News for 'US State Department'

AI Agents to Equal Human Staff, No Downsizing Planned: TCS' Chandra

AI Agents to Equal Human Staff, No Downsizing Planned: TCS' Chandra

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced that the company anticipates having as many artificial intelligence (AI) agents as its human workforce, currently half a million, while assuring that no staff downsizing is planned.

Exam train protest turns violent in Patna; tracks blocked, traffic hit

Exam train protest turns violent in Patna; tracks blocked, traffic hit

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A mob disrupted railway traffic at Pataliputra station in Patna, alleging insufficient trains for a competitive exam. Police resorted to tear gas and lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, which also engaged in stone-pelting. Authorities suspect anti-social elements were involved, aiming to cancel the exams, and are using CCTV footage to identify culprits.

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab jails minister Dr Ravjot Singh has warned that jail superintendents and concerned officials will be held responsible for any violent incidents, security breaches, or administrative lapses within prisons, and will face strict disciplinary action.

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab jails minister Dr Ravjot Singh has warned that jail superintendents and concerned officials will be held responsible for any violent incidents, security breaches, or administrative lapses within prisons, and will face strict disciplinary action.

MoSPI Upgrades Data Portal For AI Models To Ensure Credibility

MoSPI Upgrades Data Portal For AI Models To Ensure Credibility

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has upgraded its official data portal to be directly readable by AI models, aiming to prevent reliance on non-credible sources. This initiative includes standardising 288 priority datasets and addressing semantic interoperability challenges to improve public service delivery.

Delhi Drug Department Seizes Insulin Stocks Over Storage Violations

Delhi Drug Department Seizes Insulin Stocks Over Storage Violations

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The Delhi Drugs Control Department seized insulin stocks worth over Rs 20 lakh from wholesale drug firms for allegedly violating storage and regulatory norms.

Delhi University Halts St Stephen's Ex-Principal's Absorption

Delhi University Halts St Stephen's Ex-Principal's Absorption

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Delhi University has directed St Stephen's College to halt the absorption of former principal John Varghese into the English department, citing violations of UGC regulations and procedural errors.

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Rediff.com5 days ago

In the remote tribal village of Pahadpur, preparations are in full swing as it looks to script history.

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified that not all immigrants seeking green cards will be required to return to their home country to make such applications, partially walking back a previous announcement.

ED summons Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter for questioning

ED summons Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter for questioning

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The investigation pertains to alleged irregularities in CMRL's financial transactions and its links with Veena's now-defunct company Exalogic Solutions Private Limited.

Two Odisha Government Officers Arrested For Taking Bribes

Two Odisha Government Officers Arrested For Taking Bribes

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Odisha vigilance department apprehended two government officers on Wednesday for accepting bribes in separate incidents. An Assistant Civil Supplies Officer in Keonjhar district was caught taking Rs 15,000, while a junior engineer with the National Health Mission in Sundargarh was caught taking Rs 5,000.

Sri Lanka Court Imposes Travel Ban On Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over Easter Attack Probe

Sri Lanka Court Imposes Travel Ban On Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over Easter Attack Probe

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

A Sri Lankan court has imposed an overseas travel ban on former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two former military officers in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. The ban was issued after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) raised concerns that their flight could hamper the probe into the coordinated suicide bombings that killed 270 people. The current government reopened the investigation in late 2024, alleging political influence led to an earlier cover-up.

Maharashtra Professor Suspended For Misbehaviour And Financial Irregularities

Maharashtra Professor Suspended For Misbehaviour And Financial Irregularities

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A professor at Mahatma Basweshwar College in Latur, Maharashtra, has been suspended following findings by Marathwada University of alleged misbehaviour with women colleagues, administrative negligence, and financial irregularities. Dr Rajkumar Lakhadive faces a departmental inquiry after a preliminary investigation found him prima facie guilty.

Vigilance Busts Kerala Doctor For Dual Practice

Vigilance Busts Kerala Doctor For Dual Practice

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Vigilance officials in Kerala have uncovered a case where a government doctor was allegedly engaged in private practice while also receiving a non-practising allowance. The doctor, an associate professor, was found earning an additional Rs 7 lakh monthly from a private hospital, alongside his Rs 3 lakh government salary. This discovery is part of a wider crackdown, with nearly 200 doctors under surveillance.

'Migrants Lost Confidence After The War'

'Migrants Lost Confidence After The War'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'We thought everything will be back to normal within one month. Now it's four months and still a final solution is miles away.'

Rain brings relief to North India; Delhi sees coolest June 1 in 3 yrs

Rain brings relief to North India; Delhi sees coolest June 1 in 3 yrs

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Most north Indian states reported below-normal temperatures on Monday, with rain and thunderstorms lashing parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh. The southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala in the next two to three days.

'Annamalai Is A Proxy For The BJP'

'Annamalai Is A Proxy For The BJP'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'The generational shift belongs to Vijay, Udhayanidhi and Annamalai.' 'The BJP cannot fit into the shift.' 'So they threw Annamalai into the situation where he is comparable with Vijay and Udhayanidhi.'

North India swelters under brutal heatwave; UP's Banda hottest

North India swelters under brutal heatwave; UP's Banda hottest

Rediff.com20 May 2026

North India is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 48 degrees Celsius in some areas. Several states have issued warnings and advisories as the heatwave is expected to continue.

Karnataka Minister Nagendra Faces Charges In Funds Diversion Case

Karnataka Minister Nagendra Faces Charges In Funds Diversion Case

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The CBI has filed three chargesheets against former Karnataka minister B Nagendra and his associate Nekkanti Nagaraj for allegedly diverting Rs 89 crore in state government funds intended for Scheduled Tribes.

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed striking the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. This incident marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the region this week, with three Indian seafarers previously losing their lives in an attack on the MT Settebello.

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, paid tribute to the victims on the first anniversary of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives, including 52 British nationals. She visited the crash site and attended a prayer meet, where 260 trees were planted and a blood donation camp was organised.

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, paid tribute to the victims on the first anniversary of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives, including 52 British nationals. She visited the crash site and attended a prayer meet, where 260 trees were planted and a blood donation camp was organised.

Mizoram Police Seize Over 1.5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Five In Major Drug Bust

Mizoram Police Seize Over 1.5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Five In Major Drug Bust

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Law enforcement agencies in Mizoram conducted two significant anti-narcotics operations, resulting in the seizure of over 1.5 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value exceeding Rs 3.3 crore. Five individuals were arrested in connection with these operations, which involved inter-state drug trafficking routes from Manipur and within Mizoram to Assam.

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed a public grievance redressal programme in Morni, Panchkula, ordering an FIR against a contractor for electricity delays and directing probes into other infrastructure issues. He emphasized timely resolution of public complaints related to electricity, water, roads, healthcare, and pensions, while also committing to improved road connectivity and upgrading health facilities in the region.

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Haryana CM Saini Orders FIR, Directs Action On Morni Grievances

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed a public grievance redressal programme in Morni, Panchkula, ordering an FIR against a contractor for electricity delays and directing probes into other infrastructure issues. He emphasized timely resolution of public complaints related to electricity, water, roads, healthcare, and pensions, while also committing to improved road connectivity and upgrading health facilities in the region.

'Baseless': Iran dismisses Trump's claim on attacking Indian ships

'Baseless': Iran dismisses Trump's claim on attacking Indian ships

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Iran has dismissed US President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran was responsible for a drone attack on Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz as 'simply baseless'. The Iranian embassy stated that Trump's comments were an attempt to deflect attention from recent US military strikes on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners.

IIT Bhubaneswar Unveils Portable Device For Rapid Arsenic Detection In Water

IIT Bhubaneswar Unveils Portable Device For Rapid Arsenic Detection In Water

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

IIT Bhubaneswar researchers have developed 'ArsenSafe', a portable, low-cost device for rapid, on-site detection of arsenic in drinking water. This innovation aims to address the critical public health challenge of arsenic contamination in groundwater, offering a solution that doesn't require laboratory infrastructure.

'Gulf War Has Been The Worst Crisis For Indians'

'Gulf War Has Been The Worst Crisis For Indians'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'It will take a long time to recover from the impact of this war.'

One Tigress Cub Captured After Fatal Attacks In Chandrapur

One Tigress Cub Captured After Fatal Attacks In Chandrapur

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Forest personnel in Maharashtra have captured a cub of tigress T2, which killed four women in Chandrapur district. Efforts are underway to trap her three other cubs.

US Treasury prepares mock-up design of $250 note with Trump's face

US Treasury prepares mock-up design of $250 note with Trump's face

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The US Treasury Department is exploring the possibility of featuring Donald Trump's portrait on a new $250 note, pending congressional approval to amend the law that prohibits living individuals from being depicted on US currency.

Beed Woman Charged With Abetment After Husband's Tragic Suicide

Beed Woman Charged With Abetment After Husband's Tragic Suicide

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

A woman in Beed has been booked for abetment of suicide after her husband, a revenue official, died by suicide just 12 days after their marriage. The deceased's mother alleged that the wife was unwillingly married and had another relationship, causing her son distress.

Delhi Government To Formulate New Rules For Coaching Centres

Delhi Government To Formulate New Rules For Coaching Centres

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Delhi government is establishing a multidisciplinary committee to develop a regulatory framework for coaching institutes. This initiative follows recent tragedies, including the Saket building collapse and the Old Rajendra Nagar coaching centre incident, and aims to address issues like fee structures, student safety, infrastructure, and grievance redressal.

Karnataka Leaders Laud RCB's Second IPL Title

Karnataka Leaders Laud RCB's Second IPL Title

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Karnataka's chief minister-designate D K Shivakumar and outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on winning their second consecutive Indian Premier League title. Shivakumar criticised IPL organisers for moving the final match venue to Gujarat, calling it an injustice to Karnataka and alleging political motivation.

IMD forecasts below normal monsoon rainfall for India

IMD forecasts below normal monsoon rainfall for India

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the June-September southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is expected to be 90 per cent of the long-period average. While the Northeast is likely to witness normal rainfall, the remaining parts of the country may see below normal rainfall.

Ghaziabad Madrassas Sealed After Teen Murder Case

Ghaziabad Madrassas Sealed After Teen Murder Case

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Authorities in Ghaziabad intensified verification drives and sealed three unrecognised madrassas in the Khoda area following the murder of a 17-year-old boy. The incident has led to heightened security measures and political reactions.

HDFC Bank Shares Fall After Report Alleges 'Camouflaged' Payments To MSRDC

HDFC Bank Shares Fall After Report Alleges 'Camouflaged' Payments To MSRDC

Rediff.com27 May 2026

HDFC Bank's shares experienced a dip on Wednesday after a newspaper report alleged that the bank made illegal payments to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to secure large deposits, raising concerns about corporate governance.

Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme: LDF Accuses UDF Of Misinformation And Double Standards

Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme: LDF Accuses UDF Of Misinformation And Double Standards

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Senior CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty has criticised the Kerala UDF government for allegedly spreading misinformation about the Centre's PM SHRI scheme and attempting to implement it despite earlier opposition. He clarified that the previous LDF government froze the agreement over concerns about the National Education Policy and that funds received were not for PM SHRI. The scheme continues to be a politically contentious issue in the state.

MP moving towards implementing Uniform Civil Code: CM Mohan Yadav

MP moving towards implementing Uniform Civil Code: CM Mohan Yadav

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said the Madhya Pradesh government is committed to implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and has initiated the process of gathering public feedback before moving ahead with the proposal.

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Methanol Linked To Liquor Deaths

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Methanol Linked To Liquor Deaths

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Maharashtra FDA seizes 5,929 kg of toxic methanol from a warehouse in Thane district, allegedly linked to spurious liquor that caused 14 deaths in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Kerala on high alert as fresh Nipah case found in Kozhikode

Kerala on high alert as fresh Nipah case found in Kozhikode

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The patient initially developed a fever that subsided but later returned, prompting hospitalisation.