News for 'State Department'

Goa Job Scam: Man Detained After Claiming Excise Post With Fake Letter

Goa Job Scam: Man Detained After Claiming Excise Post With Fake Letter

Rediff.com7 days ago

A man, Manoj Talekar, was detained in Panaji after he allegedly paid Rs 27 lakh for a fake government job appointment and attempted to occupy the additional excise commissioner's chair. He claimed to have an appointment letter for the Goa Excise Department post, leading to his detention and an FIR for impersonation. Police are now searching for the alleged scammer, Ajit Shankhwalkar.

Sikkim Vigilance Police Nabs Ex-Bank GM Over Crores In Disproportionate Assets

Sikkim Vigilance Police Nabs Ex-Bank GM Over Crores In Disproportionate Assets

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Sikkim Vigilance Police has arrested a former general manager of the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) in connection with a disproportionate assets case, conducting searches at multiple residential premises in Gangtok and Siliguri. The former GM is accused of embezzling crores of rupees and acquiring properties through illegal means during his tenure between 2022 and 2024. The Enforcement Directorate had also previously attached properties linked to him.

Lokayukta Police Uncover Rs 6.27 Crore Disproportionate Assets Of MP Head Constable

Lokayukta Police Uncover Rs 6.27 Crore Disproportionate Assets Of MP Head Constable

Rediff.com1 days ago

Madhya Pradesh's Lokayukta police raided 15 premises linked to head constable Firoz Khan in Indore and Dewas, uncovering assets worth Rs 6.27 crore. This amount is more than three times his legitimate income over 24 years of service. Khan is accused of misusing his position in property dealings, and an FIR has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with a woman associate also named as an accused.

Odisha Busts Major Ganja Smuggling Ring To Kerala

Odisha Busts Major Ganja Smuggling Ring To Kerala

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Four individuals, including three from Kerala, were arrested in Odisha's Ganjam district for allegedly transporting 160 kg of ganja worth Rs 38 lakh. The cannabis was being moved from Kandhamal district to Kerala by road, and cases have been registered under the NDPS Act.

Assam PWD Engineer Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe

Assam PWD Engineer Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

An assistant executive engineer of the Public Works Department, Mridul Baglari, was arrested in Dibrugarh, Assam, for accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000. He had allegedly demanded Rs 1.3 lakh for releasing pending bills and was caught in a trap laid by the Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption.

ACB Uncovers Rs 9.41 Crore Assets In Telangana Civil Supplies Case

ACB Uncovers Rs 9.41 Crore Assets In Telangana Civil Supplies Case

Rediff.com6 days ago

Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a Disproportionate Assets case against a Civil Supplies department official in Mahabubabad district. Searches at seven locations revealed assets worth approximately Rs 9.41 crore, including immovable and movable properties. The investigation is ongoing, with further verification of assets and their sources underway.

'Anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America'

'Anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America'

Rediff.com28 minutes ago

Top US lawmakers, leaders, and civil society members have strongly condemned an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois. Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested for attempting a mass shooting at the Aurora temple, which failed when his rifle jammed. Indian-American Congressmen and other officials have called for efforts to combat rising anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice in America, highlighting the need to protect minority houses of worship.

US suspends IT giants from green card programme

US suspends IT giants from green card programme

Rediff.com7 days ago

The US government has suspended eight major IT firms, including Microsoft, Tata, Infosys, and Wipro, from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, which allows companies to apply for green cards for foreign workers. This action, announced by Vice President J D Vance, Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling, and Attorney General Todd Blanche, is part of an effort to prevent American workers from being shut out of the job market. The Department of Labour cited abuse of the system, particularly by Microsoft, and also initiated an investigation into the J-1 visa programme used by several universities.

Sadhna Group Chairman Held In Major Money Laundering Probe

Sadhna Group Chairman Held In Major Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Chairman of Sadhna Group, in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in IBC processes. He is accused of engineering insolvency to settle significant Income Tax dues for a fraction of the amount, receiving cash via crypto/hawala, and share manipulation. The alleged proceeds of crime total Rs 168 crore, and Gupta has been remanded to five days of ED custody.

In dry Bihar, cop shot dead by liquor smugglers

In dry Bihar, cop shot dead by liquor smugglers

Rediff.com10 hours ago

A police constable was shot dead by suspected liquor smugglers in Nalanda district, Bihar, during a chase on Wednesday night. In a separate incident, five police personnel were injured in Bagaha when locals attacked them during an arrest related to a liquor supply case, freeing one suspect.

Russian diesel not for us, but for...: Trump amid criticism

Russian diesel not for us, but for...: Trump amid criticism

Rediff.com2 days ago

US President Donald Trump has defended a controversial diesel deal with Russia, stating it aims to stabilise the global market despite bipartisan criticism from US lawmakers. The deal, which eases sanctions on Russian diesel shipments until April 2027, has been criticised as a "gift to our adversary" that finances Russia's war efforts and offers little relief to Americans.

Microsoft defends H1-B visa applications, clarifies 80% for existing staff

Microsoft defends H1-B visa applications, clarifies 80% for existing staff

Rediff.com6 days ago

Microsoft has clarified that 80 per cent of its H1-B visa applications in the last fiscal year were for existing employees, not new hires, following its suspension from a US green card programme.

Karnataka Government Urges Stronger BFSI And FinTech Partnerships

Karnataka Government Urges Stronger BFSI And FinTech Partnerships

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Government of Karnataka has called for enhanced collaboration with the BFSI and FinTech sectors to bolster its technology ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions. This initiative, discussed at an Industry Meet, aims to foster partnerships between government, industry, and academia, particularly through programmes like 'Government First', in preparation for the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026.

Karnataka Cabinet Denies Clemency To Shubha Shankar In Notorious Ring Road Murder Case

Karnataka Cabinet Denies Clemency To Shubha Shankar In Notorious Ring Road Murder Case

Rediff.com16 hours ago

The Karnataka cabinet has rejected the clemency plea of Shubha Shankar, who is serving life imprisonment for the 2003 murder of her fiancee, Girish. The cabinet also decided to challenge the High Court's ruling on enhanced reservation quotas for SCs and STs in the Supreme Court.

Chhattisgarh Acid Attack: Woman Suffers Burns, Opposition Demands Action

Chhattisgarh Acid Attack: Woman Suffers Burns, Opposition Demands Action

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

A 22-year-old woman preparing for competitive exams was severely injured in an acid attack in Balod, Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred as she returned from an e-library, suffering burns to her face and hands. Police are investigating, examining CCTV footage, while the Opposition Congress has condemned the attack, raising concerns about the state's law and order situation.

Why Delhi Court Granted Bail To Eight Gold Smuggling Accused

Why Delhi Court Granted Bail To Eight Gold Smuggling Accused

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A Delhi court has granted bail to eight men accused of smuggling over 6 kg of gold worth Rs 9.9 crore, citing the customs department's failure to provide specific reasons for their continued detention. The court noted the absence of direct evidence linking the accused to the gold recovered from the aircraft after their disembarkation, and the lack of corroboration for alleged activities in Dubai.

CM Mann Reviews Preparations For Asian Champions Trophy

CM Mann Reviews Preparations For Asian Champions Trophy

Rediff.com6 days ago

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued directives to various departments to ensure top-tier arrangements for the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, set to take place in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5. Mann emphasised the need for world-class facilities, robust security, and comprehensive crowd management, while also calling for a statewide trophy tour and student participation to foster public enthusiasm and showcase Punjab's rich sporting heritage. He personally inspected venues and stressed the importance of cleanliness, beautification, and hospitality for international delegations.

4 India-based companies face US sanctions over Iran trade

4 India-based companies face US sanctions over Iran trade

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies, including a customs broker and three other firms, for their involvement in importing petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran. This action is part of "Operation Economic Outcast," a broader US campaign to sever Iran's financial lifelines and prevent funding for its destabilising activities.

Sion Hospital Medical Student Dies By Suicide

Sion Hospital Medical Student Dies By Suicide

Rediff.com4 days ago

A first-year postgraduate medical student at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital in Sion, Mumbai, allegedly died by suicide in his hostel room on Saturday evening. Preliminary investigations suggest Dr Shivcharan Appa Patil died from an overdose of anaesthesia. Police have registered an accidental death report and are investigating further.

TN govt revokes controversial RTI move amid backlash

TN govt revokes controversial RTI move amid backlash

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The Tamil Nadu government revoked a controversial order exempting its Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act, 2005.

School Headmaster Held For Alleged Sexual Harassment Of Class 6 Student

School Headmaster Held For Alleged Sexual Harassment Of Class 6 Student

Rediff.com2 days ago

A government residential school headmaster in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a Class 6 girl student. The incident, which occurred on September 25, was reported to the police on Monday after the victim informed her parents. The headmaster, Srikrushna Patra, faces charges under BNS and the POCSO Act.

Maharashtra braces for water crisis, orders 10% cut from Oct 16

Maharashtra braces for water crisis, orders 10% cut from Oct 16

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Maharashtra government announced a minimum 10 per cent water cut for all urban and rural local bodies starting October 16 due to a deficient monsoon and El Nino impact. The state is prioritising drinking water, planning for water stocks until August 2027, and implementing measures like preventing leakage, reusing treated wastewater, and curbing unauthorised extraction.

Goa Nightclub Owners Granted Bail In Health NOC Manipulation Case

Goa Nightclub Owners Granted Bail In Health NOC Manipulation Case

Rediff.com3 days ago

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, have been granted regular bail by a Goa court in a case involving the alleged manipulation of a Health Department NOC to obtain an excise licence. The alleged forgery came to light after a devastating fire at the nightclub in December 2025 killed 25 people. Despite the bail, the brothers will remain in custody due to a separate High Court order in the fire tragedy case, with stringent conditions imposed by the court.

How India Became NetApp's Fastest-Growing Market In Asia

How India Became NetApp's Fastest-Growing Market In Asia

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

NetApp CEO George Kurian announced that India is the company's fastest-growing market in Asia, driven by strong performance in BFSI, manufacturing, IT services, and public sectors. The company's Bengaluru global capability centre is its largest, housing 4,000 engineers and leading global R&D. NetApp also unveiled new AI-focused storage solutions and cloud partnerships at its Insight event.

Cabinet approves Fairfax's Rs 52,878-cr bid for IDBI Bank; largest FDI ever in India's financial sector

Cabinet approves Fairfax's Rs 52,878-cr bid for IDBI Bank; largest FDI ever in India's financial sector

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian Cabinet has approved Fairfax Financial Holdings' Rs 52,878 crore bid to acquire a 60.72 per cent stake in IDBI Bank, marking the country's largest foreign direct investment in the financial sector.

Kerala Mini Cooper Crash: Family Demands Murder Charge

Kerala Mini Cooper Crash: Family Demands Murder Charge

Rediff.com3 days ago

Police in Kerala have arrested four individuals, including the driver, in connection with a fatal Mini Cooper crash that killed three youngsters. The driver, Suhail, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and driving at high speed. The victims' family is demanding that murder charges be invoked against the accused, while the Excise Department has registered cases against three bars for serving alcohol to underage individuals.

How Mizoram Police Recovered Rs 1 Crore From Cybercrime Victims

How Mizoram Police Recovered Rs 1 Crore From Cybercrime Victims

Rediff.com6 days ago

Mizoram police have successfully recovered over Rs 1 crore for cybercrime victims this year and arrested nine alleged cybercriminals. The state has also established a dedicated State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (S4C) to enhance its efforts in detection, investigation, and public awareness against cybercrime.

US DHS deletes 'Mr Singh, off our roads' poster, dismisses backlash

US DHS deletes 'Mr Singh, off our roads' poster, dismisses backlash

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security removed a controversial X post featuring a Transformers-themed cartoon targeting an Indian Sikh man, Harjinder Singh, with racially charged language. The post, which linked Singh to vehicular homicide charges and used phrases like "Self deport or find out," drew fierce condemnation from Indian American organisations and Democratic lawmakers for its discriminatory nature. DHS initially dismissed the outcry but later removed the post without explanation, while continuing its campaign against "illegal aliens" involved in fatal traffic accidents.

Over 250 Delhi-bound trains cancelled ahead of CJP's Jantar Mantar 2.0

Over 250 Delhi-bound trains cancelled ahead of CJP's Jantar Mantar 2.0

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian Railways has cancelled over 250 trains connecting New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations ahead of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, a move criticised by experts and passenger bodies as 'unprecedented' and 'anti-passenger'.

India Sends Strong Contingent To World U-19 Boxing Championships In Montenegro

India Sends Strong Contingent To World U-19 Boxing Championships In Montenegro

Rediff.com1 days ago

An 18-member Indian boxing team has departed for Budva, Montenegro, to compete in the World U-19 Championships starting on October 18. The team includes medallists from the Asian U-19 Championships and aims to improve upon India's previous performance of 17 medals in the inaugural edition.

11 killed as torrential rains trigger floods, landslides across states

11 killed as torrential rains trigger floods, landslides across states

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Torrential rains have caused widespread devastation across several Indian states, leading to at least 11 deaths in Assam and Uttarakhand, pushing rivers above danger levels, and disrupting daily life with landslides, floods, and school closures. States like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir are also grappling with the monsoon fury, while Meghalaya faces an unusual rainfall deficit.

IIT Bombay bars questions on caste, admission category, JEE ranks

IIT Bombay bars questions on caste, admission category, JEE ranks

Rediff.com15 hours ago

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has released 'anti-discrimination guidelines' advising students, faculty, and staff against inquiring about birth, admission category, or entrance exam ranks to prevent bias. This move follows the suicide of student Sahil Wakode, whose parents alleged caste discrimination. The guidelines also prohibit hateful messages and aim to foster inclusivity on campus.

'Bharat Rice' for troops: Army upgrades rations, eases supply to remote posts

'Bharat Rice' for troops: Army upgrades rations, eases supply to remote posts

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Indian Army has launched 'Bharat Rice', a superior-quality rice for defence forces, aimed at improving ration quality and logistics. This initiative, spearheaded by the Directorate General of Supplies and Transport, involves direct supply to Army Supply Depots, including remote areas, and an MoU with FCI for infrastructure utilisation during contingencies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted its significance for soldier welfare, operational readiness, and national security, emphasising logistics as combat power.

Bihar flood threat widens as Gandak, Ganga breach danger marks

Bihar flood threat widens as Gandak, Ganga breach danger marks

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Bihar is facing a severe flood situation with the Central Water Commission issuing an 'Orange' bulletin as the Gandak and Ganga rivers flow above danger marks, leading to embankment breaches and inundation in Saran and other districts. Relief and rescue operations are intensifying with NDRF and SDRF teams deployed, and ration packets being air-dropped to affected areas.

Anti-Drug Activist Murder: Police Probe Personal Enmity Angle

Anti-Drug Activist Murder: Police Probe Personal Enmity Angle

Rediff.com2 days ago

Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, on Tuesday. Preliminary police investigation suggests personal enmity as the motive, with a medical store owner, Ashwani Kumar, identified as the main accused. Police are conducting a manhunt for Kumar, whose associate has been arrested and family members detained. The murder has led to protests and vandalism.

J&K Crime Branch Charges Three Public Servants In Service Record Fraud

J&K Crime Branch Charges Three Public Servants In Service Record Fraud

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch's Special Crime Wing has filed a chargesheet against three public servants, including a retired officer, for alleged fraud and corruption involving the manipulation of service records to obtain undue benefits. The case centres on a forged date-of-birth certificate and the facilitation of its incorporation into official records.

How J&K ACB Busted Bribery Racket In Agriculture Dept

How J&K ACB Busted Bribery Racket In Agriculture Dept

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Anti-corruption Bureau in Jammu and Kashmir has arrested a senior government officer and a middleman for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000. The officer, Naseer Ahmad Khan, from the Agriculture Department, was accused of demanding Rs 2 lakh from a seed dealer, with Rs 1 lakh already paid. The arrests were made during a trap laid by the ACB.

Arson Attack Destroys Soybean Stocks, Farmers Face Rs 14 Lakh Loss In Latur

Arson Attack Destroys Soybean Stocks, Farmers Face Rs 14 Lakh Loss In Latur

Rediff.com2 days ago

Four farmers in Latur, Maharashtra, suffered an estimated loss of Rs 14 lakh after their harvested soybean stocks were allegedly set on fire by an unidentified person late on Monday night. The incident occurred amidst drought conditions, exacerbating the financial hardship for the farmers who had cultivated the crops with limited water. Police are investigating, and villagers are demanding justice and financial assistance for the affected.

Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: ED Claims Rs 880 Crore Delivered To Congress Office

Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: ED Claims Rs 880 Crore Delivered To Congress Office

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed that Rs 860-Rs 880 crore generated from an alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh during the previous Congress regime was delivered to the Pradesh Congress Committee office in Raipur. The agency filed a supplementary chargesheet against former PCC treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal and provisionally attached his properties worth Rs 9.06 crore. The ED alleges a liquor syndicate controlled the state excise department, generating over Rs 2,883 crore in illegal proceeds.

Abhijit Dipke tenders his 'resignation' as 'Madhya Pradesh CM'

Abhijit Dipke tenders his 'resignation' as 'Madhya Pradesh CM'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, used a satirical "resignation" letter to criticise the Mohan Yadav government in Madhya Pradesh over the deaths of over 30 tribal children in Balaghat district. His letter, addressed to the Governor, highlighted failures in compensation, basic amenities like water and education, and tribal welfare, questioning the government's accountability. The issue has also drawn the attention of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which sought responses from state departments regarding the alleged deaths due to infectious diseases and inadequate facilities.