News for 'State Department Spokesperson'

US loses aircraft during Iran op, IRGC claims it was shot down

US loses aircraft during Iran op, IRGC claims it was shot down

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Iran's state media cited the spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Iran's military to claim that a United States military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in western Iraq. The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six service members on board had been killed.

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The deployment could include infantry and armoured units, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division, which is already stationed in the region.

Fire destroys municipal office, two homes in J-K's Kishtwar

Fire destroys municipal office, two homes in J-K's Kishtwar

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A fire in Kishtwar town, Jammu and Kashmir, has destroyed a municipal council office and two residential houses, prompting a police investigation into the cause.

NIA Investigates Blast Outside BJP Office in Chandigarh

NIA Investigates Blast Outside BJP Office in Chandigarh

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

An explosion outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh has triggered an investigation by the NIA, raising concerns about security and potential threats to party officials.

US State Department releases Hillary's Benghazi emails

US State Department releases Hillary's Benghazi emails

Rediff.com22 May 2015

The US State Department on Friday released a part of emails by former secretary of state Hillary Clinton related to a 2012 terrorist attack on the US consulate in Libya's Benghazi.

J&K Revenue Official Nabbed for Accepting Bribe in Srinagar

J&K Revenue Official Nabbed for Accepting Bribe in Srinagar

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a revenue department official in Srinagar for accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 for issuing revenue extracts.

Iran vows to hit tourist destinations 'beyond' West Asia

Iran vows to hit tourist destinations 'beyond' West Asia

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The threat has raised concerns about possible asymmetric attacks outside the region. Iran has also stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf countries.

Vigilance Bureau Probes 150 Crore Discrepancies in Panchkula Municipal Funds

Vigilance Bureau Probes 150 Crore Discrepancies in Panchkula Municipal Funds

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Haryana's State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has filed an FIR to investigate alleged discrepancies involving nearly 150 crore of Panchkula Municipal Corporation funds held in a Kotak Mahindra Bank branch.

Iran threatens to strike US energy infra, IT systems over fuel site attack

Iran threatens to strike US energy infra, IT systems over fuel site attack

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

According to Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the threat was articulated by Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

Probe Launched into Alleged Financial Discrepancies at Panchkula Municipal Corporation

Probe Launched into Alleged Financial Discrepancies at Panchkula Municipal Corporation

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

An FIR has been filed regarding alleged discrepancies related to Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) involving nearly Rs 150 crore of Panchkula Municipal Corporation with a Kotak Mahindra Bank branch, leading to a formal investigation.

Canada acts against Tahawwur Rana before Carney's India visit

Canada acts against Tahawwur Rana before Carney's India visit

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Canadian government is seeking to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Rana Hussain, a Pakistan-born businessman accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, due to misrepresentation on his citizenship application.

Haryana Orders Probe into Panchkula Municipal Corporation's Missing Funds

Haryana Orders Probe into Panchkula Municipal Corporation's Missing Funds

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

An FIR has been filed regarding alleged discrepancies in Panchkula Municipal Corporation's fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) of nearly Rs 150 crore held at a Kotak Mahindra Bank branch, leading to a state-level investigation.

Deadly retaliation awaits: Iran on killing of IRIS Dena sailors

Deadly retaliation awaits: Iran on killing of IRIS Dena sailors

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Following the death of Iranian sailors in the Indian Ocean, Iran's navy has threatened 'deadly retaliation,' accusing the US of attacking its warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, escalating tensions in the region.

French soldier killed, several injured in attack in Iraq

French soldier killed, several injured in attack in Iraq

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

A French soldier was killed while several others were injured in an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed. Macron, in a post on X, confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins lost his life in the attack.

Closely monitoring situation: US on Red Fort explosion

Closely monitoring situation: US on Red Fort explosion

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The US Department of State's Consular Affairs, in a "security alert", said that "while the cause of the explosion is unknown at this time, the Government of India has placed several Indian states on high alert."

Swift Rescue Operation Saves Lives in Gurugram Guest House Fire

Swift Rescue Operation Saves Lives in Gurugram Guest House Fire

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A fire broke out at a five-storey guest house in Gurugram, India, trapping several residents. Emergency services and locals successfully rescued all those trapped, averting a major tragedy.

HP Police Seizes Drugs, Liquor in Anti-Chitta Operation

HP Police Seizes Drugs, Liquor in Anti-Chitta Operation

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Himachal Pradesh Police conducted a large-scale anti-drug operation, seizing drugs and illegal liquor across the state and registering multiple cases under the NDPS and Excise Acts.

All 6 crew members killed after US refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq

All 6 crew members killed after US refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Rescue operations are currently underway, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, the command said.

Cong alleges Sarma's wife holds 3 passports, CM threatens lawsuit

Cong alleges Sarma's wife holds 3 passports, CM threatens lawsuit

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has denied allegations made by the Congress party that his wife possesses multiple passports and concealed property information, vowing to take legal action against the Congress leader who made the claims.

'State Department reviewing if Clinton violated govt policies'

'State Department reviewing if Clinton violated govt policies'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2015

The US State Department is reviewing whether former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton violated any policies of the federal government while using her private emails for official use, a media report has said.

Indians Stranded As H-1B Visa Renewals Stall

Indians Stranded As H-1B Visa Renewals Stall

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The US has expanded its review of social media and online presence to cover all H-1B speciality occupation workers and their H-4 dependents, the US embassy in India said on December 10.

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The BJP has criticised the Congress party for allegedly prioritising its vote bank and outdated ideologies over India's national interest and citizen safety in its foreign policy approach towards Iran.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

India addresses the escalating conflict in West Asia, outlining its diplomatic efforts to ensure energy security, the safety of its citizens, and advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are urging the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could weaken the rights of transgender individuals.

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are calling for the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could dilute the rights of transgender individuals.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

Pakistan Assures Saudi Arabia of Support 'Before It Is Needed' Amid West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Assures Saudi Arabia of Support 'Before It Is Needed' Amid West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A senior Pakistani official has affirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia, even before assistance is explicitly requested, amidst ongoing conflict in West Asia. This pledge underscores the close ties between the two nations and Pakistan's role in regional stability.

Is Bill Gates attending AI Impact Summit at New Delhi?

Is Bill Gates attending AI Impact Summit at New Delhi?

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Confusion prevailed on Tuesday over Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates attending the high-profile AI Impact Summit with government sources saying he will not attend the meeting while a spokesperson of his foundation contradicted, saying he is. Gates featured among the tech moguls, industry leaders, policymakers, founders, and technologists listed as speakers on the official website of the AI Impact Summit, underway in the national capital from February 16-20.

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

David Perdue said in a post on X that the US-India relationship delivers real results through close cooperation in diverse areas, including defence, energy and through Quad engagement.

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

At least 101 people are missing and 78 are injured after a suspected submarine attack on an Iranian naval ship off Sri Lanka's southern coast on Wednesday, Reuters quoted sources in Sri Lanka's Navy and defence ministry as saying.

Bill Gates skips AI Impact Summit keynote amid Epstein files row

Bill Gates skips AI Impact Summit keynote amid Epstein files row

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The organisation further clarified that it will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who 'will speak later today at the Summit'.

Mumbai mayor vows action against illegal Bangladeshis; Uddhav Sena says...

Mumbai mayor vows action against illegal Bangladeshis; Uddhav Sena says...

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has vowed to take strict action against illegal immigrants who have obtained fake birth certificates, as well as the agents and officials who assisted them. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has already cancelled 237 fake birth certificates and is working to recover the original documents.

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Israel's Defence Minister has issued a stark warning that any leader succeeding Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be considered a target, as reports suggest his son Mojtaba may be next in line.

UP engineer, wife get death penalty for sexually abusing 33 children

UP engineer, wife get death penalty for sexually abusing 33 children

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

During the probe, it was found that Ram Bhawan, a resident of Naraini town in Banda district, had been living in a rented room in Chitrakoot district where the offences were committed, with his wife allegedly assisting him, the agency said.

No H-1B visa caps for data localisation: US State Department

No H-1B visa caps for data localisation: US State Department

Rediff.com21 Jun 2019

International companies usually store data on global servers and the requirement to store data locally would require them to make an additional investment. But policymakers in India believe storing data locally would help monitor and conduct investigations if the need arises.

Chinnaswamy Gets Greenlight To Host IPL Games

Chinnaswamy Gets Greenlight To Host IPL Games

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

KSCA receives government permission to host international and IPL matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium

Cop transferred after abusing, slapping migrant worker; video goes viral

Cop transferred after abusing, slapping migrant worker; video goes viral

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

A policeman in Erode, Tamil Nadu, has been transferred to the Armed Reserve after a video surfaced showing him verbally abusing and allegedly slapping a migrant worker at a roadside eatery. The incident, captured on CCTV, sparked outrage and prompted swift action from authorities.

Is Nirav Modi in US? Cannot confirm, says state department

Is Nirav Modi in US? Cannot confirm, says state department

Rediff.com2 Mar 2018

The US Department of Justice declined to comment on Modi.

Assam CM Sarma to sue Congress leaders over land grab claims

Assam CM Sarma to sue Congress leaders over land grab claims

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Assam Congress alleges CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's family grabbed thousands of acres of land, prompting a defamation case announcement. BJP denies claims as baseless.