News for 'State Department'

Andhra gas well blaze to be doused in a week: Official

Andhra gas well blaze to be doused in a week: Official

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The gas well blaze near the Irusumanda village in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district in Andhra Pradesh will be doused in a week's time, an official said on Tuesday, citing information from ONGC officials.

Maha minister Kokate stripped of portfolios after fraud conviction

Maha minister Kokate stripped of portfolios after fraud conviction

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate was stripped of his portfolios after being convicted in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. His ministries have been reassigned to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Kokate has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital after complaining of chest pain.

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

SIM-Binding Standoff: Telcos Vs Apps

SIM-Binding Standoff: Telcos Vs Apps

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

App-based communication services providers and Indian telcos are at loggerheads over the SIM-binding directions issued by the department of telecom, which are to be complied with by the end of February 2026.

US clears sale of Excalibur Projectiles, Javelin missile system to India

US clears sale of Excalibur Projectiles, Javelin missile system to India

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The US has approved the sale of Excalibur Projectiles, Javelin Missile System and related equipment totalling over 90 million dollars to India.

Internet services restored in violence-hit Karbi Anglong in Assam

Internet services restored in violence-hit Karbi Anglong in Assam

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Mobile internet services have been restored in Assam's Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts following an improvement in the law and order situation after recent violence between the Karbi and Bihari communities.

Bondi Beach Killers Travelled On Indian Passports

Bondi Beach Killers Travelled On Indian Passports

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Tuesday morning that 'Philippine immigration authorities said the father and son accused of killing 15 people in Sydney visited the country last month and travelled on Indian passports.'

Teen's death on basketball court: 'Unknown persons' booked

Teen's death on basketball court: 'Unknown persons' booked

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Haryana Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against unknown persons based on a complaint lodged by the family of a teenage basketball player, who died after the iron pole of a basketball hoop fell on him during practice in Rohtak district last month, an official said on Sunday.

'My Life Has Been Paused Without My Consent'

'My Life Has Been Paused Without My Consent'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Thousands of Indian H-1B workers are stranded in India after sudden visa appointment cancellations at US consulates.

Baghel's son got Rs 250 cr in liquor 'scam': Chargesheet

Baghel's son got Rs 250 cr in liquor 'scam': Chargesheet

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offence Wing (ACB/EOW) has claimed in its chargesheet that Chaitanya, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, received Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore as his share from an alleged liquor scam in the state.

BJP Pushes Nitish To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar

BJP Pushes Nitish To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Nitish Kumar may be in the chief minister's chair again, but with the BJP grabbing the home department and the assembly speaker's post, the real power in Bihar has shifted unmistakably, reports MI Khan.

US expands online vetting for all H-1B, H-4 applicants

US expands online vetting for all H-1B, H-4 applicants

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The United States Embassy in India on Monday said starting December 15, the United States has 'expanded' online presence reviews to all H-1B and H-4 applicants as part of standard visa screening, and this vetting is being conducted globally for 'all applicants of all nationalities' for these two visa categories.

No deaths due to codeine syrup, accused linked to SP: Yogi

No deaths due to codeine syrup, accused linked to SP: Yogi

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday strongly rebutted allegations by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey over 'deaths' allegedly due to the consumption of fake medicines and codeine syrup, asserting in the Assembly that no such case has come to the notice of the state government so far.

Why matches were moved out of Chinnaswamy Stadium

Why matches were moved out of Chinnaswamy Stadium

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Karnataka State Cricket Association has failed to comply with the safety and security requirements at M Chinnaswamy stadium, said Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara.

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel.

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Stating that she was shocked and deeply disturbed by the 'mismanagement' at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced the constitution of a high-level committee to probe the incident.

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a high-level probe into the alleged mismanagement at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, after fans were unable to catch a glimpse of the football star.

GIFT City Raises A Glass to Global Business

GIFT City Raises A Glass to Global Business

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The latest move removes one of the key friction points for visitors, temporary liquor permits, while allowing licensed hotels and restaurants operational flexibility.

Iran takes a U-turn, drops plan to boycott 2026 World Cup draw

Iran takes a U-turn, drops plan to boycott 2026 World Cup draw

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Iran to attend World Cup draw after boycott threat over visa issues

Trump To Boost Pak's F-16s With AIM-120 Missiles

Trump To Boost Pak's F-16s With AIM-120 Missiles

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

The development comes as relations between the two countries showed marked improvement following the four-day military conflict between Pakistan and India in May.

6 Reasons Why Apricots Are A Superfood

6 Reasons Why Apricots Are A Superfood

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Apricots aren't just nutritious. Health sites, like Cleveland Clinic, place them in the superfood category.

G RAM-G replaces MGNREGA after President's assent

G RAM-G replaces MGNREGA after President's assent

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, which aims to replace MGNREGA and guarantee 125 days of wage employment per rural household.

'After 2 Decades Of Dedication, What More Does The Party Expect?'

'After 2 Decades Of Dedication, What More Does The Party Expect?'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'When a grassroots worker has laboured day and night for the organisation, does the party not have a responsibility to recognise and uplift such workers?'

Coldrif syrup maker used industrial-grade materials: ED

Coldrif syrup maker used industrial-grade materials: ED

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

An Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe has revealed that the manufacturer of Coldrif syrup, linked to the deaths of at least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh, used industrial-grade raw materials without quality checks. The investigation also found that Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department officials were in frequent contact with the company but failed to conduct mandated inspections.

Imran Khan, Wife Get 17 Year Jail Term

Imran Khan, Wife Get 17 Year Jail Term

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been sentenced to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana corruption case, involving alleged fraud related to state gifts.

H-1B Visa: The Hardest Hit Will Be...

H-1B Visa: The Hardest Hit Will Be...

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The US has replaced random H-1B selection with a wage-weighted lottery and a new $100,000 fee for applications, raising uncertainty for students and junior hires.

Tamil Nadu on alert as Cyclone Ditwah approaches coast

Tamil Nadu on alert as Cyclone Ditwah approaches coast

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Cyclone Ditwah is moving towards the Tamil Nadu coast, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall. The state government is reviewing preparedness measures, and a red alert has been issued for southern and delta districts.

The King Cobra Case That Shocked Doctors

The King Cobra Case That Shocked Doctors

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

In a first for Assam, a man has survived a confirmed king cobra bite, thanks to rapid medical intervention despite the absence of species-specific antivenom.

NIA court orders to attach land of US-based Kashmiri lobbyist

NIA court orders to attach land of US-based Kashmiri lobbyist

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

A special NIA court in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the immediate attachment of land belonging to Ghulam Nabi Fai, a US-based Kashmiri lobbyist and convicted agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

2025's Top 10 OTT Films

2025's Top 10 OTT Films

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

While some of them were excellent, most were passable. But many were far superior to the theatrical releases.

Lalu, Rabri asked to vacate bungalow; RJD slams govt

Lalu, Rabri asked to vacate bungalow; RJD slams govt

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi has been allotted a new residence by the Nitish Kumar government, requiring her to vacate the bungalow she has occupied for years. The decision has sparked reactions from RJD leaders and family members.

25 killed as Goa club blaze turns weekend bash into horror

25 killed as Goa club blaze turns weekend bash into horror

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

A jampacked nightclub in North Goa turned into a death trap around midnight as a massive fire tore through it, claiming 25 lives and bringing to the fore illegalities along with the laxity of government officials in enforcing rules.

CIC gets full strength after 9 yrs; Raj Kumar Goyal appointed chief

CIC gets full strength after 9 yrs; Raj Kumar Goyal appointed chief

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

The Central Information Commission (CIC) attains its full strength after nine years with the appointment of Raj Kumar Goyal as chief and eight other information commissioners.

Father-son duo carried out Bondi beach shooting

Father-son duo carried out Bondi beach shooting

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

At least 16 people, including a child, were killed when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, in what authorities have declared a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community, officials said on Monday.

25K individuals to get SMS/e-mails from I-T dept for non-disclosure of foreign assets

25K individuals to get SMS/e-mails from I-T dept for non-disclosure of foreign assets

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Income Tax department will start sending SMS/emails to about 25,000 individuals, who are part of the "high-risk" cases identified for non-disclosure of foreign assets in the income tax returns (ITRs) filed for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, sources said.

Vijay's 7-hour deliberate delay to reach venue caused stampede: TN in SC

Vijay's 7-hour deliberate delay to reach venue caused stampede: TN in SC

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Tamil Nadu government has informed the Supreme Court that the Karur stampede, which resulted in 41 deaths, was caused by the "reckless and uncoordinated actions" of the TVK party's organizers and workers. The government's affidavit alleges an intentional delay by party leader Vijay, contributing to the tragedy.

ITR forms under new Income Tax Act to be notified prior to FY28: Govt

ITR forms under new Income Tax Act to be notified prior to FY28: Govt

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

The new income tax returns (ITR) form based on the I-T Act, 2025, will be notified prior to 2027-28 fiscal year, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said on Monday. The CBDT committee on simplification of ITR forms is carrying out extensive consultations with tax experts, institutional bodies, and field formations of the I-T Department, he said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

US designates Baloch Liberation Army, its faction as terror groups

US designates Baloch Liberation Army, its faction as terror groups

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The action, it said, "demonstrates the Trump administration's commitment to countering terrorism".

Security breach, crowd chaos mar Messi's Kolkata visit

Security breach, crowd chaos mar Messi's Kolkata visit

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's brief appearance in Kolkata was marred by security breaches and crowd management issues, raising concerns about planning and coordination. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage reveal a chaotic scene with organizers and VIPs crowding the player, leading to his early withdrawal and subsequent protests.

Census 2027 announced: Dates, phases, and key details

Census 2027 announced: Dates, phases, and key details

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases, the first between April and September 2026 and the second in February 2027, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.