News for 'Senior State Department Official'

Tamil Nadu on alert as Cyclone Ditwah approaches coast

Tamil Nadu on alert as Cyclone Ditwah approaches coast

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Cyclone Ditwah is moving towards the Tamil Nadu coast, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall. The state government is reviewing preparedness measures, and a red alert has been issued for southern and delta districts.

'Trump Acts Like A Mafia Boss'

'Trump Acts Like A Mafia Boss'

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

'He is creating a culture of fear.'

Video of cop touching Dhirendra Shastri's feet sparks row

Video of cop touching Dhirendra Shastri's feet sparks row

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

A controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after a video surfaced showing spiritual preacher Dhirendra Shastri arriving in a government aircraft and a police officer touching his feet. The Congress party has alleged misuse of public funds, while the BJP defends the officer's actions as personal faith.

Rajdhani Express runs over 7 elephants in Assam, 5 coaches derail

Rajdhani Express runs over 7 elephants in Assam, 5 coaches derail

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

At least seven elephants were killed, and one was injured after a herd of jumbos was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam's Hojai district early Saturday, officials said.

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'His report created a lot of negative reaction in Kerala and in a way, he was crucified for writing such a report.' 'I asked him, "Don't you feel frustrated?"' 'His reply was, "Have you read Bhagavad Gita Chapter2"?' 'He particularly mentioned verse 47, where Sri Krishna tells Arjuna, "Your duty is to work without thinking of the fruits you get".' "He said, "similarly, my duty was to do what best I could do without hoping for any rewards".'

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.

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.

No Kohli return at Chinnaswamy after police deny clearance

No Kohli return at Chinnaswamy after police deny clearance

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said that permission has been denied to hold the Vijay Hazare Trophy match at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium on December 24.

Electric firecrackers likely caused blaze at Goa nightclub: CM

Electric firecrackers likely caused blaze at Goa nightclub: CM

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

A preliminary inquiry suggests electric firecrackers caused a devastating nightclub fire in Goa, resulting in 25 deaths. The incident has exposed illegalities and lax enforcement of safety rules.

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.

SC asks CBI to probe digital arrest scams nationwide

SC asks CBI to probe digital arrest scams nationwide

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to conduct a pan-India investigation into digital arrest scams and questioned the RBI about its lack of AI usage in detecting and freezing accounts used by cybercriminals.

25 killed as Goa club blaze turns weekend bash into horror

25 killed as Goa club blaze turns weekend bash into horror

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

A jampacked nightclub in North Goa turned into a death trap around midnight as a massive fire tore through it, claiming 25 lives and bringing to the fore illegalities along with the laxity of government officials in enforcing rules.

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.

Maharashtra To Remove Leopards From Protected List

Maharashtra To Remove Leopards From Protected List

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to declare leopard attacks on humans as a "state disaster" and proposed reclassification of leopards under the Wild Life (Protection) Act to better manage man-eating animals. The decision follows a rise in leopard attacks in the state, particularly in the Pune district.

Lalu, Rabri asked to vacate bungalow; RJD slams govt

Lalu, Rabri asked to vacate bungalow; RJD slams govt

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi has been allotted a new residence by the Nitish Kumar government, requiring her to vacate the bungalow she has occupied for years. The decision has sparked reactions from RJD leaders and family members.

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Around 100 artistes heralded the parade, on the theme 'Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity) that featured a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation's unity and rich cultural diversity.

Two Hadi murder suspects fled to India, claims B'desh; Delhi denies

Two Hadi murder suspects fled to India, claims B'desh; Delhi denies

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Two primary suspects in the murder of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi have fled Bangladesh and are believed to be in India, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police. The suspects allegedly crossed into Meghalaya with assistance. Bangladesh is working with Indian authorities for their arrest and extradition.

9 killed, 20 injured in car blast near Red Fort

9 killed, 20 injured in car blast near Red Fort

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The police sounded a high alert in Delhi. Seven fire tenders were rushed to the spot with police cordoning off the area, the Delhi Fire Services said.

Goa nightclub fire: Accused owners fled to Phuket at 5.30 am

Goa nightclub fire: Accused owners fled to Phuket at 5.30 am

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Goa nightclub wanted in connection with the fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives at the facility, have fled to Thailand, prompting police to seek the help of Interpol to trace them, officials said in Panaji on Monday.

6 kids test HIV-positive after blood transfusion in MP

6 kids test HIV-positive after blood transfusion in MP

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Six children with thalassemia in Madhya Pradesh, India, have tested positive for HIV, suspected to be transmitted through contaminated blood transfusions. An investigation has been ordered, and the opposition Congress party is demanding accountability.

Goa fire: Victims' kin want nightclub owner to transport bodies

Goa fire: Victims' kin want nightclub owner to transport bodies

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Distraught relatives and acquaintances of the nightclub fire victims in Goa gathered outside the morgue of a state-run hospital on Sunday, anxiously awaiting information about their loved ones.

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

A series of decisions were taken under the Public Health Department, including an approval to increase honoraria for field-level workers engaged under the Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

Shinde's X handle hacked; images of Pak, Turkey flags posted

Shinde's X handle hacked; images of Pak, Turkey flags posted

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's 'X' handle was hacked, with images of Pakistan and Turkey flags posted. The account was recovered in 45 minutes. Congress leader Nana Patole raised concerns about cyber security.

Interpol issues Blue Notice for two Goa nightclub owners

Interpol issues Blue Notice for two Goa nightclub owners

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Interpol has issued a Blue Notice against the owners of a Goa nightclub who fled after a fire claimed 25 lives. Police are investigating violations and illegalities related to the nightclub's operation.

H-1B Visa: The Hardest Hit Will Be...

H-1B Visa: The Hardest Hit Will Be...

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The US has replaced random H-1B selection with a wage-weighted lottery and a new $100,000 fee for applications, raising uncertainty for students and junior hires.

'After 2 Decades Of Dedication, What More Does The Party Expect?'

'After 2 Decades Of Dedication, What More Does The Party Expect?'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'When a grassroots worker has laboured day and night for the organisation, does the party not have a responsibility to recognise and uplift such workers?'

Ajit Pawar's son faces probe over Rs 300 cr Pune land deal

Ajit Pawar's son faces probe over Rs 300 cr Pune land deal

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Maharashtra Revenue Minister assures investigation into an alleged land deal involving a company linked to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar, after receiving a formal complaint.

DGCA Moves In As IndiGo Turbulence Continues

DGCA Moves In As IndiGo Turbulence Continues

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

The DGCA has formed two specialised teams to internally monitor IndiGo's daily operations.

L&T eyes global nuclear supply chain expansion

L&T eyes global nuclear supply chain expansion

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Construction major L&T is gearing up to expand its footprint in the global nuclear supply chain, a senior company official has said, while calling for amendments to key legislations on the domestic front to pave the way for the entry of private players and foreign capital necessary for capacity enhancement.

Petro exports to US grew in October as other sectors slide

Petro exports to US grew in October as other sectors slide

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

India's exports to the US contracted 8.6 per cent to $6.3 billion in October, while imports rose 13.9 per cent to $4.5 billion leading to a trade surplus of $1.8 billion during the month.

Foreign mining firms assure rare-earth oxide supply under PLI scheme

Foreign mining firms assure rare-earth oxide supply under PLI scheme

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

Major foreign mining and refining companies have assured the Indian government that they will have sufficient stocks of rare-earth oxides to supply to the winning bidders under the country's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for indigenous manufacturing of rare-earth permanent magnets (REPMs), Business Standard has learnt.

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Karnataka cabinet has approved eight draft bills, including those addressing hate speech, cattle slaughter, and social boycott, to be tabled in the upcoming legislative session.

Teacher suspended after picture of cheque with spelling errors goes viral

Teacher suspended after picture of cheque with spelling errors goes viral

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

A government school teacher in Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh has been suspended, days after a photo of a cheque issued by him -- riddled with glaring spelling errors -- surfaced on social media, sparking concern over the quality of education in state-run schools.

Sergio Gor, Agrawal Talk Trade Deal

Sergio Gor, Agrawal Talk Trade Deal

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

While both sides have announced the decision to restart talks for a trade deal, government officials said discussions are continuing virtually.

'My Husband Was Killed For His Religious Identity'

'My Husband Was Killed For His Religious Identity'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A street vendor in Bihar's Nawada district died after a group of youth tortured him for hours because he was Muslim.

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'These children possess catastrophically low birth weights -- often 1.4 kgs or less. Such extremely low birth weight results in profoundly compromised neo-natal immunity.' 'The escalation to 97 deaths in three months precipitated contemporary attention precisely because this magnitude concentrates the humanitarian emergency, rendering it impossible for the administrative machinery to ignore.'

Haryana IPS suicide: DGP likely to be sent on leave

Haryana IPS suicide: DGP likely to be sent on leave

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini held a meeting with top officials to address concerns related to the death of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. The government is considering actions based on a complaint filed by Kumar's wife.

TN, MP ban Coldrif cough syrup after child deaths

TN, MP ban Coldrif cough syrup after child deaths

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

The toll in the case reached nine in Madhya Pradesh while media reports said of two infants died in Rajasthan.

This attack-dog behaviour....: Tharoor slams BJP over US deep state charges

This attack-dog behaviour....: Tharoor slams BJP over US deep state charges

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticized the BJP for its allegations that elements in the American "deep state" were behind attempts to destabilize India, saying this "attack-dog" behavior is an embarrassment to India. Tharoor's comments come after the US rejected the BJP's allegations, describing them as "disappointing" and asserting that the US government is a champion of media freedom. The BJP had alleged that the US deep state colluded with the media portal OCCRP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to "damage" India's image.

Tezpur varsity protesters vow shutdown until VC is removed

Tezpur varsity protesters vow shutdown until VC is removed

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Agitators at Tezpur University on Sunday vowed to enforce a shutdown at the institution, which has been witnessing sustained protests since mid-September against alleged irregularities by Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh, till a formal communication from the Centre regarding the VC's removal is received.