News for 'State Department'

Republican push to end H-1B visas sparks fresh immigration row

Republican push to end H-1B visas sparks fresh immigration row

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

US Representative Greg Steube, a Republican from Florida, introduced the 'Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions Act or EXILE Act', a bill that would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by ending the H-1B visa programme.

Ajit Pawar hailed as 'best CM never had' as Maha leaders unite in tribute

Ajit Pawar hailed as 'best CM never had' as Maha leaders unite in tribute

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Maharashtra's political leaders, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, paid tribute to the late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar during the state legislature's budget session, remembering him as a capable leader and administrator.

Indians Stranded As H-1B Visa Renewals Stall

Indians Stranded As H-1B Visa Renewals Stall

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The US has expanded its review of social media and online presence to cover all H-1B speciality occupation workers and their H-4 dependents, the US embassy in India said on December 10.

DYFI Alleges Government Weak Stand on APSC Exam Irregularities

DYFI Alleges Government Weak Stand on APSC Exam Irregularities

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has voiced concerns over the government's handling of the Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma Commission report on irregularities in APSC examinations, alleging a weak stance in implementing its recommendations.

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The BJP has criticised the Congress party for allegedly prioritising its vote bank and outdated ideologies over India's national interest and citizen safety in its foreign policy approach towards Iran.

Waaree Energies, Premier Energies in Focus as US Imposes 126% Duty on Indian Solar Imports

Waaree Energies, Premier Energies in Focus as US Imposes 126% Duty on Indian Solar Imports

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Shares of Waaree Energies and Premier Energies are under pressure after the US imposed initial duties on Indian solar imports. The article examines the impact on green energy stocks and market sentiment.

Official axed over 'hasty' minority grants after Ajit Pawar's death

Official axed over 'hasty' minority grants after Ajit Pawar's death

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

A senior Maharashtra government official has been removed from his post following allegations of irregularities in granting minority status to 75 educational institutions after the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the matter.

Nagpur Factory Blast: Negligence Suspected, Minister Says

Nagpur Factory Blast: Negligence Suspected, Minister Says

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule suspects negligence and safety lapses at SBL Energy Limited in Nagpur, where a blast killed 19. An investigation is underway to determine accountability.

25 Illegal Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested In Mumbai

25 Illegal Bangladeshi Nationals Arrested In Mumbai

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Investigations reveal that many of them had been residing in the country for the past six to eight years.

18 killed, 24 injured in Nagpur explosives factory blast

18 killed, 24 injured in Nagpur explosives factory blast

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A blast at an explosives manufacturing factory in Nagpur, Maharashtra, resulted in the death of 17 people and injuries to 18 others. Rescue operations are underway.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

US announces 126% duty on imports of Indian...

US announces 126% duty on imports of Indian...

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The United States has announced a preliminary countervailing duty of 125.87 per cent on imports of certain Indian solar goods, alleging unfair subsidisation. This move could impact India's renewable energy sector and its efforts to boost domestic solar manufacturing.

IIT Kharagpur to Open School of Digital Learning, AI and Machine Learning

IIT Kharagpur to Open School of Digital Learning, AI and Machine Learning

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has announced the launch of a new school dedicated to digital learning, applied artificial intelligence, and machine learning, supported by a significant philanthropic commitment.

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, widespread protests erupted in Kashmir, with demonstrators expressing strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments.

Tehran, Lebanon Hit By Israeli Bombs

Tehran, Lebanon Hit By Israeli Bombs

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

US-Israel air attacks intensified on the seventh day of war, striking Tehran and other Iranian cities.

Meet Neal Katyal, Indian-American lawyer who argued against Trump's tariffs

Meet Neal Katyal, Indian-American lawyer who argued against Trump's tariffs

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Neal Katyal, an accomplished Indian-American lawyer, triumphed in a landmark Supreme Court case against Donald Trump's tariffs, championing the Constitution and the rights of American small businesses.

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Israel's Defence Minister has issued a stark warning that any leader succeeding Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be considered a target, as reports suggest his son Mojtaba may be next in line.

Jharkhand to Provide Financial Aid to Crime Victims

Jharkhand to Provide Financial Aid to Crime Victims

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Jharkhand government will provide financial assistance to victims of crime or their dependents under the Jharkhand Victim Compensation Scheme, 2016. Minimum compensation amounts have been fixed for various crimes, with applications submitted to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

Kanpur Police Bust Robbery, Expose Crores-Worth Hawala Racket

Kanpur Police Bust Robbery, Expose Crores-Worth Hawala Racket

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Kanpur Police solved a robbery case leading to the discovery of a large hawala network. Six people were arrested, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the illegal financial activities.

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an online meeting with Loka Kerala Sabha members in the Gulf region to discuss support for the expatriate community amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

IRIS Dena sinking: Navy sends Tarangini, Ikshak to assist Sri Lanka

IRIS Dena sinking: Navy sends Tarangini, Ikshak to assist Sri Lanka

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The vessel sank on March 4, 2026, approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle, after reportedly being struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine.

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

At least 101 people are missing and 78 are injured after a suspected submarine attack on an Iranian naval ship off Sri Lanka's southern coast on Wednesday, Reuters quoted sources in Sri Lanka's Navy and defence ministry as saying.

PV Sindhu's Coach Narrowly Escapes Explosion at Dubai Airport Amidst Middle East Tensions

PV Sindhu's Coach Narrowly Escapes Explosion at Dubai Airport Amidst Middle East Tensions

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, who trains P V Sindhu, had a narrow escape after an explosion occurred close to where they were stationed at Dubai Airport while travelling to Birmingham for the All England Championships.

Dempo SC and Real Kashmir FC Draw in IFL Thriller

Dempo SC and Real Kashmir FC Draw in IFL Thriller

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Dempo SC and Real Kashmir FC played to a 2-2 draw in an I-League match featuring stunning goals and a frantic finish.

Madras high court upholds Rs 1.5 cr income tax penalty against actor Vijay

Madras high court upholds Rs 1.5 cr income tax penalty against actor Vijay

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The Madras High Court dismissed a petition by actor Vijay challenging an Income Tax department order to pay a Rs 1.50 crore penalty for alleged non-disclosure of income during 2015-16.

Cong claims Epstein shaped India-Israel ties after 2014, cites emails

Cong claims Epstein shaped India-Israel ties after 2014, cites emails

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

The Congress party has alleged that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein played a role in shaping the India-Israel relationship after 2014, citing email exchanges made public under the 'Epstein Files'.

Sreenidi Deccan FC Secures Narrow Victory Over Diamond Harbour

Sreenidi Deccan FC Secures Narrow Victory Over Diamond Harbour

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Sreenidi Deccan FC defeated Diamond Harbour FC 1-0 in an Indian Football League match, with Fabrice Kah scoring the decisive goal and Aryan Niraj Lamba saving a penalty.

Avian flu fears in TN after crow deaths, alert sounded

Avian flu fears in TN after crow deaths, alert sounded

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has issued a high alert following reports of widespread crow deaths, raising concerns about a potential avian influenza outbreak. Authorities have implemented stringent precautionary measures and urged the public to report any unusual bird deaths.

PV Sindhu Describes 'Scary' Dubai Airport Experience Amid Gulf Crisis

PV Sindhu Describes 'Scary' Dubai Airport Experience Amid Gulf Crisis

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu recounts a 'tense and scary' experience at Dubai International Airport after an explosion occurred nearby, amidst escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

Canada acts against Tahawwur Rana before Carney's India visit

Canada acts against Tahawwur Rana before Carney's India visit

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Canadian government is seeking to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Rana Hussain, a Pakistan-born businessman accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, due to misrepresentation on his citizenship application.

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The US President had hosted Modi for an official working visit in Washington, DC, on February 13 last year.

PV Sindhu recounts 'tense' Dubai airport ordeal after explosion

PV Sindhu recounts 'tense' Dubai airport ordeal after explosion

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu and her coach were stranded at Dubai International Airport following an explosion near their location, triggered by escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Funeral prayers were held for Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia amid tight security. Millions joined the namaz-e-janaza of Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and political icon of Bangladesh.

Blow to Trump as US Supreme Court strikes down his sweeping tariffs

Blow to Trump as US Supreme Court strikes down his sweeping tariffs

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The verdict marks a notable shift from a series of recent wins for Trump at the Supreme Court.

Gujarat to amend marriage registration rules, minister flags 'love jihad'

Gujarat to amend marriage registration rules, minister flags 'love jihad'

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Gujarat government plans to amend the Gujarat Registration of Marriages Act to address loopholes and prevent exploitation, particularly concerning "love jihad" cases. The proposed changes include mandatory parental notification and detailed information requirements for marriage registration.

Delhi govt withdraws cases against Centre, LG filed by AAP

Delhi govt withdraws cases against Centre, LG filed by AAP

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Delhi government, now led by the BJP, has withdrawn all cases filed by the previous AAP administration against the Union government, the Lieutenant Governor, and several senior bureaucrats.

'We're safe, but there is a bit of worry': Sindhu's coach Irwansyahh

'We're safe, but there is a bit of worry': Sindhu's coach Irwansyahh

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, who trains P V Sindhu, had a narrow escape after an explosion occurred close to where they were stationed at Dubai Airport while travelling to Birmingham for the All England Championships.

Sindhu's Coach Safe After Dubai Airport Explosion

Sindhu's Coach Safe After Dubai Airport Explosion

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, who trains P V Sindhu, had a narrow escape after an explosion occurred close to where they were stationed at Dubai Airport while travelling to Birmingham for the All England Championships.

NCERT textbook row: Govt promises action after SC ban

NCERT textbook row: Govt promises action after SC ban

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed strong disapproval of a chapter in an NCERT Class 8 textbook addressing judicial corruption, prompting government action and a Supreme Court ban on the book's circulation.

Maha: Security forces raze 44 Maoist memorials in Gadchiroli villages

Maha: Security forces raze 44 Maoist memorials in Gadchiroli villages

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Police and security forces in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, demolished 44 memorials built by Maoists to instill fear, marking a significant step in combating Naxalite influence in the region.