News for 'Senior State Department Official'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Senior US officials hail peace meet participants

Senior US officials hail peace meet participants

Rediff.com18 Jul 2008

Thirty-two young leaders from India and Pakistan who have just completed a three-week conflict resolution programme in Maine under the auspices of The Seeds of Peace programme, were felicitated at the State Department by Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher, who hailed them as the leaders of tomorrow and the catalysts of peace in a region beset by conflict for far too long.

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.

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.

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.

Crisis deepens as Bengal docs defy SC order, reject Mamata's talk offer

Crisis deepens as Bengal docs defy SC order, reject Mamata's talk offer

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

The top court on Monday directed the protesting resident doctors to resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday, observing that if "there is continued abstention from work, there may be a likelihood of adverse action".

US Congresswoman introduces anti-India resolution in House

US Congresswoman introduces anti-India resolution in House

Rediff.com23 Jun 2022

A resolution calls the US Secretary of State to designate India as a country of particular concern for alleged violation of religious freedom.

'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.

U'khand: 33 workers rescued as avalanche hits BRO camp, 22 still trapped

U'khand: 33 workers rescued as avalanche hits BRO camp, 22 still trapped

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Forty-one Border Road Organisation labourers working to clear snow near the high altitude border village of Mana in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district were trapped under an avalanche on Friday.

Why Cong didn't attend Manmohan Singh's 'Asthi Visarjan'

Why Cong didn't attend Manmohan Singh's 'Asthi Visarjan'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

The Congress party on Monday defended its decision not to accompany the family of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the immersion of his ashes in the Yamuna, stating it was to ensure their privacy. Congress leader Pawan Khera said senior leaders did not accompany the family to gather and immerse the ashes of Dr Singh "out of our deference to the privacy of the family."

30 hrs on, no headway in Telangana tunnel rescue; debris poses challenge

30 hrs on, no headway in Telangana tunnel rescue; debris poses challenge

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Telangana Minister J Krishna Rao told reporters that the chances of survival under the circumstances are "not that good."

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

After the 1962 War with China, there was a demand to forge greater defence cooperation between India and the West. One such voice was that of Sudhir Ghosh, a distinguished MP, to tie up strategic cooperation with the USA immediately after the Chinese attack on India, recalls Rup Narayan Das.

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.

SC praises protesting farmer leader as he breaks fast

SC praises protesting farmer leader as he breaks fast

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was on an indefinite hunger strike in support of various demands, has broken his fast after the Punjab government intervened and dispersed protesting farmers at Khanauri and Shambhu borders. The Supreme Court lauded Dallewal's efforts and acknowledged the government's action, while also asking for a status report on the situation. Contempt proceedings against the Punjab chief secretary and Director General of Police for not complying with the court's order of providing medical aid to Dallewal were dropped.