News for 'Senior State Department Official'

Amritsar hooch toll rises to 21; 10 held, 2 cops suspended

Amritsar hooch toll rises to 21; 10 held, 2 cops suspended

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Police said they have made five arrests in the incident. Those arrested have been identified as Prabhjit Singh, the main accused, Kulbir Singh, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh and Ninder Kaur, they said.

Badlapur accused's death: HC pulls up Maha for lack of FIR against cops

Badlapur accused's death: HC pulls up Maha for lack of FIR against cops

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court expressed its dismay over the Maharashtra government's failure to register an FIR against five policemen involved in the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, despite an explicit court order. The court, alleging a deliberate attempt to disregard its directives, threatened contempt proceedings against senior CID officers for non-compliance. The case pertains to Shinde's death while in police custody, accused of sexually assaulting two kindergarten girls in Badlapur. An inquiry report by a magistrate indicted the five policemen, suggesting a possible fake encounter. The court emphasized the importance of following the rule of law and stated that the government's inaction would send a detrimental message to society.

The High Stakes In Dalai Lama's Succession

The High Stakes In Dalai Lama's Succession

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

On July 2 or July 6, the Dalai Lama will reveal his mind on his successor. This makes Beijing extremely nervous as the Communist regime fully realises the importance of controlling the next Dalai Lama, points out Claude Arpi.

'We Will Have A Mutually Beneficial Trade Agreement'

'We Will Have A Mutually Beneficial Trade Agreement'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'The US has agreed to negotiate with us a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement, which will go for reduction of tariffs on both sides so that our trade can grow.'

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

India, US trade talks likely to resume in Washington

India, US trade talks likely to resume in Washington

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

An Indian official team is likely to visit Washington next week to iron out differences on certain issues before formally launching negotiations for the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA), an official said. The visit, which comes within weeks of a high-level US team visiting India, indicates that the talks for the BTA are gaining momentum.

US reacts to report linking RAW officer to Pannun murder plot

US reacts to report linking RAW officer to Pannun murder plot

Rediff.com1 May 2024

India on Tuesday strongly rejected the claims, saying that the report made "unwarranted and unsubstantiated" imputations on a serious matter and that an investigation into the case was underway.

Continue to expect accountability from India: US on Pannun case

Continue to expect accountability from India: US on Pannun case

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

"We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Indian government at senior levels," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

Goa principal suspended after students taken on mosque visit

Goa principal suspended after students taken on mosque visit

Rediff.com12 Sep 2023

The principal of a private school in Goa has been suspended after a right wing organisation filed a police complaint that some students of class 11 were allegedly taken to a mosque for a workshop and made to perform religious rituals there.

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.

Deadlock over, Bengal doctors to withdraw 'cease work' from Saturday

Deadlock over, Bengal doctors to withdraw 'cease work' from Saturday

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

The protesting doctors said they would not work in the Outpatient Department but would partially work in emergency and essential services.

Will act with alacrity on cyber fraud cases: Mumbai police assure HC

Will act with alacrity on cyber fraud cases: Mumbai police assure HC

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Mumbai Police has assured the Bombay High Court that it will act promptly on cyber fraud complaints and sensitize all police officials to ensure prompt action and FIR registration when such complaints are filed. The assurance came after a city-based woman filed a petition alleging that the local police failed to act swiftly on her cyber fraud complaint, resulting in a loss of Rs 45 lakh. The court has directed the Additional Director General of Police (Maharashtra Cyber) to appear before it on April 22 to inform the bench on the formation of the Maharashtra Cyber Security Corporation.

Another rebuff? Shinde left out of Maharastra disaster agency

Another rebuff? Shinde left out of Maharastra disaster agency

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

The exclusion of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has sparked speculation of a growing rift within the ruling Mahayuti coalition. This move, which has fueled tensions between Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, comes amidst reports of discontent within the coalition since its formation last November. Political observers view Shinde's absence from the key disaster response agency as a significant development, further highlighting potential power struggles within the government.

At 110 kmph, Cyclone Dana begins landfall on Odisha coast; no casualty

At 110 kmph, Cyclone Dana begins landfall on Odisha coast; no casualty

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

However, there was no report of any major damage or casualty so far even as the landfall process started more than an hour ago, the official said.

Day after MP cop killed in tribal clash, CM orders strict action

Day after MP cop killed in tribal clash, CM orders strict action

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered strict action against those responsible for the death of an ASI who was killed while trying to rescue a man from an attack by a group of tribals in Mauganj district. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the law and order situation in the state. The opposition Congress has criticized the government, alleging that law and order has collapsed in Madhya Pradesh.

ED team raids former CM Bhupesh Baghel's premises, alleges attack

ED team raids former CM Bhupesh Baghel's premises, alleges attack

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Enforcement Directorate on Monday raided the premises of former Chhattisgarh chief minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel as part of a money laundering investigation against his son in the alleged liquor scam case and seized about Rs 30 lakh apart from some documents, official sources said.

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'I am worried that Pakistan will still feel compelled to take substantive military action beyond this apparent drone activity.' 'If so, the crisis could persist for a while more and dangerous days are still ahead.'

Sheikh Hasina booked for 'conspiracy' to oust Yunus-led govt

Sheikh Hasina booked for 'conspiracy' to oust Yunus-led govt

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

Bangladesh police have filed a case against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 72 others on charges of hatching a conspiracy to overthrow the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus by waging a civil war, officials and media reports said on Saturday.

Canada's allegations serious, India not cooperating: US

Canada's allegations serious, India not cooperating: US

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

"When it comes to the Canadian matter, we have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously. We wanted to see the government of India cooperate with Canada in its investigation. Obviously, they have not chosen that path," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference.

At least 17 monkeys found shot dead in Chhattisgarh village

At least 17 monkeys found shot dead in Chhattisgarh village

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

The forest department has launched an investigation into the reported death of 18 to 19 monkeys in a village in Chhattisgarh's Bemetara district and recovered four rotten carcasses, a senior official said.

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

Has India agreed to 'cooperate' with Canada? US says...

Has India agreed to 'cooperate' with Canada? US says...

Rediff.com3 Oct 2023

The issue was raised by Secretary of State Tony Blinken during his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Washington, DC last week.

No Digital Data Protection Act Change Likely

No Digital Data Protection Act Change Likely

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The "construct of the DPDP Act" cannot be changed at this stage, though there may be some minor tweaks in the language of the Rules and formats in certain legitimate cases.

Pune bus rape accused sent to police custody till Mar 12

Pune bus rape accused sent to police custody till Mar 12

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

A 37-year-old man accused of raping a woman inside a bus at Swargate bus station in Pune was arrested after a days-long manhunt. The accused, Dattaray Ramdas Gade, was hiding in a paddy field in his native Shirur tehsil. Police used drones and sniffer dogs to track him down.

They should stop this drama: Bengal minister slams junior docs' stir

They should stop this drama: Bengal minister slams junior docs' stir

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

Senior West Bengal minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury on Monday criticised the ongoing 'cease work' by junior doctors, labeling it as "drama" and a "politicised event" intended to malign the Trinamool Congress government in the state.

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A massive fire that tore through a budget hotel in the congested Mechuapatti area of Burrabazar in central Kolkata on Tuesday night claimed at least 14 lives and left 13 injured, triggering a political blame game and calls for accountability.

Sorry state of affairs: SC slams Uttarakhand for forest fires

Sorry state of affairs: SC slams Uttarakhand for forest fires

Rediff.com15 May 2024

Terming it a "very sorry state of affairs", the apex court said the state was just trying to find some excuse or the other.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

India's GDP growth revised downward to 6.3% for 2025

India's GDP growth revised downward to 6.3% for 2025

Rediff.com17 May 2025

India's economic growth forecast for 2025 has been revised downward to 6.3 per cent, and despite a projected moderation, the country remains one of the fastest-growing large economies, supported by resilient consumption and government spending, the United Nations has said.

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.

Man killed in anti-Maoist op in MP a tribal; Cong seeks judicial probe

Man killed in anti-Maoist op in MP a tribal; Cong seeks judicial probe

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

A man killed during a recent anti-Naxal operation in Madhya Pradesh's Mandla district was a tribal and not a Maoist, an official said on Saturday. The opposition Congress claimed he was innocent and demanded a high-level probe and a judicial inquiry into the incident.

India, US to start 3-day trade talks from Wednesday

India, US to start 3-day trade talks from Wednesday

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Senior officials of India and the US will begin three-day talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement in New Delhi on Wednesday amid threats of reciprocal tariffs from the Trump-administration, an official said. To formally start the negotiations on the pact, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, along with a team of officials, is in New Delhi.

Biden won't 'lecture' Modi on human rights: US NSA

Biden won't 'lecture' Modi on human rights: US NSA

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

Sullivan indicated that President Biden would raise his concerns on human rights with Modi.

FAQ: IT Dept Can Check E-mail, WhatsApp

FAQ: IT Dept Can Check E-mail, WhatsApp

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Here's what you must know about the new rule, its implications, and whether it affects taxpayers' rights and privacy.

Cash row: Judge's transfer proposal separate from in-house probe, says SC

Cash row: Judge's transfer proposal separate from in-house probe, says SC

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court addressed concerns about misinformation spreading related to an incident involving Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The court clarified that the proposal to transfer Justice Varma to Allahabad High Court was independent of an internal investigation into the discovery of a large sum of cash at his residence following a fire. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice is conducting the investigation and will submit a report to the Chief Justice of India today.

T'gana allows early leave for Muslim staffers during Ramzan; BJP slams move

T'gana allows early leave for Muslim staffers during Ramzan; BJP slams move

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Telangana government has issued a circular allowing Muslim employees to leave offices an hour early during the holy month of Ramzan. The move has been criticized by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which termed it "appeasement politics". The BJP questioned why similar measures are not extended during Hindu festivals. The ruling Congress party defended the decision, stating that such facilities are provided during various festivals and are not unique to Ramzan.

Chhattisgarh liquor scam: ED faces SC scrutiny over 'half-baked' reply

Chhattisgarh liquor scam: ED faces SC scrutiny over 'half-baked' reply

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) faced criticism from the Supreme Court for filing a "half-baked" reply in a bail matter related to the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, questioning the accountability of the ED and its advocate-on-record. The ED's additional solicitor general, S.V. Raju, attributed the error to a miscommunication and assured the court that a departmental inquiry would be initiated.

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.

About 1,100 illegally staying Indians repatriated from US in one year

About 1,100 illegally staying Indians repatriated from US in one year

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

In a virtual briefing, Royce Murray, assistant secretary for Border and Immigration Policy, US DHS, in response to a query related to the October 22 charter flight that deported a batch of Indian nationals, said, "no minor" among them on that removal flight, adding these were all male and female adults.

Paranoid India Inc wants early conclusion of trade pact with US

Paranoid India Inc wants early conclusion of trade pact with US

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The Indian industry is paranoid about the USA's plan to impose reciprocal tariffs and wants early conclusion of a bilateral trade agreement, sources said on Wednesday. They said that the talks for the proposed bilateral trade agreement are going well.