News for 'US Department of State'

Maharashtra braces for water crisis, orders 10% cut from Oct 16

Maharashtra braces for water crisis, orders 10% cut from Oct 16

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Maharashtra government announced a minimum 10 per cent water cut for all urban and rural local bodies starting October 16 due to a deficient monsoon and El Nino impact. The state is prioritising drinking water, planning for water stocks until August 2027, and implementing measures like preventing leakage, reusing treated wastewater, and curbing unauthorised extraction.

Gujarat High Court Grants Temporary Bail To Jailed AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava

Gujarat High Court Grants Temporary Bail To Jailed AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Jailed Aam Aadmi Party MLA Chaitar Vasava was granted one-day temporary bail by the Gujarat High Court after his stepbrother was hospitalised following a suicide attempt. The MLA's stepbrother, Shantilal Vasava, consumed poison on October 12 and is in critical condition. Chaitar Vasava had initially sought bail for an examination but changed his plea to care for his stepbrother. He was previously sentenced to seven years in jail for extortion and assault.

Sion Hospital Medical Student Dies By Suicide

Sion Hospital Medical Student Dies By Suicide

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

A first-year postgraduate medical student at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital in Sion, Mumbai, allegedly died by suicide in his hostel room on Saturday evening. Preliminary investigations suggest Dr Shivcharan Appa Patil died from an overdose of anaesthesia. Police have registered an accidental death report and are investigating further.

'Act Before Lawrence Bishnoi Becomes A Dawood Ibrahim'

'Act Before Lawrence Bishnoi Becomes A Dawood Ibrahim'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'You want the main man, and you cannot even bring him to Mumbai, where he has allegedly carried out a high-profile shootout.'

CBI Faces Scrutiny After Ex-Principal Gets Bail In Financial Irregularities Case

CBI Faces Scrutiny After Ex-Principal Gets Bail In Financial Irregularities Case

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

The father of a doctor who was raped and murdered has questioned the CBI after former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh received bail from the Supreme Court in a financial irregularities case. Ghosh was previously granted bail in the rape-murder case in December 2024 due to the CBI's failure to file a chargesheet. Doctors and the victim's family are criticising the CBI's handling of the investigations, alleging incompetence and delays.

School Headmaster Held For Alleged Sexual Harassment Of Class 6 Student

School Headmaster Held For Alleged Sexual Harassment Of Class 6 Student

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

A government residential school headmaster in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a Class 6 girl student. The incident, which occurred on September 25, was reported to the police on Monday after the victim informed her parents. The headmaster, Srikrushna Patra, faces charges under BNS and the POCSO Act.

How India Became NetApp's Fastest-Growing Market In Asia

How India Became NetApp's Fastest-Growing Market In Asia

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

NetApp CEO George Kurian announced that India is the company's fastest-growing market in Asia, driven by strong performance in BFSI, manufacturing, IT services, and public sectors. The company's Bengaluru global capability centre is its largest, housing 4,000 engineers and leading global R&D. NetApp also unveiled new AI-focused storage solutions and cloud partnerships at its Insight event.

Key Accused In Zubeen Garg Death Case Gets Bail

Key Accused In Zubeen Garg Death Case Gets Bail

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to suspended Assam Police DSP Sandipon Garg, an accused in the mysterious death case of singer Zubeen Garg. Garg, charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, is expected to be released after the Durga Puja holidays. This follows earlier bail grants to other accused in the high-profile case, even as investigations continue despite conflicting findings from Singaporean authorities.

Vigilance Raids CPI(M) Councillor's Home Over Rs 10 Lakh Bribe Allegation

Vigilance Raids CPI(M) Councillor's Home Over Rs 10 Lakh Bribe Allegation

Rediff.com18 Oct 2026

A CPI(M) councillor in Thiruvananthapuram, Ajin S L, is under investigation by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) for allegedly demanding a Rs 10 lakh bribe to resolve a land-related issue. His residence was searched, and a case has been registered against him and three others under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CPI(M) has announced an internal inquiry, while the BJP demands his resignation.

Goa Nightclub Owners Granted Bail In Health NOC Manipulation Case

Goa Nightclub Owners Granted Bail In Health NOC Manipulation Case

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, have been granted regular bail by a Goa court in a case involving the alleged manipulation of a Health Department NOC to obtain an excise licence. The alleged forgery came to light after a devastating fire at the nightclub in December 2025 killed 25 people. Despite the bail, the brothers will remain in custody due to a separate High Court order in the fire tragedy case, with stringent conditions imposed by the court.

RPF Thiruvananthapuram Seizes Narcotics Worth Rs 55 Crore

RPF Thiruvananthapuram Seizes Narcotics Worth Rs 55 Crore

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Thiruvananthapuram Division has seized 943 kg of narcotic substances valued at Rs 54.98 crore in 108 cases between January and September this year. These efforts are part of Operation NARCOS, a nationwide initiative to prevent the railway network from being used for drug trafficking. The RPF also detected cases involving banned tobacco products and IMFL during the same period.

MUST SEE! Bollywood's Classy Convertibles

MUST SEE! Bollywood's Classy Convertibles

Rediff.com5 hours ago

From Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War featuring Ranbir Kapoor in a vintage blue convertible to classic films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Chahta Hai, convertibles have long been a symbol of style and luxury in Hindi cinema.

Cabinet approves Fairfax's Rs 52,878-cr bid for IDBI Bank; largest FDI ever in India's financial sector

Cabinet approves Fairfax's Rs 52,878-cr bid for IDBI Bank; largest FDI ever in India's financial sector

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

The Indian Cabinet has approved Fairfax Financial Holdings' Rs 52,878 crore bid to acquire a 60.72 per cent stake in IDBI Bank, marking the country's largest foreign direct investment in the financial sector.

Kerala Mini Cooper Crash: Family Demands Murder Charge

Kerala Mini Cooper Crash: Family Demands Murder Charge

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Police in Kerala have arrested four individuals, including the driver, in connection with a fatal Mini Cooper crash that killed three youngsters. The driver, Suhail, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and driving at high speed. The victims' family is demanding that murder charges be invoked against the accused, while the Excise Department has registered cases against three bars for serving alcohol to underage individuals.

11 killed as torrential rains trigger floods, landslides across states

11 killed as torrential rains trigger floods, landslides across states

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Torrential rains have caused widespread devastation across several Indian states, leading to at least 11 deaths in Assam and Uttarakhand, pushing rivers above danger levels, and disrupting daily life with landslides, floods, and school closures. States like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir are also grappling with the monsoon fury, while Meghalaya faces an unusual rainfall deficit.

How Mizoram Police Recovered Rs 1 Crore From Cybercrime Victims

How Mizoram Police Recovered Rs 1 Crore From Cybercrime Victims

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Mizoram police have successfully recovered over Rs 1 crore for cybercrime victims this year and arrested nine alleged cybercriminals. The state has also established a dedicated State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (S4C) to enhance its efforts in detection, investigation, and public awareness against cybercrime.

Property Dispute Angle In Greater Noida Family Deaths

Property Dispute Angle In Greater Noida Family Deaths

Rediff.com18 Oct 2026

Police in Greater Noida have arrested three relatives of a deceased man for alleged abetment to suicide, following the deaths of five family members from suspected poisoning. The investigation suggests a property dispute may be the motive, with the deceased having left a voice note blaming the accused. Forensic reports are awaited to confirm the exact cause of death.

Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, 19 dead; govt orders probe

Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, 19 dead; govt orders probe

Rediff.com18 Oct 2026

A stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday evening resulted in 19 deaths and 25 injuries. The Chief Minister announced compensation and a SIT probe, while officials have been detained and crowd-pulling pujas advised to close.

Over 250 Delhi-bound trains cancelled ahead of CJP's Jantar Mantar 2.0

Over 250 Delhi-bound trains cancelled ahead of CJP's Jantar Mantar 2.0

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Indian Railways has cancelled over 250 trains connecting New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations ahead of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, a move criticised by experts and passenger bodies as 'unprecedented' and 'anti-passenger'.

Bihar flood threat widens as Gandak, Ganga breach danger marks

Bihar flood threat widens as Gandak, Ganga breach danger marks

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Bihar is facing a severe flood situation with the Central Water Commission issuing an 'Orange' bulletin as the Gandak and Ganga rivers flow above danger marks, leading to embankment breaches and inundation in Saran and other districts. Relief and rescue operations are intensifying with NDRF and SDRF teams deployed, and ration packets being air-dropped to affected areas.

India Sends Strong Contingent To World U-19 Boxing Championships In Montenegro

India Sends Strong Contingent To World U-19 Boxing Championships In Montenegro

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

An 18-member Indian boxing team has departed for Budva, Montenegro, to compete in the World U-19 Championships starting on October 18. The team includes medallists from the Asian U-19 Championships and aims to improve upon India's previous performance of 17 medals in the inaugural edition.

How J&K ACB Busted Bribery Racket In Agriculture Dept

How J&K ACB Busted Bribery Racket In Agriculture Dept

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Anti-corruption Bureau in Jammu and Kashmir has arrested a senior government officer and a middleman for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000. The officer, Naseer Ahmad Khan, from the Agriculture Department, was accused of demanding Rs 2 lakh from a seed dealer, with Rs 1 lakh already paid. The arrests were made during a trap laid by the ACB.

IIT Bombay bars questions on caste, admission category, JEE ranks

IIT Bombay bars questions on caste, admission category, JEE ranks

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has released 'anti-discrimination guidelines' advising students, faculty, and staff against inquiring about birth, admission category, or entrance exam ranks to prevent bias. This move follows the suicide of student Sahil Wakode, whose parents alleged caste discrimination. The guidelines also prohibit hateful messages and aim to foster inclusivity on campus.

'Bharat Rice' for troops: Army upgrades rations, eases supply to remote posts

'Bharat Rice' for troops: Army upgrades rations, eases supply to remote posts

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The Indian Army has launched 'Bharat Rice', a superior-quality rice for defence forces, aimed at improving ration quality and logistics. This initiative, spearheaded by the Directorate General of Supplies and Transport, involves direct supply to Army Supply Depots, including remote areas, and an MoU with FCI for infrastructure utilisation during contingencies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted its significance for soldier welfare, operational readiness, and national security, emphasising logistics as combat power.

Anti-Drug Activist Murder: Police Probe Personal Enmity Angle

Anti-Drug Activist Murder: Police Probe Personal Enmity Angle

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, on Tuesday. Preliminary police investigation suggests personal enmity as the motive, with a medical store owner, Ashwani Kumar, identified as the main accused. Police are conducting a manhunt for Kumar, whose associate has been arrested and family members detained. The murder has led to protests and vandalism.

J&K Crime Branch Charges Three Public Servants In Service Record Fraud

J&K Crime Branch Charges Three Public Servants In Service Record Fraud

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch's Special Crime Wing has filed a chargesheet against three public servants, including a retired officer, for alleged fraud and corruption involving the manipulation of service records to obtain undue benefits. The case centres on a forged date-of-birth certificate and the facilitation of its incorporation into official records.

Russian lab worker's death sparks plague fears, hundreds quarantined

Russian lab worker's death sparks plague fears, hundreds quarantined

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

A laboratory technician in Siberia died from 'pneumonia of unknown aetiology' at an Anti-Plague Research Institute, sparking fears of pneumonic plague, with the US now monitoring the situation and urging Russia for transparency.

Arson Attack Destroys Soybean Stocks, Farmers Face Rs 14 Lakh Loss In Latur

Arson Attack Destroys Soybean Stocks, Farmers Face Rs 14 Lakh Loss In Latur

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Four farmers in Latur, Maharashtra, suffered an estimated loss of Rs 14 lakh after their harvested soybean stocks were allegedly set on fire by an unidentified person late on Monday night. The incident occurred amidst drought conditions, exacerbating the financial hardship for the farmers who had cultivated the crops with limited water. Police are investigating, and villagers are demanding justice and financial assistance for the affected.

Two Indians charged with selling fake Ozempic in US

Two Indians charged with selling fake Ozempic in US

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Two Indian nationals have been charged in a US federal court for their alleged involvement in a transnational scheme to distribute counterfeit Ozempic, a popular diabetes drug. The scheme involved obtaining fake drugs from China, deceptive packaging, and continued even after FDA warnings, with the accused facing significant jail time if convicted.

Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: ED Claims Rs 880 Crore Delivered To Congress Office

Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: ED Claims Rs 880 Crore Delivered To Congress Office

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed that Rs 860-Rs 880 crore generated from an alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh during the previous Congress regime was delivered to the Pradesh Congress Committee office in Raipur. The agency filed a supplementary chargesheet against former PCC treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal and provisionally attached his properties worth Rs 9.06 crore. The ED alleges a liquor syndicate controlled the state excise department, generating over Rs 2,883 crore in illegal proceeds.

Robot-Assisted Surgery Revolutionises Gallbladder Operations At AIIMS

Robot-Assisted Surgery Revolutionises Gallbladder Operations At AIIMS

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Specialists at AIIMS, Delhi, affirm that robot-assisted procedures significantly improve difficult gallbladder operations by offering enhanced visualisation and instrument control. This technology aids in navigating complex cases involving severe inflammation and unexpected anatomy, and is seen as the next evolutionary step in surgical techniques, potentially phasing out conventional laparoscopy.

Veteran Physicist Umesh Waghmare To Lead Science And Technology Department

Veteran Physicist Umesh Waghmare To Lead Science And Technology Department

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Veteran physicist Professor Umesh V Waghmare has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology. Currently a professor at JNCASR, Bengaluru, his appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. He succeeds Professor Abhay Karandikar and brings a distinguished academic background from IIT-Bombay, Yale, and Harvard to the role.

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Moves Supreme Court For Protection

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Moves Supreme Court For Protection

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa has moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest under anti-terrorism laws in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. This appeal follows the dismissal of his previous petition by the Court of Appeal and an existing overseas travel ban.

Congress alleges police raid party's Maha HQ, arrest tribal students

Congress alleges police raid party's Maha HQ, arrest tribal students

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Congress party in Maharashtra has accused the police of illegally entering its Mumbai headquarters, Tilak Bhawan, and arresting tribal students and NSUI members who were protesting. While the police deny these claims, stating no arrests were made from the building, the Congress has threatened to gherao the Chief Minister's residence if the detained individuals are not released, escalating a political confrontation over student protests.

Is Ambani real boss of India, asks Musk; Rahul replies...

Is Ambani real boss of India, asks Musk; Rahul replies...

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Elon Musk questioned if Mukesh Ambani is India's "real boss" amidst Starlink's licensing issues, drawing a cryptic response from Rahul Gandhi. The Indian government clarified that security assessments are pending for all satcom licensees, not just Starlink, and the delay is due to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Chhattisgarh Coal Levy Scam: Congress MLA, IAS Officer Among 12 Named In New Charge Sheet

Chhattisgarh Coal Levy Scam: Congress MLA, IAS Officer Among 12 Named In New Charge Sheet

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Chhattisgarh Economic Offence Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB) has filed its sixth supplementary charge sheet in the alleged coal levy scam, naming 12 individuals including Congress MLA Devendra Singh Yadav, former state Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal, and IAS officer Jai Prakash Maurya. The scam involves an alleged illegal levy of Rs 25 per tonne collected from coal transporters by a syndicate of bureaucrats, businessmen, and politicians, with handwritten diaries indicating collections of around Rs 540 crore.

How Lovlina Borgohain Rediscovered Her Passion For Boxing

How Lovlina Borgohain Rediscovered Her Passion For Boxing

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Indian ace boxer Lovlina Borgohain, after facing disappointment at the 2024 Olympics, rediscovered her passion for boxing, leading to a gold medal victory at the recent Asian Games in Japan. She aims for direct Olympic qualification through the World Championships and hopes to upgrade her Olympic bronze to gold.

Indian Oil To Invest Rs 40 Crore In Boxing Development

Indian Oil To Invest Rs 40 Crore In Boxing Development

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Indian Oil Corporation have signed an MoU for Rs 40 crore over two years to bolster boxing in India. This partnership, leveraging CSR funds and SAI's expertise, aims to enhance talent identification, athlete development, coaching, and international exposure for boxers, aligning with the revamped Khelo India Scheme.

NIT Rourkela Develops Jackfruit Peel Filter For Fluoride Removal

NIT Rourkela Develops Jackfruit Peel Filter For Fluoride Removal

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Researchers at NIT Rourkela have developed a novel material from discarded jackfruit peels, capable of removing over 90% of fluoride from contaminated water in about 10 minutes under laboratory conditions. This patented technology, which uses activated carbon modified with zirconium, offers a promising, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for decentralised water treatment, particularly in fluoride-affected regions of India.

Illegal Liquor Seized From Train Attendant In Thane

Illegal Liquor Seized From Train Attendant In Thane

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

A train attendant was arrested at Thane railway station for allegedly possessing 61 bottles of Goa-manufactured Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs 71,560. The seizure was made by the state excise department based on a tip-off, and the attendant has been charged under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.