News for 'State Department and United Nations'

BJP likely to keep big 4 portfolios, culture, education

BJP likely to keep big 4 portfolios, culture, education

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

There is a view that heavyweight portfolios like home, finance, defence and external affairs besides education and culture, two ministries with strong ideological hues, will be kept by the BJP, while its allies can get anywhere between five to eight cabinet berths.

Trump admn allows travel ban exemptions for IT, healthcare sectors

Trump admn allows travel ban exemptions for IT, healthcare sectors

Rediff.com13 Aug 2020

The US state department, which issued the revised travel advisory, on Wednesday said that the exemptions have been given under the national interest category.

'We have no policy to kill our enemies'

'We have no policy to kill our enemies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

'Countries like Israel said openly that they will hunt people down. We have no such policy.' 'We have always been following the legal process of getting them (people wanted by India) through extradition.'

US to meet Indian team today on UNSC expansion

US to meet Indian team today on UNSC expansion

Rediff.com20 Dec 2010

The United States will host a team from India at the State Department over two days beginning on Monday to discuss strategy for a way forward toward UNSC expansion.

Smooth transition to a second Trump administration: Pompeo

Smooth transition to a second Trump administration: Pompeo

Rediff.com11 Nov 2020

The world is watching what's taking place here. We're going to count all the votes, Pompeo said.

Biden's secretary of state will be...

Biden's secretary of state will be...

Rediff.com16 Nov 2020

'Biden's promise of returning to 'normalcy' after Trump appears to mean that the same old politicians, who are responsible for the 'endless wars' in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, are being brought out of the woodwork after four years,' notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

CAG flags anomalies in accounts of units under IT, telecom ministries

CAG flags anomalies in accounts of units under IT, telecom ministries

Rediff.com29 Nov 2021

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Monday reported multiple irregularities in the accounts of units under the IT and telecom ministries, including purchases of hardware and software worth Rs 890 crore by NICSI in contravention of rules. In its audit report for financial years 2017-18 and 2018-19, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has flagged anomalies in the decision taken by state-run telecom firm BSNL, C-DoT, the Department of Posts, ITI Limited and CDAC that had adverse financial implications. "NICSI procured hardware and software costing Rs 890.34 crore through the 'Strategic Alliance' route in contravention of General Financial Rules, 2005 and departmental instructions and thus failed to ensure transparency and competitiveness in the procurement process," according to the CAG report tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday.

Special counsel says Biden has poor memory, Prez hits back

Special counsel says Biden has poor memory, Prez hits back

Rediff.com9 Feb 2024

In a damaging report ahead of the November 5 polls, a special United States counsel has said that President Joe Biden 'willfully' mishandled classified documents as a private citizen but concluded that it would be difficult to convict him as he comes across as an 'elderly man with a poor memory'.

US shuts embassy in Afghanistan, moves it to Qatar

US shuts embassy in Afghanistan, moves it to Qatar

Rediff.com31 Aug 2021

The United States has begun a new diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said as the US withdrew its last troops from the country ending the 20-year war in the South Asian nation.

Amid India's concerns, US to provide F-16 package to Pak

Amid India's concerns, US to provide F-16 package to Pak

Rediff.com19 Oct 2022

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who was on a visit to the US last month, said that America's relationship with Pakistan has "not served" either of the two countries and raised questions on the Biden administration's approval of a USD 450-million sustenance package for the F-16 fleet.

Women in India lag in Internet use

Women in India lag in Internet use

Rediff.com10 Jan 2013

The report, funded by the global chipmaker with input from the United Nations and U.S. State Department, among others, points to stubborn gaps in women's access to the Internet in Africa, the Middle East and other developing parts of the world.

Nithyananda's Kailasa cons 30 US cities with 'sister city' pact

Nithyananda's Kailasa cons 30 US cities with 'sister city' pact

Rediff.com17 Mar 2023

Self-proclaimed godman and fugitive Nithyananda's 'United States of Kailasa' has signed a 'cultural partnership' with over 30 American cities, a media report has said, days after the city of Newark in the United States state of New Jersey said it rescinded a 'sister-city' agreement with the fictional country.

UN imposes sanctions against Pak-based Haqqani network

UN imposes sanctions against Pak-based Haqqani network

Rediff.com6 Nov 2012

The United Nations Security Council, under India's presidency, has imposed global sanctions against the dreaded Pakistan-based Haqqani militant network and the group's chief of suicide operations.

Biden, Modi likely to take forward GE jet engine deal

Biden, Modi likely to take forward GE jet engine deal

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

United States President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to make meaningful advancements on the GE jet engine deal and civil nuclear technology during their bilateral talks, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was cited in a Reuters report.

Due to our religious faith: UP Cong on Jan 15 Ayodhya visit

Due to our religious faith: UP Cong on Jan 15 Ayodhya visit

Rediff.com7 Jan 2024

During their visit to the holy city, the Congress leaders will take a dip in Saryu river, and then visit the Ram temple and Hanumangarhi temple, Rai said on Sunday.

Sangma keeps heavyweight portfolios with NPP, allies get rest

Sangma keeps heavyweight portfolios with NPP, allies get rest

Rediff.com9 Mar 2023

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma retained the key departments for his National Peoples Party, and gave the lesser politically significant ones to alliance partners Bharatiya Janata Party, Hill State Peoples Democratic Party and United Democratic Party as he allocated portfolios on Thursday.

'No set timeline for India's permanent UNSC seat'

'No set timeline for India's permanent UNSC seat'

Rediff.com9 Nov 2010

Backing India's bid for a permanent membership, United States has started reaching out to other Security Council members on the reform of the apex United Nations body but said it could not set a target date for expansion of the UNSC.

Former US envoy: 'Pakistan is a State sponsor of terror'

Former US envoy: 'Pakistan is a State sponsor of terror'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2016

'Pakistanis are very clever in manipulating us,' former Bush administration official tells US lawmakers.

Tehran strange, inappropriate choice for NAM meeting: US

Tehran strange, inappropriate choice for NAM meeting: US

Rediff.com17 Aug 2012

The Barack Obama administration has publicly expressed its displeasure over world leaders attending the summit meeting of the Non Aligned Movement in Tehran. "This is an organisation that we are not a member of. Our point is simply that Tehran, given its number of grave violations of international law and United Nations' obligations, does not seem to be the appropriate place," said State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland.

India-US diplomatic showdown triggers speculation

India-US diplomatic showdown triggers speculation

Rediff.com28 Apr 2008

Analysts suggest that with the Indo-US nuclear deal in limbo, New Delhi could be balancing foreign policy with an eye to the polls. They say that India's sharp response to the US State Department's 'advice' on Iran was one such move. While some felt the response was a case of dangerous over-reaction, others said it was merely an act of diplomacy where relations with other countries, particularly the US, are balanced to suit India's interests.

US, UK evacuate nationals from Yemen amid Qaeda threat

US, UK evacuate nationals from Yemen amid Qaeda threat

Rediff.com6 Aug 2013

The United States on Tuesday evacuated nearly 90 Americans from Yemen, while the Britain has withdrawn all diplomatic staff in the country amid a worldwide terror alert linked to electronic intercepts from Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, ordering a major attack since 9/11.

Heads of state and government eligible for A1 visas: US

Heads of state and government eligible for A1 visas: US

Rediff.com14 May 2014

Continuing to maintain silence on granting a visa to Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narendra Modi, United States has said the heads of state and government are eligible for A1 visas and no individual automatically qualifies for an American visa.

US designates Osama's son Hamza as 'global terrorist'

US designates Osama's son Hamza as 'global terrorist'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2017

The US move comes nearly year and half after Hamza was officially announced by al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri as an official member of the group.

UNSC to vote on resolution condemning Russian invasion of Ukraine

UNSC to vote on resolution condemning Russian invasion of Ukraine

Rediff.com25 Feb 2022

The Council will vote on the draft resolution at 3 pm Friday (New York time), two days after it held an emergency meeting on the situation in Ukraine just as Putin had announced Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

US, Taliban hold talks over $ 3.5 bn frozen Afghan bank reserves

US, Taliban hold talks over $ 3.5 bn frozen Afghan bank reserves

Rediff.com29 Jul 2022

A US special envoy met senior Taliban representatives in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and discussed the issue of Afghan central bank reserves.

'Centre shouldn't behave like big brother with states'

'Centre shouldn't behave like big brother with states'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2021

'Just because there is some misunderstanding, you cannot recall the chief secretary.' 'This is not a good development. This is an assault on federalism.'

Zika virus detected in K'taka dist, govt urges people not to panic

Zika virus detected in K'taka dist, govt urges people not to panic

Rediff.com2 Nov 2023

The virus was detected in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes after samples from six water bodies in Chikkaballapura were collected and sent for examination.

Masood Azhar's 3 nephews killed on entering India

Masood Azhar's 3 nephews killed on entering India

Rediff.com20 Jan 2023

He said the situation was made difficult for the terrorist organisations as a result Jaish chief Maulana Masood Azhar sent his nephews to carry out terror activities.

No matter where you hide...: Biden on Zawahiri's killing

No matter where you hide...: Biden on Zawahiri's killing

Rediff.com2 Aug 2022

The US President said that justice has been delivered.

US hopes for Indian support if Russia invades Ukraine

US hopes for Indian support if Russia invades Ukraine

Rediff.com17 Feb 2022

'We know that our Indian partners are committed to that rules-based international order. There are any number of tenets in that order. One of them is that borders cannot be redrawn by force'

Govt seeks to allay concern over 'retaliatory' duty cut on US apples

Govt seeks to allay concern over 'retaliatory' duty cut on US apples

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

India's recent move to remove additional 'retaliatory' duty on eight products from the United States (US), including apples and walnuts, would not have any negative impact on the domestic producers, the government clarified, even as the issue threatened to snowball into a political slugfest between the ruling and Opposition parties. The move would, in fact, result in competition in the premium market segment, ensuring better quality at better prices for consumers, especially for apples, a senior government official said. "There were certain concerns that were being raised on the mutually agreed solution that has come in, more specific to seven-eight agriculture products where we had levied additional import duties in retaliation to the steel and aluminum measures (imposed by the US)," Peeyush Kumar, additional secretary in the commerce department, told reporters in a briefing.

Blinken arrives in India; to discuss various issues with leaders

Blinken arrives in India; to discuss various issues with leaders

Rediff.com27 Jul 2021

Blinken and Indian leaders on Wednesday will discuss a plethora of pressing issues such as the fluid situation in Afghanistan, regional security concerns, COVID-19 response and ways to boost Indo-Pacific engagement, people familiar with the agenda of talks said.

Bhutto assassination: US not to support UN probe

Bhutto assassination: US not to support UN probe

Rediff.com30 Jan 2008

Boucher said the Bush administration was satisfied with investigations carried out by Pakistani authorities along with the Scotland Yard.

US 'in talks' with India over its stand on Russian invasion: Diplomat

US 'in talks' with India over its stand on Russian invasion: Diplomat

Rediff.com3 Mar 2022

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, was speaking to members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, just after India had abstained from a vote on the United Nations General Assembly resolution.

When Modi Was Asked THE Question...

When Modi Was Asked THE Question...

Rediff.com23 Jun 2023

Back in the Press Briefing room on being commended for her questions to President Biden and the Indian prime minister, The Wall Street Journal's Sabrina Siddiqui responded, "You gotta do it."

Spouses of H-1B visa holders can work here, says US judge

Spouses of H-1B visa holders can work here, says US judge

Rediff.com30 Mar 2023

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

India urges its nationals to leave Afghanistan on special flight

India urges its nationals to leave Afghanistan on special flight

Rediff.com10 Aug 2021

It is learnt that the consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif will continue to operate through the local staff members.

US unveils criteria for UNSC seat aspirants

US unveils criteria for UNSC seat aspirants

Rediff.com13 Sep 2005

India is one of the countries aiming for a seat on an expanded UNSC.

'Free speech doesn't mean...': US lawmakers condemn attack on Indian embassy

'Free speech doesn't mean...': US lawmakers condemn attack on Indian embassy

Rediff.com7 Jul 2023

They also slammed the "violent rhetoric" against India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu and said free speech does not mean a license to incite violence or vandalise property.

COVID-19: 'Dummy vaccination' begins in 4 states

COVID-19: 'Dummy vaccination' begins in 4 states

Rediff.com28 Dec 2020

As the country eagerly awaits an expected coronavirus vaccination drive in January, at least 125 intended beneficiaries each in four states who had registered on the Co-WIN App were on Monday sent SMSes informing them about the time and place of their 'COVID-19 vaccination' under a mock-drill to administer the shots at designated centres.