News for 'United States State Department'

Iran shutting Hormuz Strait will impact Indian economy: Experts

Iran shutting Hormuz Strait will impact Indian economy: Experts

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

The Israel-Iran conflict has entered a 'decisive phase' after the United States bombed three major Iranian nuclear sites Sunday morning, feel strategic affairs experts with some of them arguing it was Washington, DC's 'responsibility' to not get involved in the military standoff.

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

'Jhoot brigade': Cong slams BJP after FinMin report on USAID

'Jhoot brigade': Cong slams BJP after FinMin report on USAID

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The latest annual report of the finance ministry has disclosed that the agency funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in 2023-24.

Missing Indian-origin student was seen with man on the beach

Missing Indian-origin student was seen with man on the beach

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

A 20-year-old Indian student, Sudiksha Konanki, has gone missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. US federal law enforcement agencies are working with Dominican authorities to investigate her disappearance. Konanki, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, was reported missing on March 6 while vacationing with friends in Punta Cana. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is assisting in the investigation, which includes a review of surveillance video, telephone records, and interviews with anyone who may have seen Konanki. The LCSO has filed for a Yellow Notice (worldwide police alert for a missing person) to be issued by INTERPOL. While Dominican officials believe Konanki may have drowned in the ocean, the LCSO cautions against drawing any unsubstantiated conclusions. The investigation is ongoing.

Jeopardizing...: 6 US lawmakers write to AG against Adani indictment

Jeopardizing...: 6 US lawmakers write to AG against Adani indictment

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Six US Congressmen have written to the Attorney General of the United States expressing concerns over the Department of Justice's indictment of the Adani Group, alleging it jeopardizes relations with India. The letter, signed by Lance Gooden, Pat Fallon, Mike Haridopolos, Brandon Gill, William R Timmmons, and Brian Babin, criticizes the Biden administration's decision to pursue the case, arguing that it has no real injury to US interests and could negatively impact the strategic partnership between the US and India. The Congressmen call for an investigation into the DOJ's conduct and request records pertaining to the case.

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

We have nothing to gain by raising our concerns internationally as our narrative has got entangled with several controversial concepts in the United Nations, asserts Ambassador T N Sreenivasan.

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

After the 1962 War with China, there was a demand to forge greater defence cooperation between India and the West. One such voice was that of Sudhir Ghosh, a distinguished MP, to tie up strategic cooperation with the USA immediately after the Chinese attack on India, recalls Rup Narayan Das.

Our ties shouldn't be transactional, says outgoing US envoy

Our ties shouldn't be transactional, says outgoing US envoy

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

Richard Verma, the highest-ranking Indian-American official in the State Department, has expressed optimism about the future of US-India ties and emphasized the need to base the relationship on shared values rather than mere transactional dealings. Verma, who previously served as America's Ambassador to India, stressed the importance of the Quad in defending the international order, highlighting its shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Samsung management, workers reach agreement on wage hike

Samsung management, workers reach agreement on wage hike

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The discord between the Samsung workers affiliated to the Samsung India Thozhilalar Sangam and the company management over wage hike has been amicably resolved with the company agreeing to increase the wages, Tamil Nadu Labour Minister C V Ganesan informed on Monday. Noting that employee welfare remained a top priority for it, Samsung India said the company 'constructively engaged' with all its workers at the Chennai plant and was delighted to announce a mutual agreement to enhance wages and benefits for the next three years.

Deny visa to Modi again, US state dept told

Deny visa to Modi again, US state dept told

Rediff.com9 Jul 2008

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom -- a Congressionally mandated body -- has urged the US State Department "to reaffirm its past decision to deny a tourist visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has been invited to attend a conference in New Jersey this August celebrating Gujarati culture."

Lawyer who argued in US court to lead NIA case against Rana

Lawyer who argued in US court to lead NIA case against Rana

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, who led India's arguments for the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana in a United States court, is set to lead the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) prosecution in Delhi.

Doping: Russian Guliyev to be stripped of 2012 Olympic medal

Doping: Russian Guliyev to be stripped of 2012 Olympic medal

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Ekaterina Guliyev is set to lose the 800 metres silver medal she won for Russia at the 2012 Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed her appeal against a four-year doping ban.

Stock exchanges seek clarification on disclosure violations by Adani Group entities

Stock exchanges seek clarification on disclosure violations by Adani Group entities

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Stock exchanges have sought clarification on violation of disclosure norms by Adani Group entities regarding the alleged bribery case in the US and subsequent cancellation of Kenya's airport expansion deal. In its response to the case in the US, Adani Group firms on Thursday had said "there are no allegations made against the company". On clarification with regard to Kenya cancelling airport expansion and energy deals following the US bribery and fraud indictments, the group is yet to respond to the bourses.

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'I am worried that Pakistan will still feel compelled to take substantive military action beyond this apparent drone activity.' 'If so, the crisis could persist for a while more and dangerous days are still ahead.'

'US May Demand Not Just Tariff Cuts But...'

'US May Demand Not Just Tariff Cuts But...'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

I'...additional concessions, such as opening government procurement, reducing agricultural subsidies, weakening patent protections, and allowing unrestricted data flows -- demands India has resisted for decades.'

Adani crisis: No negative actions so far by lenders, investors, says Crisil

Adani crisis: No negative actions so far by lenders, investors, says Crisil

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Backing embattled Adani Group, rating agency CRISIL Ratings on Friday said the conglomerate has sufficient liquidity and operational cash flows to meet debt obligations and committed capex and that there has been no negative actions so far by lenders and investors following the US indictment of group founder chairman. The Adani Group, which has the flexibility to reduce certain discretionary capital expenditure (capex) depending on developments in financial markets and future capital availability, has a healthy Ebitda and cash balance that reduces its dependence on external debt to sustain operations, it said in a bulletin.

Rains batter Maharashtra: 1 dead, 48 rescued so far

Rains batter Maharashtra: 1 dead, 48 rescued so far

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Heavy rains lashed several parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, on Monday, resulting in one death and the rescue of 48 people from inundated areas. The state received widespread rainfall, with Pune, Satara, Solapur, Raigad, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) experiencing significant precipitation. Mumbai recorded 135.4 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to waterlogging and power outages in some areas. The India Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in Mumbai over the next 24 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.

US court upholds $5mn sexual abuse verdict against Trump

US court upholds $5mn sexual abuse verdict against Trump

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Writer E Jean Carroll had alleged that Trump 'raped' her in the Bergdorf Goodman department store in 1996. He later denied her claim, defamed her by saying she wasn't his type, and suggested she fabricated the story to boost sales of her book.

2nd US flight with 119 deportees to arrive in Punjab today

2nd US flight with 119 deportees to arrive in Punjab today

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the US, followed by another 119 set to arrive in Amritsar on Saturday night, has sparked controversy in India over the treatment of returnees. The US government's intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants has led to criticism of the use of handcuffs and shackles for deportees, even those who have committed no crimes beyond immigration violations. The issue has led to heated debates in the Indian Parliament, with opposition leaders demanding an inquiry into the deportation process. The Indian government is engaging with US officials to ensure the humane treatment of deportees, while also facing the challenge of reintegrating returnees into Indian society. The deportations highlight the ongoing tension between border control and human rights, and the complexities of US-India relations.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

Continue to expect accountability from India: US on Pannun case

Continue to expect accountability from India: US on Pannun case

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

"We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Indian government at senior levels," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

Trump backs 'great' H-1B visa programme amid opposition

Trump backs 'great' H-1B visa programme amid opposition

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

In a major shift from his earlier stance, United States-President elect Donald Trump has expressed his support for the H-1B visa programme and acknowledged frequently using it for his own properties, calling it a 'great programme', according to a report by New York Post.

About 1,100 illegally staying Indians repatriated from US in one year

About 1,100 illegally staying Indians repatriated from US in one year

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

In a virtual briefing, Royce Murray, assistant secretary for Border and Immigration Policy, US DHS, in response to a query related to the October 22 charter flight that deported a batch of Indian nationals, said, "no minor" among them on that removal flight, adding these were all male and female adults.

Kukis, Meiteis serve in same unit with harmony because....: Gen Dwivedi

Kukis, Meiteis serve in same unit with harmony because....: Gen Dwivedi

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

India's Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, emphasized the Indian Army's role as a "melting pot" and cited the harmony between Kuki and Meitei soldiers in the same units as an example of the force's unifying nature. He made the remarks during a lecture in Pune, highlighting the Army's efforts to promote unity and integration within its ranks. General Dwivedi also touched upon the Army's role in internal security in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and the upcoming Olympics.

Rajasthan govt employee held for spying for Pak, BJP alleges Cong link

Rajasthan govt employee held for spying for Pak, BJP alleges Cong link

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Shakur Khan was detained on Wednesday night by an intelligence department team who were acting on security-related inputs.

Judge blocks Trump's move to end birthright citizenship

Judge blocks Trump's move to end birthright citizenship

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to terminate birthright citizenship in the United States, calling the policy 'blatantly unconstitutional', CNN reported.

'Modi Bought A Reprieve, Not A Resolution'

'Modi Bought A Reprieve, Not A Resolution'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'Modi's intention was to create goodwill that will allow India to be seen by Trump as more than just a bad tariff problem.' 'He succeeded brilliantly on that count but none of these wins are unfortunately permanent.' 'Modi will have to do this again and again if Trump's grievances are to be durably assuaged.'

Baseless: Ex-CEC Quraishi on $21m poll funding by US agency

Baseless: Ex-CEC Quraishi on $21m poll funding by US agency

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'There was no financing or even promise of finance involved in MoU, forget X or Y amount'

6 killed, over 70 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival

6 killed, over 70 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival

Rediff.com3 May 2025

At least six people were killed and 30 injured in a stampede during a temple festival in North Goa, India. The incident occurred at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, around 40 km from Panaji, as thousands of devotees thronged the narrow lanes to the temple for the annual festival.

Management lessons from the US State Dept

Management lessons from the US State Dept

Rediff.com5 Mar 2007

Managing a global operation 24/7/365? Take a leaf out of the US State Department's book.

Expect India to strike first trade pact: US Treasury Secy Scott Bessent

Expect India to strike first trade pact: US Treasury Secy Scott Bessent

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

As in-person negotiations between India and the US kickstarted on Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expected India to strike the first bilateral trade deal to avert President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs.

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The Finance Ministry's annual report has revealed that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in India during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The projects, implemented in partnership with the Indian government, cover areas like agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, health, sustainable forests, and climate adaptation. This disclosure comes amidst controversy over USAID's alleged role in influencing Indian elections, with claims that the agency allocated USD 21 million to India for 'voter turnout'. However, the report clarifies that no funds were dedicated to enhancing voter turnout.

New US Visa Policy: No Impact On H1-Bs

New US Visa Policy: No Impact On H1-Bs

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

'Of course, people will have to carry documents all the time. There is overall uncertainty in living in the US.'

PowerMin nudges states, gencos to take up insolvent assets

PowerMin nudges states, gencos to take up insolvent assets

Rediff.com12 Nov 2023

To tackle increasing demand, the Union Ministry of Power has urged central and state public-sector power-generating companies (gencos) and state power and energy departments to pick projects that are undergoing insolvency proceedings. The power ministry is looking at a quicker turnaround of these stressed power plants and enhancing power supply. Increasing demand is pushing states to scout for more power sources. "It is requested that state-owned gencos may be encouraged to participate in the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) of stressed power assets, which are of strategic and commercial significance to the capacity addition plans of the states concerned.

Tahawwur Rana extraditable to India, rules US court

Tahawwur Rana extraditable to India, rules US court

Rediff.com17 Aug 2024

In a huge setback to Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a United States court has ruled that the Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman could be extradited to India where is wanted for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists.

Majority of iPhones sold in US will be made in India: Tim Cook

Majority of iPhones sold in US will be made in India: Tim Cook

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Apple will source the majority of the iPhone sold in the US from India in the June quarter while China will produce the vast majority of the devices for other markets amid uncertainty over tax tariffs, a top official said on Friday.

PICS: Team India depart for Windies tour

PICS: Team India depart for Windies tour

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

Here are glimpses of Indian cricketers all set to fly to the Caribbean Islands...

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses foreign bribery law

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses foreign bribery law

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Trump signed an order to pause enforcing of the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) that prohibits American companies and foreign firms from bribing officials of foreign governments to obtain or retain business.

Stricter Steel Rules May Crush Small Manufacturers

Stricter Steel Rules May Crush Small Manufacturers

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Since India relies heavily on specialised imported fasteners for critical applications in industries, such as automobiles, aerospace, electronics, and defence, their sudden unavailability will jeopardise production.

Insecurity or jealousy? BJP hits out at Cong for ignoring Tharoor

Insecurity or jealousy? BJP hits out at Cong for ignoring Tharoor

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government nominated Tharoor, who serves as chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, to lead one of the seven multi-party delegations abroad for putting across India's stand against Pakistan for supporting terrorism.