News for 'US State Department'

Gujarat, And Its Strange, Thirsty Prohibition

Gujarat, And Its Strange, Thirsty Prohibition

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Prohibition never stopped anyone from drinking in Gujarat. It only made the stories that come after a lot more interesting, recounts Binu Alex.

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

'As the Bihar government's focus is on development and infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores, Rishu Sinha created a network to pay a decent commission to government officials for securing tenders.'

Hyderabad teacher sacked for asking students to recite religious verses

Hyderabad teacher sacked for asking students to recite religious verses

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

A private school in Hyderabad has terminated a primary teacher after she assigned Islamic religious verses as homework, sparking controversy and prompting police intervention to ensure communal harmony. The incident led to protests and demands for action against the school from political and religious groups.

Maharashtra to make domicile must for driving licence from Aug 1

Maharashtra to make domicile must for driving licence from Aug 1

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Maharashtra plans new policy to make domicile certificate mandatory for driving licence from August 2026, alongside efforts to regulate bike taxi services for revenue and job creation.

Five killed in shooting at German youth welfare facility; two held

Five killed in shooting at German youth welfare facility; two held

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

At least five people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a youth welfare facility in the northern German city of Stade on Monday, CNN reported, citing local police.

Senegal FA President: World Cup Team Doctor Was 'Gynaecologist'

Senegal FA President: World Cup Team Doctor Was 'Gynaecologist'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Senegal's football federation president, Abdoulaye Fall, has claimed the national team's doctor at the recent World Cup in North America was 'trained as a gynaecologist', raising concerns among players about medical support during their disappointing campaign. The Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine has rejected these allegations as 'unfounded and defamatory'.

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana has seen 81 lakh registered beneficiaries removed following a multi-month e-KYC verification drive, with the state's Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare clarifying the process was mandatory to filter out ineligible individuals, income-tax payers, and government employee families.

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The US Department of Defence has restored the name of the US Indo-Pacific Command to the US Pacific Command, reversing an eight-year-old decision. This change honours the command's deep historical roots, established in 1947, while its vast area of responsibility, extending to India's western border, and its mission remain unchanged.

Major Crackdown On Bishnoi Gang; 24 Arrested In US, Canada, Europe

Major Crackdown On Bishnoi Gang; 24 Arrested In US, Canada, Europe

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A coordinated international operation, 'Operation Hard Ball', led to the arrest of 24 alleged members and associates of three India-based criminal syndicates, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, across the US, Canada, and Europe.

Unified Command To Tackle AI Threats

Unified Command To Tackle AI Threats

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

'The government has to act as one unit since the threat from these newer models will soon scale up.'

Joakim Alexandersson Back As India U-17 Women's Head Coach For AFC Qualifiers

Joakim Alexandersson Back As India U-17 Women's Head Coach For AFC Qualifiers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Joakim Alexandersson has been reappointed as the head coach of the India U-17 women's national football team, less than a year after his previous departure. He will lead the squad in preparations for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in October, where India is grouped with Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq. The team aims to build on its historic quarter-final achievement in the previous Asian Cup.

Iran Coach Criticises Travel Restrictions After 2-2 World Cup Draw

Iran Coach Criticises Travel Restrictions After 2-2 World Cup Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said travel restrictions and visa-related disruptions hampered his team's World Cup preparations after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, claiming Iran had become the tournament's "most oppressed" side.

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A forest department team in Hoshiarpur was allegedly fired upon by suspected khair wood smugglers during an operation. While the accused escaped, officials managed to seize a vehicle loaded with illegally felled khair wood. The incident highlights the dangers faced by forest personnel and the lucrative nature of khair wood smuggling, which is believed to be operated by an inter-state network.

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Hoshiarpur Forest Team Fired Upon By Khair Wood Smugglers

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A forest department team in Hoshiarpur was allegedly fired upon by suspected khair wood smugglers during an operation. While the accused escaped, officials managed to seize a vehicle loaded with illegally felled khair wood. The incident highlights the dangers faced by forest personnel and the lucrative nature of khair wood smuggling, which is believed to be operated by an inter-state network.

Two nannies held for abusing toddlers at creche on Capgemini campus

Two nannies held for abusing toddlers at creche on Capgemini campus

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Two nannies at a daycare centre on an IT firm's campus in Bengaluru have been arrested for allegedly abusing toddlers. The arrests followed viral videos showing caregivers threatening and mistreating children, prompting a strong response from Karnataka's Home Minister and the IT firm, Capgemini.

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Earlier, people used to hand money directly to priests after a ritual, and priests would keep it in their own pockets. We completely stopped that practice.'

Iran invites Kharge, Cong leaders to Khamenei's funeral

Iran invites Kharge, Cong leaders to Khamenei's funeral

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Iran has extended an invitation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other party leaders, including Salman Khurshid and Pawan Khera, to attend the burial ceremonies of its late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceremonies are scheduled from July 5 to 9 across various Iranian cities. India will also be represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Ata Hasnain.

Wayanad landslide: Families evacuated, search on for missing

Wayanad landslide: Families evacuated, search on for missing

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Following a landslide near the Kalladi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, district authorities have begun evacuating families and intensified rescue operations to find seven missing persons. Heavy rains are complicating efforts, while project engineers clarify the landslide did not originate from the active construction zone.

New Centre To Boost India-Kyrgyzstan Cultural And Academic Ties

New Centre To Boost India-Kyrgyzstan Cultural And Academic Ties

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR) has established the International Centre for Civilizational Studies "Manas and Mahabharata" in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with the Manas National Academy. The inauguration also saw the release of the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic "Manas," aiming to foster scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.

13 blackbucks, stray dog found dead in MP well; probe launched

13 blackbucks, stray dog found dead in MP well; probe launched

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Thirteen blackbucks and a stray dog were discovered dead in a farm well in Shajapur district, Madhya Pradesh, leading forest authorities to launch an investigation. The carcasses were found after a foul smell was reported, and it is suspected the animals fell into the well while escaping stray dogs.

Massive fire at Bangkok eatery after stage circuit breaker explodes, 27 dead

Massive fire at Bangkok eatery after stage circuit breaker explodes, 27 dead

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

A devastating fire at the Na Ladprao eatery in Bangkok's Chatuchak district resulted in 27 fatalities and 63 injuries, with officials confirming that most deaths were due to smoke inhalation after a stage circuit breaker exploded.

12 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides hit Poonch, Rajouri

12 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides hit Poonch, Rajouri

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Incessant overnight rainfall has triggered severe flash floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, resulting in at least eight fatalities and six people missing, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to cut short his Delhi visit to personally monitor the situation.

New TN cabinet vows break from Dravidian-era governance

New TN cabinet vows break from Dravidian-era governance

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Following the swearing-in of C Joseph Vijay as Tamil Nadu's chief minister, the new cabinet has pledged a 'white paper' audit of all state departments and a 'zero-interference' policy in administration, signalling a significant shift in governance.

US de-lists 4 Indian companies sanctioned over Russia links

US de-lists 4 Indian companies sanctioned over Russia links

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The United States has removed four Indian companies from its sanctions list, which had been accused of supplying advanced technology and equipment to Russia's military-industrial complex. The de-listed firms include RRG Engineering Technologies, Lokesh Machines, Galaxy Bearings, and Shaurya Aeronautics, previously sanctioned for exporting dual-use items to Russian entities.

IIT research finds no impact of E20 on fuel efficiency

IIT research finds no impact of E20 on fuel efficiency

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Researchers at IIT Kanpur have found that 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) does not significantly reduce fuel efficiency or harm vehicle engines, contradicting social media claims and providing reassurance amidst its nationwide rollout. The study supports the Oil Ministry's stance on E20's benefits.

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Amid renewed speculation about political realignments and a potential merger, senior leaders from two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule clarified her party's position on the proposed Delimitation Bill, stating that while a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across states would be hard to oppose, any final decision would be made after discussions within the INDIA bloc.

Mehbooba Mufti to travel to Iran for Khamenei's funeral

Mehbooba Mufti to travel to Iran for Khamenei's funeral

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has received an official invitation to attend the state funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. She will travel to Iran as a distinguished guest of India to pay her final respects, highlighting the historical and strategic ties between the two nations.

Heavy rains with 80 kmph winds alert for Mumbai; WFH for pvt firms

Heavy rains with 80 kmph winds alert for Mumbai; WFH for pvt firms

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The India Meteorological Department has issued a 'red' alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and warnings include potential flash floods, structural damage, and disruptions to essential services. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has also urged caution and deployed officials to monitor the situation.

Rats, flies found: FDA shuts Mumbai's iconic K Rustom ice cream parlour

Rats, flies found: FDA shuts Mumbai's iconic K Rustom ice cream parlour

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the licence of Mumbai's renowned K Rustom ice cream parlour due to severe hygiene and food safety violations. An inspection revealed live rats and flies, expired flavouring agents, and ice cream with insufficient milk fat, leading to the parlour's closure under the 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign.

US proposes steep hike in citizenship application fees

US proposes steep hike in citizenship application fees

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a nearly 75 per cent increase in the filing fee for Form N-400, the application for US citizenship through naturalisation, raising it from $760 to $1,330. The proposal also seeks to eliminate reduced-fee options and fee waivers, potentially impacting thousands of immigrants, including Indians.

Suvendu govt to toughen laws against vandalism, attacks on officials

Suvendu govt to toughen laws against vandalism, attacks on officials

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The West Bengal government plans to introduce two new bills in the Assembly to address public disorder, vandalism, and attacks on police and public servants. One bill will amend the existing Public Order Act, 1972, while the other, titled the Public Safety Control and Anti-Social Activity Bill, will comprehensively strengthen public safety measures. These legislative changes aim to curb incidents of violence and allow for compensation recovery from offenders.

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited applications for the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This new position aims to strengthen administrative and financial management following alleged embezzlement concerns. The CEO will be appointed for a three-year term, overseeing various aspects from finance to pilgrim facilities, and must be an actively practising Hindu with specific managerial experience.

India vs England: Gill's message after Axar, Washington's match-winning stand

India vs England: Gill's message after Axar, Washington's match-winning stand

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

India skipper Shubman Gill expressed confidence in his team's middle-order batters after Washington Sundar and Axar Patel successfully chased down a challenging target, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure and hinting at exploring various combinations for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A parliamentary committee has voiced concerns over ongoing examination irregularities despite government measures, recommending the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for reforms. The panel also urged a nationwide blacklist of firms involved in exam processes and suggested utilising the National Testing Agency's financial surplus to enhance its capabilities.

US warns India against violating Hormuz blockade

US warns India against violating Hormuz blockade

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The US has warned India that any violation of its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated, a statement made amidst a diplomatic row over the deaths of Indian seafarers in US attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman.

Mumbai reels under torrential rains, IMD issues 'extremely heavy rainfall' alert

Mumbai reels under torrential rains, IMD issues 'extremely heavy rainfall' alert

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mumbai and its metropolitan region are experiencing severe monsoon rains, leading to widespread waterlogging, transport disruptions, and the closure of schools and colleges. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'extremely heavy rainfall' alert, with some areas receiving nearly 200 mm of rain in 12 hours, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to urge residents to avoid non-essential travel.

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Senior Indian officials highlight the indispensable role of the private sector in translating India-US cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and critical minerals into tangible outcomes. The collaboration aims to build trusted, resilient technology ecosystems and position India as a global electronics and semiconductor hub.

Wayanad landslide: Contractor blames heavy rain for tragedy

Wayanad landslide: Contractor blames heavy rain for tragedy

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Dilip Buildcon Ltd, the contractor for the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi road tunnel project in Wayanad, attributed a recent fatal landslide to exceptionally heavy rainfall. The company stated that the project adheres to all safety and environmental protocols, despite allegations from Kerala Ministers of a "man-made disaster."

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

How did hundreds of errors slip through multiple stages of drafting, editing, proofreading, expert review and final approval before making their way into classrooms?

Kerala 'anti-drug activist' nabbed after MDMA found in home

Kerala 'anti-drug activist' nabbed after MDMA found in home

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

A 25-year-old man, Sharfin Sebastian, who allegedly posed as the state president of an anti-drug organisation, has been arrested in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, after police seized 1.590 grams of MDMA and drug paraphernalia from his residence. The arrest highlights a shocking case of hypocrisy, as the accused was actively campaigning against narcotics while allegedly possessing banned synthetic drugs.