News for 'State Departments'

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Transgender Icon Urges Amendment to Protect Independent Identities

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Maya Thakur, a transgender icon, advocates for amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, to include self-identification and protect transgender individuals who wish to remain independent from traditional eunuch communities.

Keralam dental student's suicide sparks storm, college faculty under fire

Keralam dental student's suicide sparks storm, college faculty under fire

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Police in Kannur, Kerala, are investigating Kannur Dental College faculty after a first-year student died in a suspected suicide, with allegations of emotional harassment and discrimination.

Raigad Engineer Nabbed for Allegedly Accepting Bribe

Raigad Engineer Nabbed for Allegedly Accepting Bribe

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A junior engineer from the Public Works Department in Raigad district, Maharashtra, has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh from a contractor.

Trump set to detail 'Op Epic Fury' success, Iran withdrawal timeline

Trump set to detail 'Op Epic Fury' success, Iran withdrawal timeline

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump is set to provide an "operational update" on the progress of 'Operation Epic Fury' during a national address scheduled for 9 PM Wednesday (US local time).

Maharashtra CM Announces Medals for Anti-Naxal Unit, Focus on Digitisation

Maharashtra CM Announces Medals for Anti-Naxal Unit, Focus on Digitisation

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced medals for personnel in the C-60 anti-Naxal unit and outlined plans for police digitisation and technology adoption.

Probe into IRS Officer's Alleged Asset Acquisition Ordered to be Disclosed

Probe into IRS Officer's Alleged Asset Acquisition Ordered to be Disclosed

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Central Information Commission has ordered the disclosure of an investigation into a retired IRS officer's alleged acquisition of assets under different identities and subsequent name change to claim ownership, deeming the case a potentially significant revelation.

Gujarat once again a 'tiger state' after 30 years

Gujarat once again a 'tiger state' after 30 years

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

After more than three decades, Gujarat has regained the status of a 'tiger-present state', with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) confirming the presence of a tiger in the state.

Will India See Poor Monsoon This Year?

Will India See Poor Monsoon This Year?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A poor monsoon could drag overall economic growth and compound the impact of the West Asia conflict on the Indian economy.

How Research and Applied Sciences Can Drive India's Sustainability Goals

How Research and Applied Sciences Can Drive India's Sustainability Goals

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

CSIR Director General N Kalaiselvi emphasised the importance of research and applied sciences in developing sustainable solutions for India's energy security and environmental challenges at an international conference on Sustainability Through Fundamental and Applied Sciences (STFAS), 2026.

NIA Investigates Blast Outside BJP Office in Chandigarh

NIA Investigates Blast Outside BJP Office in Chandigarh

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

An explosion outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh has triggered an investigation by the NIA, raising concerns about security and potential threats to party officials.

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.

Ten Indian Nationals Face Charges in US Visa Fraud Scheme

Ten Indian Nationals Face Charges in US Visa Fraud Scheme

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Ten Indian nationals living illegally in the US have been indicted for conspiring to stage armed robberies at convenience stores to fraudulently obtain visas.

India U-17 Women's Team Prepares for AFC Asian Cup with Russia Friendlies

India U-17 Women's Team Prepares for AFC Asian Cup with Russia Friendlies

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Indian U-17 Women's team is set to play a three-match friendly series against Russia in Sochi as part of their preparations for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2026.

SC halts Rajasthan's sand mining move in Chambal sanctuary

SC halts Rajasthan's sand mining move in Chambal sanctuary

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has stayed a notification by the Rajasthan government that would have de-notified a portion of the National Chambal Sanctuary for sand mining, citing the threat to endangered species and the illegal nature of the activity.

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.

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.

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.

Justice Yashwant Varma, at centre of cash recovery row, quits

Justice Yashwant Varma, at centre of cash recovery row, quits

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has resigned amid impeachment proceedings sparked by the discovery of burnt currency at his residence, raising questions about judicial conduct and accountability.

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.

JD Vance touches down in Pakistan; Munir welcomes him at airport

JD Vance touches down in Pakistan; Munir welcomes him at airport

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

High-level peace talks between the US and Iran, facilitated by Pakistan, aim to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia and potentially reshape regional stability.

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.

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.

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.

Iran Supreme Leader 'unconscious', receiving treatment in Qom: Report

Iran Supreme Leader 'unconscious', receiving treatment in Qom: Report

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's Supreme Leader and a potential successor, is reportedly unconscious and receiving medical treatment in Qom, according to intelligence assessments.

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.

US State Department defends Pakistan aid

US State Department defends Pakistan aid

Rediff.com7 Dec 2011

"We believe our assistance to Pakistan still continues to provide dividends for the American people in trying to grow and strengthen Pakistan's democratic institutions, boost its economy," said spokesman Mark Toner.

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.

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.

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours in Baramati

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours in Baramati

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash, were held with full state honors in Baramati. Prominent leaders and thousands of mourners attended the funeral.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pune Gas Agency Under Scrutiny for Illegally Stocking LPG Cylinders Amid Shortage Fears

Pune Gas Agency Under Scrutiny for Illegally Stocking LPG Cylinders Amid Shortage Fears

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

A gas agency in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, is under investigation after authorities discovered 57 illegally stocked LPG cylinders, amidst concerns about potential shortages due to the West Asia crisis.

'I really don't care' if Iran play in World Cup': Trump

'I really don't care' if Iran play in World Cup': Trump

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid an escalating regional war, questions deepen over whether Iran's soccer team will compete at this year's FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

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.

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The US Embassy acknowledged the attack in a post on X, urging Americans to avoid the facility 'until further notice' and announcing that all appointments had been cancelled.