News for 'US Department of State'

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.

Singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta Gets Bail In Zubeen Garg Death Case

Singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta Gets Bail In Zubeen Garg Death Case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta, an accused in the Zubeen Garg death case, against a bond of Rs 50,000. Special Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kamar stated that the grounds for bail are not yet known, but the court deemed it a fit case. The prosecution, which presented arguments for several days, cannot challenge the order but will inform the government. Mahanta is currently lodged in Haflong jail, while other accused are in Tamulpur jail. The case involves the mysterious death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore last year, with conflicting findings from Singapore Police and Assam authorities, who maintain it was a murder.

'70% Of Bollywood Stars Have Paid Extortion Money To Bishnoi'

'70% Of Bollywood Stars Have Paid Extortion Money To Bishnoi'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'The remaining 30% are scared they will be shot at and they too will shell out the money soon.'

13 of 18 suspects in Vizag's Pak spy ring are navy personnel

13 of 18 suspects in Vizag's Pak spy ring are navy personnel

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Andhra Pradesh Police have arrested a naval staffer and a civilian driver in connection with an alleged espionage conspiracy involving Pakistan Intelligence Operatives, raising serious national security concerns.

'We Don't Want To Prevent Anyone From Celebrating Any Religious Festival, But...'

'We Don't Want To Prevent Anyone From Celebrating Any Religious Festival, But...'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

'Many devout religious people have told me categorically that they like celebrating festivals, but they are vehemently against the noise pollution and traffic obstruction that are being imposed under the pretext of celebrations.'

'Join Modi play or face marks cut': Kolkata college students allege pressure

'Join Modi play or face marks cut': Kolkata college students allege pressure

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Students at Scottish Church College in Kolkata allege they were threatened with academic repercussions for refusing to participate in a play titled 'Namo Seva -- Untold Stories', a charge denied by the principal who states participation is voluntary and follows state directives.

India eyes 30 GW private nuclear capacity by 2047, Rs 7.5 lakh cr investment

India eyes 30 GW private nuclear capacity by 2047, Rs 7.5 lakh cr investment

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty announced that India's private sector is projected to invest Rs 7.5 lakh crore and contribute 30 GW towards the nation's goal of achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047. This marks a significant policy shift, facilitated by the SHANTI Act, encouraging private participation in nuclear energy beyond the traditional public sector model. The country is also exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for industrial needs and advancing its three-stage nuclear power programme, leveraging its substantial thorium reserves.

Four Senior India Hockey Players Set For Farewell At Asian Champions Trophy

Four Senior India Hockey Players Set For Farewell At Asian Champions Trophy

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Four senior Indian hockey players Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, and Nilakanta Sharma are reportedly set to play their final matches for the country at the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. This decision by Hockey India aims to bring in fresh talent and groom younger players for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, ensuring a smooth transition for the national team.

Police Probe Murder Of Retired IAS Officer In Bhopal, Househelp Suspected

Police Probe Murder Of Retired IAS Officer In Bhopal, Househelp Suspected

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A 70-year-old retired IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his home in Bhopal. Police suspect his househelp, who has been missing since the incident. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has condemned the killing and assured swift action, while the opposition has criticised the state's law and order situation.

Trump strikes surprise deal with Putin, Zelenskyy says...

Trump strikes surprise deal with Putin, Zelenskyy says...

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Former President Donald Trump's recent deal with Russia to supply diesel to the US and global markets has ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp criticism from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Democratic leaders, and a segment of Republicans, despite the US Treasury lifting sanctions on Russian diesel supplies.

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A retired 70-year-old IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his Bhopal residence. Police suspect his househelp, Varun, who joined two days prior and is now missing. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured strict action, while the Congress party has criticised the state's law and order situation following the incident.

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A retired 70-year-old IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his Bhopal residence. Police suspect his househelp, Varun, who joined two days prior and is now missing. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured strict action, while the Congress party has criticised the state's law and order situation following the incident.

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A retired 70-year-old IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his Bhopal residence. Police suspect his househelp, Varun, who joined two days prior and is now missing. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured strict action, while the Congress party has criticised the state's law and order situation following the incident.

Karnataka Unveils Major Incentives For Asian Games Medallists

Karnataka Unveils Major Incentives For Asian Games Medallists

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Karnataka government has significantly increased cash awards for Asian Games medallists, with gold winners now receiving Rs 1 crore. Additionally, all 20 participating athletes received a Rs 5 lakh incentive. The state also announced direct recruitment opportunities for Group-B posts and a 2% reservation in government jobs for accomplished sportspersons, alongside financial support for Olympic preparation under the 'Guri: Olympics' scheme.

Five Arrested After Man Dies In Delhi Nightclub Assault

Five Arrested After Man Dies In Delhi Nightclub Assault

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Five individuals, including bouncers and a club manager, have been arrested in New Delhi following the death of a man who was allegedly assaulted at a nightclub. The incident occurred after the victim reportedly spilled beer on the manager's wife, leading to a brutal attack with sticks and glass bottles. The victim, Daljeet, later succumbed to his injuries after being taken home by friends. Police are investigating allegations of a firearm, theft, and inadequate police response, while also examining the nightclub's operating permissions.

Two children among 9 killed in Pennsylvania mass shooting

Two children among 9 killed in Pennsylvania mass shooting

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

A mass shooting and hours-long standoff in Erie, Pennsylvania, left nine people dead, including two children. CBS News, citing local media reports, indicated that law enforcement was dispatched to Perry Street around 5 PM on Friday following witness accounts of an armed man firing shots before entering a residence.

West Bengal CM To Witness Historic India-Brazil Football Clash

West Bengal CM To Witness Historic India-Brazil Football Clash

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will attend the India-Brazil international football friendly in Kolkata on October 3. The city is preparing for the historic match, with Brazil's five-time world champions having arrived and security measures stepped up.

My Twin Won Gold, Silver, Bronze And Broke A Record

My Twin Won Gold, Silver, Bronze And Broke A Record

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Vithya Ramraj won three medals at the Asian Games and broke P T Usha's 42-year-old record. Her twin Nithya, an international athlete herself, ruled out of the Games by an injury, looks back at their journey from a rented home to a podium finish.

Breaking Bad Actor RJ Mitte Dies At 34

Breaking Bad Actor RJ Mitte Dies At 34

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

RJ Mitte, the beloved Breaking Bad actor has passed away at 34, with his representative confirming the death by suicide.

Amit Kumar Takes Helm As Google Cloud India MD Steps Down

Amit Kumar Takes Helm As Google Cloud India MD Steps Down

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Google Cloud India's Managing Director, Sashikumar Sreedharan, has resigned to pursue a new opportunity. Amit Kumar, previously MD for Digital Natives, has been appointed as the interim head of India operations. The transition was announced by Karan Bajwa, President of Google Cloud Asia Pacific, who highlighted the company's strong momentum in India.

Manhunt Intensifies For Caretaker Accused Of Murdering Retired IAS Officer

Manhunt Intensifies For Caretaker Accused Of Murdering Retired IAS Officer

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Bhopal police have announced a Rs 30,000 reward for Varun Kumar, the caretaker suspected of murdering retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal. Kumar allegedly slit Agarwal's throat and attempted to set the house on fire before fleeing. A four-state manhunt is underway to apprehend the suspect.

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Trinamool Congress has lost the chairpersonship of two significant Parliamentary panels following a reconstitution by Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This development comes after a split in the TMC, with rebel MPs joining the Nationalist Citizen Party and supporting the NDA. The TMC has strongly criticised the move, alleging that Parliament is being turned into a 'deep, dark chamber' due to their exclusion from committee leadership.

India's Medical Isotope Mission Needs Faster Corridors

India's Medical Isotope Mission Needs Faster Corridors

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

A country that makes the isotope sets the timetable for everyone who needs it.

Gauhati Student Death Accused Injured In Police Firing

Gauhati Student Death Accused Injured In Police Firing

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A man accused in the death of Gauhati University student Nimisha Thakuria was injured in police firing in Guwahati after allegedly attempting to escape custody. Asif Ali, who was on police remand, sustained gunshot wounds to his leg and is currently hospitalised. The incident occurred as he was being taken to court, and further investigation is underway.

'Disastrous effect': SC orders halt to riverbed sand mining, seeks report

'Disastrous effect': SC orders halt to riverbed sand mining, seeks report

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to submit a report on sand mining from riverbeds, highlighting its disastrous impact on river ecosystems. The court also ordered Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to file compliance affidavits regarding measures against illegal sand mining in and around the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, following concerns over environmental damage and a forest ranger's death.

Punjab FC Announces 27-Member Squad For ISL 2026-27 Season

Punjab FC Announces 27-Member Squad For ISL 2026-27 Season

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Punjab FC has announced a 27-member squad for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, featuring a mix of retained players, national team members, foreign talents, and 10 academy graduates. Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis expressed confidence in the balanced squad, which is set to kick off its campaign on October 14 against Odisha FC.

How Forensic Evidence Unravelled A 9-Year-Old Murder Mystery In Kerala

How Forensic Evidence Unravelled A 9-Year-Old Murder Mystery In Kerala

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

The Kerala Crime Branch has arrested Raveendran Nair, former caretaker of Jayamadhavan Nair, for his murder nine years ago. The investigation, initially treated as an unnatural death, gained momentum through forensic evidence, contradictory statements, and a forged will, leading to the unravelling of a property dispute motive.

'No state can block elephants': SC orders nationwide corridor survey

'No state can block elephants': SC orders nationwide corridor survey

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) to conduct a nationwide survey to check if any state has constructed obstacles or created blockades in elephant corridors, saying it was unacceptable.

After Oppn complaints, EC replaces Nandigram police chief day before bypoll

After Oppn complaints, EC replaces Nandigram police chief day before bypoll

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Election Commission replaced the inspector-in-charge of Nandigram police station, Ajay Kumar Mishra, with Debashis Sarkar a day before the bypoll, following complaints from opposition parties alleging Mishra's closeness to the ruling party. This move comes amidst heightened political scrutiny and concerns raised by opposition leaders regarding the fairness of the election process in Nandigram, a constituency with significant political history in West Bengal.

H-1B visa 'completely broken', should be scrapped: Vance

H-1B visa 'completely broken', should be scrapped: Vance

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

US Vice President J D Vance has labelled the H-1B visa programme as "completely broken" and expressed support for its total abolition. He argues that corporations exploit the system to replace American workers with cheaper international staff, rather than bringing in elite talent. Vance also defended the controversial $100,000 levy on certain H-1B petitions, viewing it as a deterrent against cost-cutting exploitation.

Gujarat CID-Crime Registers FIRs Against Three Political Outfits In Rs 314 Crore Poll Donation Scam

Gujarat CID-Crime Registers FIRs Against Three Political Outfits In Rs 314 Crore Poll Donation Scam

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Gujarat CID-Crime has registered FIRs against three political outfits Swatantrata Abhivyakti Party, Satyavadi Rakshak Party, and Garib Kalyan Party for allegedly orchestrating a 'poll donation scam' amounting to Rs 314 crore in tax evasion. These parties reportedly collected donations, returned money after deducting commissions, and facilitated tax rebates for donors, with chartered accountants also implicated. The scam involved submitting false contribution reports to the Election Commission.

Only some people are heard: Ex-IAS Divya Mittal launches party

Only some people are heard: Ex-IAS Divya Mittal launches party

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has launched her new political party, Jan Neeti Bharat, with the aim of contesting the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and redefining governance by making people central to policymaking and ensuring government accountability.

Punjab CM's OSD Summoned By CBI In Bribery Probe

Punjab CM's OSD Summoned By CBI In Bribery Probe

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The CBI has issued fresh summons to Rajbir Ghuman, OSD to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in an alleged corruption case involving pecuniary benefits for managing postings of IAS and IPS officers. Ghuman failed to appear for questioning on Friday, leading CBI teams to paste summons on his premises. The case, registered on Tuesday following Punjab and Haryana High Court orders, also led to raids at eight locations.

CPI(M) Launches Internal Inquiry Into Councillor's Bribery Scandal

CPI(M) Launches Internal Inquiry Into Councillor's Bribery Scandal

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

The CPI(M) has initiated an internal inquiry into allegations that one of its councillors in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Ajin S, demanded a Rs 10 lakh bribe to resolve a land dispute. The complainant, Sanju, provided audio and video clips, while Ajin S denies the claims, calling them fabricated. The party's state secretary confirmed the probe, and the Thiruvananthapuram Mayor also acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations.

How India Is Poised For A Major Tech Transformation

How India Is Poised For A Major Tech Transformation

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Atomic Energy Commission chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty stated that India is on the verge of a significant technological transformation, driven by advancements in AI, quantum technologies, and other fields. Speaking at BIT Mesra's convocation, he emphasised the need for strong indigenous capabilities, skilled professionals, and interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve a developed India. Other speakers, including BIT Mesra's Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, echoed the importance of continuous learning and contributing to national progress.

Mamata Banerjee likely to join CJP protest at Jantar Mantar

Mamata Banerjee likely to join CJP protest at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indicated her potential participation in a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She strongly criticised the BJP and the Election Commission over alleged electoral malpractices and "SIR anomalies" in Bengal. Banerjee also expressed solidarity with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra regarding their treatment during recent protests and plans to approach President Droupadi Murmu.

IIT Delhi Researchers Successfully Transmit Quantum And Classical Data Over Single Fibre

IIT Delhi Researchers Successfully Transmit Quantum And Classical Data Over Single Fibre

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Researchers at IIT Delhi have successfully demonstrated the simultaneous transmission of quantum-entangled photons and classical data over a 50-km optical fibre link. This breakthrough addresses key challenges in integrating fragile quantum signals with existing telecommunications infrastructure, paving the way for more scalable and secure future quantum networks.

'Drunk men all around': Last call by Assam woman found dead in Andhra

'Drunk men all around': Last call by Assam woman found dead in Andhra

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

A tragic incident has unfolded as an Assam woman, Himashree Boro, was found dead near railway tracks in Andhra Pradesh, prompting her family to allege murder and question railway safety and RPF response after she reported feeling unsafe on the train.

Ramlila Maidan: Delhi's costly protest venue with limited dates

Ramlila Maidan: Delhi's costly protest venue with limited dates

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Ramlila Maidan, recently designated as one of Delhi's new protest sites, is proving to be a costly and difficult option for demonstrators. With no free dates for the next two and a half months and booking fees exceeding Rs 1 lakh, it contrasts sharply with the previously free Jantar Mantar. The ground, rich in political history, also poses logistical challenges due to its busy commercial location and impact on traffic.