News for 'US State Department'

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of senior IAS officer Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ignited a political controversy, drawing criticism from the CPI(M), CPI, and BJP.

Study Reveals Dangers Of Herbal Cigarettes

Study Reveals Dangers Of Herbal Cigarettes

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A new study reveals that herbal cigarettes, often marketed as a safe alternative to tobacco, produce emissions that are comparably or even more damaging than regular tobacco cigarettes.

Thane Worker Dies Cleaning Drain; Negligence Case Filed

Thane Worker Dies Cleaning Drain; Negligence Case Filed

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A 44-year-old worker died of suffocation while cleaning a drain in Thane, Maharashtra. Police have registered a case against a contractor and civic officials for alleged negligence.

Madhya Pradesh HC Reviews Bail Of Ex-Judge In Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh HC Reviews Bail Of Ex-Judge In Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to former judge Giribala Singh regarding the cancellation of her anticipatory bail in connection with the death of her daughter-in-law, who allegedly faced dowry harassment.

Former BDO Arrested For Drunken Driving, Wanted In Murder Case

Former BDO Arrested For Drunken Driving, Wanted In Murder Case

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Former Rajganj block development officer Prashant Barman was arrested in New Town near Kolkata for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and is wanted in connection with a businessman's murder in 2025.

Tight security in place for Shivakumar's swearing-in on Wednesday

Tight security in place for Shivakumar's swearing-in on Wednesday

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Preparations are complete in Bengaluru for the swearing-in ceremony of D K Shivakumar as Karnataka's Chief Minister. Security and traffic arrangements are in place to manage the event.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

BJP Accuses AAP Of Bengal-Like Tactics In Punjab

BJP Accuses AAP Of Bengal-Like Tactics In Punjab

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has accused the Aam Aadmi Party of orchestrating attacks on BJP offices in the state, demanding action against those responsible and warning against creating 'Bengal-like conditions' in Punjab.

16 arrested after stone pelting during Bandra demolition drive

16 arrested after stone pelting during Bandra demolition drive

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Mumbai police have arrested sixteen people and are seeking over 150 more in connection with stone pelting incidents that occurred during a demolition drive near Bandra station. The demolition aimed to clear encroached land for railway infrastructure upgrades.

Sivagiri Mutt Seeks More Backward Class Ministers In Kerala Government

Sivagiri Mutt Seeks More Backward Class Ministers In Kerala Government

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Sachidananda has requested greater representation for MLAs from backward class communities in the UDF government's Cabinet.

Delhi Government Focuses On Menstrual Hygiene In Schools

Delhi Government Focuses On Menstrual Hygiene In Schools

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed government school principals to ensure clean toilets, functional medical rooms, and proper maintenance of sanitary pad vending machines in schools, emphasising the importance of menstrual hygiene and awareness.

19 get life term in 2016 triple murder case in Odisha

19 get life term in 2016 triple murder case in Odisha

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A court in Odisha's Nabarangpur district sentenced nineteen people to life imprisonment for their involvement in a 2016 clash over land cultivation that resulted in three deaths.

NEET paper leak: Parl panel summons NTA, CBI over exam conduct

NEET paper leak: Parl panel summons NTA, CBI over exam conduct

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A parliamentary panel has summoned officials from the Union Education Ministry, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the CBI to address concerns regarding the conduct of examinations.

IIT-Guwahati To Commercialise Bio-Methanol Production

IIT-Guwahati To Commercialise Bio-Methanol Production

Rediff.com28 May 2026

IIT-Guwahati has partnered with Kaashyap Cleantech Innovations to commercialise bio-methanol production technology, which converts greenhouse gases into a versatile liquid fuel, offering environmental and performance benefits.

21, mostly foreigners, killed in massive fire at Delhi hotel

21, mostly foreigners, killed in massive fire at Delhi hotel

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The building suffered extensive damage in the fire, with debris, shattered glass and burnt materials strewn in the vicinity. A large crowd gathered near the site as authorities cordoned off the spot and diverted traffic to facilitate rescue operations.

Why Delhi University Students Are Protesting Exam Schedule

Why Delhi University Students Are Protesting Exam Schedule

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Students affiliated with the All India Students' Association (AISA) protested against Delhi University's decision to conduct examinations on Eid-ul-Azha, alleging manhandling by security personnel. The university has stated that exams will proceed as scheduled, despite criticism and a High Court order offering relief only to law students.

Fadnavis rides motorcycle to work after Modi's austerity call

Fadnavis rides motorcycle to work after Modi's austerity call

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rode a motorcycle to work following Prime Minister Modi's appeal to cut down fuel consumption amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Four Arrested In Arunachal Pradesh Rhino Horn Smuggling Case

Four Arrested In Arunachal Pradesh Rhino Horn Smuggling Case

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Four individuals have been apprehended in Arunachal Pradesh's Papum Pare district for trafficking a rhinoceros horn valued at approximately Rs 1.2 crore. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the forest department, underscores the government's commitment to wildlife protection and combating organised crime.

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.

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.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam CM for 2nd term

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam CM for 2nd term

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the chief minister of Assam for a second consecutive term, along with four other ministers, marking the formation of the third successive NDA government in the state.

Maharashtra Authorities Destroy Illegal Sand Mining Boats In Jalna

Maharashtra Authorities Destroy Illegal Sand Mining Boats In Jalna

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Authorities in Maharashtra's Jalna district seized and destroyed four boats and extracting machines involved in illegal sand mining using gelatin sticks.

Naidu Focuses On Quantum Tech For Andhra Pradesh's Future

Naidu Focuses On Quantum Tech For Andhra Pradesh's Future

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day by emphasising the state's growing quantum technologies ecosystem and the importance of secure digital infrastructure.

North India sizzles at 45 deg Celsius, relief likely from Tuesday

North India sizzles at 45 deg Celsius, relief likely from Tuesday

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Northern states in India are experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 46.6 degrees Celsius. The heatwave has impacted daily life, leading to a decline in tourism and increased power demand. Authorities have issued advisories and implemented measures to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat.

Rs 10 Crore Money Trail Uncovered In Jharkhand Treasury Scam

Rs 10 Crore Money Trail Uncovered In Jharkhand Treasury Scam

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Jharkhand Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has uncovered a money trail of Rs 10 crore related to the Bokaro treasury scam, freezing several fixed deposits and arresting multiple individuals, including police personnel and an accountant.

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.

CPI(M) Condemns ED Raids On Kerala CM As Political Attack

CPI(M) Condemns ED Raids On Kerala CM As Political Attack

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) leaders have strongly criticised the ED raids on former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and others, alleging political motivation and a conspiracy by the BJP and Congress. They claim the raids are an attempt to intimidate the party and its leaders, and have vowed to fight back against what they see as a politically fabricated case.

IIT Bombay Inks Deal To Boost Battery Recycling

IIT Bombay Inks Deal To Boost Battery Recycling

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has signed a technology licensing agreement with Evergreen Lithium Recycling to improve the extraction of critical minerals from battery reprocessing, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in battery recycling operations.

Five Terrorists Killed In Pakistan Security Operation

Five Terrorists Killed In Pakistan Security Operation

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Security forces in Pakistan have killed five terrorists in intelligence-based operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following an attack on a police checkpost that resulted in the deaths of 15 security officials.

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.

GST Fraud: Mastermind Arrested In Rs 410 Crore ITC Scam

GST Fraud: Mastermind Arrested In Rs 410 Crore ITC Scam

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Commercial Taxes Department has arrested Mohammed Tauqeer for his involvement in generating and routing fraudulent ITC across multiple states, unearthing a GST fraud worth Rs 410 crore.

Pune School Principal Arrested In NEET Paper Leak Case

Pune School Principal Arrested In NEET Paper Leak Case

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A Pune school principal has been arrested in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case, accused of sharing examination-related questions and content with students for financial gain, according to the CBI.

'We Are Buying Russian Oil Even Now'

'We Are Buying Russian Oil Even Now'

Rediff.com27 May 2026

India bought 1.87 million barrels of Russian oil per day in May so far, meeting approximately 40 per cent of its oil imports.

Elephant Dies After IED Blast In Jharkhand's Saranda Forest

Elephant Dies After IED Blast In Jharkhand's Saranda Forest

Rediff.com15 May 2026

An elephant undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in an IED blast, allegedly triggered by Maoists in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, has died.

SC Orders States to Develop Protocol for Open Prisons

SC Orders States to Develop Protocol for Open Prisons

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union territories in India to develop a time-bound protocol for improving the functioning of open prisons, ensuring they serve as effective institutions for reformation and rehabilitation.

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.

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Police in Belagavi, Karnataka, have arrested the operator of Shivam Associates, accused of running a multi-crore Ponzi scheme that promised high returns to depositors. The case has been registered under the BUDS Act and KPID Act, and will be transferred to the CID for further investigation.

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.

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.