News for 'State Department'

PM Modi Calls For Unified Global Action Against Cyber Frauds And Deepfakes

PM Modi Calls For Unified Global Action Against Cyber Frauds And Deepfakes

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for a global framework to combat cross-border cyber frauds and deepfakes, highlighting the need for governments, tech companies, telecom operators, and financial institutions to collaborate. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Modi stressed that technology thrives on trust and that India is ready to share its expertise in tackling cyber threats. He also noted the rapid expansion of 5G and the success of digital governance initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer.

Cambridge Report Urges Teacher Involvement In Shaping India's AI Education Policy

Cambridge Report Urges Teacher Involvement In Shaping India's AI Education Policy

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

A new report from Cambridge University Press & Assessment highlights the critical need for Indian policymakers to collaborate with teachers in developing AI education policies. The study emphasizes investing in teacher professional learning and involving educators and learners in the design and evaluation of AI tools to ensure policies are grounded in classroom realities and promote critical AI literacy.

Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium Undergoes Major Facelift For International Football Fixtures

Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium Undergoes Major Facelift For International Football Fixtures

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Kolkata's iconic Salt Lake Stadium is undergoing extensive renovations to prepare for upcoming international football matches featuring five-time world champions Brazil and two-time world champions Uruguay against India. The upgrades include fresh paint, renovated seating, improved spectator facilities, re-turfing of pitches, and enhanced security measures.

Administrative Error Alleged In Bail For Tribal Land Accused

Administrative Error Alleged In Bail For Tribal Land Accused

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Surguja district administration has challenged a subordinate court's order granting bail to an accused in a case involving the alleged illegal transfer of tribal land. Collector Ajeet Vasant wrote to the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Ambikapur, alleging that the bail was granted without hearing the prosecution and that the case falls under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, requiring a Special Court. The accused, Azad Iraqi, is implicated in fabricating documents to mutate tribal land into his name.

Woman judge, 32, suffers heart attack while working in court

Woman judge, 32, suffers heart attack while working in court

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

An Additional Civil Judge in Etah, Aarti Maurya, suffered a heart attack while on duty at the court premises and was subsequently referred to a higher medical centre for advanced treatment.

Crime Branch takes over probe into IIT-Bombay student suicide

Crime Branch takes over probe into IIT-Bombay student suicide

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The Mumbai Police has transferred the alleged suicide case of a second-year IIT Bombay BTech student to the Crime Branch after his father filed a complaint alleging casteist slurs and harassment by Professor Suryanarayan Dulla, who was also named in an FIR.

Heavy rain disrupts life across North India; six killed in UP

Heavy rain disrupts life across North India; six killed in UP

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Heavy rainfall has severely impacted Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand, leading to casualties, widespread flooding, and significant disruptions. The Char Dham Yatra was suspended, flights were cancelled, and standing crops were damaged. Other regions like Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Delhi also experienced varied weather conditions, including snowfall and light rains.

Bengal Minister Promises Action Against Food Department Corruption

Bengal Minister Promises Action Against Food Department Corruption

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister Ashok Kirtania has warned of strict action against corruption in the department, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan 'Na khaunga, na khane dunga'. He promised to act against those involved in irregularities during the previous regime, particularly concerning the public distribution system and ration distribution.

Task Force Formed To Revive Formula 1 In India By 2028

Task Force Formed To Revive Formula 1 In India By 2028

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced the formation of a 10-member Task Force, chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, to explore the revival of Formula 1 in India. The committee will assess challenges, identify policy interventions, and develop a roadmap to potentially host a race by 2028, addressing issues that led to its discontinuation after 2013.

'SIR Is Bloodless Political Genocide'

'SIR Is Bloodless Political Genocide'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

'93 lakhs deletions in Bengal, 96 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 24 lakhs in Kerala, 77 lakhs in Gujarat, 45 lakhs in Madhya Pradesh, 44 lakhs in Rajasthan. 2.89 crores in Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 3 crores!'

Conflict Of Interest Allegations Rock Indian Shooting Coach Ahead Of Asian Games

Conflict Of Interest Allegations Rock Indian Shooting Coach Ahead Of Asian Games

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

A national shotgun coach, involved in India's Asian Games preparations, is under scrutiny by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for alleged conflict of interest. The complaint, filed by an unsuccessful bidder, concerns the coach reportedly seeking a contract to build a shooting range in Chennai. This probe could impact the coach's participation in the upcoming Asian Games, while the NRAI states it has no knowledge of such activities.

Pilibhit Court Directs FIR Against 10 Officials Over Alleged Assault On Women Protesters

Pilibhit Court Directs FIR Against 10 Officials Over Alleged Assault On Women Protesters

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

A special court in Pilibhit has ordered the registration of an FIR against 10 officials, including a sub-divisional magistrate and circle officer, following allegations of assault and misbehaviour with women protesting against liquor shops in a residential area. The court's directive came after the women's complaint was allegedly not registered by local police.

Mr Singh, get off our roads: US advt on deportation sparks row

Mr Singh, get off our roads: US advt on deportation sparks row

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security faced widespread criticism for an AI-generated advertisement featuring a brown-bearded man identified as "Mr Singh" in a campaign against unlicensed commercial drivers. Advocacy groups, including the Hindu American Foundation and Sikh Coalition, condemned the ad as "racist" and "anti-American" for its perceived targeting and profiling of Sikh and Hindu communities.

'Not appropriate': SC cancels JPC meet on simultaneous elections

'Not appropriate': SC cancels JPC meet on simultaneous elections

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on simultaneous elections had scheduled an "informal interaction" with Supreme Court judges, which was later cancelled by the apex court. The Supreme Court deemed the meeting inappropriate as the proposed constitutional amendment could become subject to judicial review. JPC Chairman PP Chaudhary defended the panel's initial decision, citing precedents, while DMK MP P Wilson, who mooted the idea, expressed disappointment and argued against the notion that such interactions violate separation of powers.

Opposition MPs Did Not Back UPI MDR, Says Congress

Opposition MPs Did Not Back UPI MDR, Says Congress

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Congress party has strongly refuted claims by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance Chairperson Bhartruhari Mahtab that opposition MPs supported levying a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions. Congress MP Manish Tewari termed Mahtab's remarks "erroneous and fallacious," clarifying that the committee's recommendation was to "explore" revenue models, not to implement MDR. The party accused Mahtab of misleading due to his recent switch to the BJP.

4th coal mine near MP's tiger corridor gets green nod

4th coal mine near MP's tiger corridor gets green nod

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Union environment ministry's expert panel has approved a fourth underground coal mining project in Madhya Pradesh's Umaria district, close to the vital Bandhavgarh-Achanakmar tiger corridor. These clearances, granted since July, raise concerns about biodiversity and tiger movement, despite conditions for wildlife conservation plans and compensatory afforestation. The projects involve significant forest land diversion and pose risks like land subsidence and habitat disturbance for Schedule-I species.

Rs 3,000 cr drugs seized from Iranian boat near Lakshdweep; 5 Pakistanis held

Rs 3,000 cr drugs seized from Iranian boat near Lakshdweep; 5 Pakistanis held

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with the Gujarat ATS, seized 526 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin valued at over Rs 3,000 crore from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep. Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were detained, and preliminary investigations reveal a transnational smuggling network aiming to deliver the consignment to Tamil Nadu and Punjab.

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian pilot and several passengers are being hailed as heroes after thwarting a co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. The incident involved a mid-air struggle, a rapid descent, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with international leaders praising the bravery that saved 174 lives.

Jharkhand minister's daughter among 4 killed as car rams truck

Jharkhand minister's daughter among 4 killed as car rams truck

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Trisha, daughter of Jharkhand Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Dipika Pandey Singh, was among four people killed when their car rammed into a stationary truck on Marine Drive Road in Jamshedpur. The accident occurred in the early hours, also claiming the lives of Sarthak Agarwal, Naman Gupta, and Vanshika Khandelwal.

US to end 60-day grace period for H-1B holders losing jobs

US to end 60-day grace period for H-1B holders losing jobs

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new rule to eliminate the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders and other nonimmigrants after job loss, a move expected to significantly impact Indian technology workers.

J&K Government Dismisses Teacher In Kishtwar Rape And Death Case

J&K Government Dismisses Teacher In Kishtwar Rape And Death Case

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

A government school teacher in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district has been dismissed from service following his alleged involvement in the rape and subsequent death of a 15-year-old girl. The dismissal was enacted under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution, with authorities citing the case as "rarest of the rare."

Bengaluru healthcare firm owner held in interstate fake drug racket

Bengaluru healthcare firm owner held in interstate fake drug racket

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader announced the busting of a major interstate counterfeit drug racket, leading to an arrest and an ongoing investigation into the suspected supply of fake medicines to hospitals. The racket involved procuring cheap drugs, refilling them, and relabelling them as premium brands, with seizures worth Rs 5 crore. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the widespread network.

Sena-UBT leader murder: 2 held, kin claim political rivalry

Sena-UBT leader murder: 2 held, kin claim political rivalry

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Pradeep Purnekar was brutally murdered in Thane, Maharashtra, leading to one arrest and one detention. The incident has sparked widespread protests, with party leaders like Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut alleging political rivalry and demanding further arrests, including a former mayor and her husband. Police are investigating all potential angles, including personal enmity and Purnekar's activism against the builder lobby and drug networks.

US State Department's unclassified computer network hacked

US State Department's unclassified computer network hacked

Rediff.com17 Nov 2014

The United States State Department took the unprecedented step to shut down its entire unclassified email system over the weekend after its computer network was hacked.

El Nio Drags Monsoon To 11-Year Low

El Nio Drags Monsoon To 11-Year Low

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

This was the fourth-lowest rainfall since 2001 and the 13th lowest since 1901, under the impact of El NiƱo.

IIT Indore Develops AI Tool To Correct Gender Bias In Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati Translations

IIT Indore Develops AI Tool To Correct Gender Bias In Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati Translations

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Researchers at IIT Indore have developed HGAST, an AI tool designed to correct gender-specific errors in translations from English to Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati. The tool acts as a correction layer, identifying and rectifying masculine verb forms often used by AI systems when translating female speech, significantly improving accuracy for female speakers without retraining existing models.

AI Can Disrupt Jobs, Not Doom Humanity

AI Can Disrupt Jobs, Not Doom Humanity

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

'My biggest fear about AI is that humans are going to rush to deploy it before AI is ready.'

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu pushes for 15-20% growth, urges proactive governance

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu pushes for 15-20% growth, urges proactive governance

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has set an ambitious target for district collectors to achieve a 15-20 per cent growth rate, building on the state's 13.4 per cent growth in Q1 FY27, the highest in India.

Sikh trucker stabbed 17 times days after US govt's hate poster

Sikh trucker stabbed 17 times days after US govt's hate poster

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A Sikh truck driver was brutally stabbed multiple times in a Wyoming rest area, an incident occurring amidst a reported rise in anti-South Asian rhetoric in the US. The attacker has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Fire in Telangana hospital's newborn unit kills three infants

Fire in Telangana hospital's newborn unit kills three infants

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Three infants tragically died after a fire erupted in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the state-run RIMS hospital in Adilabad, Telangana. A preliminary inquiry suggests a short circuit in the air-conditioning unit caused the blaze, leading to thick smoke. State Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, promising strict action against any negligence.

AFI Trims Asian Games Athletics Team To 74 Members

AFI Trims Asian Games Athletics Team To 74 Members

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

India's Asian Games athletics team has been reduced from 77 to 74 members, with javelin thrower Annu Rani, long jumper Shahnavaz Khan, and sprinter Nithya Gandhe dropped due to performance and medical reasons after a confirmatory trial.

Incoming Air India CEO outlines priorities: Safety, reliability, profitability

Incoming Air India CEO outlines priorities: Safety, reliability, profitability

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Tewolde Gebremariam, Air India's CEO and MD-designate, has outlined passenger safety, operational reliability, and sustainable profitability as the airline's foremost priorities, emphasising a stronger safety-reporting culture and improved disruption recovery.

TN CM Vijay plans Rs 1,200 crore edifice to replace Fort St George

TN CM Vijay plans Rs 1,200 crore edifice to replace Fort St George

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced plans for a new Rs 1,200 crore Assembly-cum-Secretariat integrated complex in Chennai, moving the administration from the historic Fort St George. The modern facility will house all state government departments, addressing space constraints and aiming for efficient governance. Additionally, the CM unveiled plans for a Tamil Nadu Olympic City and a Motor Sports City to boost sports infrastructure and tourism.

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively courting Sri Lanka's Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist party with strong Sinhalese nationalist roots, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations despite ideological differences. This engagement, highlighted by a recent high-profile visit by JVP leader Tilvin Silva, aims to foster cooperation on economic projects and address New Delhi's concerns over slow progress in India-aided initiatives in the island nation.

Trump Departs Beijing After China Visit

Trump Departs Beijing After China Visit

Rediff.com15 May 2026

United States President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for his return home following diplomatic engagements in Beijing.

Cargo vessel fire at China shipyard kills 25; Xi Jinping orders probe

Cargo vessel fire at China shipyard kills 25; Xi Jinping orders probe

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A devastating fire on a foreign-flagged cargo ship undergoing repairs at the Qingdao Beihai shipyard in eastern China has resulted in 20 fatalities. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have issued directives for intensified search and rescue operations, thorough investigations into the cause, and enhanced safety measures across all sectors to prevent future accidents.

Machine Learning Uncovers Patterns Of Aggression On Indian X During Key Events

Machine Learning Uncovers Patterns Of Aggression On Indian X During Key Events

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Researchers from Goa Institute of Management (GIM) and Goa Business School conducted a study analysing over 1.31 lakh posts on social media platform X using machine learning models. They found that indirect aggression is most common during major social, financial, sporting, and political events in India. The study classified aggression into overt, covert, and non-aggressive forms, noting that overt aggression remained relatively low but peaked during events like India's T20 World Cup loss. The findings have significant implications for online moderation and communication policies.

Brazil's Kolkata Training Session Becomes World Cup-Like Spectacle

Brazil's Kolkata Training Session Becomes World Cup-Like Spectacle

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

The Brazil national football team's training session in Kolkata drew an unprecedented media turnout, resembling a World Cup event, ahead of their friendly match against India. Despite the excitement, the event was marred by significant accreditation chaos for journalists. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti's squad is building towards the 2028 Copa America, with the India match serving as a crucial assessment opportunity.

Indian Kabaddi Teams Begin Asian Games Title Defence With Strong Wins

Indian Kabaddi Teams Begin Asian Games Title Defence With Strong Wins

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Defending champions Indian men's and women's kabaddi teams have made strong starts to their Asian Games campaign, securing decisive victories over Japan and Bangladesh in their respective opening matches. The men's team defeated hosts Japan 49-24, while the women's team overcame Bangladesh 42-21.

Leaked images show damaged US bases in Iranian strikes

Leaked images show damaged US bases in Iranian strikes

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

New photographic evidence and a Pentagon inspector general's report confirm extensive damage to US military installations across the Middle East due to Iranian missile and drone strikes. The report details billions in financial costs, structural losses to hundreds of buildings, and damage to dozens of aircraft, contradicting previous assertions about US military readiness and ordnance stockpiles. The conflict also led to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil prices.