News for 'State Department'

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

HDFC Bank has launched an independent review by external law firms following the abrupt resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who cited 'ethical concerns and practices within the bank' as the reason for his departure.

Karnataka Officer Accuses Senior of Harassment Before Suicide

Karnataka Officer Accuses Senior of Harassment Before Suicide

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

A social welfare department officer in Tumakuru, Karnataka, allegedly died by suicide, accusing a senior colleague of harassment in a selfie video. Police have launched an investigation into the allegations.

Unseasonal Rain Puts Wheat Crop At Risk

Unseasonal Rain Puts Wheat Crop At Risk

Rediff.com5 days ago

Unseasonal rainfall could damage standing wheat crops, especially late-sown fields nearing maturity and grain-filling stages.

Maharashtra Farmer Arrested for Hiding Cannabis Plants in Sorghum Crop

Maharashtra Farmer Arrested for Hiding Cannabis Plants in Sorghum Crop

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A 60-year-old farmer in Maharashtra's Beed district has been arrested for allegedly cultivating cannabis plants hidden within a jowar (sorghum) crop.

FIR against Bengaluru professor for calling student 'terrorist' in class

FIR against Bengaluru professor for calling student 'terrorist' in class

Rediff.com7 days ago

An adjunct professor at a private university in Bengaluru has been suspended and faces an FIR after allegedly calling a student a 'terrorist' during a class. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about accountability and transparency.

US to pause visa for Russia, Iran among 75 countries from Jan 21

US to pause visa for Russia, Iran among 75 countries from Jan 21

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The pause will begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely until the State Department completes a reassessment of visa processing, the report said.

Rain lashes several areas in north; fog returns in Delhi

Rain lashes several areas in north; fog returns in Delhi

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Several states in north India, including Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, experienced varied weather conditions, including light to moderate rainfall, fog, and temperature fluctuations.

Iran gave US 'significant prize' linked to Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Iran gave US 'significant prize' linked to Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Former US President Donald Trump claimed victory over Iran, stating they agreed to never have a nuclear weapon and provided a 'significant prize' related to the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested a change in Iranian leadership and acknowledged Pakistan's role in facilitating talks.

Mumbai Father-Son Duo Arrested in Walkie-Talkie, HDD Smuggling Case

Mumbai Father-Son Duo Arrested in Walkie-Talkie, HDD Smuggling Case

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized a large consignment of prohibited walkie-talkies and second-hand hard disk drives (HDDs) at Nhava Sheva Port, leading to the arrest of a father-son duo involved in the illegal import.

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.

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Haryana government is taking strict action against black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, registering FIRs and seizing hundreds of cylinders to ensure adequate supply for citizens.

BJP MLA Lodha ask 5 LPGs for Jain temples amid crisis, sparks row

BJP MLA Lodha ask 5 LPGs for Jain temples amid crisis, sparks row

Rediff.com4 days ago

Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha defends his request for LPG cylinders for Jain temples, claiming criticism is part of a larger anti-Hindu narrative.

Malfunctioning CCTV Cameras Raise Safety Concerns in Delhi's MCD Schools

Malfunctioning CCTV Cameras Raise Safety Concerns in Delhi's MCD Schools

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A recent report reveals that a significant percentage of CCTV cameras installed in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools are non-functional, raising concerns about safety and surveillance.

Massive Drug Bust: Assam Rifles Recover Methamphetamine in Mizoram

Massive Drug Bust: Assam Rifles Recover Methamphetamine in Mizoram

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Assam Rifles and police in Mizoram seized methamphetamine tablets worth over Rs 23 crore from an abandoned vehicle in Champhai district. The peddlers fled, and a manhunt is underway.

K Muraleedharan Claims BJP 'Irrelevant' in Kerala Ahead of Assembly Polls

K Muraleedharan Claims BJP 'Irrelevant' in Kerala Ahead of Assembly Polls

Rediff.com5 days ago

Congress leader K Muraleedharan has dismissed the BJP's influence in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections, accusing the party of failing to fulfil its promises to the state.

Government Introduces Bill to Decriminalise Minor Offences

Government Introduces Bill to Decriminalise Minor Offences

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Indian government has introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha to decriminalise and rationalise minor offences, aiming to promote ease of doing business and living.

Bill Introduced to Promote Ease of Business and Living

Bill Introduced to Promote Ease of Business and Living

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The government has introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to amend provisions for decriminalising minor offences, aiming to promote ease of doing business and living.

IIT Delhi Uses Comic Book to Explain Materials Science

IIT Delhi Uses Comic Book to Explain Materials Science

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, has launched a comic-style brochure featuring Professor Padarth to make materials engineering more accessible and engaging for students and the general public.

HP CM Sukhu Promises No Mercy for Police in Drug Trade

HP CM Sukhu Promises No Mercy for Police in Drug Trade

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has vowed to take strict action against any police personnel found involved in the drug trade, addressing concerns raised by the opposition regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

CAG flags Rs 12,754 crore misclassification, Rs 54,282 crore in pending UCs in FY25 audit

CAG flags Rs 12,754 crore misclassification, Rs 54,282 crore in pending UCs in FY25 audit

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has reported significant financial irregularities in the Union government's FY25 accounts, including ~12,754.47 crore in misclassification and ~54,282.32 crore in outstanding utilisation certificates, with some dating back to 1985-86.

NCLAT Rejects MMTC's Challenge to NSEL Settlement Scheme

NCLAT Rejects MMTC's Challenge to NSEL Settlement Scheme

Rediff.com5 days ago

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has dismissed an appeal by MMTC, challenging the settlement scheme between National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL) and its traders, affirming the earlier approval by the NCLT and the Supreme Court.

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Haryana Government Seizes Hundreds of LPG Cylinders in Black Market Crackdown

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Haryana government is taking strict action against individuals involved in the black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, resulting in multiple FIRs and the seizure of hundreds of cylinders.

Court Orders Fresh Review of Husband's Income Details in Domestic Violence Case

Court Orders Fresh Review of Husband's Income Details in Domestic Violence Case

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Allahabad High Court has quashed a magistrate court's order rejecting a woman's plea for her husband's income and property details in a domestic violence case, ordering a fresh review and emphasising the importance of income disclosure in such cases.

Pune Gas Agency Under Scrutiny for Illegally Stocking LPG Cylinders Amid Shortage Fears

Pune Gas Agency Under Scrutiny for Illegally Stocking LPG Cylinders Amid Shortage Fears

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

A gas agency in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, is under investigation after authorities discovered 57 illegally stocked LPG cylinders, amidst concerns about potential shortages due to the West Asia crisis.

Yogi minister breaks down at rally, threatens to quit over SC status demand

Yogi minister breaks down at rally, threatens to quit over SC status demand

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad threatened to resign if the Nishad community is not granted Scheduled Caste status. He made the announcement during a rally in Gorakhpur, where he also criticised previous governments for neglecting the community.

RBI Reassures on HDFC Bank's Financial Health Following Chairman's Exit

RBI Reassures on HDFC Bank's Financial Health Following Chairman's Exit

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a statement assuring the public of HDFC Bank's stability and sound financial position following the resignation of its chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, citing ethical concerns.

Job Promise Turns Sour: Three Booked for Alleged Cheating and Assault in Bhadohi

Job Promise Turns Sour: Three Booked for Alleged Cheating and Assault in Bhadohi

Rediff.com7 days ago

Three individuals, including the brother of a former BSP district president, have been booked in Bhadohi for allegedly defrauding a man with promises of a government job and subsequently threatening him.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

FCC Aims to Incentivise Return of Call Centres to US, Improve Customer Service

FCC Aims to Incentivise Return of Call Centres to US, Improve Customer Service

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering proposals to encourage businesses to bring call centre jobs back to the US and require call-takers to be proficient in American Standard English.

Karnataka unveils draft policy to address digital addiction in students

Karnataka unveils draft policy to address digital addiction in students

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Karnataka government has introduced a draft policy to address the growing concerns surrounding excessive and unsafe digital technology use among students, focusing on mental health, cyber safety, and responsible digital behaviour.

'El Mencho', Mexico's most wanted drug lord killed in military raid

'El Mencho', Mexico's most wanted drug lord killed in military raid

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Mexico is facing widespread violence and travel advisories after the death of drug lord 'El Mencho,' the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation.

'Get serious before...': Trump claims Iran 'begging' for deal

'Get serious before...': Trump claims Iran 'begging' for deal

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Despite heightened tensions and Iran's rejection of a US-backed ceasefire, President Trump claims Iran is now 'begging' for a deal.

Pilot Claims Vijayan and Modi Follow Similar Political Approaches

Pilot Claims Vijayan and Modi Follow Similar Political Approaches

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

AICC general secretary Sachin Pilot has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of following similar political approaches to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging a tacit understanding between the CPI(M) and the BJP in Kerala.

J&K officials caught red-handed taking bribe in Rajouri

J&K officials caught red-handed taking bribe in Rajouri

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Two government officials in Jammu and Kashmir were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau after being caught taking a bribe from a local resident.

Key militant involved in police killings eliminated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operation

Key militant involved in police killings eliminated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A wanted militant allegedly involved in a fatal attack on police has been killed in a joint operation in northwest Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Maharashtra Council Approves Law to Protect Acid Attack Victims, Penalise Online Sexual Harassment

Maharashtra Council Approves Law to Protect Acid Attack Victims, Penalise Online Sexual Harassment

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra legislative council has unanimously passed the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill 2026, incorporating provisions from the Shakti Bill to protect acid attack victims' identities and penalise digital sexual harassment.

Illegal Opium Farming Unearthed in Chhattisgarh, Fourth Case in 15 Days

Illegal Opium Farming Unearthed in Chhattisgarh, Fourth Case in 15 Days

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Authorities in Chhattisgarh have uncovered illegal opium cultivation in Raigarh district, marking the fourth such incident in the state within the past 15 days. The discovery has prompted further investigation and heightened scrutiny of potential narcotics cultivation across the region.

No surplus oil, says Iran as US eases sanctions

No surplus oil, says Iran as US eases sanctions

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

In a statement issued by Iran's consulate in Mumbai, it said, "At present, Iran essentially has no floating crude or surplus available for international markets. The US Treasury Secretary's remarks appear aimed at reassuring buyers and managing market sentiment."

Odisha CM: Maoist Menace to Be History Soon, Focus on Women's Safety

Odisha CM: Maoist Menace to Be History Soon, Focus on Women's Safety

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced significant progress in combating Maoist insurgency, stating it will soon be a thing of the past. He also addressed concerns about crimes against women, highlighting the government's commitment to justice and a zero-tolerance policy.

Open Strait of Hormuz or...: Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran

Open Strait of Hormuz or...: Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Donald Trump has warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face military action, escalating tensions amid regional conflict and impacting global oil supplies.