News for 'Head of Agency'

ASI seeks control of Sambhal mosque post violence, cites heritage status

ASI seeks control of Sambhal mosque post violence, cites heritage status

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sought control and management of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, citing its status as a protected heritage structure. The request comes after violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of the mosque, which was linked to a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site. The ASI has argued that unauthorized changes to the mosque's structure by the management committee are unlawful and should be restricted. A three-member judicial commission has been formed to probe the violence and is expected to visit Sambhal on Sunday.

Rana visited north, south India before 26/11, extradition key: Officials

Rana visited north, south India before 26/11, extradition key: Officials

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of David Coleman Headley, could be extradited to India in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana's travel history in parts of north and south India before the attacks in 2008 is expected to provide crucial leads for the investigation. His extradition would mark the third person to be tried in India for the attacks, after Ajmal Kasab and Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal.

Chamoli avalanche: 8 bodies recovered, recue op ends

Chamoli avalanche: 8 bodies recovered, recue op ends

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The bodies of the last four of the trapped labourers were pulled out from the site of the avalanche-hit Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in Chamoli on Sunday, taking the death toll to eight as authorities ended the nearly 60-hour rescue operation.

Intel agencies keep close watch on Punjab situation

Intel agencies keep close watch on Punjab situation

Rediff.com18 Mar 2023

A senior official said that the state had sought several companies of paramilitary forces and these have been provided to maintain law and order situation.

Trump extends TikTok deadline by 75 days

Trump extends TikTok deadline by 75 days

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order extending the operations of TikTok, the Chinese-controlled video-sharing platform, by 75 days. Trump intends to pursue a resolution that protects national security while preserving the platform used by 170 million Americans. The order instructs the attorney general to refrain from enforcing a law that would have forced TikTok's parent company ByteDance to divest from the app or face a ban from US app stores. Trump cited the national security concerns posed by TikTok and the need to review sensitive intelligence related to these concerns. He also emphasized the importance of finding a resolution that protects national security without abruptly shutting down the platform.

'We Were Handcuffed, Our Legs Were Chained'

'We Were Handcuffed, Our Legs Were Chained'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'Prime Minister Modi should sit with Trump and find a solution to this issue.'

Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico, Canada negotiations continue

Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico, Canada negotiations continue

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Trump on February 1 had announced tariffs on major US trading partners Canada, Mexico and China. He imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10 per cent on goods from China.

Cong accuses govt of mismanagement in Manmohan funeral, BJP hits back

Cong accuses govt of mismanagement in Manmohan funeral, BJP hits back

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

The BJP has accused the Congress of politicising the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and levelling "baseless allegations" of disrespect and mismanagement at his State funeral. The Congress has countered by alleging that the government's arrangements for the funeral were a "shocking display" of disrespect. The row comes as the Congress alleges that the Centre did not allow news agencies except for DD (Doordarshan) to cover the funeral, did not provide enough space for Singh's family around the pyre, and did not stand up for the national flag during the gun salute. The BJP has refuted all of these charges.

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that there are currently over 10,000 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign jails. The Ministry of External Affairs shared country-wise data, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE having the highest number of Indian prisoners. The government has assured that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and provides consular assistance, legal aid, and financial support to those imprisoned.

'Trump Admires Only Himself'

'Trump Admires Only Himself'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'He may respect others, but he is unlikely to admire them'

Sinner eyes clay and grass glory after Aus Open win

Sinner eyes clay and grass glory after Aus Open win

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Jannik Sinner set his sights on mastering clay and grass courts to make himself a complete player

How a selfie with wife proved fatal for top Maoist

How a selfie with wife proved fatal for top Maoist

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Chalapathi, a top leader of the CPI(Maoist) and a key figure in the 2008 Nayagarh armoury attack in Odisha, was killed in a gunfight with security forces at the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. He was one of 14 Maoists killed in the encounter, which lasted for two days. Chalapathi, who had been a mystery to security agencies for decades, was eventually identified through a selfie with his wife, Aruna, found in an abandoned smartphone. He was considered an expert in military tactics and guerrilla warfare and had played a significant role in expanding the Maoist network in Odisha.

R Day: Gallantry medals for cops who foiled Amarnath terror attack plot

R Day: Gallantry medals for cops who foiled Amarnath terror attack plot

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The Medal for Gallantry recipients also included Humayun Bhat, a deputy superintendent of police who was one of four officers to lay down their lives during an encounter with terrorists in south Kashmir's Kokernag in September 2023.

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

SIT to probe Pak man linked to Cong MP Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The Assam Cabinet on Sunday had decided not to register any case against the Congress MP or his British spouse, who the BJP has accused of having ISI links, but instructed the DGP to file an FIR against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.

Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp, Google Play; eases internet blockades

Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp, Google Play; eases internet blockades

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

The decision, which comes after a meeting with top government officials, marks a new phase in the easing of internet blockades that have restricted access to major global platforms for some time.

Thousands visit Ayodhya temple on consecration anniv

Thousands visit Ayodhya temple on consecration anniv

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

The three-day celebrations began on Saturday with a recital of Yajurveda and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performing an 'abhishek' on the Ram Lalla idol.

ICC action on home soil has Pakistan fans buzzing

ICC action on home soil has Pakistan fans buzzing

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The national team, captained for the bulk of those years by Misbah Ul Haq, hosted its 'home' games in the United Arab Emirates and remained relatively successful until fixtures trickled back onto Pakistani soil in 2018.

Delhi station tightens crowd control; Vaishnaw rules out conspiracy

Delhi station tightens crowd control; Vaishnaw rules out conspiracy

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Following a deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that claimed 18 lives on Saturday night, authorities have implemented stringent security measures, including prohibiting loitering on the foot overbridge. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is also monitoring trains heading towards Prayagraj and deploying additional personnel to manage crowds. CCTV surveillance has been enhanced, and announcements are being made to guide commuters and prevent panic. The stampede occurred due to a mix-up in train announcements, leading to a surge of passengers rushing towards platform 16 via a narrow stairway.

Why Tailor Your Travel Insurance

Why Tailor Your Travel Insurance

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Before heading abroad, ensure your travel insurance policy offers all essential coverage and has an adequate sum insured.

16 mysterious deaths in Jammu village confound authorities

16 mysterious deaths in Jammu village confound authorities

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

Authorities have sealed three houses belonging to the affected families and shifted 21 their close relatives to government accommodation to be kept under strict monitoring.

After multiple attacks, China hires private agency to secure assets overseas

After multiple attacks, China hires private agency to secure assets overseas

Rediff.com28 Dec 2023

This may be in line with Russia's private military company, Wagner Group, which was controlled until 2023 by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former close ally of Russia's president Vladimir Putin. The group used the infrastructure of the Russian Armed Forces.

Call them back to office, they'll quit: Musk-Vivek's bold plan

Call them back to office, they'll quit: Musk-Vivek's bold plan

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Tesla owner billionaire Elon Musk and Indian American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in an op-ed provided an insight into their blueprint for an unprecedented government reform that includes mass federal job cuts and massive expense reduction.

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government, citing a scientist, has asserted that Ganga water at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is as pure as "alkaline water", debunking concerns raised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about water quality. The government claims that a scientist found no bacterial growth or decline in the water's pH level, despite millions of devotees bathing in the river. However, experts caution that the quality of the Ganga water is not static and can vary greatly depending on various factors.

Jannik Sinner is Australian Open CHAMPION

Jannik Sinner is Australian Open CHAMPION

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Jannik Sinner retained his Australian Open title with an emphatic 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 win over Alexander Zverev on Sunday

Newsclick HR head seeks pardon, wants to turn approver

Newsclick HR head seeks pardon, wants to turn approver

Rediff.com25 Dec 2023

Chakravarty moved the application before Special Judge Hardeep Kaur last week, seeking pardon in the case and claiming he had material information that he was willing to disclose to the Delhi Police, which is investigating the matter.

Cyberfraud Thrives On Fear!

Cyberfraud Thrives On Fear!

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The number of cyberfraud cases has skyrocketed from 2,677 in 1999-2000 to 29,082 in FY24 -- more than a 10-fold increase. The RBI pegs digital payment frauds at Rs 1,457 crore in FY24, up more than five times in a year. It's not just the number of frauds. What's alarming is the growing sophistication of the fraudsters, exposing the vulnerabilities within the financial system, observes Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Our politicians solely depend on bureaucrats who are unaccountable and follow their own agenda.' 'Our politicians would dare not dream of establishing a DOGE,' argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

2 dead as under-construction building collapses in Mohali

2 dead as under-construction building collapses in Mohali

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

The collapse of a three-storey building in Punjab's Mohali has claimed two lives, with rescuers pulling out the body of a man and a fatally injured woman from under the rubble during a multi-agency 23-hour rescue operation that concluded Sunday evening, officials said.

12 Bengal docs suspended over expired IV fluid death case

12 Bengal docs suspended over expired IV fluid death case

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

The West Bengal government has suspended 12 doctors of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital for negligence following the death of a woman and four others falling ill after childbirth. The incident is alleged to have been caused by the administration of 'expired' intravenous fluid. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a government job to the family of the deceased woman.

Syrian Prez Assad flees as rebels enter Damascus

Syrian Prez Assad flees as rebels enter Damascus

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The head of Syria's main opposition group abroad Hadi al-Bahra Syrian said that Damascus is now "without Bashar al-Assad" according to Reuters.

Thousands flee as rebels reach near Syrian capital

Thousands flee as rebels reach near Syrian capital

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

More than 2,80,000 people have been uprooted in northwest Syria following the sudden and massive offensive into government-controlled areas led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is sanctioned by the Security Council as a terrorist group, the United Nations said on Friday.

RG Kar doc's rapist-murderer escapes death sentence, gets life term

RG Kar doc's rapist-murderer escapes death sentence, gets life term

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The court also directed the state to pay a compensation of Rs 17 lakh to the family of the deceased doctor.

Andhra govt appoints SIT to probe alleged animal fat in Tirupati laddus

Andhra govt appoints SIT to probe alleged animal fat in Tirupati laddus

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

The allegations sparked a massive controversy across the country, hurting the sentiments of crores of Hindus.

UP man enters Pak to marry FB friend, lands in jail

UP man enters Pak to marry FB friend, lands in jail

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

A young Indian man was arrested in Pakistan after illegally crossing the border to meet a Facebook friend he wanted to marry. However, the woman told police she was not interested in marrying him. The man, Badal Babu, was arrested in the Mandi Bahauddin district of Pakistan's Punjab province on December 28. He had crossed the border to meet his Facebook friend, Sana Rani. Rani, in her statement to police, said she had been friends with Babu for the past two-and-a-half years but was not interested in marrying him. Babu's family has appealed to the Indian government to intervene for his release.

Russia grants asylum to ousted Syrian president Assad

Russia grants asylum to ousted Syrian president Assad

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The situation in Syria remains a focal point for all the neighbouring nations after Syrian rebels on Sunday entered the capital Damascus, forcing Assad to flee, ending his over two-decade rule in the country.

NIA probes sabotage angle in recent train derailments

NIA probes sabotage angle in recent train derailments

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

They said at least four such cases are being looked into by the anti-terror agency officials.

Temasek's Haldiram Deal May Be HUGE!

Temasek's Haldiram Deal May Be HUGE!

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Temasek is nearing a deal to acquire a 10% per cent stake in Haldiram Snacks Foods, valued at $10 billion.

Meet India's Top Spooks!

Meet India's Top Spooks!

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

Senior army and police officials were present at the meeting, but what caught our eye was the presence of Ravi Sinha, who heads the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency, and Tapan Deka, who head the Intelligence Bureau, India's internal intelligence agency, at the meeting.

Aus Open PIX: Djokovic survives scare; Alcaraz cruises

Aus Open PIX: Djokovic survives scare; Alcaraz cruises

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Novak Djokovic was seriously rattled early on by inspired American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy but rallied for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory on Monday.

Should implement Modi-Xi consensus to boost ties: Chinese FM to Jaishankar

Should implement Modi-Xi consensus to boost ties: Chinese FM to Jaishankar

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on India to implement the consensus reached by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping at their summit in Russia, urging a restart of bilateral ties. Wang emphasized the importance of respecting each other's core interests, enhancing mutual trust, handling differences effectively, and bringing the relationship back on track. He suggested practical steps such as resuming flights, easing visa procedures, and planning commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Wang also highlighted the shared interests and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, advocating for mutual development and strengthening coordination in international affairs.