News for 'US Department of State'

Punjab CM Mann detained at Delhi airport, fined Rs 50,000: AAP

Punjab CM Mann detained at Delhi airport, fined Rs 50,000: AAP

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has claimed that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was detained for three hours at the Delhi airport upon his return from Paris and subsequently fined Rs 50,000. AAP media in-charge Baltej Pannu alleged that the incident was due to "tremendous pressure from above" and linked it to the Centre's repeated denial of permission for Mann's foreign visits, accusing the central government of obstructing Punjab's progress.

Oppn slams Maha govt over law and order after gun attack on Tiger Shroff

Oppn slams Maha govt over law and order after gun attack on Tiger Shroff

Rediff.com18 Oct 2026

Opposition parties in Maharashtra have criticised the state government following a firing incident involving actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai. They allege a deterioration of law and order, citing this and other recent high-profile incidents, and demand a separate home minister.

Goa Job Scam: Man Detained After Claiming Excise Post With Fake Letter

Goa Job Scam: Man Detained After Claiming Excise Post With Fake Letter

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

A man, Manoj Talekar, was detained in Panaji after he allegedly paid Rs 27 lakh for a fake government job appointment and attempted to occupy the additional excise commissioner's chair. He claimed to have an appointment letter for the Goa Excise Department post, leading to his detention and an FIR for impersonation. Police are now searching for the alleged scammer, Ajit Shankhwalkar.

Sikkim Vigilance Police Nabs Ex-Bank GM Over Crores In Disproportionate Assets

Sikkim Vigilance Police Nabs Ex-Bank GM Over Crores In Disproportionate Assets

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Sikkim Vigilance Police has arrested a former general manager of the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) in connection with a disproportionate assets case, conducting searches at multiple residential premises in Gangtok and Siliguri. The former GM is accused of embezzling crores of rupees and acquiring properties through illegal means during his tenure between 2022 and 2024. The Enforcement Directorate had also previously attached properties linked to him.

Illegal SIM Box Network Busted In Bengaluru, Linked To Widespread Cyber Frauds

Illegal SIM Box Network Busted In Bengaluru, Linked To Widespread Cyber Frauds

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Karnataka Cyber Command Unit has busted an illegal SIM box network operating from two apartments in Bengaluru's Whitefield division, leading to four arrests. The network is suspected of facilitating digital-arrest scams, sextortion, and other financial cyber frauds across India, with potential financial exposure running into hundreds of crores of rupees. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the network and its links to the e-SIM supply chain.

'Kharge referred to Modi's...': Cong on 'baap' remark

'Kharge referred to Modi's...': Cong on 'baap' remark

Rediff.com13 hours ago

A political controversy has erupted after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's "baap" remarks, with the Congress claiming a BJP worker first insulted Kharge's father, prompting his retort. The BJP has strongly condemned Kharge's language, calling it indecent and reflecting the Congress's ideological bankruptcy, while the Congress alleges repeated insults against its chief.

IIT Bombay Researchers Create Affordable Device For Anaemia, Sickle Cell Screening

IIT Bombay Researchers Create Affordable Device For Anaemia, Sickle Cell Screening

Rediff.com3 days ago

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have developed an innovative, low-cost device capable of screening for anaemia and sickle cell disease using just a single drop of blood. This point-of-care approach measures blood smear length to detect differences in viscosity, which are indicative of these conditions. The patented device is designed for cost-effective manufacturing and ease of use, making it ideal for areas with limited access to conventional diagnostic laboratories. The technology is currently licensed to an IIT Bombay startup and is moving towards regulatory approval.

Indian National Arrested In US Over False Citizenship Claim To Vote

Indian National Arrested In US Over False Citizenship Claim To Vote

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

An Indian national has been arrested in the US for allegedly falsely claiming American citizenship to vote in the 2024 general election in Minnesota. He faces charges that could lead to a maximum of five years in prison on each count if convicted.

Lokayukta Police Uncover Rs 6.27 Crore Disproportionate Assets Of MP Head Constable

Lokayukta Police Uncover Rs 6.27 Crore Disproportionate Assets Of MP Head Constable

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Madhya Pradesh's Lokayukta police raided 15 premises linked to head constable Firoz Khan in Indore and Dewas, uncovering assets worth Rs 6.27 crore. This amount is more than three times his legitimate income over 24 years of service. Khan is accused of misusing his position in property dealings, and an FIR has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with a woman associate also named as an accused.

Odisha Busts Major Ganja Smuggling Ring To Kerala

Odisha Busts Major Ganja Smuggling Ring To Kerala

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Four individuals, including three from Kerala, were arrested in Odisha's Ganjam district for allegedly transporting 160 kg of ganja worth Rs 38 lakh. The cannabis was being moved from Kandhamal district to Kerala by road, and cases have been registered under the NDPS Act.

Rubio's India Visit: The Russian Oil Factor

Rubio's India Visit: The Russian Oil Factor

Rediff.com7 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India this week underscores the complex dynamics of global energy policy, as Washington re-evaluates sanctions on Russian oil buyers amidst India's continued reliance on Russian crude.

Is India-US Trade Deal Near The Finish Line?

Is India-US Trade Deal Near The Finish Line?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Marco Rubio will visit Mumbai and Jamnagar to discuss energy cooperation as S Jaishankar says India-US trade talks are nearing a landing point, with a few issues unresolved.

Assam PWD Engineer Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe

Assam PWD Engineer Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

An assistant executive engineer of the Public Works Department, Mridul Baglari, was arrested in Dibrugarh, Assam, for accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000. He had allegedly demanded Rs 1.3 lakh for releasing pending bills and was caught in a trap laid by the Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption.

Congress Seva Dal Holds Candle March For Ankita Bhandari Justice

Congress Seva Dal Holds Candle March For Ankita Bhandari Justice

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Congress' Seva Dal organised a candle march in New Delhi, demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari, who was murdered in Uttarakhand in 2022. The protest called for an impartial investigation and accountability, especially regarding allegations against BJP's Dushyant Gautam, whose recent appointment as Sikkim Governor has drawn criticism from the Congress.

US suspends IT giants from green card programme

US suspends IT giants from green card programme

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The US government has suspended eight major IT firms, including Microsoft, Tata, Infosys, and Wipro, from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, which allows companies to apply for green cards for foreign workers. This action, announced by Vice President J D Vance, Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling, and Attorney General Todd Blanche, is part of an effort to prevent American workers from being shut out of the job market. The Department of Labour cited abuse of the system, particularly by Microsoft, and also initiated an investigation into the J-1 visa programme used by several universities.

ACB Uncovers Rs 9.41 Crore Assets In Telangana Civil Supplies Case

ACB Uncovers Rs 9.41 Crore Assets In Telangana Civil Supplies Case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a Disproportionate Assets case against a Civil Supplies department official in Mahabubabad district. Searches at seven locations revealed assets worth approximately Rs 9.41 crore, including immovable and movable properties. The investigation is ongoing, with further verification of assets and their sources underway.

Kharge's 'Modi ka baap bhi jayega' remark courts controversy

Kharge's 'Modi ka baap bhi jayega' remark courts controversy

Rediff.com1 days ago

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a major controversy on Sunday with his remark "Modi ka baap bhi jayega" during an event in Patna, in response to an audience member's comment about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statement drew sharp condemnation from senior leaders of the BJP and other NDA allies, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who criticised the use of "indecent and unparliamentary language" and demanded an apology from the Congress.

Sadhna Group Chairman Held In Major Money Laundering Probe

Sadhna Group Chairman Held In Major Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Chairman of Sadhna Group, in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in IBC processes. He is accused of engineering insolvency to settle significant Income Tax dues for a fraction of the amount, receiving cash via crypto/hawala, and share manipulation. The alleged proceeds of crime total Rs 168 crore, and Gupta has been remanded to five days of ED custody.

'Anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America'

'Anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Top US lawmakers, leaders, and civil society members have strongly condemned an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois. Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested for attempting a mass shooting at the Aurora temple, which failed when his rifle jammed. Indian-American Congressmen and other officials have called for efforts to combat rising anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice in America, highlighting the need to protect minority houses of worship.

Post-Mortem Reveals Asphyxia As Primary Cause In Kolkata Stampede

Post-Mortem Reveals Asphyxia As Primary Cause In Kolkata Stampede

Rediff.com18 Oct 2026

Preliminary post-mortem reports indicate that asphyxia due to intense chest pressure was the likely cause of death for most of the 19 victims in a Durga Puja pandal stampede in Kolkata. Reports also noted serious internal injuries, including damage to vital organs and fractures, in some victims.

Karnataka Government Urges Stronger BFSI And FinTech Partnerships

Karnataka Government Urges Stronger BFSI And FinTech Partnerships

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Government of Karnataka has called for enhanced collaboration with the BFSI and FinTech sectors to bolster its technology ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions. This initiative, discussed at an Industry Meet, aims to foster partnerships between government, industry, and academia, particularly through programmes like 'Government First', in preparation for the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026.

Microsoft defends H1-B visa applications, clarifies 80% for existing staff

Microsoft defends H1-B visa applications, clarifies 80% for existing staff

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Microsoft has clarified that 80 per cent of its H1-B visa applications in the last fiscal year were for existing employees, not new hires, following its suspension from a US green card programme.

Russian diesel not for us, but for...: Trump amid criticism

Russian diesel not for us, but for...: Trump amid criticism

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump has defended a controversial diesel deal with Russia, stating it aims to stabilise the global market despite bipartisan criticism from US lawmakers. The deal, which eases sanctions on Russian diesel shipments until April 2027, has been criticised as a "gift to our adversary" that finances Russia's war efforts and offers little relief to Americans.

Rs 500-cr audio clip sparks row; Jarange alleges plot to crush Maratha stir

Rs 500-cr audio clip sparks row; Jarange alleges plot to crush Maratha stir

Rediff.com4 days ago

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has released an audio clip purportedly claiming a Rs 500 crore payment was delivered to him through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, alleging a conspiracy to silence him. This comes a day after Deputy CM Eknath Shinde challenged him to prove similar allegations. Ruling party leaders have hit back, questioning the clip's veracity and demanding a forensic probe, while Jarange insists on a thorough investigation by top state and central leaders.

In dry Bihar, cop shot dead by liquor smugglers

In dry Bihar, cop shot dead by liquor smugglers

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

A police constable was shot dead by suspected liquor smugglers in Nalanda district, Bihar, during a chase on Wednesday night. In a separate incident, five police personnel were injured in Bagaha when locals attacked them during an arrest related to a liquor supply case, freeing one suspect.

Chhattisgarh Acid Attack: Woman Suffers Burns, Opposition Demands Action

Chhattisgarh Acid Attack: Woman Suffers Burns, Opposition Demands Action

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

A 22-year-old woman preparing for competitive exams was severely injured in an acid attack in Balod, Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred as she returned from an e-library, suffering burns to her face and hands. Police are investigating, examining CCTV footage, while the Opposition Congress has condemned the attack, raising concerns about the state's law and order situation.

Karnataka Cabinet Denies Clemency To Shubha Shankar In Notorious Ring Road Murder Case

Karnataka Cabinet Denies Clemency To Shubha Shankar In Notorious Ring Road Murder Case

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The Karnataka cabinet has rejected the clemency plea of Shubha Shankar, who is serving life imprisonment for the 2003 murder of her fiancee, Girish. The cabinet also decided to challenge the High Court's ruling on enhanced reservation quotas for SCs and STs in the Supreme Court.

Why Delhi Court Granted Bail To Eight Gold Smuggling Accused

Why Delhi Court Granted Bail To Eight Gold Smuggling Accused

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A Delhi court has granted bail to eight men accused of smuggling over 6 kg of gold worth Rs 9.9 crore, citing the customs department's failure to provide specific reasons for their continued detention. The court noted the absence of direct evidence linking the accused to the gold recovered from the aircraft after their disembarkation, and the lack of corroboration for alleged activities in Dubai.

TN govt revokes controversial RTI move amid backlash

TN govt revokes controversial RTI move amid backlash

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The Tamil Nadu government revoked a controversial order exempting its Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act, 2005.

Jaishankar to host Rubio in Mumbai on Oct 20 for key India-US talks

Jaishankar to host Rubio in Mumbai on Oct 20 for key India-US talks

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20 for talks aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions will cover energy, trade, defence, and critical technologies. The visit also includes celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US Independence. This meeting follows earlier confusion regarding Rubio's visit and will also touch upon the India-US bilateral trade agreement, which both sides are close to concluding. The MEA clarified that hosting foreign dignitaries outside Delhi is a common practice.

CM Mann Reviews Preparations For Asian Champions Trophy

CM Mann Reviews Preparations For Asian Champions Trophy

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued directives to various departments to ensure top-tier arrangements for the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, set to take place in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5. Mann emphasised the need for world-class facilities, robust security, and comprehensive crowd management, while also calling for a statewide trophy tour and student participation to foster public enthusiasm and showcase Punjab's rich sporting heritage. He personally inspected venues and stressed the importance of cleanliness, beautification, and hospitality for international delegations.

Bystander Injured In Tiger Shroff Car Firing Is Stable

Bystander Injured In Tiger Shroff Car Firing Is Stable

Rediff.com7 days ago

Umesh Chauhan, a bystander injured during a firing incident near actor Tiger Shroff's car in Juhu, Mumbai, is in stable condition at KEM Hospital. Three suspects have been apprehended in Rajasthan, reportedly planning to flee to Nepal, and one is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

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.

'Act Before Lawrence Bishnoi Becomes A Dawood Ibrahim'

'Act Before Lawrence Bishnoi Becomes A Dawood Ibrahim'

Rediff.com14 hours ago

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

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.

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.