News for 'Senior State Department Official'

US remarks on Kejriwal's arrest unwarranted: MEA

US remarks on Kejriwal's arrest unwarranted: MEA

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

India on Thursday said the United States State Department's recent remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is 'unwarranted' and asserted the country is 'proud of its independent and robust democratic institutions' and committed to protect them from any form of undue external influences.

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Some of his directives had the Supreme Court judges disclose their assets whereas the row over the discovery of cash from a sitting judge's official residence paved way for inquiry.

Two AMU students among 3 booked over 'beef biryani notice

Two AMU students among 3 booked over 'beef biryani notice

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Police in Aligarh have registered an FIR against three people, including two students and a chief provost of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), after a notice to serve 'beef biryani' for lunch triggered a row. The FIR was lodged against Mohammad Faiazullah and Mujassim Ahmad, both students, and F R Gauhar, provost for the Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall where the notice was put up. The notice, purportedly issued by two 'authorised' individuals of the Sulaiman Hall, said, "Sunday's lunch menu has been changed, and beef biryani will be served instead of chicken biryani as per demand." Following an uproar over the notice, the AMU administration clarified that it contained a "typing error" and assured that those responsible had been issued a show-cause notice.

'No-detention policy' for classes 5, 8 scrapped in central schools

'No-detention policy' for classes 5, 8 scrapped in central schools

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

The Indian government has scrapped the 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 in schools it governs. This means that students in these classes who do not pass the year-end exams will be allowed to fail. The decision comes after the amendment to the Right to Education Act (RTE) in 2019, which has already led to 18 states and union territories doing away with the 'no-detention policy' for the two classes. The new policy will be implemented in over 3,000 schools run by the central government, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navaodyala Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools.

Hathras stampede: Hunt on for preacher Bhole Baba

Hathras stampede: Hunt on for preacher Bhole Baba

Rediff.com6 Jul 2024

'No one has been given a clean chit. The investigation is on and government agencies are searching for the main accused who is absconding'

Himanta inducts 2 cabinet ministers, rejigs several seniors' portfolios

Himanta inducts 2 cabinet ministers, rejigs several seniors' portfolios

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

The expansion was the first by Sarma since he assumed chief ministership of the state about 13 months ago.

Language row: Maha, K'taka suspend bus services after attacks

Language row: Maha, K'taka suspend bus services after attacks

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra have been suspended following attacks on buses and their crew. The decision was taken given the tension prevailing in the border district of Belagavi over a sensitive issue. The language row began after a group of people allegedly intercepted a KSRTC bus and assaulted its conductor and driver for not speaking to a passenger in Marathi. The passenger, a minor girl, also filed a complaint stating that the conductor misbehaved with her. However, the family of the minor girl has decided to withdraw the case and urged people to stop escalating the matter into a language dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra.

US disappointed over 'symbolism and timing' of Modi's Russia trip

US disappointed over 'symbolism and timing' of Modi's Russia trip

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The US is looking very carefully at what Modi did when he was in Moscow, a senior State Department official has told lawmakers concerned over the growing India-Russia ties.

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

In more than one way, it's a setback for the DMK and Chief Minister Stalin in political terms. The electoral fall-out, if any, will have to wait until the next summer, only when assembly elections are due in the state, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Waqf land row: Karnataka withdraws notices to farmers

Waqf land row: Karnataka withdraws notices to farmers

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed officials on Saturday to immediately retract all notices sent to farmers regarding Waqf land.

Senior IPS officer's suicide leads to political mudslinging in TN

Senior IPS officer's suicide leads to political mudslinging in TN

Rediff.com7 Jul 2023

An IPS officer posted as deputy inspector general of police (DIG) in Coimbatore allegedly died by suicide after he shot himself early on Friday, the police said.

Return of winter chill may benefit wheat crop

Return of winter chill may benefit wheat crop

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Wheat production during the current season is expected to be better than last year provided the weather remains favourable over the next few weeks, said senior industry executives. The weather had turned uncharacteristically hot in the latter half of last month, but owing to strong winds, the chill has returned in the last few days.

Thaw in icy ties? Senior US official meets Indian envoy

Thaw in icy ties? Senior US official meets Indian envoy

Rediff.com15 Jan 2014

India and the United States have affirmed their shared commitment to continue their work on a broad range of bilateral issues and move forward post the Devyani episode.

Striking Bengal docs await govt response to email

Striking Bengal docs await govt response to email

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

The e-mail, detailing the points which were discussed and agreed upon between the two sides and also those which weren't, was sent as per the state's requirement based on which the government is expected to issue directives, the doctors said.

17-year-old girl dies as Assam reports first suspected GBS death

17-year-old girl dies as Assam reports first suspected GBS death

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

A 17-year-old girl died at a private hospital in Guwahati, Assam due to suspected Guillain-Barr Syndrome (GBS). The girl, who hailed from Bihar, was admitted to the hospital around 10 days ago and her condition worsened despite being put on ventilator support. Doctors at the hospital said this is the first known case of GBS in Assam this season, although it is a common bacterial disease that affects the nervous system. The girl's death has raised concerns about a possible rise in GBS cases in the coming days.

'Unhappy with talks', Bengal doctors to continue 'cease work'

'Unhappy with talks', Bengal doctors to continue 'cease work'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

The second round of talks between junior doctors and officials of the West Bengal government failed to break the medics' strike over the RG Kar issue, following the state's refusal to give written minutes of the meeting, the doctors alleged.

No MP govt nod to charge Munawar Faruqui for insulting Hindu deities

No MP govt nod to charge Munawar Faruqui for insulting Hindu deities

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

The police are yet to submit a chargesheet against stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui in a 2021 case for allegedly making objectionable remarks about Hindu deities during a show in Indore as the investigation is still underway, an official said on Tuesday.

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Prayagraj airport in India is experiencing a surge in air traffic due to the Maha Kumbh, a major religious festival. The airport is handling an average of 40 non-scheduled charters and private jets daily, with figures reaching 70 on weekends. This is in addition to the average 148 scheduled commercial passenger aircraft operating daily. The airport recently received a contingent of about 180 politicians from Rajasthan and has seen corporate bigwigs like the Ambani brothers, Gautam Adani, and Pawan Munjal pass through. The airport has also hosted four international flights since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, including a flight carrying Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The airport is currently undergoing an upgrade and expansion, and officials are looking forward to the government's plans to integrate Prayagraj with the airports at Kashi and Ayodhya to promote tourism in the region.

Rajouri deaths: Outbreak ruled out but mystery remains

Rajouri deaths: Outbreak ruled out but mystery remains

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

A series of deaths in a remote village in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, are not due to any disease, according to the Health Minister. Tests conducted by various institutions, including the ICMR, NCDC, and DRDE, have returned negative results. However, the minister has ordered an investigation into the deaths to determine the cause.

US aid to India drops by 16 per cent in 2013

US aid to India drops by 16 per cent in 2013

Rediff.com15 Apr 2013

United States Secretary of State John Kerry has proposed a 16 per cent cut in the American aid to India, reflecting the transition from a traditional "donor-recipient" relationship to a "strategic partnership" between the two countries.

US aid to India drops by 16%

US aid to India drops by 16%

Rediff.com15 Apr 2013

This is in continuation of the trend that has emerged over the past few years.

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Kumar, who played a key role in implementing decisions following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir during his stint in the Union home ministry, took charge as an election commissioner on March 15, 2024.

Israel confirms killing Nasrallah's presumed successor

Israel confirms killing Nasrallah's presumed successor

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

Hezbollah's executive council's head Safieddine was presumed to be the successor of Hassan Nasrallah after he was killed in September, The Times of Israel reported.

US deports Indians staying illegally

US deports Indians staying illegally

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

The United States hired a chartered flight to deport Indian nationals who were staying in the country illegally, the Department of Homeland Security has said, noting that this has been done in cooperation with the Indian government.

Haryana removes barricades at Shambhu border after farmers' eviction

Haryana removes barricades at Shambhu border after farmers' eviction

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Following the eviction of protesting farmers from the Shambhu border, Haryana security personnel began removing cemented barricades erected to prevent Punjab farmers from reaching Delhi. The Shambhu-Ambala road, closed for over a year, is being cleared with JCBs and other machinery. Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha announced dharnas outside deputy commissioners' offices in protest against the Punjab Police crackdown. The groups criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab for evicting the protesters and detaining farmer leaders on Wednesday. The police action was justified by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who said industries and businesses were hit hard due to the prolonged closure of the highways. The protesting farmers, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, had been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, 2022.

Agitating docs continue 'cease work', seek fresh meet with Mamata

Agitating docs continue 'cease work', seek fresh meet with Mamata

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

The protestors called the state's administrative measures "only partial victory" of their movement.

Biden nominates Indian-American lawyer Rich Verma to top diplomatic post

Biden nominates Indian-American lawyer Rich Verma to top diplomatic post

Rediff.com24 Dec 2022

Verma, 54, who served as a former US ambassador to India from January 16, 2015, to January 20, 2017 is currently the chief legal officer and head of global public policy at Mastercard.

Bengal junior doctors resume 'total cease work'

Bengal junior doctors resume 'total cease work'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal resumed their indefinite 'total cease work' on Tuesday to press for various demands, including ensuring their safety and security at all medical establishments.

'Pure offence': China fumes after US human rights official meets Dalai Lama in Delhi

'Pure offence': China fumes after US human rights official meets Dalai Lama in Delhi

Rediff.com10 Jul 2023

The Chinese reaction came after Zeya met with the Dalai Lama during her India visit, according to Central Tibetan administration, a non-profit political organisation, which works for the Tibetan government in exile.

Priyank Kharge's close aide among 6 booked for plot to kill BJP MLA

Priyank Kharge's close aide among 6 booked for plot to kill BJP MLA

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

A case has been registered against Raju Kapanur, a close aide of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, and five others in connection with a conspiracy to kill BJP MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu and other leaders. The case was registered based on a suicide note by a civil contractor, Sachin Panchal, who accused Kapanur and his aides of making death threats. The BJP has demanded that the case be handed over to the CBI, while Priyank Kharge has denied the allegations and accused the BJP of politicising Sachin's death.

Politics over NEP heats up, TN to protest on Tuesday

Politics over NEP heats up, TN to protest on Tuesday

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Tamil Nadu is set to protest against the National Education Policy (NEP) on February 18, with the ruling DMK and its allies announcing a demonstration. The state government has been at odds with the Centre over the implementation of the NEP and the three-language formula proposed in the policy. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan dismissed the state's opposition as "politics" and asserted that the Centre is committed to implementing the NEP across the country. The DMK, however, accused the Centre of encroaching on the state's rights and using the office of the Governor to push the NEP.

Ahead of June 1 cabinet, Sidda meets officials on implementing poll guarantees

Ahead of June 1 cabinet, Sidda meets officials on implementing poll guarantees

Rediff.com29 May 2023

The chief minister on Monday held consultations with senior officials of finance, transport, food and civil supplies, energy and other departments and asked them to prepare a report on the implementation of the guarantees.

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

'The message that we intend to leave with at the end of this trip is one of real gratitude for the friendship and the close partnership that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have enjoyed over the last four years, but also one of tremendous optimism because we see a lot of opportunity in the future.'

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

Fire at Mumbai's BKC metro basement, services suspended

Fire at Mumbai's BKC metro basement, services suspended

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

No injuries were reported in the blaze that erupted around 1.10 pm. It was confined to wooden sheets, furniture and construction material at a depth of 40-50 feet of the station located in Bandra East, causing heavy smoke in the area, they said.

Gujarat CID grills 20 'dunki' flight passengers sent back by France

Gujarat CID grills 20 'dunki' flight passengers sent back by France

Rediff.com30 Dec 2023

According to a senior state Crime Investigation Department official, those passengers included at least 60 from Gujarat, who have already reached their respective native places in the state.

11 killed, 25 hurt as Maha SRTC bus overturns in Gondia

11 killed, 25 hurt as Maha SRTC bus overturns in Gondia

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

At least 11 passengers were killed and 25 others injured after a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus overturned in Gondia district of the state on Friday afternoon. The bus, operated under the service name 'Shiv Shahi', was carrying 36 passengers and heading to Gondia district from Bhandara in eastern Maharashtra when it flipped over at Khajri village in Sadak Arjuni taluka after its driver applied brakes to avoid hitting a two-wheeler that suddenly came in the front. The injured passengers were shifted to different hospitals.

Dhananjay Munde resigns hours after photos of Deshmukh murder go viral

Dhananjay Munde resigns hours after photos of Deshmukh murder go viral

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Beleaguered Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde resigned from the cabinet on Tuesday, days after his close aide Walmik Karad was named as the mastermind in the murder of a village sarpanch and three months after the new Mahayuti government assumed office.

After 2-hr delay, meeting between Mamata, doctors begins

After 2-hr delay, meeting between Mamata, doctors begins

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

The first round of talks between the West Bengal government and the agitating junior doctors began at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence in Kalighat on Monday evening to address the RG Kar impasse.

'May Allah bless them': Indian rescuers win hearts in Myanmar

'May Allah bless them': Indian rescuers win hearts in Myanmar

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Indian rescue personnel are being lauded for their compassion and expertise in assisting with the recovery efforts in earthquake-stricken Mandalay, Myanmar. The story of a Muslim family resisting initial attempts to recover a deceased loved one from the rubble, ultimately accepting the help of Indian rescuers who preserved the dignity of the woman's final posture in prayer, highlights the sensitivity and skill of the Indian team. The NDRF has rescued around 30 bodies and is working tirelessly in different locations, including the historic U Hla Thein monastery and Ganga Ghat Hindu Temple, where many are still missing. The Indian Army has also set up a field hospital, treating over 200 patients, and providing food to earthquake victims.