News for 'State Department'

Karnataka Minister Nagendra Faces Charges In Funds Diversion Case

Karnataka Minister Nagendra Faces Charges In Funds Diversion Case

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The CBI has filed three chargesheets against former Karnataka minister B Nagendra and his associate Nekkanti Nagaraj for allegedly diverting Rs 89 crore in state government funds intended for Scheduled Tribes.

US extends waiver on Russian oil amid global crisis

US extends waiver on Russian oil amid global crisis

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The United States has extended a waiver from sanctions on Russian oil already at sea by one month, according to an official statement from the US Department of the Treasury.

Obama nominates Indian American to key post at State Department

Obama nominates Indian American to key post at State Department

Rediff.com11 Sep 2013

Puneet Talwar, one of the most respected Middle East policy specialists in administration and Congressional circles, has been nominated by United States President Barack Obama to a senior State Department position.

India Owes Iran $7 Billion!

India Owes Iran $7 Billion!

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Formerly Iran's second-largest oil customer, Indian financial institutions were forced to withhold crude oil payments following the 2018 US sanctions.

NTA calls NEET-UG 2026 paper leak video 'fake' amid re-exams

NTA calls NEET-UG 2026 paper leak video 'fake' amid re-exams

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strongly refuted a video circulating on social media that falsely claims the NEET-UG 2026 paper was leaked, asserting that the recent re-examination was conducted successfully with comprehensive security measures.

Scorching days, restless nights: India battles intense heatwave

Scorching days, restless nights: India battles intense heatwave

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Several parts of India are experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 44 degrees Celsius. States are issuing alerts and taking measures to protect people and animals from the extreme conditions.

Minister's exit rocks Shivakumar govt; damage control begins

Minister's exit rocks Shivakumar govt; damage control begins

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from his ministerial position in the newly formed Shivakumar government in Karnataka, expressing strong displeasure over the portfolio allocated to him. He had sought the Bengaluru Development portfolio but was given Major and Medium Irrigation projects, leading to a significant setback for the new administration.

UP Minister's Nephew Allegedly Involved In Police Station Ruckus Over Illegal Mining

UP Minister's Nephew Allegedly Involved In Police Station Ruckus Over Illegal Mining

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A group, including the nephew of a Uttar Pradesh Cabinet minister, allegedly caused a disturbance at a Mathura police station following a raid on an illegal mining operation. Police seized a JCB machine and tractor-trolleys, leading to an FIR for obstructing official duties and illegal mining, though the minister's nephew is not yet named. The minister's nephew denies the allegations, claiming the excavation was for an Amrit Sarovar project.

MoSPI Upgrades Data Portal For AI Models To Ensure Credibility

MoSPI Upgrades Data Portal For AI Models To Ensure Credibility

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has upgraded its official data portal to be directly readable by AI models, aiming to prevent reliance on non-credible sources. This initiative includes standardising 288 priority datasets and addressing semantic interoperability challenges to improve public service delivery.

Odisha Engineer Faces Corruption Probe After Asset Discovery

Odisha Engineer Faces Corruption Probe After Asset Discovery

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Odisha Vigilance Department has uncovered significant assets, including multiple buildings and plots of land, allegedly belonging to a government engineer, prompting an investigation into disproportionate assets.

Now, TMC rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh's son sends legal notice to Mamata

Now, TMC rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh's son sends legal notice to Mamata

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Rebel Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar's son Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar has sent a legal notice to former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and several TMC leaders, including Mahua Moitra, Kalyan Banerjee, Sougata Roy and Sonali Guha, denying allegations that he had sought a party ticket from the Barasat Assembly Constituency.

Texas: 1 dead, 10 injured in mass shooting; suspect killed

Texas: 1 dead, 10 injured in mass shooting; suspect killed

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A mass shooting incident in Midland, West Texas, resulted in one death and ten injuries. The suspect, Victor Mata Villarreal, who was already wanted for attempted capital murder, was found dead after a standoff with law enforcement. The incident involved an ambush on officers and a subsequent barricade, with authorities using advanced technology to resolve the situation.

Market participants expect RBI to provide weekly updates on FCNR (B) inflows

Market participants expect RBI to provide weekly updates on FCNR (B) inflows

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Market participants are keenly awaiting regular, preferably weekly, updates from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank), or FCNR (B), deposits, following the central bank's directive for banks to submit daily data on these inflows.

Unni Mukundan Lauds Kerala Government's Operation Toofan

Unni Mukundan Lauds Kerala Government's Operation Toofan

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Actor Unni Mukundan has praised the Kerala government and police for their ongoing "Operation Toofan," a sustained crackdown on narcotics and organised drug networks across the state. He lauded Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala for their decisive action and highlighted the positive impact on public faith in law enforcement.

Karnataka Leaders Laud RCB's Second IPL Title

Karnataka Leaders Laud RCB's Second IPL Title

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Karnataka's chief minister-designate D K Shivakumar and outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on winning their second consecutive Indian Premier League title. Shivakumar criticised IPL organisers for moving the final match venue to Gujarat, calling it an injustice to Karnataka and alleging political motivation.

Mizoram Police Seize Over 1.5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Five In Major Drug Bust

Mizoram Police Seize Over 1.5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Five In Major Drug Bust

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Law enforcement agencies in Mizoram conducted two significant anti-narcotics operations, resulting in the seizure of over 1.5 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value exceeding Rs 3.3 crore. Five individuals were arrested in connection with these operations, which involved inter-state drug trafficking routes from Manipur and within Mizoram to Assam.

Abhishek Banerjee Faces Second CID Questioning In Signature Forgery Probe

Abhishek Banerjee Faces Second CID Questioning In Signature Forgery Probe

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

West Bengal CID has issued fresh summons to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee for a second round of questioning in an alleged signature forgery case. Investigators were reportedly dissatisfied with his previous responses regarding a disputed resolution submitted to the Assembly. The probe focuses on the authenticity of documents and signatures of legislators.

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed a public grievance redressal programme in Morni, Panchkula, ordering an FIR against a contractor for electricity delays and directing probes into other infrastructure issues. He emphasized timely resolution of public complaints related to electricity, water, roads, healthcare, and pensions, while also committing to improved road connectivity and upgrading health facilities in the region.

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed a public grievance redressal programme in Morni, Panchkula, ordering an FIR against a contractor for electricity delays and directing probes into other infrastructure issues. He emphasized timely resolution of public complaints related to electricity, water, roads, healthcare, and pensions, while also committing to improved road connectivity and upgrading health facilities in the region.

Assam Man Arrested With Heroin In Mizoram's Champhai

Assam Man Arrested With Heroin In Mizoram's Champhai

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A man from Assam has been arrested with over 620 gm of heroin in Mizoram's Champhai district. The heroin was allegedly smuggled from Myanmar and was being transported to Assam.

'Op Tiger' successful, declares Fadnavis; breaking news soon, says Shinde

'Op Tiger' successful, declares Fadnavis; breaking news soon, says Shinde

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Amid the buzz over a split in the ranks of Lok Sabha MPs of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray through "Operation Tiger", Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the "operation" has been successful. His deputy and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde said he never leaves an operation incomplete.

Mumbai Education Clerk Arrested For Alleged Bribery

Mumbai Education Clerk Arrested For Alleged Bribery

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A senior clerk in the Maharashtra education department was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1.5 lakh to approve the operation of a junior college.

How Delhi Police's AI System Will Cut Emergency Response Times

How Delhi Police's AI System Will Cut Emergency Response Times

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Delhi Traffic Police is implementing an AI-based traffic management and route-mapping system to ensure quicker movement of emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire tenders. This initiative aims to reduce response times during crises, addressing concerns raised after incidents where traffic congestion delayed emergency services. The system will identify high-traffic zones, suggest the fastest routes, and involve coordinated efforts with fire departments and additional police deployment.

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Methanol Linked To Liquor Deaths

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Methanol Linked To Liquor Deaths

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Maharashtra FDA seizes 5,929 kg of toxic methanol from a warehouse in Thane district, allegedly linked to spurious liquor that caused 14 deaths in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Vance reaches Zurich for talks with Iran's 'Minab 168' delegation

Vance reaches Zurich for talks with Iran's 'Minab 168' delegation

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

US Vice President J D Vance is currently in Switzerland, leading critical technical talks with Iran to advance diplomatic efforts on Iran's nuclear programme and secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon, following a recently signed memorandum of understanding aimed at de-escalating West Asian hostilities.

How Rajasthan Police Froze Rs 80 Lakh Assets Of Drug Trafficker

How Rajasthan Police Froze Rs 80 Lakh Assets Of Drug Trafficker

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Rajasthan Police in Pratapgarh has frozen assets worth approximately Rs 80 lakh belonging to an alleged drug trafficker, Asad Iqbal, under the SAFEMA and NDPS Act. The action, part of 'Operation Trinetra', followed a financial investigation into his illegal earnings from inter-state drug trafficking, after his arrest for opium possession.

BEST bus strike: Mumbaikars continue to struggle for 2nd day

BEST bus strike: Mumbaikars continue to struggle for 2nd day

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

BEST employees continued their strike in Mumbai for a second day, causing significant disruption to public transport despite appeals from the Maharashtra Transport Minister and the invocation of MESMA. Commuters were forced to rely on alternative, overcrowded transport options, while the striking unions maintained their demands for budget merger, improved pay, and absorption of contractual workers.

Vigilance Busts Kerala Doctor For Dual Practice

Vigilance Busts Kerala Doctor For Dual Practice

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Vigilance officials in Kerala have uncovered a case where a government doctor was allegedly engaged in private practice while also receiving a non-practising allowance. The doctor, an associate professor, was found earning an additional Rs 7 lakh monthly from a private hospital, alongside his Rs 3 lakh government salary. This discovery is part of a wider crackdown, with nearly 200 doctors under surveillance.

Two Arrested With Meth Tablets In Mizoram

Two Arrested With Meth Tablets In Mizoram

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Two individuals have been arrested in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after authorities seized over 9 kg of methamphetamine tablets near the Myanmar border.

Mysterious Death Of Nursing Student In Varanasi Hostel

Mysterious Death Of Nursing Student In Varanasi Hostel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A 19-year-old nursing student was found dead under mysterious circumstances on the staircase of a boys' hostel in Sarnath, Varanasi. Police are investigating the incident, awaiting the post-mortem report, and scrutinising CCTV footage and call records.

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

'Actual implementation of the 14-point agreement is proving hard to achieve let alone striking and sustaining a long-term treaty or deal.'

MP moving towards implementing Uniform Civil Code: CM Mohan Yadav

MP moving towards implementing Uniform Civil Code: CM Mohan Yadav

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said the Madhya Pradesh government is committed to implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and has initiated the process of gathering public feedback before moving ahead with the proposal.

How Shimla Cricket League Combats Drug Abuse And Boosts Environment

How Shimla Cricket League Combats Drug Abuse And Boosts Environment

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

A rural-level cricket competition in Shimla's Jubbal subdivision is using sports to raise awareness about drug abuse and environmental protection. The 'Shaan-e-Bushahr' Mandhol Premiere League-4, featuring over 80 teams, encourages participants to plant saplings and monitor their growth, building on previous successful tree-planting initiatives.

Spurious Liquor Claims 14 Lives In Pune, Arrests Made

Spurious Liquor Claims 14 Lives In Pune, Arrests Made

Rediff.com29 May 2026

At least 14 people have died in Pune after consuming suspected spurious liquor. Police have arrested eight individuals, including a key bootlegger, and the investigation has been transferred to the CID. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the illegal liquor trade.

UP govt forms SIT to probe Ram Temple donation controversy

UP govt forms SIT to probe Ram Temple donation controversy

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of financial mismanagement and missing donations related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. The move follows a request from the Trust itself, amidst escalating political demands for transparency from various parties including the Samajwadi Party and Congress.

Spurious Liquor Claims Lives In Pune: Arrests Made

Spurious Liquor Claims Lives In Pune: Arrests Made

Rediff.com29 May 2026

At least 13 people have died in Pune after consuming suspected spurious liquor, leading to multiple arrests and a high-level investigation.

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Rediff.com11 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari has directed senior officials to ensure transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to rules in governance. He emphasised the importance of honest opinions and actions for the state's development, urging officials to restart stalled centrally sponsored schemes and implement promises from the BJP's election manifesto.

Ghaziabad Madrassas Sealed After Teen Murder Case

Ghaziabad Madrassas Sealed After Teen Murder Case

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Authorities in Ghaziabad intensified verification drives and sealed three unrecognised madrassas in the Khoda area following the murder of a 17-year-old boy. The incident has led to heightened security measures and political reactions.

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' at assembly prayers in all madrassas with immediate effect. This decision follows a similar directive for all schools in the state and aims to bring uniformity in assembly practices across institutions.

How Mumbai Police Tracked Down History-Sheeters Threatening Cops

How Mumbai Police Tracked Down History-Sheeters Threatening Cops

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Two history-sheeters from Satna, Madhya Pradesh, have been arrested in Mumbai for allegedly firing outside an Indian Air Force officer's house and later threatening police on social media. The accused, Amarsingh Ashoksingh Parihar and Abhigyan Sankatmochan Tripathi, were apprehended in south Mumbai after fleeing from Satna.