News for 'State Department'

Like Zubeen Garg, Cong works to unite people: Rahul Gandhi

Like Zubeen Garg, Cong works to unite people: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and land grabbing, promising action if the Congress party wins the upcoming elections in Assam. Gandhi also criticised the BJP's governance and economic policies.

Thane Authorities Destroy Illegal Sand Mining Equipment Worth 9 Million

Thane Authorities Destroy Illegal Sand Mining Equipment Worth 9 Million

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Authorities in Thane district, Maharashtra, have intensified their crackdown on illegal sand mining, destroying equipment worth approximately 9 million in the Bhiwandi taluka.

Athletics Federation of India Requires Approval for Athlete Sponsorships

Athletics Federation of India Requires Approval for Athlete Sponsorships

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has mandated that track and field athletes must obtain prior approval from the federation before entering into sponsorship agreements with any entity. This decision aims to protect the interests of both athletes and sponsors amid increasing instances of athletes and coaches frequently changing sponsors.

Himachal CM Orders Removal of Officials on 'Doubtful Integrity' List

Himachal CM Orders Removal of Officials on 'Doubtful Integrity' List

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that all government officials listed in the Officers of Doubtful Integrity (ODI) will be removed from sensitive positions. The decision follows concerns raised in the state assembly regarding officials with questionable integrity holding key posts and receiving extensions.

Online Gambling Scam Uses Impersonated Mangaluru Police Website

Online Gambling Scam Uses Impersonated Mangaluru Police Website

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

A fraudulent website impersonating the Mangaluru city police was used to deceive individuals into online gambling schemes, prompting a police investigation and public warnings.

Pawan Khera Accuses CPI(M) and BJP of Collusion in Kerala Polls

Pawan Khera Accuses CPI(M) and BJP of Collusion in Kerala Polls

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

AICC leader Pawan Khera has accused the CPI(M) and BJP of having a tacit understanding in the Kerala Assembly elections, alleging that both parties are deliberately fielding weak candidates to help each other. Khera expressed confidence in the Congress-led UDF's victory due to strong anti-incumbency sentiment.

Himachal Pradesh Government Addresses Concerns Over Inflated Smart Meter Bills

Himachal Pradesh Government Addresses Concerns Over Inflated Smart Meter Bills

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured the Vidhan Sabha that discrepancies in electricity bills following smart meter installations will be addressed. The government also plans to amend regulations to curb excessive fees charged by private schools.

Adanis win US court hearing in case to throw out SEC fraud suit

Adanis win US court hearing in case to throw out SEC fraud suit

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A US judge has granted Gautam Adani's request for a hearing to dismiss a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) fraud case, with Adani's legal team arguing the case lacks jurisdiction and credible evidence.

Police probe AI-manipulated video targeting Maharashtra Minister Narhari Zirwal

Police probe AI-manipulated video targeting Maharashtra Minister Narhari Zirwal

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Mumbai police are investigating the circulation of an AI-doctored video featuring Maharashtra Minister Narhari Zirwal, following a complaint by a transperson alleging blackmail.

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

As the negotiations continued, the Iranian government said on social media that "talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad entered the expert-level stage as economic, military, legal, and nuclear committees joined in".

Maharashtra Minister Embroiled in Controversy After Video Surfaces

Maharashtra Minister Embroiled in Controversy After Video Surfaces

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal is facing calls for his dismissal after a video showing him with a transperson went viral. The minister claims the video is doctored and a blackmail attempt, while opposition parties demand his sacking for 'obscene and unethical behaviour'.

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The deployment could include infantry and armoured units, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division, which is already stationed in the region.

From Haryana Academy to Asian Champion: The Making of Priya Ghanghas

From Haryana Academy to Asian Champion: The Making of Priya Ghanghas

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Priya Ghanghas's journey from a small boxing academy in Haryana to becoming the Asian Boxing Champion is a testament to dedication, talent, and a coach's unwavering belief.

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Pakistan is set to host face-to-face talks between the United States and Iran, aiming to solidify a fragile ceasefire and prevent further conflict in West Asia. The discussions will focus on a long-term peace arrangement, including sanctions relief, regional security, and Iran's nuclear program.

Family Bids Farewell to Harish Rana After Landmark Euthanasia Case

Family Bids Farewell to Harish Rana After Landmark Euthanasia Case

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The family of Harish Rana, who was granted permission for passive euthanasia by the Supreme Court, immersed his ashes in the Ganga River, marking the end of a 13-year ordeal following a tragic accident.

'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.

J-K Anti-Corruption Bureau probes alleged ration fraud in Reasi district

J-K Anti-Corruption Bureau probes alleged ration fraud in Reasi district

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau has registered a case against a former tehsil supply officer and others for alleged misappropriation of government ration and funds in the Reasi district.

Meerut Police Bust GST Fraud Ring, One Arrested

Meerut Police Bust GST Fraud Ring, One Arrested

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Meerut police have uncovered a Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud involving crores of rupees, leading to the arrest of one individual. The investigation revealed a network of fake firms used to illegally claim input tax credits, causing significant losses to the government.

Nightclub Owners Arrested in Goa for Alleged Forgery in Licence Application

Nightclub Owners Arrested in Goa for Alleged Forgery in Licence Application

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Mapusa police in Goa have taken custody of Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, in connection with alleged forgery to obtain an excise licence. This follows a devastating fire at the nightclub in December that resulted in 25 deaths.

Chhattisgarh Government Suspends IG Over Misconduct Allegations

Chhattisgarh Government Suspends IG Over Misconduct Allegations

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh government has suspended Inspector General of Police Ratan Lal Dangi following a complaint of harassment and financial irregularities. The suspension is due to alleged violations of service conduct rules and unbecoming behaviour.

Justice Varma withdraws from inquiry for his impeachment

Justice Varma withdraws from inquiry for his impeachment

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma has resigned, effectively halting impeachment proceedings initiated against him by the Lok Sabha following corruption allegations.

Shehbaz Sharif invites US and Iran to Pakistan for ceasefire negotiations

Shehbaz Sharif invites US and Iran to Pakistan for ceasefire negotiations

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran and invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad for peace negotiations.

India Tops Global List Of Suspended Athletes For Doping Violations

India Tops Global List Of Suspended Athletes For Doping Violations

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

India has overtaken Kenya to lead the Athletics Integrity Unit's list of ineligible persons due to doping violations, with 148 suspended track and field athletes.

Birch Nightclub Owners' Bail Denied in Goa Forgery Case

Birch Nightclub Owners' Bail Denied in Goa Forgery Case

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

A court in Goa has rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the fire-ravaged Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, in a case involving the alleged forgery of documents to obtain an excise licence.

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.

Two Arrested in Delhi for Kidnapping, Threatening Excise Officials

Two Arrested in Delhi for Kidnapping, Threatening Excise Officials

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have arrested two men suspected of kidnapping and threatening an excise department constable and his driver in connection with illegal liquor supply.

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Trump said that the strait will be "open very soon" if ongoing negotiations with Tehran continue successfully.

Vance leaves for peace talks in Pakistan, no word on Iranian delegation

Vance leaves for peace talks in Pakistan, no word on Iranian delegation

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

US Vice President JD Vance leads a delegation to Islamabad for talks with Iran, expressing optimism while warning against bad faith negotiations from Tehran.

Iran rejects Trump's talks claim, says US buying time for military plans

Iran rejects Trump's talks claim, says US buying time for military plans

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

"The US President's statements are within the framework of efforts to reduce energy prices and gain time to implement his military plans," the ministry stated.

5 Times When Trump Extended His 'Or Else...' Deadline for Iran

5 Times When Trump Extended His 'Or Else...' Deadline for Iran

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Each time a deadline almost runs out, President Trump hands out a new one.

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.

Noida International Airport Gears Up for Grand Opening

Noida International Airport Gears Up for Grand Opening

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Noida International Airport is set for its grand opening as roads are fixed and infrastructure preparations near completion. Here's what's ready and what to expect from the launch.

UPI Transactions Surge to Record High: Understanding the Growth Factors

UPI Transactions Surge to Record High: Understanding the Growth Factors

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India reached a record high in March, driven by increased adoption and global expansion. The system now accounts for 85% of digital transactions in India and is live in eight countries.

UPI Transactions Surge to Record Levels in March

UPI Transactions Surge to Record Levels in March

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India reached a record high in March, with 22.64 billion transactions, marking a significant increase from the previous year and highlighting the growing adoption of digital payments.

Delhi HC Orders DPS Dwarka to Reinstate Expelled Students After Fee Dispute

Delhi HC Orders DPS Dwarka to Reinstate Expelled Students After Fee Dispute

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has intervened in a dispute between Delhi Public School, Dwarka, and parents over fee hikes, ordering the reinstatement of expelled students and directing partial fee payments.

DPS Dwarka Students Reinstated After Fee Dispute Intervention

DPS Dwarka Students Reinstated After Fee Dispute Intervention

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has intervened in a fee dispute between Delhi Public School, Dwarka, and parents, ordering the reinstatement of 25 expelled students and directing parents to pay 50% of outstanding fees.

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

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

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Congress leader K Muraleedharan has dismissed the BJP's influence in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections, citing unfulfilled promises and a lack of tangible benefits for the state.

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

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.

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.