News for 'US Administration'

Has Iran war depleted US's missile defence stockpiles?

Has Iran war depleted US's missile defence stockpiles?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has rejected a CNN report claiming that the Pentagon's missile defence stockpiles have fallen to 'dangerously low levels' amid the conflict with Iran.

TN student's murder linked to exposing campus drug trafficking

TN student's murder linked to exposing campus drug trafficking

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A 19-year-old mechatronics engineering student was brutally murdered in Coimbatore, leading to a political controversy in Tamil Nadu. While his family alleges he was targeted for exposing drug abuse on campus, police and college management claim the attack stemmed from personal enmity and a retaliatory clash. Eight arrests have been made, and the issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly, with the Opposition demanding an inquiry into the conflicting narratives.

Rajasthan govt restricts entry, photography in schools amid CJP campaign

Rajasthan govt restricts entry, photography in schools amid CJP campaign

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Rajasthan government has issued an order restricting the entry of outsiders into government schools and barring photography and videography without prior permission, a move that follows protests over poor conditions and an announced inspection by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Ladakh Marathon Announces Historic Rs 1 Crore Prize Pool For 2026 Edition

Ladakh Marathon Announces Historic Rs 1 Crore Prize Pool For 2026 Edition

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The upcoming 2026 Ladakh Marathon will feature a record prize pool of Rs 1 crore, aiming to attract over 10,000 visitors globally. This high-altitude event, scheduled from September 10 to 13, is set to welcome participants from 28 Indian states, six Union Territories, and all six inhabited continents, reinforcing its growing international stature.

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) proceeded with a discussion on former student Umar Khalid's book, "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power," despite the university cancelling the original venue booking. The event, planned to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, was held outside an academic building after the JNUSU condemned the university's "arbitrary" decision.

High-level panel set up to tackle road woes in Maha's Chakan industrial belt

High-level panel set up to tackle road woes in Maha's Chakan industrial belt

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee to address road repairs, traffic congestion and management issues in the rapidly expanding Chakan industrial belt in Pune district, and set up a mechanism for time-bound redressal of industrial grievances.

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Chandigarh is set to launch the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or digital rupee, for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) on August 14. This initiative makes Chandigarh the first Union Territory to fully roll out CBDC-based DBT for food subsidy, enhancing transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery. The digital rupee, issued by the RBI, will be purpose-bound for purchasing foodgrains from authorised merchants.

Maha bans illegal dhabas, eateries, structures on NHs

Maha bans illegal dhabas, eateries, structures on NHs

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has issued strict directives to local authorities, mandating an immediate ban on illegal dhabas, eateries, and commercial structures within national highway Right of Way. The order requires demolition of existing encroachments within 60 days, formation of highway safety task forces, and mandates prior clearance from NHAI or PWD for any new licenses in highway safety zones, aiming to enhance commuter safety and clear obstructions.

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Sports Ministry has suspended the Table Tennis Federation of India's recognition due to governance issues, including delayed elections, and has directed the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport.

How Long Can US Forces Fight Iran War?

How Long Can US Forces Fight Iran War?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Torn between loyalty to their comrades and disillusionment towards the cause for which they are fighting, they are beginning to cave in. Morale has been the casualty, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

FIFPRO Slams Infantino for 'Profound Abuse of Power' Over World Cup Privatisation Plan

FIFPRO Slams Infantino for 'Profound Abuse of Power' Over World Cup Privatisation Plan

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The global players' union, FIFPRO, has strongly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'profound abuse of presidential power' following the secretive development and subsequent shelving of the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' plan, which aimed to privatise the FIFA World Cup.

Bomb-making note found at Ayodhya medical college, student held

Bomb-making note found at Ayodhya medical college, student held

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A first-year paramedical student in Ayodhya was detained after a handwritten note containing alleged bomb-making information was found in a medical college's X-ray department. Police are investigating the student's claim that he copied the information from a movie.

Bihar alcohol ban failed, govt should revoke it: Study

Bihar alcohol ban failed, govt should revoke it: Study

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

A research paper by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) recommends that Bihar revoke its alcohol ban, citing its failure to reduce violence against women and a rise in illicit drug and alcohol consumption. The report suggests that reinstating the liquor excise tax would significantly increase state revenues and decrease enforcement costs.

Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart face Maha FDA heat as 14 licences suspended

Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart face Maha FDA heat as 14 licences suspended

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of 14 food business establishments linked to online platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto and Instamart after a state-wide inspection drive found safety and hygiene violations, officials said on Friday.

NASA invites ISRO to join humanity's first Moon Base mission

NASA invites ISRO to join humanity's first Moon Base mission

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

NASA has invited ISRO to join its ambitious Moon Base mission to establish a permanent lunar outpost near the Moon's South Pole, aiming for scientific discoveries and future deep space exploration. This invitation follows discussions at the Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru, where both nations also advanced cooperation under the Artemis Accords and the TRUST initiative.

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Sports Ministry has suspended the recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) due to significant governance deficiencies, including delayed elections and failure to ensure athlete welfare. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been directed to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport until a proper governance structure is re-established.

RSS had no role in Hyderabad liberation, says Priyank Kharge; slams BJP

RSS had no role in Hyderabad liberation, says Priyank Kharge; slams BJP

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Karnataka home minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday rejected Bharatiya Janata Party leader B L Santhosh's claim that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers had protected his (Kharge's) family from Razakars during Hyderabad state's integration with India, saying that his family and people of the region were protected by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian Army.

India Named in US China Transshipment Network

India Named in US China Transshipment Network

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'All these reports and announcements by the US seem like attempts to gain a lever in trade deal negotiations with India.'

Bankipur win gives Prashant Kishor's party a foothold in Bihar

Bankipur win gives Prashant Kishor's party a foothold in Bihar

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has secured its first seat in the Bihar Assembly, with Kishor winning the Bankipur bypoll in his electoral debut, stunning the BJP in its long-held bastion.

Analogue paneer banned in Maharashtra amid health concerns

Analogue paneer banned in Maharashtra amid health concerns

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture and sale of "analogue" or non-dairy paneer due to public health concerns and widespread food safety violations. Offenders could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment and hefty fines, for misleading consumers with this lower-nutritional-value substitute.

'Cockroaches, larvae': Maha FDA cracks down on Blinkit, Reliance Retail

'Cockroaches, larvae': Maha FDA cracks down on Blinkit, Reliance Retail

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra FDA has taken action against Blink Commerce, suspending its food licence due to severe hygiene issues including cockroach infestation. Separately, Reliance Retail is under investigation after a complaint of live larvae in a sweet product, highlighting increased enforcement of food safety standards across the state.

PoK unrest: Over 30 civilians killed in brutal crackdown by Pak forces

PoK unrest: Over 30 civilians killed in brutal crackdown by Pak forces

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

A brutal crackdown by Pakistani security forces on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) over the last two days has reportedly left more than 30 civilians dead and over 33 injured, government sources said on Wednesday.

Jamshedpur FC to withdraw from ISL, focus on grassroots development

Jamshedpur FC to withdraw from ISL, focus on grassroots development

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Jamshedpur FC has announced its withdrawal from the Indian Super League (ISL) starting from the 2026-27 season, hours after missing a payment deadline. The club stated its commitment to promoting and developing football at the grassroots level in India. This comes amidst a new agreement between AIFF and ISL clubs for a club-led model of the league.

After Modi post row, govt grills Meta on adherence to Indian laws

After Modi post row, govt grills Meta on adherence to Indian laws

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The government is questioning the visiting Meta team on whether the company is adhering to the law of the land, following summons to the social media giant over temporary restriction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post recently, sources said on Thursday.

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

'India should hold several high-level chess tournaments that would attract the world's top players so that the country will have a say in the game.'

Indian-origin CFO gets jail term for bribing surgeons in US

Indian-origin CFO gets jail term for bribing surgeons in US

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

An Indian-origin chief financial officer of a US spinal implant company has been sentenced to a four-month jail term for his role in a scheme to bribe surgeons. Aditya Humad conspired to pay over USD 540,000 in sham consulting fees to surgeons to induce them to use SpineFrontier's products, leading to millions in revenue for the company and undermining healthcare safeguards.

Hy'bad law university students object to CJI as chief guest

Hy'bad law university students object to CJI as chief guest

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Students at NALSAR University of Law have written to the university administration, opposing the proposal to invite the Chief Justice of India as the chief guest for their convocation. Their objection stems from the CJI-led Supreme Court bench's refusal to urgently list a plea concerning alleged police brutality during a 'Chalo Sansad' protest, which students feel contradicts the university's values.

CM Vijay's office set for historic shift from Fort St George

CM Vijay's office set for historic shift from Fort St George

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's office is relocating from the historic Fort St George to a new, spacious, and modern facility on the 10th floor of the Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai building in the Secretariat complex due to space constraints and administrative considerations. This move marks a significant departure from a nearly six-decade tradition.

Cabinet, Home Secretaries Get One-Year Extension

Cabinet, Home Secretaries Get One-Year Extension

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan have been granted a one-year extension in their service by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Somanathan's tenure is extended beyond August 2026, and Mohan's beyond August 2026, up to August 2027, under special provisions for key government officials.

Ex-terrorist gets life term for murder inside J-K mosque

Ex-terrorist gets life term for murder inside J-K mosque

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A court in Srinagar has sentenced an ex-militant to life imprisonment for the 2020 murder of a former terror outfit chief inside a mosque, observing that violence in a place of worship cannot be tolerated.

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a deepening crisis after his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned, leading to public distancing from influential executives and calls for his removal from office.

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has voted to cap the age for eligibility to its Executive Committee at 70 years, aligning its constitution with the National Sports Governance Act. This decision, approved by a narrow margin, allows elected members to complete their full four-year term even if they cross 70 during their tenure. The move is part of a broader constitutional overhaul overseen by the Delhi High Court, which also includes new tenure provisions and the election of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit.

How AI Weather Forecasts Are Transforming Farming In Telangana

How AI Weather Forecasts Are Transforming Farming In Telangana

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

A World Bank report highlights how Artificial Intelligence-powered weather forecasts have enabled small farmers in Telangana, India, to save up to USD 560 by adapting their farming practices to specific risks. The report, "The Promise of Artificial Intelligence," advocates for developing countries to rapidly adopt small, low-cost AI tools to enhance productivity, improve government services, and avoid missing out on the AI revolution.

SC allows Friday prayers at dargah next to Bhojshala

SC allows Friday prayers at dargah next to Bhojshala

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers at a dargah adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, between 1 pm and 3 pm. This directive comes after the Muslim side alleged non-compliance with a previous order for an alternative prayer site, and follows a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling declaring the complex a temple.

Vinesh Phogat Confirms Appeal Against Brij Bhushan's Acquittal In Sexual Harassment Case

Vinesh Phogat Confirms Appeal Against Brij Bhushan's Acquittal In Sexual Harassment Case

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat announced that women wrestlers will appeal a Delhi court's decision to acquit former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case.

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A US federal judge has permanently dismissed the criminal securities-fraud case against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar, closing nearly two years of prosecution without a trial. Gautam Adani stated, "Truth has prevailed," in response to the ruling.

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan Test spinner and chief selector Iqbal Qasim has criticised the current generation of Pakistani cricketers for prioritising financial gain, particularly through leagues like the PSL, over dedicated skill development and game awareness, attributing this to a lack of vision among selectors and a general disinterest among young players.

Venue provider revokes permission for Rahul Gandhi's Chhatron Ki Goonj event

Venue provider revokes permission for Rahul Gandhi's Chhatron Ki Goonj event

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Kayastha Pathshala Trust has revoked permission for Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme in Prayagraj, citing an Allahabad High Court order restricting the use of KP College ground and waterlogging. Despite the cancellation, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai insists Gandhi will still interact with students on August 8 and has sought an alternative venue, alleging political obstruction.

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For the first time in Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem, marking 150 years of the National Song's legacy.

J'khand job exam stir enters 14th day; student on hunger strike hospitalised

J'khand job exam stir enters 14th day; student on hunger strike hospitalised

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A student leader on a hunger strike in Ranchi, protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams, was hospitalised after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, demands cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe.