News for 'US State Department'

Ladakh LG Enhances Horse Polo Cup Prize Fund

Ladakh LG Enhances Horse Polo Cup Prize Fund

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has significantly increased the prize money for the LG Horse Polo Cup to encourage greater participation in the sport across the union territory. This year's winners will receive Rs one lakh, with plans to further raise the prize to Rs two lakh next season. The recent UT-level championship saw 18 men's and four women's teams compete, with Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre winning the men's title.

West Bengal Government Arranges Public Screenings For FIFA World Cup Final

West Bengal Government Arranges Public Screenings For FIFA World Cup Final

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The West Bengal government is organising live public screenings of the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at Nandan in Kolkata and other district locations. Each district has been allocated Rs 1 lakh for arrangements, with security and logistics being coordinated for the event.

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) within four weeks to deal with bank accounts linked to cyber frauds, including mule accounts. This directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen responses to cyber-enabled financial frauds, with the court also urging states and UTs to adopt and operationalise grievance redressal and money restoration modules.

Indian-origin CFO gets jail term for bribing surgeons in US

Indian-origin CFO gets jail term for bribing surgeons in US

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

An Indian-origin chief financial officer of a US spinal implant company has been sentenced to a four-month jail term for his role in a scheme to bribe surgeons. Aditya Humad conspired to pay over USD 540,000 in sham consulting fees to surgeons to induce them to use SpineFrontier's products, leading to millions in revenue for the company and undermining healthcare safeguards.

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A new study by IIT Kharagpur researchers, published in Nature Communications, reveals that urban growth patterns significantly influence future cooling demand in cities. The research highlights that a city's "thermal memory," shaped by decades of development decisions, impacts its heat burden and energy requirements, independent of global temperature rises. The study analysed 88 Indian cities and a global sample of 52 cities over two decades.

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

Delhi govt closes cases against CJP protesters; no relief for criminals

Delhi govt closes cases against CJP protesters; no relief for criminals

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Delhi police will not take any adverse legal action against individuals who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest in the national capital, but those with criminal background will have to face action, according to a Delhi government order.

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.

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.

'Sword to kill mosquito': HC raps Maha FDA over Cadila drug action

'Sword to kill mosquito': HC raps Maha FDA over Cadila drug action

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised the Maharashtra FDA for its "shoot first" approach, likening its drastic actions to using a sword to kill a mosquito. The court, hearing a petition from Cadila Pharmaceuticals, directed the FDA to grant companies a hearing before taking severe measures, warning of heavy costs for its arbitrary conduct.

Kerala rains: 25 dead, over 18K evacuated; red alert in 8 districts

Kerala rains: 25 dead, over 18K evacuated; red alert in 8 districts

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The heavy rains that have battered Kerala since August 1 have claimed 25 lives, left four people missing, injured 10 and damaged hundreds of properties, forcing thousands to seek shelter in relief camps, the state government said on Tuesday.

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Donald Trump has strongly refuted claims of a munitions shortage and denied any confrontation with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, labelling the reports as "fake news" and asserting the nation's robust military production capabilities.

Washington in flames: Wildfire crisis triggers emergency, mass evacuations

Washington in flames: Wildfire crisis triggers emergency, mass evacuations

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency and burn ban Saturday morning as an unprecedented wildfire crisis gripped the region, with active blazes scorching nearly 3,000 acres.

Kerala rains: Eight dead, several missing; more than 5,000 evacuated

Kerala rains: Eight dead, several missing; more than 5,000 evacuated

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said that eight people have died, an equal number are missing and 13 were injured in the previous day's heavy rains which caused property damage, landslides and waterlogging in many parts of the state.

Breakthrough: IIT Dhanbad Creates Ultra-Compact Antenna For Next-Gen Wearables

Breakthrough: IIT Dhanbad Creates Ultra-Compact Antenna For Next-Gen Wearables

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Researchers at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad have developed an ultra-compact wearable antenna, measuring just 5x5x0.75 mm, designed to significantly enhance the performance of future healthcare devices, smart wearables, and wireless body communication systems. This innovation offers high-speed data transmission, wider wireless coverage, and a low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), making it safe and efficient for prolonged use in Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs).

It will be better if..: CJP's Dipke on Bhagwat's Gen Z dialogue

It will be better if..: CJP's Dipke on Bhagwat's Gen Z dialogue

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), emphasised the importance of young or Gen Z voices leading dialogues with youth, ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's interaction with students in Mumbai. Dipke highlighted that youth protests, including those against the NEET paper leak, have compelled leaders to engage with Gen Z. He also expressed solidarity with students protesting alleged paper leaks in Jharkhand, criticising the government's handling of the issue.

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Air India Group has accumulated losses of about Rs 47,821 crore since its takeover, leaving its prolonged transformation among the biggest unfinished projects of N Chandrasekaran's tenure.

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has abolished the mandatory one-year service bond for MBBS students, citing an "inverse ratio" of available positions to graduating candidates. This decision benefits graduates from various medical colleges, exempting most from the bond, though those who have already joined their postings must complete it. The move aims to ease postgraduate admission difficulties and address issues of competency and motivation in bond service, a decision welcomed by the Maharashtra Association for Resident Doctors (MARD).

'A lot of progress made': Trump signals possible talks with Iran

'A lot of progress made': Trump signals possible talks with Iran

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has indicated that 'a lot of progress' has been made regarding Iran, suggesting that Tehran has reached out for talks and that developments could become clearer within 48 hours.

Chhattisgarh Government Commits Rs 100 Crore To Sports Development

Chhattisgarh Government Commits Rs 100 Crore To Sports Development

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced a Rs 100 crore allocation for sports infrastructure and athlete development during a Sports Conclave in Raipur. The state government is focused on promoting sports, nurturing talent, and providing employment opportunities for outstanding sportspersons, alongside organising major sporting events like the Bastar and Surguja Olympics.

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

BMW India CFO Carsten Lammers has expressed surprise at the extensive scale and prolonged duration of tax and Customs litigation in India, advocating for faster dispute resolution and simpler procedures to ensure business stability.

Captaincy Change Won't Fix India Women's Team Problems: Anjum Chopra

Captaincy Change Won't Fix India Women's Team Problems: Anjum Chopra

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former India women's cricket captain Anjum Chopra believes that merely replacing Harmanpreet Kaur as captain will not solve the fundamental issues plaguing the team, citing a significant lack of quality back-up options across all departments.

Shooting at Seattle food festival kills 2, several injured

Shooting at Seattle food festival kills 2, several injured

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

A shooting incident at the annual Bite of Seattle Festival resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries, including a 2-year-old child. Four victims were transported to Harborview Medical Centre with gunshot wounds, one in critical condition. Authorities have not yet identified a suspect or the cause of the shooting, which is one of at least 271 mass shootings in the US this year according to the Gun Violence Archive.

US Tightens Sanctions On Iran's 'Shadow Oil Economy'

US Tightens Sanctions On Iran's 'Shadow Oil Economy'

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran's 'shadow oil economy,' accusing Tehran of using illicit oil revenues to fund the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional activities.

Hiroshima Day: 6 Facts You Need To Know

Hiroshima Day: 6 Facts You Need To Know

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Hiroshima Day is observed on August 6. On that day, the United States B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb over the city of Hiroshima on May 6, 1945 changing the course of history.

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Set in the crucial 21 days between 25 July and 14 August 1947, Josy Joseph's upcoming book The Birth of a Nation: The Twenty-One Days That Made India uncovers the dramatic story of how India nearly fragmented into multiple independent states before independence.

Salah Says Goodbye to Liverpool, Hello Turkey

Salah Says Goodbye to Liverpool, Hello Turkey

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Mohamed Salah has arrived in Istanbul, greeted by hundreds of fans, ahead of his expected free transfer to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, marking a new chapter after nine successful years at Liverpool.

SC judge recuses from DMK leader's bail hearing

SC judge recuses from DMK leader's bail hearing

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Supreme Court Justice V Mohana has recused herself from hearing the anticipatory bail plea of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji in a new corruption case related to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The plea, seeking pre-arrest bail, was filed after the Madras High Court dismissed Balaji's petition. The case involves a systematic cash-kickback scheme and overcharging at TASMAC retail shops.

SC grants anticipatory bail to DMK's Senthil Balaji in TASMAC corruption case

SC grants anticipatory bail to DMK's Senthil Balaji in TASMAC corruption case

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to DMK leader and former minister V Senthil Balaji in a fresh corruption case related to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), with conditions including cooperation with the investigation and depositing his passport.

'No blame game over Bumrah, Sudharsan injuries': V V S Laxman defends BCCI CoE

'No blame game over Bumrah, Sudharsan injuries': V V S Laxman defends BCCI CoE

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, has defended the CoE against criticism regarding slow player recovery, stating that cricketers are not 'machines' and rehabilitation timelines can vary.

No VIP treatment to anyone, says Tukharam Mundhe on cleaning up Mumbai's eateries

No VIP treatment to anyone, says Tukharam Mundhe on cleaning up Mumbai's eateries

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Meet the man who is on mission mode to enforce hygiene standards in eateries and restaurants.

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Calcutta high court has held that voter identity cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards are not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship.

Wild Elephant Attacks Injure Three In Kerala; State Forms Special Reserve Force

Wild Elephant Attacks Injure Three In Kerala; State Forms Special Reserve Force

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three people were injured in two suspected wild elephant attacks in Palakkad, Kerala. These incidents follow two recent fatalities in Wayanad and Idukki. In response, the Kerala government has decided to establish a 500-member Special Reserve Force to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias's mother, Ana Candida Evora, was welcomed by FIFA in Miami, ahead of Cabo Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash against Uruguay. This heartwarming gesture followed Vozinha's emotional revelation about his family's visa issues preventing them from attending his historic 0-0 draw against Spain. US authorities, in coordination with the State Department, the Cape Verde government, and FIFA, facilitated her travel, allowing her to support her son and the 'Blue Sharks' in person.

Assam to release NEET protestors, withdraw cases

Assam to release NEET protestors, withdraw cases

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Assam government has decided to withdraw all police cases registered against individuals involved in protests concerning the NEET question paper leak and to release those arrested or detained during these demonstrations, citing the need for systemic reforms in the education ecosystem.

Mizoram Shuts Schools, Offices Half-Day For FIFA Final

Mizoram Shuts Schools, Offices Half-Day For FIFA Final

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Mizoram has declared a full holiday for educational institutions and a half-day for government offices to allow residents to watch the FIFA World Cup final. Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the state's passion for football and the importance of the sport to its youth.

DMK MP Kanimozhi Slams State Over Law And Order After Minor Girl Assaulted In Tiruchy

DMK MP Kanimozhi Slams State Over Law And Order After Minor Girl Assaulted In Tiruchy

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A 43-year-old man has been arrested under the POCSO Act in Tiruchirapalli after a 14-year-old girl was found unconscious following an alleged abduction and sexual assault. The incident has sparked protests and drawn sharp criticism from DMK MP Kanimozhi regarding the state's law and order situation and women's safety.

Assam floods worsen, 41 killed so far, over 6.5 lakh affected

Assam floods worsen, 41 killed so far, over 6.5 lakh affected

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Assam faces a severe flood crisis with 41 deaths and over 6.5 lakh people displaced, prompting intensified rescue operations and a critical alert for continued heavy rainfall.

Manipur Students Get Holiday To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Manipur Students Get Holiday To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Manipur government has announced a holiday for all educational institutions on July 20, 2026, allowing students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The order covers schools, colleges, and universities across the state.

IIT-ISM Dhanbad Secures Patent For Innovative Copper Recovery Technology

IIT-ISM Dhanbad Secures Patent For Innovative Copper Recovery Technology

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Researchers at IIT-ISM Dhanbad have been granted an Indian patent for an electrochemical reactor designed to recover copper from industrial wastewater. This innovative technology offers an environmentally sustainable solution for resource recovery and wastewater treatment, particularly benefiting the mining and metallurgical sectors.