News for 'State Department'

SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Supreme Court has agreed to constitute a special bench to address the Centre's plea regarding the applicability of its March 11 judgment on OBC creamy-layer criteria to candidates of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation for 958 recommended candidates based on the creamy-layer determination applied before the verdict, citing potential unequal treatment and disruption to training schedules.

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Goa has successfully completed its first pilot drone-skilling workshop for 12 women and plans to train 100 women annually under the Goa Drone Didi Training Scheme. This initiative aims to promote drone technology, rural livelihoods, and women-led entrepreneurship, aligning with the Centre's Namo Drone Didi programme.

Ladakh sets precedent with 4 percent job reservation for outstanding sportspersons

Ladakh sets precedent with 4 percent job reservation for outstanding sportspersons

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Ladakh has approved a four per cent reservation for outstanding sportspersons in Group 'C' government jobs, becoming the first Union Territory in India to implement such a fixed quota. This initiative aims to provide financial security and career opportunities for talented athletes, fostering an ecosystem where sporting excellence is recognised and rewarded.

Guj CID busts Rs 1,071 cr China-linked cybercrime ring, 'mastermind' held

Guj CID busts Rs 1,071 cr China-linked cybercrime ring, 'mastermind' held

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Gujarat CID has arrested Rafiqul Alam, the alleged 'mastermind' behind 1,090 cybercrimes totalling Rs 1,071.5 crore, who was found to have links with China-based criminals and converted illicit funds into cryptocurrencies.

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A veteran White House reporter has revealed that the Clinton administration used a decoy aircraft during President Bill Clinton's high-risk visit to Pakistan in 2000, a security measure disclosed to journalists off-the-record due to the significant dangers involved.

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licences of 10 Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and issued show-cause notices to 135 others following inspections that revealed serious violations including unhygienic conditions, lack of technical staff, and inadequate testing protocols.

IIT Madras Faculty Honoured With ANRF J C Bose Grant For Research Excellence

IIT Madras Faculty Honoured With ANRF J C Bose Grant For Research Excellence

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Six faculty members from IIT Madras have been awarded the prestigious ANRF J C Bose Grant, recognising their outstanding research contributions in engineering and science. The highly competitive grant provides Rs 25 lakh annually for five years to support frontier research.

How IIT Dhanbad's New Optical Sensor Revolutionises Structural Monitoring

How IIT Dhanbad's New Optical Sensor Revolutionises Structural Monitoring

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Researchers at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad have secured a patent for a novel temperature-independent optical sensor designed to precisely measure structural tilt in two directions. This lightweight sensor, utilising Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology, offers enhanced monitoring capabilities for various applications including bridges, robotics, aerospace, and geotechnical systems, promising low maintenance and long-term stability checks.

Nepal flood toll reaches 788; over 275 Indians, 128 PIOs missing

Nepal flood toll reaches 788; over 275 Indians, 128 PIOs missing

Rediff.com2 days ago

The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal has surged to 734, with nearly 2,500 people still missing. India has intensified its rescue and relief efforts, sending additional aid, technical teams, and forensic experts, while also working to locate and rescue over 275 missing Indian nationals.

Maharashtra to amend law to make Marathi mandatory for cab drivers

Maharashtra to amend law to make Marathi mandatory for cab drivers

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, making 'working knowledge of Marathi language' mandatory for cab drivers, with non-compliance potentially leading to suspension or revocation of driving licences.

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government has cancelled 44 recruitment examinations conducted by the state Public Service Commission (JPSC) and an outsourced agency since 2014, including the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, following a 25-day student agitation over alleged irregularities. This decision has led to protests from around 2,000 candidates who had already been appointed to various state government departments after clearing the JSSC-CGL exam.

Indian man held in US for multi-million-dollar fraud targeting elderly

Indian man held in US for multi-million-dollar fraud targeting elderly

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

An Indian national, Jay Sunilbharthi Goswami, has been arrested and charged in the US for his alleged role as a "money mule" in a multi-million-dollar internet and telephone fraud scheme targeting elderly victims. Goswami, a Gujarat native, was detained in Canada while attempting to flee to Qatar, facing charges including wire fraud and money laundering.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Capdevila seeks Trump's help after Iran-linked ESTA rejection

FIFA World Cup 2026: Capdevila seeks Trump's help after Iran-linked ESTA rejection

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has appealed to President Donald Trump for help after being denied permission to enter the United States for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina.

Bank unions threaten strike on Sept 11 over 5-day banking

Bank unions threaten strike on Sept 11 over 5-day banking

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

If the strike materialises, banking services, especially in public sector banks, would be impacted for four days in many parts of the country. September 11 is a Friday, and the subsequent two days are bank holidays.

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Two Indian-origin individuals, Pritesh Walia, a jazz guitarist, and Venkata Vasamsetty, a green-card holder grandmother, have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in separate cases, highlighting the Trump administration's intensified deportation and enforcement drive.

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has banned the literature of terrorist organisations such as Islamic State, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment, and Al Qaeda (AQIS), citing its content glorifying violent extremism, promoting radicalisation, and providing information on bomb-making and lone-wolf attacks.

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Rediff.com6 days ago

A massive flash flood originating in Tibet has devastated central Nepal, killing 17 people and leaving nearly 500 missing, including 105 Indians. The deluge, caused by a rock slide near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept through districts, washing away bridges and severely damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects.

Jharkhand exam stir: Students plan CM residence gherao on Aug 30

Jharkhand exam stir: Students plan CM residence gherao on Aug 30

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Students protesting against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment exams announced burning the effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi in all districts on Sunday, accusing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-Congress alliance of "failing to take concrete action" on their demands.

Mundhe urges people not to buy loose edible oil

Mundhe urges people not to buy loose edible oil

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has urged consumers to avoid buying loose or unsealed edible oil due to safety concerns, announcing a compliance order for the entire edible oil sector after detecting widespread violations, including adulteration and improper packaging.

Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre rushes expert team to Gujarat, Rajasthan

Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre rushes expert team to Gujarat, Rajasthan

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Union health ministry has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to strengthen the response to the ongoing Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) outbreak.

Karnataka organisations divided over Cauvery water bandh call

Karnataka organisations divided over Cauvery water bandh call

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A call for a strike by the Federation of Kannada organisations against the CWMA's directive to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu has seen mixed support, with many groups offering only moral backing while essential services and schools are expected to function normally.

India sees Rs 4,896 crore FDI in 29 projects after easing China stake norms

India sees Rs 4,896 crore FDI in 29 projects after easing China stake norms

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth approximately 4,896 crore across 29 projects since May, following the government's relaxation of norms under Press Note 2 of 2026. The revised rules permit investment without government approval from entities with up to 10 per cent non-controlling ownership by land-bordering countries.

How Max Hospital Performed North India's First Four-Way Paired Kidney Transplant

How Max Hospital Performed North India's First Four-Way Paired Kidney Transplant

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, successfully performed North India's first four-way paired kidney transplant, involving four patients and four donors from different states. This complex procedure addressed blood-group and immunological incompatibilities, offering a new avenue for patients needing transplants.

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.

Chaos at Abhishek Banerjee's office as civic body removes TMC billboard

Chaos at Abhishek Banerjee's office as civic body removes TMC billboard

Rediff.com5 days ago

Private guards at Ttrinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's office, his supporters and some party leaders on Thursday scuffled with police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, trying to prevent them from entering the building on Camac Street and dismantling an "unauthorised" billboard.

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Hotel officials claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit. A woman from Kolkata, who managed to escape the blaze, recalled the panic inside the hotel.

Assam floods death toll rises to 87, 1.3 lakh affected

Assam floods death toll rises to 87, 1.3 lakh affected

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Assam's flood toll has climbed to 87 with two new fatalities, even as water levels recede in most inundated areas, affecting nearly 1.3 lakh people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, which could impact several bordering Assam districts.

Consumer forum lifts liquor seller's spirits, tells insurer to pay Rs 1.2 cr

Consumer forum lifts liquor seller's spirits, tells insurer to pay Rs 1.2 cr

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

A consumer disputes commission in Mumbai has directed National Insurance Company Ltd to pay a liquor wholesaler over 1.2 crore for stock ruined during the 2017 Mumbai floods, deeming the claim rejection 'arbitrary and unreasonable'.

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A US federal judge has permanently dismissed the criminal securities-fraud case against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar, closing nearly two years of prosecution without a trial. Gautam Adani stated, "Truth has prevailed," in response to the ruling.

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: Ineligibility Leads To Fund Recovery

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: Ineligibility Leads To Fund Recovery

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Delhi government has notified detailed guidelines for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, outlining strict provisions for beneficiaries found ineligible, including discontinuation of financial assistance, recovery of disbursed funds, and potential fraud charges. The scheme provides Rs 2,500 monthly to eligible women, with specific rules for fund disbursement via RD/FD accounts and CBDC wallets, along with clear eligibility and exclusion criteria.

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met with AI major Anthropic to discuss a long-term partnership aimed at accelerating AI adoption across governance, education, healthcare, research, and the state's startup ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on deploying AI solutions responsibly, ensuring data privacy, and developing AI-focused skilling programmes and an AI University.

Breakthrough Catalyst For Green Hydrogen Production Unveiled By IIT-Guwahati

Breakthrough Catalyst For Green Hydrogen Production Unveiled By IIT-Guwahati

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Researchers at IIT-Guwahati have developed an inexpensive and efficient catalyst for producing hydrogen from water, a crucial step for the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the transition to sustainable energy. The catalyst uses nickel salt and an anthracene-based organic molecule, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-derived hydrogen.

Dronacharya Awardee Parveer Singh's Journey: From Seema Punia To Asian Games Gold

Dronacharya Awardee Parveer Singh's Journey: From Seema Punia To Asian Games Gold

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Veteran athletics coach Parveer Singh, who guided athletes like Seema Punia, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and Annu Rani to international medals, has been named for the prestigious Dronacharya Award. The article details his extensive career spanning over two decades, his role as a coach educator, and his academic contributions to sports coaching.

Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal's Ukraine steel plant hit in Russian strike, 2 killed

Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal's Ukraine steel plant hit in Russian strike, 2 killed

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A Russian missile strike on the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, has resulted in two fatalities and 13 injuries. The attack partially disrupted operations at the country's largest steelworks, owned by Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, damaging key energy and blast furnace facilities. Search and rescue efforts are underway, and the extent of the damage is being assessed.

'Avoid hurting...': Rahul's Pune event gets nod with 30 conditions

'Avoid hurting...': Rahul's Pune event gets nod with 30 conditions

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Police have granted permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Pune, but with 30 stringent conditions, including prohibitions on 'objectionable' banners and directives to avoid hurting religious sentiments.

Trump adopts 'low-key' approach towards Iran, no new strikes planned

Trump adopts 'low-key' approach towards Iran, no new strikes planned

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is taking a "low-key" approach towards Iran, focusing on economic pressure rather than military action, amidst ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump highlighted Iran's worsening economic situation and the impact of the US naval blockade, while negotiations for reopening the Strait remain stalled due to new conditions from Tehran.

MutAIverse: AI Breakthrough In Decoding Cancer's Origins

MutAIverse: AI Breakthrough In Decoding Cancer's Origins

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Researchers at Delhi's Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology have developed 'MutAIverse', a generative AI platform designed to decode DNA damage and identify potential causes of cancer. Tested on head and neck cancer patients in Guwahati, the platform successfully traced exposure to smokeless tobacco as a contributing factor. This innovation aims to shift focus from just diagnosis to understanding causative factors, potentially aiding in prevention and protection.

How Delhi's New Drone Policy Aims To Boost Employment And Innovation

How Delhi's New Drone Policy Aims To Boost Employment And Innovation

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Delhi government is set to introduce a comprehensive drone policy aimed at creating over 1,000 jobs and regulating drone operations. The policy will focus on establishing research clusters, flight testing facilities, and providing subsidies, while also addressing drone usage for government purposes like traffic management and surveillance, considering the city's extensive 'no drone zones'.

Empowering Women: FICCI FLO And MLA Launch Drone Pilot Training

Empowering Women: FICCI FLO And MLA Launch Drone Pilot Training

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

FICCI FLO and UP BJP MLA Rajeshwar Singh are collaborating to train 100 women as 'drone pilots' in Lucknow. This initiative aims to provide employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the burgeoning drone economy. The announcement was made at an event where MLA Singh also highlighted his efforts in public grievance redressal and establishing women's empowerment centres in his constituency.

National Table Tennis Championships Kicks Off Amidst TTFI Suspension

National Table Tennis Championships Kicks Off Amidst TTFI Suspension

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships has commenced in Kanpur, featuring 1900 players across 12 categories, including top senior athletes. The tournament proceeds despite the Sports Ministry's recent suspension of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) over election irregularities, with the TTFI asserting its autonomy.