News for 'US State Department'

Kerala's Onam liquor sales cross Rs 770 crore in 8 days

Kerala's Onam liquor sales cross Rs 770 crore in 8 days

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Kerala's state-run Bevco has reported record liquor sales during the first eight days of the Onam festive season, reaching Rs 771.29 crore, surpassing last year's figures. Officials anticipate this year's total sales will exceed the Rs 826.38 crore recorded in 2025, despite a slight dip in Uthradam day sales compared to the previous year.

Delhi Government Collaborates With EkStep Foundation To Make Administrative Data AI-Ready

Delhi Government Collaborates With EkStep Foundation To Make Administrative Data AI-Ready

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Delhi government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EkStep Foundation to transform its administrative data into an AI-ready format. This initiative aims to improve governance, enhance public service delivery, and enable proactive, evidence-based decision-making by leveraging artificial intelligence.

Illegal constructions above 4 floors to be sealed in Delhi

Illegal constructions above 4 floors to be sealed in Delhi

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Following a tragic building collapse in Satya Niketan that claimed five lives, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has ordered the immediate sealing of all illegal constructions with more than four floors and vowed strict action against negligent officials.

Bengal Minister Promises Action Against Food Department Corruption

Bengal Minister Promises Action Against Food Department Corruption

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister Ashok Kirtania has warned of strict action against corruption in the department, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan 'Na khaunga, na khane dunga'. He promised to act against those involved in irregularities during the previous regime, particularly concerning the public distribution system and ration distribution.

Bank account used in cyber fraud cases, Thane woman kills self

Bank account used in cyber fraud cases, Thane woman kills self

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

A 38-year-old woman in Thane district committed suicide after discovering her bank account was allegedly used in multiple cyber fraud cases across several Indian states, leading to immense anxiety and police questioning notices.

Remember These Images From 25 Years Ago?

Remember These Images From 25 Years Ago?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

As younger generations grow up without personal memories of 9/11, the 25th anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of loss, resilience, bravery and America's enduring promise to never forget.

West Bengal to fine Rs 100 for spitting, Rs 200 for littering, open defecation

West Bengal to fine Rs 100 for spitting, Rs 200 for littering, open defecation

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

West Bengal's Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal announced that fines for spitting, littering, open defecation, and using single-use plastic bags will be enforced from Tuesday, with penalties ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 200, aiming to change public behaviour rather than generate revenue.

UP Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Last Date, How To Apply

UP Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Last Date, How To Apply

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The UP Scholarship, officially known as the Uttar Pradesh Scholarship and Fee Reimbursement Scheme, provides financial assistance to students from Classes 9 to 12 as well as those pursuing graduation, post-graduation, diploma and other post-matric courses.

Junk food to paper leaks: HC takes up Gen Z, Alpha, Beta challenges

Junk food to paper leaks: HC takes up Gen Z, Alpha, Beta challenges

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Rajasthan high court, Jodhpur, has taken suo motu cognisance of issues concerning Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta, expressing concern over junk food, excessive screen time, paper leaks, inadequate infrastructure in rural schools and the possible erosion of basic learning skills in the age of artificial intelligence.

Maha auto, taxi drivers welcome Marathi learning deadline extension

Maha auto, taxi drivers welcome Marathi learning deadline extension

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has extended the deadline for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to acquire working knowledge of Marathi by one year, a decision welcomed by unions who say it removes the immediate threat to their livelihoods.

Bihar, UP on high alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak surge threat

Bihar, UP on high alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak surge threat

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are on high alert following devastating flash floods in Nepal's Gandak river system, prompting emergency measures including evacuations and continuous monitoring by central and state authorities.

Gauhati HC Asks Assam Government To Pay Compensation

Gauhati HC Asks Assam Government To Pay Compensation

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Court said state machinery prevented woman from challenging Foreigners Tribunal order; directs authorities to try to locate her in Bangladesh and bring her back to India.

How AI Is Revolutionising Forest Protection In India

How AI Is Revolutionising Forest Protection In India

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Haldwani forest division has launched India's first AI-based forest acoustic surveillance system. This innovative technology uses AI, acoustic sensors, and long-range wireless communication to detect illegal logging, poaching, and other suspicious activities in real-time, even in remote areas. Powered by solar energy, the system provides continuous monitoring, significantly enhancing forest protection, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity monitoring efforts.

'Pressure from Delhi': Raut slams Fadnavis on Marathi test extension

'Pressure from Delhi': Raut slams Fadnavis on Marathi test extension

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's decision to grant a one-year extension to autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi, alleging it was due to 'pressure from Delhi' and a message to BJP's ally Shiv Sena.

New UPI Charges: Understanding The Impact On Digital Payments

New UPI Charges: Understanding The Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com5 days ago

The government is introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant payments above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends the zero-MDR regime, aiming to fund UPI infrastructure and sustainability, as the previous government subsidy was insufficient to cover operational costs. Payments between individuals and most everyday merchant transactions will remain free.

Revolutionary Morphing Skin Enhances Aircraft Safety And Fuel Efficiency

Revolutionary Morphing Skin Enhances Aircraft Safety And Fuel Efficiency

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT,M) have developed a novel "morphing skin" concept for aircraft wings, inspired by bird flight. This adaptive external skin dynamically reshapes in real time to prevent aerodynamic stalls, enhance lift, reduce drag, and significantly improve aircraft safety and fuel efficiency. The technology holds promise for commercial aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and defence applications.

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Karnataka government has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and Bigbasket due to the online sale of toxic Dhatura fruits/seeds. Citing public health and food safety concerns, authorities have also ordered the suspension of licences for suppliers to these platforms and mandated the removal of all Dhatura-related listings.

No tolerance for abusive remarks against women, CM Vijay warns Oppn

No tolerance for abusive remarks against women, CM Vijay warns Oppn

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay issued a stern warning against personal attacks, double-meaning insults, and derogatory language targeting women, particularly in political discourse. Speaking in the Assembly, he recalled past humiliations faced by late CM J Jayalalithaa and condemned recent incidents involving women personalities, stressing that such behaviour would face immediate legal consequences. He also outlined his administration's vision for public security and zero-tolerance against crime.

How UIDAI Is Using AI To Outsmart Aadhaar Fraudsters

How UIDAI Is Using AI To Outsmart Aadhaar Fraudsters

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra announced the extensive deployment of Artificial Intelligence to detect and counter fraud in Aadhaar, describing it as a "cat-and-mouse game." He highlighted the dramatic increase in daily Aadhaar authentications and the launch of the Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK and Sandbox to enhance security and ease of integration for ecosystem partners.

Govt sought removal of 2.44 lakh URLs in five months

Govt sought removal of 2.44 lakh URLs in five months

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Government departments requested social media platforms to remove 2.44 lakh pieces of content between March and July, with states initiating 82% of these requests. The IT Intermediaries Rules 2021 were amended to reduce takedown time to three hours. The PIB Fact Check unit clarified its role in content moderation, refuting claims of automated blocking by Meta and emphasising the need to address lawlessness in cyberspace.

Gaur kills Kerala man, kin dies of heart attack; villagers protest

Gaur kills Kerala man, kin dies of heart attack; villagers protest

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

A man was killed by a gaur in Kozhikode, Kerala, followed by the death of his relative from a heart attack. Villagers are refusing to cremate the bodies until the government assures action against wild gaurs, demanding compensation and elimination of the animals from residential areas.

How Each Breath Shapes Your Brain Activity

How Each Breath Shapes Your Brain Activity

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience reveals a precise connection between individual breath patterns and neural activity in the brain. Researchers found that subtle variations in each breath, such as longer inhales or slower exhales, are directly reflected in corresponding brain activity patterns. This goes beyond traditional measures of breathing rate, offering a richer understanding of how respiration influences cognition, emotion, and memory, and could have implications for conditions like SUDEP and SIDS.

Iran attacks US bases after attack on its Larak Island

Iran attacks US bases after attack on its Larak Island

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The United States launched military action against two Iranian launch systems on Larak Island, prompting Iran to claim retaliation with ballistic missile launches targeting two US air bases in Jordan.

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

An American Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft reportedly landed in Moscow on Monday morning, according to online air traffic monitoring systems, Russian news agency TASS reported.

Uttarakhand: 13 glacial lakes marked 'sensitive' amid Nepal floods

Uttarakhand: 13 glacial lakes marked 'sensitive' amid Nepal floods

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to strengthen regular monitoring and safety measures for 13 identified 'sensitive' glacial lakes in the state, citing potential risks in hilly regions.

Unlocking The Genetic Blueprint Of Personality Traits

Unlocking The Genetic Blueprint Of Personality Traits

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

New research from the Revived Genomics of Personality Consortium, published in Nature, suggests that the genetics of personality, involving over 1,200 gene variants linked to the Big Five traits, are significantly associated with various life outcomes including health, education, and career paths. While individual gene variants have small effects, their combined impact is substantial, and environmental factors also play a crucial role in shaping personality.

Nurse found dead in govt hospital washroom in Kolkata

Nurse found dead in govt hospital washroom in Kolkata

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A 30-year-old nurse was found dead in a Kolkata hospital washroom, with preliminary investigations suggesting a possible overdose of an anaesthetic drug. Police are probing all angles, including mental stress, while an internal health department committee has been formed.

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.

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Maharashtra's transport department has initiated a statewide drive to assess taxi and autorickshaw drivers' working knowledge of Marathi, issuing notices to 1,268 drivers on the first day. Those who fail the initial 16-question test will receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, with subsequent failure leading to a three-month badge suspension.

Don't politicise Ajit Pawar's death: Sunetra reacts to Supriya

Don't politicise Ajit Pawar's death: Sunetra reacts to Supriya

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has appealed to Opposition leaders to stop politicising the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar. Her comments follow accusations from NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule regarding the lack of an FIR and the ruling faction's perceived inaction. Pawar stressed the immense grief of the family and affirmed faith in ongoing investigations.

Trump Departs Beijing After China Visit

Trump Departs Beijing After China Visit

Rediff.com15 May 2026

United States President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for his return home following diplomatic engagements in Beijing.

2 NRI women hailing from Chhattisgarh missing in flood-hit Nepal

2 NRI women hailing from Chhattisgarh missing in flood-hit Nepal

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Two Non-Resident Indian (NRI) women linked to Chhattisgarh have been reported missing following flash floods in Nepal, while two other women from the state who were earlier reported missing have established contact with their families, officials said on Friday.

India to buy Javelin anti-tank system from US

India to buy Javelin anti-tank system from US

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

India has finalised a deal with the United States to acquire Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems, significantly enhancing the Indian Army's combat capabilities. This procurement, facilitated through the US Foreign Military Sales process, underscores the deepening bilateral defence partnership and opens avenues for future collaboration and co-production between the defence industries of both nations.

BCCI confirms Indian cricketers' accommodation for Asian Games in Japan

BCCI confirms Indian cricketers' accommodation for Asian Games in Japan

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla has confirmed that Indian cricketers participating in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will stay in designated accommodation provided by the Organising Committee, which, while comfortable, will not be five-star hotels due to scarcity in Nagoya. Both BCCI and IOA have addressed the arrangements, ensuring player comfort and suitable facilities.

Ex-bureaucrat 'picked up' by Delhi police kept incommunicado for hours

Ex-bureaucrat 'picked up' by Delhi police kept incommunicado for hours

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Former bureaucrat Ashish Joshi has claimed that Delhi Police questioned him for nearly nine hours over social media posts concerning the Election Commission of India, and did not allow him to inform his wife about his whereabouts for several hours, alleging a "blatant violation" of Supreme Court guidelines.

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.

Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Hydraulic Failure

Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Hydraulic Failure

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems mid-flight, causing an altitude upset and injuring 24 people. A preliminary investigation revealed the pilot-in-command tested positive for a psychoactive substance post-flight, leading to their termination, while the technical aspects of the incident are still under scrutiny.

Man seeking ban on DJs, loudspeakers assaulted in Pune

Man seeking ban on DJs, loudspeakers assaulted in Pune

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Vidyanand Bapat, a Pune-based activist advocating for a ban on high-decibel DJ systems and loudspeakers during festivals, was publicly assaulted by a man named Santosh Chavan while speaking to media persons.

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A major tragedy was averted in Assam's Hojai district on Wednesday when forest personnel alerted the Rajdhani Express after spotting a large herd of elephants crossing a railway track, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

IIT Madras Breakthrough: Chemical-Free Surface Fights Superbugs

IIT Madras Breakthrough: Chemical-Free Surface Fights Superbugs

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Researchers at IIT Madras have patented a chemical-free antibacterial surface that physically eliminates harmful bacteria, including "superbugs," without relying on antibiotics or disinfectants. This innovative technology uses specially engineered nanostructures to rupture bacterial cell walls, offering a sustainable solution to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) for biomedical and public health applications.