance. Despite an extensive search, her body has not been found.

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

With its age-old fascination for education, southern states have done better than the North. Start-ups, IT hubs, and industry majors setting up shop have changed the face of the South. Nearly 79% of global offices set up by international conglomerates in India are in the South. Almost 46% of tech unicorns are from the South. The GDP per person in the South is 4.2 times higher than the North. None of these indicators can be ignored by any central government, whatever the political compulsions, notes Ramesh Menon.

Kerala Cong leader among 6 booked for duping people of crores; 1 held

Kerala Cong leader among 6 booked for duping people of crores; 1 held

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

A 26-year-old man, Anandu Krishnan, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding people across Kerala by promising them scooters, sewing machines, and home appliances at half price. The accused claimed to use Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from big companies. The case has taken a political turn with the involvement of Congress leader Lali Vincent, who served as a legal advisor to an NGO involved in the transactions. Vincent defended Krishnan and said he was not a fraudster, claiming he was made a scapegoat after those who promised CSR funds backed away. The case is being investigated by the Kerala police, who are also looking into the role of certain political leaders in the fraud.

Kash Patel becomes first Indian-American to lead FBI

Kash Patel becomes first Indian-American to lead FBI

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Dan Scavino, Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff on Thursday said that United States President Donald Trump has officially signed the commission to confirm Kash Patel as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Carney defeated former cabinet minister Karina Gould, former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, and Businessman and former Liberal MP Frank Baylis. All four contenders entered the room to much fanfare and addressed the crowd, thanking supporters for injecting energy into the party.

WFI office moved out of Brij Bhushan's home

WFI office moved out of Brij Bhushan's home

Rediff.com30 Dec 2023

The ministry, while suspending the newly-formed WFI panel under president Sanjay Singh on December 24, three days after he was elected its head, had cited the office running from Brij Bhushan's residence as one of the reasons for taking the stringent action.

LS passes Waqf bill by 288-232 votes; Oppn's amendments rejected

LS passes Waqf bill by 288-232 votes; Oppn's amendments rejected

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the ruling NDA defending it as beneficial for minorities while the opposition called it "anti-Muslim". All amendments moved by the opposition were rejected and the bill was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. Union Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that India is the safest place in the world for minorities, refuting claims of their insecurity.

Trump fires several lawyers who prosecuted him

Trump fires several lawyers who prosecuted him

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The move comes as the Trump administration is taking measures to probe prosecutors who oversaw the criminal cases against January 6 defendants after Trump announced that he would seek retribution as a key pledge of his campaign.

Will Trump Be Adani's Saviour?

Will Trump Be Adani's Saviour?

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

'If the criminal or civil charges are deemed unworthy or defective, Trump's new justice department and SEC can withdraw the criminal and civil cases.'

US SC clears 26/11 terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India

US SC clears 26/11 terror attack convict Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

This was Rana's last legal chance not to be extradited to India. Earlier, he lost a legal battle in several federal courts, including the US Court of Appeals for the North Circuit in San Francisco.

Birthright citizenship meant for children of slaves: Trump

Birthright citizenship meant for children of slaves: Trump

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

President Donald Trump has said that birthright citizenship was primarily intended for the children of slaves and not for the whole world to "come in and pile" into the US. Trump issued an executive order against birthright citizenship on his first day in office, which was struck down by a federal court in Seattle the next day. Trump has said that he would appeal against it and is confident that the Supreme Court will rule in his favor. A group of Republican Senators introduced a bill in the US Senate to restrict birthright citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants and non-immigrants on temporary visas. They argue that birthright citizenship is a major pull factor for illegal immigration and a weakness for national security.

Third term for President Trump? Lawmaker moves bill

Third term for President Trump? Lawmaker moves bill

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

A Republican lawmaker has introduced a House Joint Resolution to amend the US Constitution to allow a president to be elected for up to three terms. The move is aimed at facilitating a third term for President Donald Trump. Congressman Andy Ogles, who introduced the resolution, stated that the amendment would ensure the continuation of Trump's "bold leadership" and provide him with the resources to "correct the disastrous course" set by the Biden administration. He highlighted Trump's decisive leadership and his ability to "restore America to greatness." Ogles also praised Trump's actions in tackling the crisis at the southern border, lifting oil and gas drilling restrictions, ending birthright citizenship for children born to illegal aliens, and withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization.

Trump's 'America First' agenda: Key policies unveiled

Trump's 'America First' agenda: Key policies unveiled

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

US President Donald Trump has 'America First' as his priorities and this includes making America safe again, making the country affordable, achieving energy dominance, draining the swamp and bringing back American values, the White House said on Monday.

Kerala's half-price fraud may amount to Rs 600-700 cr

Kerala's half-price fraud may amount to Rs 600-700 cr

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Anandu Krishnan, a 26-year-old man, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding people of several crores by promising scooters, sewing machines, home appliances, and laptops at half price using fake CSR funds from major companies. The total fraud is estimated to be around Rs 600-700 crore. Krishnan was operating the scam since 2022 by registering societies and convincing people that he was the National Coordinator of the National NGO Federation and that he had been entrusted with managing the CSR funds of various companies. He collected money through 62 "seed societies" and used his political links to convince the victims. The police are investigating the role of certain political leaders in the fraud.

Trump's H-1B Policy Will Affect Desis

Trump's H-1B Policy Will Affect Desis

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Indian Americans contribute approximately 5% to 6% -- roughly $300 billion -- in federal tax revenues annually.

Will Trump-Putin Reach A Deal On Ukraine?

Will Trump-Putin Reach A Deal On Ukraine?

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Putin is keen on establishing a good personal rapport with Trump and anchor a meaningful US-Russia partnership, realistic enough to accept that Trump is as good an American president as Russia would ever get, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Olympic champ Khelif fights back

Olympic champ Khelif fights back

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The IBA announced in a statement on Monday it was filing a complaint with Swiss Attorney General Stefan Blatter against the International Olympic Committee, citing safety concerns over gender eligibility.

Trump's Disruptions: Blessing In Disguise

Trump's Disruptions: Blessing In Disguise

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

We must bring a laser focus on our own interests, and define our friends and foes more clearly instead of trying to live by somebody else's rules. We must grow up, think for ourselves, think India First, asserts R Jagannathan.

US Comes Under Terror Attack

US Comes Under Terror Attack

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

The death toll has risen to at least 15 people in the New Orleans 'act of terrorism' after a car rammed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the early hours of Wednesday

Rest In Peace, Voice Of America

Rest In Peace, Voice Of America

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

What despots and dictators, jammers and competitors, had not managed to do in 83 years -- what the Soviet Union had failed to counter during the Cold War; what China had failed to crush during the Tiananmen Square uprising -- a US President had succeeded with his own hand, notes Krishna Prasad.

Wrestling Federation elections to be held on December 21

Wrestling Federation elections to be held on December 21

Rediff.com9 Dec 2023

'The elections of the WFI were stayed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 11.08.2023 just a day before the poll and therefore, polling could not be held on 12.08.2023... the Supreme Court has vacated the stay orders and therefore the remaining steps like polling etc. will now recommence on 21.12.2023 as per the following revised schedule.'

TikTok restores service in US, thanks Trump for...

TikTok restores service in US, thanks Trump for...

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

TikTok credited Trump's intervention for providing "clarity and assurance" to its service providers, enabling the app's rapid return.