News for 'State Department'

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.

PM Modi has our full support: US State Department

PM Modi has our full support: US State Department

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The United States stands strong with India against terrorism and Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'has our full support', the State Department said underlining that Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges India and Pakistan to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.

Bengal Minister Promises Action Against Food Department Corruption

Bengal Minister Promises Action Against Food Department Corruption

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister Ashok Kirtania has warned of strict action against corruption in the department, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan 'Na khaunga, na khane dunga'. He promised to act against those involved in irregularities during the previous regime, particularly concerning the public distribution system and ration distribution.

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Rediff.com30 May 2026

International water sports star Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt case against the Jammu and Kashmir sports department for withholding her salary for over two-and-a-half years, despite a tribunal order to release it.

Trump Departs Beijing After China Visit

Trump Departs Beijing After China Visit

Rediff.com15 May 2026

United States President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for his return home following diplomatic engagements in Beijing.

NIA Investigates Multi-State Extremist Network

NIA Investigates Multi-State Extremist Network

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over a probe from Andhra Pradesh police concerning an alleged extremist network. Twelve suspects were arrested across several states for their links to banned terror organisations like AQIS and ISIS, involved in radicalisation and recruitment through online platforms.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

Rediff.com5 days ago

The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will finally get to watch her son play at the World Cup after receiving a visa to travel to the United States, following his tearful revelation that she missed his heroics against Spain due to travel issues.

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Set in the crucial 21 days between 25 July and 14 August 1947, Josy Joseph's upcoming book The Birth of a Nation: The Twenty-One Days That Made India uncovers the dramatic story of how India nearly fragmented into multiple independent states before independence.

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Rediff.com2 days ago

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias's mother, Ana Candida Evora, was welcomed by FIFA in Miami, ahead of Cabo Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash against Uruguay. This heartwarming gesture followed Vozinha's emotional revelation about his family's visa issues preventing them from attending his historic 0-0 draw against Spain. US authorities, in coordination with the State Department, the Cape Verde government, and FIFA, facilitated her travel, allowing her to support her son and the 'Blue Sharks' in person.

Multi-State Cyber Fraud Suspect Nabbed In Assam

Multi-State Cyber Fraud Suspect Nabbed In Assam

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Assam Police have arrested a cyber fraudster suspected of involvement in multi-state digital crimes. The arrest was made by the Crime Investigation Department's Cyber Police Station, and the suspect is believed to have operated a highly active mule account.

Maharashtra Excise Department Seizes Illicit Liquor Worth 1.43 Crore In Thane

Maharashtra Excise Department Seizes Illicit Liquor Worth 1.43 Crore In Thane

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Maharashtra excise department seized Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) manufactured in Goa, valued at Rs 1.43 crore, in Thane city and arrested two persons.

Wild Elephant Attacks Injure Three In Kerala; State Forms Special Reserve Force

Wild Elephant Attacks Injure Three In Kerala; State Forms Special Reserve Force

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three people were injured in two suspected wild elephant attacks in Palakkad, Kerala. These incidents follow two recent fatalities in Wayanad and Idukki. In response, the Kerala government has decided to establish a 500-member Special Reserve Force to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

US Tightens Sanctions On Iran's 'Shadow Oil Economy'

US Tightens Sanctions On Iran's 'Shadow Oil Economy'

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran's 'shadow oil economy,' accusing Tehran of using illicit oil revenues to fund the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional activities.

DMK MP Kanimozhi Slams State Over Law And Order After Minor Girl Assaulted In Tiruchy

DMK MP Kanimozhi Slams State Over Law And Order After Minor Girl Assaulted In Tiruchy

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A 43-year-old man has been arrested under the POCSO Act in Tiruchirapalli after a 14-year-old girl was found unconscious following an alleged abduction and sexual assault. The incident has sparked protests and drawn sharp criticism from DMK MP Kanimozhi regarding the state's law and order situation and women's safety.

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

Himachal Pradesh Forest Department Seizes Leopard Skin, Arrests Two

Himachal Pradesh Forest Department Seizes Leopard Skin, Arrests Two

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Sirmour Forest Department's rapid response team raided a house in Ghutanpur village, recovering the remains of wild animals, including a leopard skin, leading to two arrests and highlighting ongoing poaching concerns in the region.

US to close consulate in Pak's Peshawar citing personnel's safety

US to close consulate in Pak's Peshawar citing personnel's safety

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The State Department spokesperson said the US will continue to engage meaningfully with the people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people.

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.

Trump big fan of Modi: Rubio downplays anti-India row

Trump big fan of Modi: Rubio downplays anti-India row

Rediff.com26 May 2026

President Donald Trump is a big fan of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday, seeking to dismiss allegations of rising anti-India rhetoric in the US.

Will Pakistan rethink its Israel policy after Rubio talks?

Will Pakistan rethink its Israel policy after Rubio talks?

Rediff.com29 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar amid American demand that countries mediating the peace talks with Iran join the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic and economic ties with Israel.

Odisha's Rising Crime Graph: BJD Alleges 'Disturbed State' Under BJP

Odisha's Rising Crime Graph: BJD Alleges 'Disturbed State' Under BJP

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The BJD alleges that Odisha has become a 'disturbed state' due to rising crime under BJP rule, citing several violent incidents and accusing the government of failing to maintain law and order. The BJP government refutes the allegations, claiming an increased conviction rate and swift arrests.

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Rediff.com5 days ago

'As the Bihar government's focus is on development and infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores, Rishu Sinha created a network to pay a decent commission to government officials for securing tenders.'

US proposes steep hike in citizenship application fees

US proposes steep hike in citizenship application fees

Rediff.com4 hours ago

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a nearly 75 per cent increase in the filing fee for Form N-400, the application for US citizenship through naturalisation, raising it from $760 to $1,330. The proposal also seeks to eliminate reduced-fee options and fee waivers, potentially impacting thousands of immigrants, including Indians.

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

Rediff.com7 days ago

The US Department of Defence has restored the name of the US Indo-Pacific Command to the US Pacific Command, reversing an eight-year-old decision. This change honours the command's deep historical roots, established in 1947, while its vast area of responsibility, extending to India's western border, and its mission remain unchanged.

Allahabad HC: State, Police Responsible For Justice Delays

Allahabad HC: State, Police Responsible For Justice Delays

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has criticised the Uttar Pradesh government and police for the massive pendency of criminal cases in district courts, citing insufficient staff, lack of police cooperation, and delays in forensic reports.

Suvendu govt to toughen laws against vandalism, attacks on officials

Suvendu govt to toughen laws against vandalism, attacks on officials

Rediff.com2 days ago

The West Bengal government plans to introduce two new bills in the Assembly to address public disorder, vandalism, and attacks on police and public servants. One bill will amend the existing Public Order Act, 1972, while the other, titled the Public Safety Control and Anti-Social Activity Bill, will comprehensively strengthen public safety measures. These legislative changes aim to curb incidents of violence and allow for compensation recovery from offenders.

Trump to put his pic in limited edition American passports

Trump to put his pic in limited edition American passports

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The US State Department is set to release a limited-edition passport featuring images of President Donald Trump and the Founding Fathers to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in July. The special passports will be available in person at the Washington Passport Agency.

Iran Coach Criticises Travel Restrictions After 2-2 World Cup Draw

Iran Coach Criticises Travel Restrictions After 2-2 World Cup Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said travel restrictions and visa-related disruptions hampered his team's World Cup preparations after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, claiming Iran had become the tournament's "most oppressed" side.

'More shocks in store': Shinde mocks Uddhav Sena over MPs' defections

'More shocks in store': Shinde mocks Uddhav Sena over MPs' defections

Rediff.com1 days ago

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde mocked the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the assembly following the defection of six of its Lok Sabha MPs to his faction. Shinde stated that the opposition had lost its mental balance and predicted more "shocks" for them. The jibe came after opposition MLAs, including Aaditya Thackeray, walked out over procedural objections during the monsoon session.

Delhi Excise Department Busts Illegal Liquor Godown in Samaypur Badli

Delhi Excise Department Busts Illegal Liquor Godown in Samaypur Badli

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

An excise department team seized a container in northwest Delhi's Samaypur Badli area that was being used as a godown of illicit liquor, recovering 187 cartons worth over Rs 5 lakh.

US eases sanctions, grants 60-day Iranian oil licence amid Swiss talks

US eases sanctions, grants 60-day Iranian oil licence amid Swiss talks

Rediff.com1 days ago

In a major shift in Middle Eastern energy and security dynamics, the US Department of the Treasury on Monday issued a temporary 60-day general licence authorising transactions related to the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals, and petroleum products.

US op in Nigeria eliminates ISIS second-in-command: Trump

US op in Nigeria eliminates ISIS second-in-command: Trump

Rediff.com16 May 2026

US President Donald Trump announced the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a key ISIS leader, in a joint operation with Nigerian forces.

'Iran is finished': Trump vows zero financial relief during 60-day talks

'Iran is finished': Trump vows zero financial relief during 60-day talks

Rediff.com4 days ago

Following the signing of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran, US President Donald Trump reiterated the terms for a 60-day negotiation period, vowing that Tehran will receive "not ten cents" in financial relief.

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Rediff.com7 days ago

A parliamentary committee has voiced concerns over ongoing examination irregularities despite government measures, recommending the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for reforms. The panel also urged a nationwide blacklist of firms involved in exam processes and suggested utilising the National Testing Agency's financial surplus to enhance its capabilities.

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A forest department team in Hoshiarpur was allegedly fired upon by suspected khair wood smugglers during an operation. While the accused escaped, officials managed to seize a vehicle loaded with illegally felled khair wood. The incident highlights the dangers faced by forest personnel and the lucrative nature of khair wood smuggling, which is believed to be operated by an inter-state network.

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A forest department team in Hoshiarpur was allegedly fired upon by suspected khair wood smugglers during an operation. While the accused escaped, officials managed to seize a vehicle loaded with illegally felled khair wood. The incident highlights the dangers faced by forest personnel and the lucrative nature of khair wood smuggling, which is believed to be operated by an inter-state network.

US warns India against violating Hormuz blockade

US warns India against violating Hormuz blockade

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The US has warned India that any violation of its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated, a statement made amidst a diplomatic row over the deaths of Indian seafarers in US attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman.

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

Rediff.com5 days ago

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was not too keen to discuss it on Thursday but finally conceded he was very happy his mother had obtained a U.S. visa and would be able to watch him play against Uruguay in the World Cup this weekend.

Haryana Labour Department Probe Uncovers Massive Work Slip Fraud

Haryana Labour Department Probe Uncovers Massive Work Slip Fraud

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Haryana Labour Minister Anil Vij reveals a major scam in the labour department, with nearly 90% of work slips examined found to be fake. An investigation into the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board reveals potential losses of thousands of crores of rupees.