News for 'US State Department'

After deadly fire, Goa nightclubs face crackdown ahead of Xmas, New Year

After deadly fire, Goa nightclubs face crackdown ahead of Xmas, New Year

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Goa's nightlife is facing a crackdown ahead of the Christmas and New Year season, with the state government launching an intensive drive to inspect and seal establishments flouting norms after a deadly nightclub fire.

Four killed, 9 hurt as BEST bus hits pedestrians in Mumbai

Four killed, 9 hurt as BEST bus hits pedestrians in Mumbai

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

A reversing BEST bus in Mumbai struck pedestrians, resulting in four deaths and nine injuries. The incident occurred in Bhandup (West) and is under investigation.

How Gadchiroli Broke The Maoist Backbone

How Gadchiroli Broke The Maoist Backbone

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'The watershed moment was June 22, 2024, when the divisional in-charge of Gadchiroli, Giridhar Tumreti, who was their senior-most commander, along with his wife, came forward to surrender before the then deputy chief minister and home minister Devendra Fadnavis.'

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Luckily for us, a Russia that is desperate to stay relevant in an emerging multipolar world finds in India a reliable geostrategic partner. The Russian proximity to India also keeps China from exploiting its economic dominance vis a vis Russia, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Rajdhani Express runs over 7 elephants in Assam, 5 coaches derail

Rajdhani Express runs over 7 elephants in Assam, 5 coaches derail

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

At least seven elephants were killed, and one was injured after a herd of jumbos was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam's Hojai district early Saturday, officials said.

No Kohli return at Chinnaswamy after police deny clearance

No Kohli return at Chinnaswamy after police deny clearance

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said that permission has been denied to hold the Vijay Hazare Trophy match at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium on December 24.

'India shown in bad light': SC slams states on stray dogs

'India shown in bad light': SC slams states on stray dogs

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed chief secretaries of states and Union Territories (excluding West Bengal and Telangana) to appear on November 3 to explain the lack of compliance affidavits in the stray dogs case.

Rapido rider held for molesting female passenger, looting cash in Kalyan

Rapido rider held for molesting female passenger, looting cash in Kalyan

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

A Rapido bike taxi rider was arrested in Kalyan, Thane, for allegedly molesting a 26-year-old woman passenger and stealing Rs 1000 from her. The incident has also raised concerns about unauthorized bike taxi services and violations of transport regulations.

8 Foods Rich In The Healing Vitamin K

8 Foods Rich In The Healing Vitamin K

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Vitamin K has a key role in the human body... Where to find it and why you need it.

New GDP series to improve informal sector estimates

New GDP series to improve informal sector estimates

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

India's new national accounts will leverage new data sources and surveys to enhance the measurement of the country's informal economy, and introduce double deflation methods across sectors, replacing the current system that relies on a single deflation mechanism in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculations.

Two Hadi murder suspects fled to India, claims B'desh; Delhi denies

Two Hadi murder suspects fled to India, claims B'desh; Delhi denies

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Two primary suspects in the murder of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi have fled Bangladesh and are believed to be in India, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police. The suspects allegedly crossed into Meghalaya with assistance. Bangladesh is working with Indian authorities for their arrest and extradition.

24 Elephants Killed By Trains In Assam In 5 Years

24 Elephants Killed By Trains In Assam In 5 Years

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Among Indian states, Assam tops the list of elephant fatalities caused by train accidents, followed by Odisha, where 16 elephants were killed on railway tracks.

From Pench to Nashik: A vulture's 750 km Maha journey

From Pench to Nashik: A vulture's 750 km Maha journey

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

A long-billed vulture, J132, released in Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve, has travelled nearly 750 km in 17 days, reaching close to Anjaneri hills near Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district. The vulture's journey is part of a conservation program by the state forest department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).

Andhra gas well blaze to be doused in a week: Official

Andhra gas well blaze to be doused in a week: Official

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The gas well blaze near the Irusumanda village in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district in Andhra Pradesh will be doused in a week's time, an official said on Tuesday, citing information from ONGC officials.

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

Why Dhurandhar Is Unsettling

Why Dhurandhar Is Unsettling

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar does not ask audiences to cheer blindly, notes Kumar Abhishek. It asks them to see how power operates in grey zones, and at moral cost.

Tata Sons to build, operate Ayodhya temple museum

Tata Sons to build, operate Ayodhya temple museum

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the expansion of the proposed temple museum in Ayodhya, contracting Tata Sons to develop and operate the project on a 52-acre site.

Centre restarts MGNREGA in West Bengal, but conditions apply

Centre restarts MGNREGA in West Bengal, but conditions apply

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

After a gap of more than three years, the central government has agreed to resume the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) works in West Bengal with immediate effect, but subject to mandatory adherence to stringent conditions. These include a prohibition on any work valued at more than 20 lakh, compulsory 100 per cent electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) verification of all workers, and mandatory pre-estimation field visits for all works before they are undertaken.

Maha minister Kokate stripped of portfolios after fraud conviction

Maha minister Kokate stripped of portfolios after fraud conviction

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate was stripped of his portfolios after being convicted in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. His ministries have been reassigned to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Kokate has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital after complaining of chest pain.

Internet services restored in violence-hit Karbi Anglong in Assam

Internet services restored in violence-hit Karbi Anglong in Assam

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Mobile internet services have been restored in Assam's Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts following an improvement in the law and order situation after recent violence between the Karbi and Bihari communities.

SIM-Binding Standoff: Telcos Vs Apps

SIM-Binding Standoff: Telcos Vs Apps

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

App-based communication services providers and Indian telcos are at loggerheads over the SIM-binding directions issued by the department of telecom, which are to be complied with by the end of February 2026.

Bondi Beach Killers Travelled On Indian Passports

Bondi Beach Killers Travelled On Indian Passports

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Tuesday morning that 'Philippine immigration authorities said the father and son accused of killing 15 people in Sydney visited the country last month and travelled on Indian passports.'

Baghel's son got Rs 250 cr in liquor 'scam': Chargesheet

Baghel's son got Rs 250 cr in liquor 'scam': Chargesheet

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offence Wing (ACB/EOW) has claimed in its chargesheet that Chaitanya, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, received Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore as his share from an alleged liquor scam in the state.

US expands online vetting for all H-1B, H-4 applicants

US expands online vetting for all H-1B, H-4 applicants

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The United States Embassy in India on Monday said starting December 15, the United States has 'expanded' online presence reviews to all H-1B and H-4 applicants as part of standard visa screening, and this vetting is being conducted globally for 'all applicants of all nationalities' for these two visa categories.

No deaths due to codeine syrup, accused linked to SP: Yogi

No deaths due to codeine syrup, accused linked to SP: Yogi

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday strongly rebutted allegations by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey over 'deaths' allegedly due to the consumption of fake medicines and codeine syrup, asserting in the Assembly that no such case has come to the notice of the state government so far.

Why matches were moved out of Chinnaswamy Stadium

Why matches were moved out of Chinnaswamy Stadium

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Karnataka State Cricket Association has failed to comply with the safety and security requirements at M Chinnaswamy stadium, said Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara.

5 Indians kidnapped in Mali as Al Qaeda-linked outfit closes in

5 Indians kidnapped in Mali as Al Qaeda-linked outfit closes in

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The embassy of India in Bamako said it was "aware of the unfortunate incident" involving the kidnapping of five Indian nationals in Mali on November 6 and is working closely with local authorities and the concerned company to ensure their "safe release as quickly as possible."

'My Life Has Been Paused Without My Consent'

'My Life Has Been Paused Without My Consent'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Thousands of Indian H-1B workers are stranded in India after sudden visa appointment cancellations at US consulates.

Teen's death on basketball court: 'Unknown persons' booked

Teen's death on basketball court: 'Unknown persons' booked

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Haryana Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against unknown persons based on a complaint lodged by the family of a teenage basketball player, who died after the iron pole of a basketball hoop fell on him during practice in Rohtak district last month, an official said on Sunday.

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel.

'After 2 Decades Of Dedication, What More Does The Party Expect?'

'After 2 Decades Of Dedication, What More Does The Party Expect?'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'When a grassroots worker has laboured day and night for the organisation, does the party not have a responsibility to recognise and uplift such workers?'

GIFT City Raises A Glass to Global Business

GIFT City Raises A Glass to Global Business

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The latest move removes one of the key friction points for visitors, temporary liquor permits, while allowing licensed hotels and restaurants operational flexibility.

BJP Pushes Nitish To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar

BJP Pushes Nitish To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Nitish Kumar may be in the chief minister's chair again, but with the BJP grabbing the home department and the assembly speaker's post, the real power in Bihar has shifted unmistakably, reports MI Khan.

US clears sale of Excalibur Projectiles, Javelin missile system to India

US clears sale of Excalibur Projectiles, Javelin missile system to India

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The US has approved the sale of Excalibur Projectiles, Javelin Missile System and related equipment totalling over 90 million dollars to India.

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Stating that she was shocked and deeply disturbed by the 'mismanagement' at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced the constitution of a high-level committee to probe the incident.

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a high-level probe into the alleged mismanagement at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, after fans were unable to catch a glimpse of the football star.

G RAM-G replaces MGNREGA after President's assent

G RAM-G replaces MGNREGA after President's assent

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, which aims to replace MGNREGA and guarantee 125 days of wage employment per rural household.

6 Reasons Why Apricots Are A Superfood

6 Reasons Why Apricots Are A Superfood

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Apricots aren't just nutritious. Health sites, like Cleveland Clinic, place them in the superfood category.

Iran takes a U-turn, drops plan to boycott 2026 World Cup draw

Iran takes a U-turn, drops plan to boycott 2026 World Cup draw

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Iran to attend World Cup draw after boycott threat over visa issues

H-1B Visa: The Hardest Hit Will Be...

H-1B Visa: The Hardest Hit Will Be...

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The US has replaced random H-1B selection with a wage-weighted lottery and a new $100,000 fee for applications, raising uncertainty for students and junior hires.