News for 'US State Department'

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Department of Posts successfully conducted its first-ever drone delivery of the National Flag from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative, overseen by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlights the integration of technology with public service to enhance last-mile connectivity in challenging terrains and supports the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.

Nijjar killing: US to seek extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi

Nijjar killing: US to seek extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The United States Department of Justice plans to seek the extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi, accused of orchestrating the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and involvement in other crimes in the US. Extradition is also sought for Gurinderjit Singh Nagra in an extortion case. These actions are part of a larger international operation targeting India-based transnational organised crime groups.

The Secret Tukaram Mundhe Won't Reveal

The Secret Tukaram Mundhe Won't Reveal

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Whether it's a five-star banquet hall, a school lunch supplier, a blood bank, or a Bollywood actors' surrogate advertisements, Tukaram Mundhe seems to have an opinion, a bye-law, and very possibly an inspection team on standby.

Retd HC judge to head new panel to probe IIT Delhi student's death

Retd HC judge to head new panel to probe IIT Delhi student's death

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

IIT Delhi has reconstituted the external probe panel investigating the death of an MSc Physics student, appointing retired Delhi High Court judge Mukta Gupta as its head. This decision follows the recusal of the previous chair, Ashok Kumar, and ongoing student protests on campus. The panel includes medical experts and student representatives to examine the circumstances of the alleged suicide.

Arson, petrol bomb attacks on govt offices reported across Meghalaya

Arson, petrol bomb attacks on govt offices reported across Meghalaya

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Meghalaya is experiencing escalating tensions marked by arson and petrol bomb attacks on government properties, following violence during a Khasi Students' Union rally. The incidents are linked to an inter-state taxi standoff with Assam, leading to deployment of central forces and calls for peace from chief ministers.

Nepal floods: 61 Mansarovar pilgrims from Mumbai untraceable

Nepal floods: 61 Mansarovar pilgrims from Mumbai untraceable

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Anxiety grips Mumbai families as a 61-member Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage group, including prominent doctor-mountaineer Milind Chitley, remains untraceable following devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.

China blames high-altitude glacier collapse in Nepal for flash floods

China blames high-altitude glacier collapse in Nepal for flash floods

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

China on Friday said the collapse of a high-altitude glacier in Nepal may have triggered the massive flash flood disaster that engulfed the Tibet-Nepal border, killing hundreds and causing widespread damage.

India Hosts Successful BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting

India Hosts Successful BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting, organised by India's Sports Ministry, successfully concluded in Visakhapatnam. Presided over by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting built upon previous youth engagements, focusing on developing young leaders and promoting youth cooperation among BRICS nations.

BHU Boosts Biomedical Research With ICMR Funding

BHU Boosts Biomedical Research With ICMR Funding

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has received approximately Rs 15 crore in funding from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for six biomedical research projects. These projects aim to address critical national health priorities, including cancer detection, antimicrobial resistance, and pediatric septic shock, fostering advanced research and improving patient care.

Slapped by teacher for not doing homework, KG boy dies in Vizag

Slapped by teacher for not doing homework, KG boy dies in Vizag

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

A six-year-old UKG student tragically died at a private school in Visakhapatnam after allegedly being slapped by a teacher inside the classroom, an incident captured on CCTV footage.

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Gujarat government has imposed a state-wide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of unstandardised analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. Citing public health concerns and the need to protect consumers and the dairy sector, the decision follows detections of substandard artificial dairy products during inspections. Legal action will be taken against violators.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits flood-hit Gyirong township in Tibet

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits flood-hit Gyirong township in Tibet

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A massive flash flood near the China-Nepal border in Tibet has left hundreds missing and caused significant casualties. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the affected Gyirong Township to oversee rescue and relief operations, with the PLA mobilising forces for search and rescue.

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has approved the deployment of sovereign artificial intelligence solutions from Sarvam AI for its departments, with a two-year outlay of Rs 11.26 crore. This initiative includes the Indus AI workspace for 2,500 users, ensuring government data remains within India, along with citizen outreach agents and speech models for the MahaAI platform.

Census 2027: What personal details will you have to disclose?

Census 2027: What personal details will you have to disclose?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In addition to caste details, the Census will, for the first time, collect personal information such as the total number of bank accounts held by individuals, along with their mobile number, Aadhaar number, voter ID number, passport number and driving licence status, according to the 40 questions notified by the Registrar General of India on Friday.

Govt Orders Quick Response Teams Against Fake Posts

Govt Orders Quick Response Teams Against Fake Posts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The move comes days after the Delhi police said false information linked to the recent students' protest was being circulated through fake social media posts.

Major Roster Changes For Indian Athletics Team At Asian Games

Major Roster Changes For Indian Athletics Team At Asian Games

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The Indian athletics team for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan has undergone significant changes. Commonwealth Games medallist Yashvir Singh replaces an injured Neeraj Chopra, while long-distance runner Abhishek Pal has been dropped due to an alleged doping offence. Tejas Shirse is also out due to injury. The final team comprises 77 members, with six new additions. The Athletics Federation of India is aiming for 25-30 medals.

NIA Investigates Multi-State Extremist Network

NIA Investigates Multi-State Extremist Network

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over a probe from Andhra Pradesh police concerning an alleged extremist network. Twelve suspects were arrested across several states for their links to banned terror organisations like AQIS and ISIS, involved in radicalisation and recruitment through online platforms.

India Calls For BRICS Partnership In Digital Public Infrastructure And Telecom Standards

India Calls For BRICS Partnership In Digital Public Infrastructure And Telecom Standards

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Minister of State for Telecom Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani urged BRICS nations to collaborate on building institutional capacity and advocating for fair standards in international telecom and ICT bodies. He highlighted India's willingness to share its modular, open-source digital public infrastructure frameworks like Aadhaar and DigiLocker, emphasising their role in sustainable development and economic growth across the Global South.

Israel could 'cease to exist': Russian general's warning

Israel could 'cease to exist': Russian general's warning

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov, deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces' Main Military-Political Department, has warned that the escalating conflict in West Asia could lead to Israel ceasing to exist as a state, accusing Israel of seeking to widen the confrontation to involve the US and NATO.

Actor Vikram's deleted video reveals illegal trade in exotic Lar Gibbon apes

Actor Vikram's deleted video reveals illegal trade in exotic Lar Gibbon apes

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

A deleted video posted by actor Vikram, showing him cuddling a Lar Gibbon, has brought to light the illegal possession and transfer of these endangered primates in Tamil Nadu, prompting a forest department investigation.

India's Junior Men's Hockey Squad Fine-Tunes Asia Cup Strategy In Dalian

India's Junior Men's Hockey Squad Fine-Tunes Asia Cup Strategy In Dalian

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

The Indian junior men's hockey team is undergoing a preparatory camp in Dalian, China, playing three practice matches against the host country's junior team. This camp is crucial for fine-tuning their skills and strategy ahead of the Junior Asia Cup, scheduled from September 4 to 13 in Moqi, China.

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was detained in Uttar Pradesh following a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding his arrest for allegedly assaulting a student's father and bragging about it, while the victim's daughter reported receiving rape threats and online abuse.

Iran knew Trump's exact location in Turkey, including his hotel floor

Iran knew Trump's exact location in Turkey, including his hotel floor

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

US intelligence agencies intercepted information indicating Iran had precise details of President Donald Trump's location in Ankara during a NATO summit, prompting a secretive departure due to a specific surface-to-air missile threat and the presence of a shoulder-fired missile near the summit.

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

A devastating fire in a central Kolkata building resulted in nine deaths, primarily due to asphyxia, and the rescue of around 80 people. West Bengal minister Kaushik Chowdhury highlighted the quick response of the Fire Brigade but raised concerns about safety norms, lack of windows, and the proliferation of cramped hotels within the building. An investigation committee will be formed, and fire audits will be conducted across all hotels in the state.

3 newborns killed in Maha govt hospital fire, 36 rescued; probe ordered

3 newborns killed in Maha govt hospital fire, 36 rescued; probe ordered

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The incident, which occurred early Monday morning, was reportedly caused by a sparking ventilator.

'Nobody is...': Tukaram Mundhe on notice to SRK, Ajay Devgn and Tiger

'Nobody is...': Tukaram Mundhe on notice to SRK, Ajay Devgn and Tiger

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Mundhe said the FDA was examining advertisements for products other than tobacco-related items and would act wherever misleading claims or other violations were found.

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court will consider the Centre's plea for clarification on the applicability of its March 11 judgement regarding OBC creamy-layer criteria for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The government highlights practical difficulties and potential unequal treatment of candidates if the ruling is applied retrospectively, as the CSE 2025 selection process concluded before the verdict. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation based on the pre-March 11 criteria to avoid disruption to training schedules and ensure fairness for candidates.

Why Women Remain Under-Represented In Cabinets

Why Women Remain Under-Represented In Cabinets

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Lack of women in Karnataka's new council of ministers has put the spotlight once again on women's under-representation in politics and policy.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Capdevila seeks Trump's help after Iran-linked ESTA rejection

FIFA World Cup 2026: Capdevila seeks Trump's help after Iran-linked ESTA rejection

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has appealed to President Donald Trump for help after being denied permission to enter the United States for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina.

Supreme Court: 1978 'Industry' Definition Not for 2020 Labour Code

Supreme Court: 1978 'Industry' Definition Not for 2020 Labour Code

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court, in a 6:3 majority verdict, has ruled that the expansive, labour-friendly definition of 'industry' from its 1978 Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board judgement will not be used for interpreting the Industrial Relations Code of 2020. However, the 'triple test' from the 1978 verdict will still apply to pending cases under the now-repealed 1947 Industrial Disputes Act.

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.

CJP team attacked in Rajasthan during 'School Thik Karo' campaign

CJP team attacked in Rajasthan during 'School Thik Karo' campaign

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

A Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) team, inspecting a government school in Rampura Kanwarpura village, Rajasthan, as part of its 'School Thik Karo' campaign, was allegedly attacked by villagers and BJP workers. CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka claimed their workers were assaulted, vehicles damaged, and women supporters roughed up, accusing the state police of inaction.

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Goa has successfully completed its first pilot drone-skilling workshop for 12 women and plans to train 100 women annually under the Goa Drone Didi Training Scheme. This initiative aims to promote drone technology, rural livelihoods, and women-led entrepreneurship, aligning with the Centre's Namo Drone Didi programme.

Brazil Delegation Inspects Kolkata Ahead Of India Friendly

Brazil Delegation Inspects Kolkata Ahead Of India Friendly

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

A delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) visited Kolkata to inspect venues and infrastructure for the upcoming international friendly against India on October 3. The inspection covered the stadium, training facilities, accommodation, and security, with West Bengal's Sports Minister assuring world-class arrangements.

IIT Madras Faculty Honoured With ANRF J C Bose Grant For Research Excellence

IIT Madras Faculty Honoured With ANRF J C Bose Grant For Research Excellence

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Six faculty members from IIT Madras have been awarded the prestigious ANRF J C Bose Grant, recognising their outstanding research contributions in engineering and science. The highly competitive grant provides Rs 25 lakh annually for five years to support frontier research.

West Asia Crisis May Hit FY27 Fiscal Deficit

West Asia Crisis May Hit FY27 Fiscal Deficit

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The fiscal consolidation path and Rs 1 trillion stabilisation fund provide room to absorb mild shocks, but sustained oil-price increases pose risks.

17 Years On, Sri Lanka's Missing Haunts Families

17 Years On, Sri Lanka's Missing Haunts Families

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Many women admit that while they keep clamouring to know the whereabouts of their disappeared family members, they are painfully aware that all of them may have been done to death, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

Ladakh sets precedent with 4 percent job reservation for outstanding sportspersons

Ladakh sets precedent with 4 percent job reservation for outstanding sportspersons

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Ladakh has approved a four per cent reservation for outstanding sportspersons in Group 'C' government jobs, becoming the first Union Territory in India to implement such a fixed quota. This initiative aims to provide financial security and career opportunities for talented athletes, fostering an ecosystem where sporting excellence is recognised and rewarded.

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licences of 10 Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and issued show-cause notices to 135 others following inspections that revealed serious violations including unhygienic conditions, lack of technical staff, and inadequate testing protocols.

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Clinton sent decoy plane to Pak during 2000 visit, reveals veteran WH reporter

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A veteran White House reporter has revealed that the Clinton administration used a decoy aircraft during President Bill Clinton's high-risk visit to Pakistan in 2000, a security measure disclosed to journalists off-the-record due to the significant dangers involved.