News for 'US State Department'

Nepal flash floods: 59 Mansarovar pilgrims among missing Indians

Nepal flash floods: 59 Mansarovar pilgrims among missing Indians

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Over 130 Indian nationals, including Kailash Manasarovar Yatra pilgrims and tourists, are missing or stranded in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have cut off central districts and disrupted communication links. Indian states and the embassy in Kathmandu have launched helplines to assist those affected.

Jail escapee visits police station for Aadhaar, flees again

Jail escapee visits police station for Aadhaar, flees again

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

An Assam native, Madhur Jya Sonowal, who escaped from Aluva Sub Jail, surprisingly went to the Perumbavoor police station to retrieve his Aadhaar card. Police have intensified their search for Sonowal, who fled the station after being recognised by officials. A detailed investigation into the security lapse has been launched.

School Education Takes A Hit In Bihar Floods

School Education Takes A Hit In Bihar Floods

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Floods have forced hundreds of government schools across Bihar to shut, disrupting studies for thousands of students.

H1N1, Flu Cases: 'No Need To Panic'

H1N1, Flu Cases: 'No Need To Panic'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Several Indian cities report a surge in influenza cases, prompting state governments to issue advisories asking people to mask up in public spaces and follow basic respiratory hygiene.

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

Recruitment exams scrapped, now Jharkhand faces another job crisis

Recruitment exams scrapped, now Jharkhand faces another job crisis

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A tense situation prevailed at the Jharkhand secretariat on Wednesday after a large number of successful candidates, who are likely to be rendered jobless following the government's cancellation of recruitment examinations, forcibly entered the campus in defiance of a prohibitory order, an official said.

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.

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Nepal's devastating flash floods have claimed 1,127 lives, with thousands still missing a week after the disaster. Rescuers are intensifying efforts to find survivors and recover bodies across affected regions, while police work to identify victims and relocate families from high-risk areas.

Sugar should be 'very expensive': BJP leader amid price surge

Sugar should be 'very expensive': BJP leader amid price surge

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has ignited a political firestorm with his controversial remarks suggesting sugar should be "very expensive" and avoided by those over 40, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition amidst rising inflation concerns.

India U20 Men's Team Held To Draw By Yemen In Friendly Match

India U20 Men's Team Held To Draw By Yemen In Friendly Match

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The India U20 men's football team played a 0-0 draw against Yemen in the first of two friendly matches in Bengaluru, as part of their preparation for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.

How NIT Rourkela's New Hybrid System Boosts EV Battery Life

How NIT Rourkela's New Hybrid System Boosts EV Battery Life

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Researchers at NIT Rourkela have patented a novel hybrid energy-storage system designed to significantly improve the efficiency and lifespan of electric vehicle batteries. This innovation addresses common issues like low power density and thermal stress by integrating supercapacitors with a simplified architecture, making EVs more reliable, especially in urban driving conditions.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

Remarks on Col Sofiya: Sanction awaited to prosecute MP minister, SC told

Remarks on Col Sofiya: Sanction awaited to prosecute MP minister, SC told

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court was informed that sanction is awaited to prosecute Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks against Army officer Col Sofiya Qureshi. The SIT probe is complete, and a chargesheet will be filed once sanction is obtained. Shah had previously apologised for his controversial comments.

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.

Maharashtra govt contractor dies by suicide over unpaid dues

Maharashtra govt contractor dies by suicide over unpaid dues

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

A 37-year-old government contractor in Navi Mumbai died by suicide due to severe financial strain from unpaid bills for completed work. Opposition parties in Maharashtra have accused the state government of negligence, demanding a culpable homicide case against the administration and highlighting a pattern of such incidents among Marathi contractors.

SC quashes FIRs against protesters, CJP calls off stir

SC quashes FIRs against protesters, CJP calls off stir

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has quashed all FIRs against students who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests, stating the cases should not affect their future, while the government affirmed its commitment to youth welfare.

IIT steps in to ease queues at Puri Jagannath Temple

IIT steps in to ease queues at Puri Jagannath Temple

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Odisha government has roped in IIT-Bhubaneswar to introduce a queue management system at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, including setting up wooden ramps for a clearer view of the deities, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Tuesday.

Bengal to fast-track CAA hearings, 23,000 get citizenship: CM Suvendu

Bengal to fast-track CAA hearings, 23,000 get citizenship: CM Suvendu

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said that hearings of applications for citizenship under the CAA will soon be over, and so far the state has issued certificates to 23,000 people out of 2.30 lakh applicants.

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.

Ram Temple Trust: The 5 New Guardians

Ram Temple Trust: The 5 New Guardians

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed a new leadership team, including retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as CEO, Ayodhya lawyer Madan Mohan Pandey as trustee, Delhi businessman Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer, and Dr Nirmala Yadav as the first woman trustee, to address allegations of theft and improve administration and devotee facilities.

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.

Opposition slams Centre, Delhi govt over fatal hostel collapse

Opposition slams Centre, Delhi govt over fatal hostel collapse

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

A five-storey boys' hostel in Satya Niketan, Delhi, collapsed, killing three students and trapping others, leading to widespread condemnation from opposition parties. Leaders from Congress and AAP criticised both the central and Delhi governments, highlighting inadequate hostel facilities and demanding accountability for student safety.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.