News for 'State Emergency Service'

Washington in flames: Wildfire crisis triggers emergency, mass evacuations

Washington in flames: Wildfire crisis triggers emergency, mass evacuations

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency and burn ban Saturday morning as an unprecedented wildfire crisis gripped the region, with active blazes scorching nearly 3,000 acres.

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has abolished the mandatory one-year service bond for MBBS students, citing an "inverse ratio" of available positions to graduating candidates. This decision benefits graduates from various medical colleges, exempting most from the bond, though those who have already joined their postings must complete it. The move aims to ease postgraduate admission difficulties and address issues of competency and motivation in bond service, a decision welcomed by the Maharashtra Association for Resident Doctors (MARD).

Maha doctors on strike over homeopaths prescribing allopathy

Maha doctors on strike over homeopaths prescribing allopathy

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has launched an indefinite statewide strike, protesting the government's decision to allow homoeopaths to register under the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) and prescribe allopathic medicines after a six-month course.

Four dead, five soldiers missing after landslide, flash flood in Arunachal

Four dead, five soldiers missing after landslide, flash flood in Arunachal

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Five Army personnel are missing after a flash flood in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley, while four people died in a landslide in Upper Subansiri district. Both incidents occurred on Friday evening, triggering extensive search and rescue operations involving multiple agencies.

South Korea FA apologises for alleged 'sexual services' to foreign referees

South Korea FA apologises for alleged 'sexual services' to foreign referees

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

South Korea's national football association has issued a deep apology following a media report alleging it provided 'sexual services' to foreign referees during international matches over a decade ago, specifically in 2011 and 2012.

No emergency exit, lack of fire safety measures: Lucknow blaze FIR

No emergency exit, lack of fire safety measures: Lucknow blaze FIR

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

An FIR has been registered following a devastating fire in an Aliganj building in Lucknow that killed 15 people. The complaint alleges severe negligence, including the absence of adequate fire safety measures, emergency exits, and proper ventilation for smoke, in the commercial establishment. Four individuals, including the building owner and operators of businesses within, have been arrested as investigations continue.

Assam floods: Over 6.5 lakh people affected; toll rises to 66

Assam floods: Over 6.5 lakh people affected; toll rises to 66

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The flood situation in Assam is showing signs of improvement with receding water levels, though over 6.5 lakh people across six districts remain affected and the death toll has risen to 66. Relief operations are being intensified, with central and state leaders reviewing measures and a central team assessing damages.

Assam Floods: Olympian Jayanta Talukdar, Newborn Twins Rescued

Assam Floods: Olympian Jayanta Talukdar, Newborn Twins Rescued

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Olympian and World Cup gold medallist archer Jayanta Talukdar and his one-month-old twin babies were rescued from their flood-hit apartment in Guwahati's Rukmininagar on Friday.

5 Early Signs Of Hepatitis: Don't Ignore

5 Early Signs Of Hepatitis: Don't Ignore

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Hepatitis is a condition that causes the liver to become inflamed. Make sure you treat it early.

Hours After These Pix, Lindsey Graham Was Dead

Hours After These Pix, Lindsey Graham Was Dead

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away of a cardiac arrest a few hours after these photographs were taken.

NSDC And AWS Launch Major Cloud And AI Skilling Initiative

NSDC And AWS Launch Major Cloud And AI Skilling Initiative

Rediff.com11 hours ago

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cultus Education, has launched a nationwide initiative to provide cloud and AI skilling to 1.5 lakh learners. This programme aims to equip youth, especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with essential technology skills and job-ready training, contributing to India's goal of becoming a global innovation hub.

Shooting at US restaurant leaves multiple dead, gunman killed

Shooting at US restaurant leaves multiple dead, gunman killed

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A shooting at a newly opened fast-food outlet in Twin Falls, Idaho, resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. The gunman is confirmed deceased, and authorities are investigating the motive and identity of the suspect. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of public shootings in the United States.

What Is Analogue Paneer? Why Have The Maharashtra, Gujarat Governments Banned It For A Year?

What Is Analogue Paneer? Why Have The Maharashtra, Gujarat Governments Banned It For A Year?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

After Maharashtra's crackdown on analogue paneer, here's what dietitians say about its nutritional value, health concerns and how to choose fresh paneer.

9 killed, 7 injured in blast at illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad

9 killed, 7 injured in blast at illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

An explosion and subsequent fire at an unlicensed firecracker factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, resulted in the deaths of nine people and injuries to six others. The incident prompted condolences and financial aid from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with authorities initiating an investigation into the illegal operation.

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Rediff.com4 days ago

A devastating fire in a central Kolkata building resulted in nine deaths, primarily due to asphyxia, and the rescue of around 80 people. West Bengal minister Kaushik Chowdhury highlighted the quick response of the Fire Brigade but raised concerns about safety norms, lack of windows, and the proliferation of cramped hotels within the building. An investigation committee will be formed, and fire audits will be conducted across all hotels in the state.

Heavy rains, landslides disrupt Kedarnath, Mansarovar pilgrimages

Heavy rains, landslides disrupt Kedarnath, Mansarovar pilgrimages

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall has disrupted major pilgrimages in Uttarakhand, including the Kedarnath route and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, prompting the IMD to issue red and orange alerts for extremely heavy rainfall across several districts.

Google Cloud services disrupted in India after Delhi data centre fire

Google Cloud services disrupted in India after Delhi data centre fire

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Google Cloud services in major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, are experiencing network disruptions and elevated latency following a fire at a third-party data centre facility in the national capital, which necessitated an emergency power shutdown.

Ambulance to reach highway accident spot in 10 minutes, hospital in 1 hour

Ambulance to reach highway accident spot in 10 minutes, hospital in 1 hour

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced stringent new policy guidelines, mandating ambulances deployed on national highways to reach accident sites within a 10-km radius in 10 minutes and transfer victims to the nearest hospital within one hour, with penalties for non-compliance.

Assam floods toll goes up to 80, over 2.12 lakh affected

Assam floods toll goes up to 80, over 2.12 lakh affected

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Assam's flood death toll has risen to 80, with two new fatalities reported from Sivasagar district, as eight districts and over 2.12 lakh people remain affected. The state government has announced a six-month moratorium on loan repayments for flood-affected individuals and is seeking a special support package from the Centre.

Arson, petrol bomb attacks on govt offices reported across Meghalaya

Arson, petrol bomb attacks on govt offices reported across Meghalaya

Rediff.com2 days ago

Meghalaya is experiencing escalating tensions marked by arson and petrol bomb attacks on government properties, following violence during a Khasi Students' Union rally. The incidents are linked to an inter-state taxi standoff with Assam, leading to deployment of central forces and calls for peace from chief ministers.

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Department of Posts successfully conducted its first-ever drone delivery of the National Flag from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative, overseen by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlights the integration of technology with public service to enhance last-mile connectivity in challenging terrains and supports the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.

SC directs Centre to formulate national SOP for Kanwar Yatra safety

SC directs Centre to formulate national SOP for Kanwar Yatra safety

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and several states on a plea demanding a comprehensive national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the safe and orderly conduct of the annual Kanwar Yatra, including inter-state coordination and effective traffic management.

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Having analysed the break up of the hospital billing structure the committee believes that rationalising of room charges needs to be done on an emergent basis.'

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Goa has successfully completed its first pilot drone-skilling workshop for 12 women and plans to train 100 women annually under the Goa Drone Didi Training Scheme. This initiative aims to promote drone technology, rural livelihoods, and women-led entrepreneurship, aligning with the Centre's Namo Drone Didi programme.

Gold prices increasingly driven by inflation, monetary policy, not just war: Report

Gold prices increasingly driven by inflation, monetary policy, not just war: Report

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A new report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd (MOFSL) indicates that inflation, interest rates, and monetary policy have become more significant drivers of gold prices than traditional geopolitical conflicts, with markets increasingly focusing on these economic factors.

How SBI Is Revolutionising Banking With Artificial Intelligence

How SBI Is Revolutionising Banking With Artificial Intelligence

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

State Bank of India (SBI) is extensively using artificial intelligence to underwrite nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in MSME loans and automate the processing of cheques up to Rs 10,000. This AI adoption aims to enhance efficiency, free up employee bandwidth, and improve customer service across various banking functions.

New 'boss' scam to dupe corporate employees busted

New 'boss' scam to dupe corporate employees busted

Rediff.com5 days ago

Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has uncovered a Rs 1.5 crore WhatsApp fraud, leading to the arrest of two key SIM and OTP suppliers in West Bengal. The investigation revealed a sophisticated international cybercrime network spanning China, Pakistan, India, and Hong Kong, operating a "boss scam" and utilizing a "Cybercrime as a Service" model. Police recovered a significant portion of the defrauded amount and secured thousands of devices.

'No one will be spared': Adhikari blames ex-mayor Hakim for warehouse collapse

'No one will be spared': Adhikari blames ex-mayor Hakim for warehouse collapse

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the building plan for the collapsed Kolkata warehouse, which killed 10 people, was approved despite a faulty design and bears the signature of former mayor and TMC leader Firhad Hakim. Adhikari announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the deceased's families and Rs 1 lakh for the injured, while also suspending all construction work in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area for four weeks for an audit of sanctioned plans.

RBI's Rate Decision, West Asia Tensions to Drive Indian Market Sentiment

RBI's Rate Decision, West Asia Tensions to Drive Indian Market Sentiment

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Analysts predict that the Reserve Bank of India's interest rate decision, the evolving situation in West Asia involving the US-Iran conflict, and crude oil prices will be the primary factors influencing investor sentiment in the Indian stock market this week.

Mizoram Shuts Schools, Offices Half-Day For FIFA Final

Mizoram Shuts Schools, Offices Half-Day For FIFA Final

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Mizoram has declared a full holiday for educational institutions and a half-day for government offices to allow residents to watch the FIFA World Cup final. Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the state's passion for football and the importance of the sport to its youth.

From Delhi's NEET stir to Ranchi, this UP man keeps feeding protesters

From Delhi's NEET stir to Ranchi, this UP man keeps feeding protesters

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Mohammad Junaid Malik, a volunteer known for supporting protests in Delhi, has arrived in Jharkhand to provide aid to students protesting alleged irregularities in state recruitment exams. The protest, now in its 14th day, demands cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Exam and an independent probe, with several students on hunger strike.

Empowering Women: FICCI FLO And MLA Launch Drone Pilot Training

Empowering Women: FICCI FLO And MLA Launch Drone Pilot Training

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

FICCI FLO and UP BJP MLA Rajeshwar Singh are collaborating to train 100 women as 'drone pilots' in Lucknow. This initiative aims to provide employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the burgeoning drone economy. The announcement was made at an event where MLA Singh also highlighted his efforts in public grievance redressal and establishing women's empowerment centres in his constituency.

How Haryana Is Using Drones For Smart Governance

How Haryana Is Using Drones For Smart Governance

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Haryana is institutionalising drone technology as a key governance tool, deploying AI-powered surveillance and high-resolution geospatial mapping. This initiative aims to detect illegal constructions, monitor mining activities, map civic infrastructure, and track pollution across the state. The Chief Secretary reviewed progress on various projects, including an AI-powered Change Detection Application and digital mapping of municipal assets, highlighting the state's commitment to evidence-based governance and improved public service delivery.

Want To Quit Smoking? Try Yoga

Want To Quit Smoking? Try Yoga

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

An AIIMS study reveals that yoga can increase a user's chances of quitting tobacco by approximately 50 per cent.

Assam flood death toll touches 75; over 3.3 lakh affected

Assam flood death toll touches 75; over 3.3 lakh affected

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Assam's flood death toll has climbed to 75 with seven new fatalities, even as the number of affected people decreased. The state government has increased the ex gratia payment to Rs 9 lakh per deceased family and relaxed norms for claiming compensation, including waiving mandatory post-mortem reports.

BJP extends support to Jharkhand paper leak protest

BJP extends support to Jharkhand paper leak protest

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Student protests against alleged examination irregularities in Jharkhand have intensified, with six demonstrators on hunger strike demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe. The agitation, which has garnered political support from both opposition and ruling allies, is set to impact the Monsoon Assembly Session, even as a CID investigation progresses and prohibitory orders are issued.

Gujarat Floods: Insurers anticipate Rs 5,000 crore in claims, primarily for property damage

Gujarat Floods: Insurers anticipate Rs 5,000 crore in claims, primarily for property damage

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Insurers are bracing for claims worth nearly 5,000 crore from the recent floods in Gujarat, predominantly for property losses, though they do not foresee an increase in premiums within the competitive property insurance market.

'Avoid hurting...': Rahul's Pune event gets nod with 30 conditions

'Avoid hurting...': Rahul's Pune event gets nod with 30 conditions

Rediff.com3 days ago

Police have granted permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Pune, but with 30 stringent conditions, including prohibitions on 'objectionable' banners and directives to avoid hurting religious sentiments.

Bravery Above And Beyond: Constable Scales Building To Save Life

Bravery Above And Beyond: Constable Scales Building To Save Life

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A Surat City police constable, Shailesh Chudasama, displayed exceptional bravery by climbing the exterior of a seventh-floor apartment to rescue a man who had attempted suicide. The swift action by the police and emergency services ensured the man received timely medical attention and survived the incident, earning praise from Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister.

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

Rediff.com5 days ago

Two Indian-origin individuals, Pritesh Walia, a jazz guitarist, and Venkata Vasamsetty, a green-card holder grandmother, have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in separate cases, highlighting the Trump administration's intensified deportation and enforcement drive.