News for 'US State Department'

Suvendu govt prioritises women's empowerment, welfare schemes

Suvendu govt prioritises women's empowerment, welfare schemes

Rediff.com14 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul announced the BJP government's commitment to women's empowerment and the continuation of welfare schemes. The 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme will be accessible through an online portal, ensuring ease of application for all women in Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has directed officials to implement the scheme and free bus travel for women, while also assuring that existing social welfare schemes will continue.

Why Satheesan's Leadership Is Crucial For Kerala's Future

Why Satheesan's Leadership Is Crucial For Kerala's Future

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, emphasising the need for a strong team to meet public expectations. He highlighted the importance of unity within the party and the focus on public welfare.

Anti-Encroachment Drive In Mumbai Slum Turns Violent

Anti-Encroachment Drive In Mumbai Slum Turns Violent

Rediff.com20 May 2026

An anti-encroachment drive in Mumbai's Bandra area turned violent after authorities demolished an alleged illegal religious structure, leading to stone-pelting by residents and a police lathi-charge.

Court Sentences Bangladeshi National For Illegal Entry, Forgery

Court Sentences Bangladeshi National For Illegal Entry, Forgery

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A court in Mumbai sentenced a Bangladeshi national to seven months in jail for illegally entering India and working abroad with forged documents, highlighting concerns about national security.

Mizoram Women's Group Condemns Trafficking Of Women

Mizoram Women's Group Condemns Trafficking Of Women

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The apex women's association in Mizoram, Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), has strongly condemned the alleged trafficking and exploitation of women from the state under the guise of employment outside Mizoram. The organisation is pursuing the matter to ensure the accused receive stringent punishment under the law.

Search On After Cow Killed, Suspected Leopard Attack In Kerala

Search On After Cow Killed, Suspected Leopard Attack In Kerala

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Forest Department in Palakkad, Kerala, has launched a search operation following the suspected killing of a cow by a leopard in Kanjikode. The incident occurred near forest land, prompting officials to investigate and consider further measures like camera traps and cage traps.

Rajasthan Police Constable Dismissed For Drug Trafficking

Rajasthan Police Constable Dismissed For Drug Trafficking

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A Rajasthan Police constable has been dismissed from service after being found involved in drug trafficking. The constable, Vinod Singh, was arrested for allegedly transporting 244 grams of smack and was booked under the NDPS Act.

Mulayam Singh Yadav's Son Prateek Dies At 38

Mulayam Singh Yadav's Son Prateek Dies At 38

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, has died at the age of 38 due to cardiac-lung complications. The news has prompted condolences from across the political spectrum in Uttar Pradesh.

How IIT Kanpur Is Studying Brain Waves To Understand Stress

How IIT Kanpur Is Studying Brain Waves To Understand Stress

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Researchers at IIT Kanpur are studying alpha waves in the brain to understand how stress affects cognitive functions. The study aims to build automated models of stress dimensions using EEG and correlating them with factors like loss of control, helplessness, and anxiety.

How Flower Dye Can Power The Future Of Solar Energy

How Flower Dye Can Power The Future Of Solar Energy

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Researchers at the Central University of Jharkhand have developed an eco-friendly solar cell using dye extracted from the Mirabilis jalapa flower, demonstrating the potential of natural, non-toxic materials for solar energy applications.

Woman tourist from TN killed during elephants' fight at Karnataka camp

Woman tourist from TN killed during elephants' fight at Karnataka camp

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A woman was killed at the Dubare elephant camp in Karnataka after being caught under an elephant during a fight between two trained elephants. The Karnataka government has ordered a probe and new safety measures.

Campaigning Concludes For Himachal Pradesh Urban Local Body Polls

Campaigning Concludes For Himachal Pradesh Urban Local Body Polls

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The campaign for elections to 51 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations in Himachal Pradesh, concluded on Friday, with key issues including infrastructure, tourism, and fuel prices taking centre stage.

Mumbai's iconic Air India building set to become Maha govt hub soon

Mumbai's iconic Air India building set to become Maha govt hub soon

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Maharashtra government is nearing the acquisition of the Air India building in south Mumbai after the Finance Department transferred Rs 1,600 crore to the Public Works Department. The agreement with Air India Assets Holding Limited is expected to be signed within two weeks, providing much-needed office space for state government departments.

Indore: 13 Booked For Child Marriage After Warning

Indore: 13 Booked For Child Marriage After Warning

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Police in Indore have registered a case against 13 people, including the groom, after a 13-year-old girl was allegedly married off despite warnings from the local administration. The marriage occurred after an exchange agreement between families.

How Mizoram Police Rescued Women From Trafficking Racket

How Mizoram Police Rescued Women From Trafficking Racket

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Mizoram police, in collaboration with Uttarakhand police, rescued five Mizo women, including two minors, from a sex trafficking racket operating under the guise of a spa in Rudrapur. Six individuals have been arrested, including the alleged mastermind and spa owner.

Mumbai family deaths: No bacterial infection detected in initial report

Mumbai family deaths: No bacterial infection detected in initial report

Rediff.com7 May 2026

An initial report has ruled out bacterial infection in the deaths of four Mumbai family members who consumed watermelon. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.

Customs Busts Luxury Car Smuggling Ring, Seizes SUVs

Customs Busts Luxury Car Smuggling Ring, Seizes SUVs

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Customs Commissionerate (Preventive), Kochi, has seized multiple SUVs and arrested a used luxury car showroom owner as part of 'Operation Numkhor', an ongoing investigation into the smuggling of luxury vehicles from Nepal and Bhutan.

CBI Raids Multiple Locations In Haryana Bank Scam Case

CBI Raids Multiple Locations In Haryana Bank Scam Case

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at multiple locations in Chandigarh and Panchkula in connection with a Haryana bank scam case and seized financial records and digital evidence linked to the alleged fraud.

Seven Sentenced To Life In 2020 UP Murder Case

Seven Sentenced To Life In 2020 UP Murder Case

Rediff.com16 May 2026

A court in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced seven people to life imprisonment for the murder of a man in 2020, related to a long-standing feud.

Satheesan-led Kerala govt sworn in, announces key welfare measures

Satheesan-led Kerala govt sworn in, announces key welfare measures

Rediff.com18 May 2026

V D Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala's Chief Minister, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administering the oath of office. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent political figures, including Congress leaders and Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states.

Governor dissolves Bengal assembly amid Mamata's refusal to resign

Governor dissolves Bengal assembly amid Mamata's refusal to resign

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The West Bengal State Legislative Assembly has been dissolved by Governor R N Ravi, marking the end of its term after the recent elections where the Trinamool Congress was defeated by the BJP.

Delhi School Could Be Taken Over After Assault Claim

Delhi School Could Be Taken Over After Assault Claim

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Delhi government is considering taking over the management of a private school in Janakpuri following allegations of a sexual assault on a three-year-old girl. The Directorate of Education issued a show-cause notice to the school, citing serious lapses in child safety and compliance with norms, which remains unanswered.

Stringent Action After Deadly Firecracker Factory Explosion In Madhya Pradesh

Stringent Action After Deadly Firecracker Factory Explosion In Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Following a deadly explosion at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh, authorities have invoked the National Security Act against the factory manager and filed culpable homicide charges against four individuals, including the owner.

Inter-state Liquor Racket Busted in Thane, Maharashtra: Rs 32 Lakh Seized

Inter-state Liquor Racket Busted in Thane, Maharashtra: Rs 32 Lakh Seized

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra Excise Department dismantled a major inter-state illicit liquor racket operating in Thane district, seizing contraband valued at Rs 32 lakh after conducting multiple raids.

Court Orders Police FIR Over Madhya Pradesh Boat Tragedy

Court Orders Police FIR Over Madhya Pradesh Boat Tragedy

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A court in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has directed police to register an FIR regarding the Bargi Dam cruise boat tragedy that resulted in 13 deaths. The court cited the crew's failure to rescue passengers as potential culpable homicide.

Jammu Police Review Security Measures, Anti-Drug Operations

Jammu Police Review Security Measures, Anti-Drug Operations

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu, Joginder Singh, chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the prevailing security scenario and review the effectiveness of intelligence-gathering mechanisms across the district.

Lucknow University Professor Arrested For Allegedly Leaking Exam Paper

Lucknow University Professor Arrested For Allegedly Leaking Exam Paper

Rediff.com16 May 2026

An assistant professor at the University of Lucknow has been arrested after allegedly making inappropriate phone calls to a female student and claiming to have leaked examination papers.

Human rights groups issue US travel advisory ahead of FIFA World Cup

Human rights groups issue US travel advisory ahead of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Advocacy groups issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors traveling to the US for the 2026 World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among other human rights abuses.

Key Myanmar Drug Trafficker Arrested In Delhi

Key Myanmar Drug Trafficker Arrested In Delhi

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested a major Myanmar-based drug trafficker in Delhi, who was a key supplier of methamphetamine and heroin across the India-Myanmar border. The arrest follows extensive surveillance and investigations into transnational drug trafficking networks.

Govt Eyes Steps To Contain CAD

Govt Eyes Steps To Contain CAD

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'The situation globally is quite challenging, but we have the confidence and courage of conviction that we will come out winners even in this challenging time.'

Sensex Rises Over 300 Points, Nifty Crosses 23,700 Amid Positive Market Sentiment

Sensex Rises Over 300 Points, Nifty Crosses 23,700 Amid Positive Market Sentiment

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Indian stock markets rallied in early trade after US President Donald Trump announced a halt to planned military strikes on Iran, citing requests from Gulf leaders and ongoing "very big discussions" that could lead to a deal. This de-escalation, coupled with foreign fund inflows and gains in IT and Adani group stocks, contributed to the positive market sentiment. Track Sensex and Nifty on May 19, 2026.

Armed ITBP men at Kanpur Police HQ trigger 'gherao' rumours

Armed ITBP men at Kanpur Police HQ trigger 'gherao' rumours

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials met with the Kanpur Commissioner of Police to seek action in a case of alleged medical negligence at a private hospital. The case involves the amputation of an ITBP jawan's mother's hand. The police have formed a joint investigation committee to probe the matter.

Odisha CM Orders Crackdown On Organised Crime

Odisha CM Orders Crackdown On Organised Crime

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed civil and police authorities to collaborate in curbing organised crime, instilling fear among criminals, and building public confidence. This follows a review of the state's law and order situation after recent incidents, including a mob lynching and a murder case.

Odisha govt slaps Rs 233 crore penalty on Vedanta for 'illegal' water extraction

Odisha govt slaps Rs 233 crore penalty on Vedanta for 'illegal' water extraction

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The Odisha government has issued a notice to Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Jharsuguda, demanding 233.11 crore for allegedly extracting over 30 lakh cubic metres of water monthly from the Bheden river system without authorisation between May 2025 and April 2026, a charge the company denies, claiming compliance with existing agreements.

The Suvendu Adhikari You Must Know

The Suvendu Adhikari You Must Know

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'When I asked Suvendu about the news that Didi was going to fight in his constituency, he said, 'Aami okhaney lorbo aar okhaney okey harabo (I will contest from there and defeat her there)' This was his comment while we were standing on the truck doing our roadshow.'

Thane School Staff Arrested In Bribery Case

Thane School Staff Arrested In Bribery Case

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The headmistress and two other employees of a private school in Thane, Maharashtra, have been arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting bribes from parents seeking admission for their children.

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sacred spots and soaring peaks: Bucket-listing across the heartland. Roopa Unnikrishnan and her father journey through the heart of India.

What To Expect From India's Women's Hockey Team In Australia

What To Expect From India's Women's Hockey Team In Australia

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Salima Tete will lead the Indian women's hockey team in their upcoming tour of Australia, with Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas receiving their first senior team call-ups.

Lucknow University Professor Suspended For Alleged Student Harassment

Lucknow University Professor Suspended For Alleged Student Harassment

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Lucknow University has suspended an assistant professor following allegations of inappropriate behaviour and attempted enticement of a female student with a leaked question paper.

Gurugram School Teacher Accused Of Molestation By Students

Gurugram School Teacher Accused Of Molestation By Students

Rediff.com9 May 2026

A case has been registered against a teacher at a government school in Gurugram following accusations of molestation and inappropriate remarks by several class 9 students.