News for 'US Department of State'

Himachal Pradesh Forest Department Seizes Leopard Skin, Arrests Two

Himachal Pradesh Forest Department Seizes Leopard Skin, Arrests Two

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Sirmour Forest Department's rapid response team raided a house in Ghutanpur village, recovering the remains of wild animals, including a leopard skin, leading to two arrests and highlighting ongoing poaching concerns in the region.

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: Ineligibility Leads To Fund Recovery

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: Ineligibility Leads To Fund Recovery

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Delhi government has notified detailed guidelines for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, outlining strict provisions for beneficiaries found ineligible, including discontinuation of financial assistance, recovery of disbursed funds, and potential fraud charges. The scheme provides Rs 2,500 monthly to eligible women, with specific rules for fund disbursement via RD/FD accounts and CBDC wallets, along with clear eligibility and exclusion criteria.

Trump adopts 'low-key' approach towards Iran, no new strikes planned

Trump adopts 'low-key' approach towards Iran, no new strikes planned

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is taking a "low-key" approach towards Iran, focusing on economic pressure rather than military action, amidst ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump highlighted Iran's worsening economic situation and the impact of the US naval blockade, while negotiations for reopening the Strait remain stalled due to new conditions from Tehran.

Dronacharya Awardee Parveer Singh's Journey: From Seema Punia To Asian Games Gold

Dronacharya Awardee Parveer Singh's Journey: From Seema Punia To Asian Games Gold

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Veteran athletics coach Parveer Singh, who guided athletes like Seema Punia, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and Annu Rani to international medals, has been named for the prestigious Dronacharya Award. The article details his extensive career spanning over two decades, his role as a coach educator, and his academic contributions to sports coaching.

Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal's Ukraine steel plant hit in Russian strike, 2 killed

Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal's Ukraine steel plant hit in Russian strike, 2 killed

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A Russian missile strike on the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, has resulted in two fatalities and 13 injuries. The attack partially disrupted operations at the country's largest steelworks, owned by Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, damaging key energy and blast furnace facilities. Search and rescue efforts are underway, and the extent of the damage is being assessed.

How Delhi's New Drone Policy Aims To Boost Employment And Innovation

How Delhi's New Drone Policy Aims To Boost Employment And Innovation

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Delhi government is set to introduce a comprehensive drone policy aimed at creating over 1,000 jobs and regulating drone operations. The policy will focus on establishing research clusters, flight testing facilities, and providing subsidies, while also addressing drone usage for government purposes like traffic management and surveillance, considering the city's extensive 'no drone zones'.

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Maharashtra bans books, magazines glorifying terror outfits

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has banned 114 items of literature from terrorist organisations like Islamic State and Al Qaeda, citing their role in glorifying extremism, promoting radicalisation, and threatening India's sovereignty and public order. The ban, issued via a gazette notification, follows intelligence inputs and ATS investigations into the circulation of such propaganda material.

Trump mulls $100,000 fee for international student work visas

Trump mulls $100,000 fee for international student work visas

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The US is reportedly considering a USD 100,000 fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas, which allow international students to work in the US after graduation. This move by the Trump administration follows a rejected H1-B visa fee proposal and could significantly impact foreign graduates and tech companies. The Department of Homeland Security is also exploring a USD 100,000 bond for green card applicants.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

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.

Big relief for Vijay govt as SC clears jobs for Karur victims' kin

Big relief for Vijay govt as SC clears jobs for Karur victims' kin

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed a Madras High Court order that had quashed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to provide government jobs to relatives of those who died in a stampede at Karur last year, questioning the locus standi of petitioners challenging government policy.

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday said Maoism was once considered difficult to eliminate, but the menace has now been wiped out, and this year the 'Tiranga Yatra' will also reach remote villages and schools in former Maoist strongholds of the state

National Table Tennis Championships Kicks Off Amidst TTFI Suspension

National Table Tennis Championships Kicks Off Amidst TTFI Suspension

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships has commenced in Kanpur, featuring 1900 players across 12 categories, including top senior athletes. The tournament proceeds despite the Sports Ministry's recent suspension of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) over election irregularities, with the TTFI asserting its autonomy.

MutAIverse: AI Breakthrough In Decoding Cancer's Origins

MutAIverse: AI Breakthrough In Decoding Cancer's Origins

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Researchers at Delhi's Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology have developed 'MutAIverse', a generative AI platform designed to decode DNA damage and identify potential causes of cancer. Tested on head and neck cancer patients in Guwahati, the platform successfully traced exposure to smokeless tobacco as a contributing factor. This innovation aims to shift focus from just diagnosis to understanding causative factors, potentially aiding in prevention and protection.

India's Trade Deficit Widens to $31.98 Billion in July Amid Import Surge

India's Trade Deficit Widens to $31.98 Billion in July Amid Import Surge

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's trade deficit reached a six-month high of $31.98 billion in July, driven by a sharp increase in imports, particularly crude oil, electronic goods, coal, and fertilisers. Both merchandise exports and imports recorded their second-highest levels during the same period.

Gujarat on high alert as extremely heavy rainfall likely in 2 days

Gujarat on high alert as extremely heavy rainfall likely in 2 days

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The administration has been put on high alert following the India meteorological department's (IMD) forecast of extremely heavy rainfall across several districts of Gujarat in the next two days.

Bengaluru, Mysuru unaffected by Karnataka bandh call over Cauvery

Bengaluru, Mysuru unaffected by Karnataka bandh call over Cauvery

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

While intense protests were seen in Mandya and preventive detentions carried out at several places, life remained unaffected in major urban centres like Bengaluru and Mysuru.

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.

Digital Marketplace To Empower Jharkhand's Rural Women

Digital Marketplace To Empower Jharkhand's Rural Women

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Jharkhand has partnered with CSC eStore to create a digital marketplace for products made by women's self-help groups (SHGs). This initiative aims to expand market access, boost income for rural women, and strengthen the rural economy through e-commerce and digital governance. The state also plans to extend Aadhaar services to all panchayats by November 15.

Multi-State Cyber Fraud Suspect Nabbed In Assam

Multi-State Cyber Fraud Suspect Nabbed In Assam

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Assam Police have arrested a cyber fraudster suspected of involvement in multi-state digital crimes. The arrest was made by the Crime Investigation Department's Cyber Police Station, and the suspect is believed to have operated a highly active mule account.

India Faces 100% US Tariff Risk Over Russian Oil

India Faces 100% US Tariff Risk Over Russian Oil

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The US senate last week passed a bill that would allow Washington to impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.

Bihar to drop charges against NEET protesters, release detainees

Bihar to drop charges against NEET protesters, release detainees

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Bihar government has announced the withdrawal of all cases filed against protesters involved in demonstrations concerning the NEET paper leak. This decision includes the release of individuals who were jailed in connection with these incidents.

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government's plan to establish a high-powered committee to examine reforms for the banking sector, aligning it with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and India's next phase of growth.

Trump tightens green card rules, Indians face fresh hurdles

Trump tightens green card rules, Indians face fresh hurdles

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Trump administration has reinstated and expanded the "public charge" rule, making it harder for immigrants seeking green cards if they have used public benefits like Medicaid, food stamps, or housing assistance. This policy change, effective September 18, will impact many applicants, including those from India, by broadening the criteria for inadmissibility.

Jharkhand: JSSC-CGL exam cancellation puts 2,000 jobs at risk

Jharkhand: JSSC-CGL exam cancellation puts 2,000 jobs at risk

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Following Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam and other recruitment tests due to alleged irregularities, approximately 2,000 successful candidates now fear losing their jobs, demanding a CBI probe and a fair opportunity to defend themselves.

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.

How Bihar Plans To Use AI For Efficient Governance

How Bihar Plans To Use AI For Efficient Governance

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has called upon ministers and legislators to extensively use digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for balanced development and improved public outreach. He highlighted the state government's existing use of AI in welfare programmes and project cost reduction, stressing its importance for Bihar's progress in the digital era.

Bengal govt revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji

Bengal govt revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The West Bengal government has revoked the Banga Bibhushan award from Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj following his controversial remarks describing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as a 'war criminal' and questioning the Azad Hind Fauj's role in India's freedom struggle.

IIT Bhubaneswar Researchers Uncover Novel 2D Material For Advanced Electronics

IIT Bhubaneswar Researchers Uncover Novel 2D Material For Advanced Electronics

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Researchers from IIT Bhubaneswar and Virginia Commonwealth University have theoretically predicted a new two-dimensional material, a FeCl3 monolayer, exhibiting i-wave altermagnetism. This discovery holds significant potential for developing faster, more compact, and energy-efficient electronic devices, including applications in high-density memory, spintronics, and quantum technologies.

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reached out to the Brahmin community, asserting that 'PDA' includes Pandits, and also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of targeting opposition workers, Brahmins, and religious leaders, including Shankaracharya.

Assam-Arunachal border row turns violent, 12 injured

Assam-Arunachal border row turns violent, 12 injured

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

At least 12 people from Assam were injured in alleged firing by miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh along the interstate border in Dhemaji district on Monday over encroachment of land, the police said.

Nagaland's Sports Authority Of India Centre Set For Major Upgrade

Nagaland's Sports Authority Of India Centre Set For Major Upgrade

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Sports Authority of India's Training Centre in Dimapur, Nagaland, will be upgraded to a National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) following an MoU with the state government. This multi-phase development will transform the 64-acre Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex, providing enhanced facilities for athletes in various disciplines.

Uttarakhand sacks constable for participating in CJP protest

Uttarakhand sacks constable for participating in CJP protest

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

A constable in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, Sher Singh, has been dismissed from service for participating in a political demonstration in New Delhi and violating service rules. A departmental inquiry found him guilty of gross misconduct. Singh had previously gone viral for alleging corruption in state recruitment exams and was already suspended for unauthorised absence, besides being named in a land-grabbing FIR.

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).

Bjorn Fortuin to captain South Africa T20 side in tri-series

Bjorn Fortuin to captain South Africa T20 side in tri-series

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

South Africa has appointed spinner Bjorn Fortuin as captain for their upcoming Twenty20 tri-series against Namibia and Zimbabwe, and a three-game One-Day International series, aiming to provide international experience to younger players ahead of a busy schedule.

Unnati Sharma's Commonwealth Judo Bronze Fuels Olympic Dreams, Says Sister

Unnati Sharma's Commonwealth Judo Bronze Fuels Olympic Dreams, Says Sister

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Unnati Sharma's bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 has filled her family with pride, with her sister Riya Sharma revealing that the judoka's ultimate goal is to compete at the Olympics.

US water systems under cyber attack, Iran link probed

US water systems under cyber attack, Iran link probed

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Malicious cyber activity has disrupted technology at water and wastewater facilities in at least seven US states, forcing utilities to revert to manual operations, with authorities actively probing whether Iranian-linked hackers are responsible.

Women's Hockey Team Embarks On Final World Cup Preparations In Europe

Women's Hockey Team Embarks On Final World Cup Preparations In Europe

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Indian women's hockey team has departed for Frankfurt, Germany, to complete its final preparations for the upcoming FIH World Cup. The team will play practice matches and train in Europe before heading to the Netherlands for the tournament, where they will face China, South Africa, and England in Pool D.

Bumrah Setback Puts BCCI's Centre of Excellence Under Scanner

Bumrah Setback Puts BCCI's Centre of Excellence Under Scanner

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A significant communication breakdown between the Centre of Excellence's (CoE) sports science team and the senior national men's selection committee has been exposed by Jasprit Bumrah's unexpected absence from the Test series against Sri Lanka, alongside other player injury concerns.

Twisha Sharma died by suicide, no sign of assault: AIIMS

Twisha Sharma died by suicide, no sign of assault: AIIMS

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The AIIMS medical board has definitively concluded that former actor-model Twisha Sharma died by suicidal hanging.