News for 'High Commissioners'

Recalled envoy speaks out: Canada backstabbed India

Recalled envoy speaks out: Canada backstabbed India

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

Calling Canada's behaviour 'the pits', India's recalled high commissioner Sanjay Verma says India was backstabbed and treated in a most unprofessional manner by a country that is supposed to be a friendly democracy.

Why Team India is loved across the world!

Why Team India is loved across the world!

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

V V S Laxman said the Indian team's aggressive approach is the primary reason behind the wholehearted support they receive anywhere across the globe.

Union Carbide waste incineration begins on trial basis in MP

Union Carbide waste incineration begins on trial basis in MP

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The trial incineration of 10 tonnes of waste from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, responsible for the 1984 gas tragedy, began on Friday afternoon in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. The process, ordered by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, is expected to take 72 hours to complete. The waste includes soil, reactor residues, pesticide residues, and other materials. The State Pollution Control Board says the chemicals in the waste have become "almost negligible" and there is no presence of methyl isocyanate gas. The incineration process is being monitored by the Pollution Control Board and broadcast live.

Railways answers: What caused stampede at Delhi station

Railways answers: What caused stampede at Delhi station

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay on Sunday said that a passenger coming towards platforms 14-15 slipped and fell on the stairs, and many passengers standing behind him were hit, leading to the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.

Trudeau just admitted Canada has no proof: India

Trudeau just admitted Canada has no proof: India

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified before a Commission of Inquiry, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said what it has heard only 'confirms' New Delhi's consistent stand that Canada has 'presented us no evidence' in support of the serious allegations Ottawa chose to level against India and Indian diplomats.

King Charles Meets Vikram Doraiswami

King Charles Meets Vikram Doraiswami

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

Vikram Doraiswami, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1992 batch, is the youngest Indian diplomat ever to be assigned to the Court of St James.

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'Parents are forced to provide their children to Russian re-education camps in occupied territories and in different parts of Russia, for example, in Chechnya, where Ukrainian children wearing military uniform are taught to use weapons.'

Canada didn't act on Bishnoi gang despite info: India

Canada didn't act on Bishnoi gang despite info: India

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

During the briefing, Jaiswal reiterated that so far no evidence has been shared by Canada.

'Abduction' of ex-minister's son turns out to be 'secret' Bangkok trip

'Abduction' of ex-minister's son turns out to be 'secret' Bangkok trip

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A day after high drama over the 'kidnapping' of ex-Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant's son, traced on a Bangkok-bound chartered flight which was diverted to Pune, the Sawant junior claimed he kept his 'business trip' secret to avoid his family's wrath.

Four tourists trapped in Arunachal's Sela Lake rescued

Four tourists trapped in Arunachal's Sela Lake rescued

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Four tourists from Assam fell into the frozen Sela Lake in Arunachal Pradesh while attempting to walk on its icy surface. Despite clear risks, they ventured onto the lake's frozen surface but were quickly pulled to safety by their companions. Local authorities had previously issued warnings against such activities, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the lake. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also cautioned tourists about the dangers of walking on frozen lakes and advised them to exercise caution when traveling in the mountains.

Delhi: Former commissioner to Pak commits suicide

Delhi: Former commissioner to Pak commits suicide

Rediff.com15 Apr 2010

K D Sharma, former high commissioner to Pakistan, shot himself dead in his east Delhi apartment on Thursday morning apparently depressed over his poor health conditions, the police said.

If Sheikh Hasina wishes to stay in India ...: Ex-envoy

If Sheikh Hasina wishes to stay in India ...: Ex-envoy

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

The veteran diplomat said Hasina has stayed in India before after the assassination of her father and Bangladesh independence hero Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who later became the country's prime minister. Rahman was assassinated in August 1975.

Kids pelt stones at 'Laat Sahab' during Holi procession in UP

Kids pelt stones at 'Laat Sahab' during Holi procession in UP

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Some children allegedly threw stones at 'Laat Sahab' during procession in Shahjahanpur city on Friday, but police chased them away.

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A new book by former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi claims that former chief election commissioner T N Seshan proposed an immediate halt to the general election process after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991 and even offered to become home minister. Gandhi, who was joint secretary to then president R Venkatraman, writes that Seshan was the one who broke the news of the assassination to the president and arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhawan "super-fast" that night. According to Gandhi's account, Seshan told Venkatraman that he felt the election process needed to be stopped and that he was ready to take on the role of home minister if necessary. However, Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and Cabinet Secretary Naresh Chandra assured the president that the situation was under control and that there was no need to pause the election process. Seshan's suggestions were ultimately ignored, but he did manage to postpone the second and third phases of polling.

Owner, manager held after 14 killed in Kolkata hotel fire

Owner, manager held after 14 killed in Kolkata hotel fire

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The owner and manager of Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata have been arrested following a devastating fire that killed 14 people. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered surprise checks of all establishments in the city to ensure fire safety compliance, after the tragedy highlighted serious violations at the hotel. The hotel has been sealed and special committees will be formed to monitor and identify establishments flouting fire safety norms.

SC extends stay on survey of Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura

SC extends stay on survey of Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has extended its stay on a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex in Mathura, which is located adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. The court deferred the hearing on a plea against the survey to April 1, while the interim order staying the survey will continue to operate. The Hindu side claims that the mosque complex holds signs of a temple that once existed at the site, while the Muslim side contends that the lawsuits filed by the Hindu litigants violate the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991.

Acted swiftly to control situation after Kumbh stampede: Adityanath

Acted swiftly to control situation after Kumbh stampede: Adityanath

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the successful execution of the Maha Kumbh 2025, emphasizing effective crisis management, economic benefits, and the event's role in national unity and infrastructure development. He cited the swift response to a stampede on January 29 and the extensive preparations that ensured a smooth experience for millions of pilgrims.

For a post-retirement job...: Kejriwal's dig at CEC

For a post-retirement job...: Kejriwal's dig at CEC

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of indulging in hooliganism and targeting AAP workers, claiming that Delhi Police is afraid and helpless to tackle the situation.

CAT overturns transfer of Sameer Wankhede

CAT overturns transfer of Sameer Wankhede

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has overturned the transfer of Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Sameer Wankhede from Mumbai to Chennai, ruling that the revenue department violated its own guidelines. Wankhede, known for his role in the Cordelia cruise drug bust case involving Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son, had claimed his transfer was punitive and a consequence of his actions at the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The CAT found procedural lapses and potential bias in the transfer decision, stating that transfer policies must be implemented fairly and transparently.

35 luxury cars at Guj school farewell spark row; 22 seized, parents booked

35 luxury cars at Guj school farewell spark row; 22 seized, parents booked

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Surat police have seized 22 cars and registered FIRs against the parents of three Class 12 students who were driving without licenses in a convoy of 35 high-end cars while performing stunts. The students were on their way to a school farewell function. The video of the incident, which went viral, showed students performing dangerous stunts such as driving with their heads out of sunroofs and holding smoke guns.

Mumbai civic body to tax commercial buildings in slums

Mumbai civic body to tax commercial buildings in slums

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to impose property tax on commercial establishments operating in slum areas and is also considering the levy of a Solid Waste Management (SWM) user charge in the future. The civic body is expecting to collect a total of Rs 5,200 crore in property tax during the next financial year. The BMC intends to levy an SWM charge on Mumbaikars in a phased manner though it would not be levied in FY 2025-26.

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

Rediff.com7 May 2025

How to conduct the mock exercise with active public participation of people was discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. Top civil and police officers of the country participated in the meeting, official sources said.

LG orders probe against AAP's 'Mahila Samman' scheme

LG orders probe against AAP's 'Mahila Samman' scheme

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena has ordered an inquiry against private persons allegedly gathering personal details of women in the name of Mahila Samman Yojana, his office said on Saturday.

Alert in J'khand after bird flu case reported at poultry farm

Alert in J'khand after bird flu case reported at poultry farm

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The Jharkhand government has sounded an alert after bird flu cases were reported at a veterinary college-based poultry farm in Ranchi. The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has asked the state to take all measures to contain its spread. Around 150 Guinea fowls died over the past 20 days at the farm. The presence of H5N1, a type of avian influenza A virus, was confirmed in samples sent to the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal.

SC stays survey of Sambhal mosque, calls for peace

SC stays survey of Sambhal mosque, calls for peace

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday directed a Sambhal trial court to temporarily halt proceedings in the case over the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid and its survey at Chandausi while directing the UP government to maintain peace and harmony in the violence-hit town.

'Digital Act Will Kill RTI Slowly, Surely'

'Digital Act Will Kill RTI Slowly, Surely'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'By extending the definition of 'personal' to include institutions and not just individuals, the State has equipped itself with a tool to block access to most kinds of information.'

Tatas may choose Singapore as key partner for semiconductor play

Tatas may choose Singapore as key partner for semiconductor play

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Tata Sons will likely choose Singapore as a "key partner" for its semiconductor plans, a senior minister from the city-state said on Friday. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran earlier in the day, Singapore's minister for home affairs and law K Shanmugam said semiconductors was a "big discussion" point during the meeting. "If they (Tatas) want to, they can do business with anybody in the world.

'India-Canada ties reminiscent of India-Pak relations'

'India-Canada ties reminiscent of India-Pak relations'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

While Canada denies harbouring extremists or terrorists, Kugelman pointed out that India remains firm in its disagreement.

Is That Amish Doing Yoga?

Is That Amish Doing Yoga?

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami and best selling novelist Amish -- who is also director of the Nehru Centre -- leads International Day of Yoga celebrations at Trafalgar Square in London.

Who Observed Raj Dharma In Nagpur?

Who Observed Raj Dharma In Nagpur?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Nagpur violence may have been prevented had the police considered the dangerous potential of the VHP/Bajrang Dal's demonstration; had they immediately stopped the burning of the chaddar and arrested the demonstrators; and had they fanned out to counter the rumours that spread among Muslims, observes Jyoti Punwani.

Polls over, Maha govt reinstates controversial cop as DGP

Polls over, Maha govt reinstates controversial cop as DGP

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The Maharashtra government has reinstated IPS officer Rashmi Shukla as Director General of Police (DGP) after the conclusion of the assembly polls. Shukla was removed from the DGP's post on the Election Commission of India's directive ahead of the elections, with Congress demanding her removal. Sanjay Kumar Verma, who took over as the state's top police officer during the election period, has been relieved of his duties. The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition retained power with a thumping majority in the assembly elections.

'Monumental mistake': Trudeau doubles down on India

'Monumental mistake': Trudeau doubles down on India

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

"From the beginning, as of last summer, we've worked closely with our Five Eyes partners, particularly with the United States, where they have gone through a similar pattern of behaviour from India in regards to an attempted extrajudicial killing," Trudeau told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa.

Mosques covered for 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession in UP town

Mosques covered for 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession in UP town

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The city of Shahjahanpur in India celebrates Holi with a unique procession called "Laat Saheb," where revellers hurl footwear at a man impersonating a British Lord. The tradition dates back to the 18th century and has evolved over time. The procession involves a seven-kilometer route, prayers at a temple, and a symbolic bribe offered to the police. The event is marked by strict security measures, including barricades, CCTV cameras, and the covering of mosques with tarpaulins. The procession is seen as a way to commemorate the city's history of freedom fighters and to discourage the British colonizers.

EC asks Maha poll officers how to tackle urban apathy

EC asks Maha poll officers how to tackle urban apathy

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during the first day of review of poll preparedness of the state asked the district election officers and municipal commissioners to explain the steps taken by them to deal with 'urban apathy'.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

The Indian Diaspora has been able to carve a niche in their adopted countries as a result of their talent, perseverance and hardworking nature, asserts Rup Narayan Das.

B'desh crisis: 'India will have to be very vigilant on border'

B'desh crisis: 'India will have to be very vigilant on border'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

'Everyone in Dhaka today is aware that that they need good relations, normal relations with India, but the question... but it's premature to think about that now, right now it is a crisis moment'

Those who spread communal divide can't be Hindu: Uddhav

Those who spread communal divide can't be Hindu: Uddhav

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Udvav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and said that anyone who spreads communal disharmony 'can't be a Hindu', while also affirming that the 'Hindutva' of his party is 'clean'.

US embassy in Dhaka to resume visa services this week

US embassy in Dhaka to resume visa services this week

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

Helen said the US embassy in Dhaka will resume this week its consular service to expedite visa processing.

He destroyed...: Kejriwal launches blistering attack on CEC

He destroyed...: Kejriwal launches blistering attack on CEC

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Kejriwal's remarks came shortly after the EC expressed dissatisfaction with his reply to its notice and gave him a fresh opportunity to explain his charges against the Haryana government.

Officers with Ardh Kumbh experience to handle Maha Kumbh post stampede

Officers with Ardh Kumbh experience to handle Maha Kumbh post stampede

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has deployed two senior IAS officers, who were part of the team that successfully conducted the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, to oversee the smooth conduct of the Maha Kumbh Mela in the wake of the recent stampede that left at least 30 pilgrims dead. The officers, Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Chandra Goswami, have extensive experience in administration in Prayagraj, including crowd management and inter-agency coordination. They will join Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand, forming a trio that was part of the mega fair six years ago. The government has also deployed additional senior police officers to strengthen security and crowd management ahead of Basant Panchami, one of the key bathing days of the festival, on February 3.