News for 'State Department Office of Protocol'

Odisha To Formulate SOP After Census Officials Attacked

Odisha To Formulate SOP After Census Officials Attacked

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Four Census officials were assaulted in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, prompting the state government to formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) to safeguard census officials from physical harm and heat-related risks.

Ajit Pawar's death: Maharashtra announces 3-day state mourning

Ajit Pawar's death: Maharashtra announces 3-day state mourning

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Ajit Pawar, 66, and four other persons were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Maharashtra's Pune district on Wednesday morning

Shooter stopped at first contact: US Secret Service on White House shooting

Shooter stopped at first contact: US Secret Service on White House shooting

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Deputy director Matthew Quinn of the US Secret Service office of communications said that the 'coward' shooter was quickly stopped at 'first contact' following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner.

Delhi Simulates Hostile Attack in City-Wide Civil Defence Drill

Delhi Simulates Hostile Attack in City-Wide Civil Defence Drill

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A large-scale civil defence mock drill was conducted across Delhi, simulating a hostile attack scenario to test preparedness and response systems.

MP Police Suspended Over Alleged Rs 20 Lakh Hush Money Deal

MP Police Suspended Over Alleged Rs 20 Lakh Hush Money Deal

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Four Madhya Pradesh police officers have been suspended for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 20 lakh from a businessman in exchange for releasing Rs 1 crore found in his vehicle.

Chhattisgarh CM Orders Strict Action Over Manual Scavenging Deaths

Chhattisgarh CM Orders Strict Action Over Manual Scavenging Deaths

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered strict action against those forcing people into manual scavenging after three sanitation workers died cleaning a septic tank at a hospital in Raipur. The CM has directed officials to ensure assistance to the victims' families and take legal action against those responsible.

Professor Arrested in Chennai Following Sexual Harassment Claims

Professor Arrested in Chennai Following Sexual Harassment Claims

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

A professor at Anna University in Chennai has been arrested following allegations of sexual harassment and stalking, sparking student protests and calls for improved campus safety measures.

Pak man with Iran ties convicted for plotting to kill Trump

Pak man with Iran ties convicted for plotting to kill Trump

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

A Pakistani man with ties to Iran has been convicted in a US court for plotting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump and other American politicians.

Tiger found dead in MP reserve, toll rises to 10 since Jan 1

Tiger found dead in MP reserve, toll rises to 10 since Jan 1

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

An adult tiger with a radio collar was found dead in the Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India, prompting concerns about the safety and management of the reserve. The death, attributed to a territorial fight, has led to allegations of negligence and calls for investigation.

Delhi Police Uncover Illegal LPG Cylinder Storage and Refilling Operations

Delhi Police Uncover Illegal LPG Cylinder Storage and Refilling Operations

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have dismantled an illegal operation involving the storage of over 600 LPG cylinders and arrested an individual for illegally refilling gas cylinders, highlighting concerns over safety and black market activities.

Mumbai Legislature Targeted: Bomb Threat Sparks Security Alert

Mumbai Legislature Targeted: Bomb Threat Sparks Security Alert

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

An email threatening missile and bomb attacks on the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan and other key locations in Mumbai triggered a security alert, prompting extensive searches and heightened security measures.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Mumbai Legislature Complex Searched After Bomb Threat Email

Mumbai Legislature Complex Searched After Bomb Threat Email

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

An email threatening missile and bomb attacks on the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan and other key locations in Mumbai prompted a security alert and extensive searches.

CRPF claims Rahul Gandhi violated protocol; intimidation, says Cong

CRPF claims Rahul Gandhi violated protocol; intimidation, says Cong

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

The sources said such communication was "routine" in nature and had been sent by the CRPF security wing in the context of Gandhi's security in the past too.

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.

Centre restarts MGNREGA in West Bengal, but conditions apply

Centre restarts MGNREGA in West Bengal, but conditions apply

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

After a gap of more than three years, the central government has agreed to resume the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) works in West Bengal with immediate effect, but subject to mandatory adherence to stringent conditions. These include a prohibition on any work valued at more than 20 lakh, compulsory 100 per cent electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) verification of all workers, and mandatory pre-estimation field visits for all works before they are undertaken.

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: 'No Crew Would Crash A Plane'

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: 'No Crew Would Crash A Plane'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

'In any aviation emergency, the first rule is aviate -- fly the aircraft.' 'The fact that the commander's voice is not on the recording simply means he was focused entirely on flying. It does not imply anything more than that.'

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'Losing a house is a terrible feeling... We were not given enough time to shift our belongings.'

UP doctor suspended, booked for 'burn govt's effigy' remark

UP doctor suspended, booked for 'burn govt's effigy' remark

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A video clip of the purported remark quickly went viral on social media, prompting local BJP MLA Raj Prasad Upadhyay to seek action against the doctor.

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel allocated portfolios following a major cabinet reshuffle, with Harsh Sanghavi becoming Deputy CM and receiving Home and Industries. New ministers, including Rivaba Jadeja, were also assigned responsibilities.

Officers ignoring MLAs' calls: Delhi assembly speaker

Officers ignoring MLAs' calls: Delhi assembly speaker

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Gupta sought to draw the top city bureaucrat's attention to the procedure and protocol to be adhered to by the government officers while dealing with the members of the assembly.

'Life Possesses No Value In Our System'

'Life Possesses No Value In Our System'

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

'A bus driver should possess a comprehensive road plan: Toll plazas, major hospitals, road conditions, repairs, diversions, and dangerous areas.' 'Only through such preparation can we save lives.' 'Otherwise, simply sitting in the driver's seat and pressing the accelerator -- anyone can do that.'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

Modi's 'Most Expensive' Gift For Jill Biden

Modi's 'Most Expensive' Gift For Jill Biden

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

United States President Joe Biden and his family received tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts from foreign leaders in 2023, with the most expensive gift going to First Lady Jill Biden from Prime Minister Narendra D Modi.

Zubeen Garg's manager, festival organiser booked for murder

Zubeen Garg's manager, festival organiser booked for murder

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Assam Police have filed a murder charge against Zubeen Garg's manager and a festival organizer in connection with the singer's death in Singapore. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking cooperation from Singaporean officials.

Could The Kurnool Bus Tragedy Have Been Avoided?

Could The Kurnool Bus Tragedy Have Been Avoided?

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

'This tragedy will not be the last -- you shall witness another tomorrow, perhaps another the day after, and increasingly more.'

Tigress, 4 cubs found dead in K'taka forest; govt orders probe

Tigress, 4 cubs found dead in K'taka forest; govt orders probe

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Expressing sorrow over the incident, Khandre immediately ordered an investigation into the matter, which will be led by a team under the principal chief conservator of forests.

Karnataka rolls out crowd control rules after Bengaluru stampede

Karnataka rolls out crowd control rules after Bengaluru stampede

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The SoP includes general principles, according to which, police responses must prioritise life safety, protection of rights, prevention of property damage, and de-escalation of potential conflicts.

Is this medicine harmful during pregnancy? Trump links it to autism

Is this medicine harmful during pregnancy? Trump links it to autism

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

In contrast to Trump's strong warnings, the FDA's current position remains more measured. In a recent letter to physicians, the agency stated that "a causal relationship has not been established" between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, and acknowledged the existence of "contrary studies in the scientific literature."

UP plans high-tech defence shield against nuke, chemical attacks

UP plans high-tech defence shield against nuke, chemical attacks

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Drawing lessons from security protocols of Parliament, the state is working closely with agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd to design a multi-layered safety mechanism.

Karnataka govt withdraws CID probe against cops in Ranya Rao case

Karnataka govt withdraws CID probe against cops in Ranya Rao case

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Karnataka government has withdrawn its order directing the Criminal Investigation Department to probe possible lapses and dereliction of duty by police officers at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru in connection with actor Ranya Rao's gold smuggling case. The CID probe order was issued on Monday night. A subsequent order on Wednesday withdrawing the CID investigation stated that Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta is already probing the possible role of Ranya's stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-rank officer, in the case. Gupta's inquiry will focus on the facts and circumstances leading to the misuse of protocol-related facilities and Rao's involvement in the case. Recently, gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from Ranya at Kempegowda International Airport here. The next day, officials said, searches were conducted at her residence where gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash were recovered.

Several Delhi, B'luru schools get 'bombs in black plastic bags' mail

Several Delhi, B'luru schools get 'bombs in black plastic bags' mail

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

An official said that multiple schools in the national capital received these bomb threats. This is the fourth such day this week when schools in the capital received bomb threats.

Cargo shipwreck: Thin oil spill detected, no calcium carbide ashore yet

Cargo shipwreck: Thin oil spill detected, no calcium carbide ashore yet

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KPCB) is on high alert after a Liberian vessel carrying hazardous cargo sank off the Kerala coast. While no calcium carbide containers have washed ashore yet, a thin layer of oil spill has been detected. The KPCB is working to contain the spill and prevent it from reaching the shore, but rough conditions at sea have hampered efforts to spray dispersants. The board is also taking steps to prevent the oil from reaching the Ashtamudi and Vembanad lakes.

UP lawmakers miffed over 'chairs without towels'

UP lawmakers miffed over 'chairs without towels'

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Lawmakers in Uttar Pradesh have always been touch-sensitive about protocol during official meetings and irrespective of the party in power, complaints of breach of guidelines have often cropped up.

Plane crash: 9 days on, process to identity victims continues

Plane crash: 9 days on, process to identity victims continues

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

Ahmedabad-based filmmaker Mahesh Jirawala, who was reported missing following the June 12 air crash, the matching of DNA samples confirmed that he died in the catastrophe, following which his mortal remains were handed over to his family.

Trump Ticks Off Zelenskyy In Heated White House Meeting

Trump Ticks Off Zelenskyy In Heated White House Meeting

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

US President Donald Trump cut short discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday after he and Vice President JD Vance confronted Ukraine's leader in a tense Oval Office exchange.

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.

AI plane crash death toll hits 270 as families wait for bodies

AI plane crash death toll hits 270 as families wait for bodies

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The process of identification of victims by matching the DNA samples is currently underway, and the bodies will be handed over to their relatives once the process is complete.

7 killed as rain-soaked wall collapses at Andhra temple

7 killed as rain-soaked wall collapses at Andhra temple

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The wall collapsed on the Rs 300 ticket queue line near the shopping complex on the ghat road from Simhagiri Bus Stand at around 3 am. Heavy overnight rains and strong winds are suspected to have loosened the soil, causing the structure to fall, Anitha told reporters.

Crash: 'Preliminary Report Will Have Answers'

Crash: 'Preliminary Report Will Have Answers'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'A few answers for the reason of the crash will be known -- whether it was a technical fault, design issue, human error etc.'