News for 'government officials'

US, Iran to hold talks in Switzerland; Pak, Qatar to attend

US, Iran to hold talks in Switzerland; Pak, Qatar to attend

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The United States and Iran are scheduled to hold their initial round of talks in Switzerland on Friday, following a ceasefire agreement virtually signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Cough syrups to be available only with doctor's prescription

Cough syrups to be available only with doctor's prescription

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Union Health Ministry has amended drug rules, making it mandatory to have a doctor's prescription for the sale of all syrups, including cough syrups. This move aims to enhance regulatory oversight and patient safety following concerns over drug quality and contamination-linked deaths.

'Difficult Situations Bring Out the Best in Us': Iran Eye World Cup History

'Difficult Situations Bring Out the Best in Us': Iran Eye World Cup History

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Iran's players say adversity has united Team Melli after a resilient 0-0 draw against Belgium kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive. A win over Egypt could secure a historic first-ever place in the last 32.

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

'1.38L CCTVs, 51k jammers': Over 2.8L students to take NEET re-exam amid tight security

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has implemented extensive security and logistical arrangements, including AI-based CCTV monitoring, biometric verification, and police escorts, to ensure the smooth, secure, and transparent conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.

'More shocks in store': Shinde mocks Uddhav Sena over MPs' defections

'More shocks in store': Shinde mocks Uddhav Sena over MPs' defections

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde mocked the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the assembly following the defection of six of its Lok Sabha MPs to his faction. Shinde stated that the opposition had lost its mental balance and predicted more "shocks" for them. The jibe came after opposition MLAs, including Aaditya Thackeray, walked out over procedural objections during the monsoon session.

Muslim board to launch movement against community's 'marginalisation'

Muslim board to launch movement against community's 'marginalisation'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced a nationwide movement against the 'deteriorating condition' and social and political marginalisation of Muslims in India, citing concerns over mob violence, demolition drives, and attempts to impose Vande Mataram.

National record holder Gulveer fails to breach Asian Games qualifying time in 5000m

National record holder Gulveer fails to breach Asian Games qualifying time in 5000m

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Gulveer Singh, the reigning Asian champion and national record holder, failed to meet the Asian Games qualifying standard in the men's 5000m race at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships.

Maharashtra Irrigation Officials Nabbed for Alleged Bribery Over Dam Project Payments

Maharashtra Irrigation Officials Nabbed for Alleged Bribery Over Dam Project Payments

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Two irrigation department officials in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district have been arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe to release pending payments for dam work.

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

'We ourselves hadn't heard it initially. Many people called us. The entire village was overjoyed.'

TMC leader Jahangir Khan's wife arrested over police station attack

TMC leader Jahangir Khan's wife arrested over police station attack

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Regina Bibi, wife of TMC leader Jahangir Khan, has been arrested for allegedly masterminding a violent attempt to free him from police custody and leading an attack on the Falta police station earlier this month.

Centre rejects reports of UPSC Prelims paper leak

Centre rejects reports of UPSC Prelims paper leak

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Indian government has officially refuted social media claims regarding a leak of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination question paper. The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check wing labelled these allegations as "fake," clarifying that an institute's backdated answer key explanations were misinterpreted, not indicative of a leak.

Inmate's Viral Video From Hoshiarpur Jail Triggers Political Outcry

Inmate's Viral Video From Hoshiarpur Jail Triggers Political Outcry

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A video of an inmate from Hoshiarpur Central Jail alleging harassment and demanding money from staff has gone viral, leading to an official inquiry and a political backlash against the Punjab government.

Iran team arrive in US for FIFA World Cup opener as the two nations reach peace deal

Iran team arrive in US for FIFA World Cup opener as the two nations reach peace deal

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Iran's soccer team arrived in the United States for the first time at this World Cup on Sunday, landing at Los Angeles International Airport and holding a press conference on the same day that a peace deal between the two nations was announced.

Anthropic Slams US' Suspension of Fable 5, Mythos 5 as 'Misunderstanding'

Anthropic Slams US' Suspension of Fable 5, Mythos 5 as 'Misunderstanding'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Anthropic has labelled the US government's directive to suspend its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models as a "misunderstanding" and is actively working to restore access, warning that the current standard for narrow jailbreak findings could "essentially halt all new model deployments for all frontier model providers."

BJP Leaders Assure Support To Family Of Indian Seafarer Killed Off Oman Coast

BJP Leaders Assure Support To Family Of Indian Seafarer Killed Off Oman Coast

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

BJP leaders and other political figures visited the family of Shivanand Chaurasia in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, who was among three Indian crew members killed in an attack on merchant ships off the Oman coast. They offered condolences and assured the family of government and party support. Shivanand, an engine fitter, was on a tanker targeted on June 10, and his body was recovered on Thursday.

ACB Nabs Ratnagiri Doctor For Demanding Bribe From Pregnant Woman

ACB Nabs Ratnagiri Doctor For Demanding Bribe From Pregnant Woman

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A government medical officer in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Dr Kanchan Shirish Madar, has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 4,500 from a pregnant woman for an abortion pill kit.

SC/ST Court Summons UP Police Officers Over Alleged Probe Manipulation In Dalit Atrocity Case

SC/ST Court Summons UP Police Officers Over Alleged Probe Manipulation In Dalit Atrocity Case

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A special SC/ST court in Sultanpur has summoned two senior Uttar Pradesh police officers, including a former Additional Superintendent of Police, to face trial for allegedly manipulating the investigation into a Dalit atrocity, assault, and attempted culpable homicide case. The court criticised the "deplorable" investigation process and noted attempts to derail justice by dropping an accused's name.

Kerala MLA Identifies Ex-CM's Security In Assault Case

Kerala MLA Identifies Ex-CM's Security In Assault Case

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Alappuzha MLA A D Thomas and five others have identified former security personnel of then Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as alleged assailants of Youth Congress workers during the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas programme. The identification occurred at the Crime Branch office, with Thomas expressing concerns about the investigation being derailed despite a new SIT being formed under the Congress-led UDF government, which has invoked a more serious charge of attempt to commit culpable homicide.

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a war threat against India, citing water security as a national concern. This comes as Pakistan grapples with a severe internal water crisis, attributed by experts to mismanagement, and India maintains its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack. Asif accused India of "weaponising water" but admitted to lacking current data on the situation.

TMC meltdown continues as ex-minister, Siliguri mayor resign

TMC meltdown continues as ex-minister, Siliguri mayor resign

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a severe leadership crisis as former minister Jyoti Priya Mallick resigned from all party organisational posts citing health, and senior North Bengal leader Goutam Deb stepped down as mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, amidst widespread internal rifts and electoral setbacks.

Khalistan Bomb Threats Rock Mumbai: CMO, Mayor's Office Targeted

Khalistan Bomb Threats Rock Mumbai: CMO, Mayor's Office Targeted

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai received emails allegedly from the "Khalistan National Army" warning of bomb blasts at multiple locations, including the Chief Minister's Office, Mayor's office, and the BSE building. Police have launched an investigation and stepped up security, while Mayor Ritu Tawde has vowed not to be intimidated.

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Newly appointed West Bengal minister Bishal Lama performed a puja before occupying his new office, which was previously used by former education minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested in a school jobs scam. Lama stated it was a personal tradition for auspicious beginnings.

12 Indians among 13 killed in blast at Qatar gas plant

12 Indians among 13 killed in blast at Qatar gas plant

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

An explosion at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including Indian and Pakistani nationals, and injured 66 others. The incident, attributed to a technical malfunction during start-up operations, prompted immediate response from Qatari authorities and an offer of assistance from the Indian Embassy.

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

'India Has Enough Oil And Gas Beneath The Soil'

'India Has Enough Oil And Gas Beneath The Soil'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

'Exploration should be made easier and companies should be given operational flexibility.'

NEET-UG leak: CBI briefs parliamentary panel on probe progress

NEET-UG leak: CBI briefs parliamentary panel on probe progress

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The CBI Director has updated a parliamentary panel on the NEET-UG paper leak investigation, while education ministry officials outlined measures for a fair retest.

Over 20 lakh aspirants take NEET re-test in India, abroad amid tight security

Over 20 lakh aspirants take NEET re-test in India, abroad amid tight security

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The NEET-UG re-exam was held at centres across the country and overseas on Sunday amid tight security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examination.

Nihangs hold Sikh devotee hostage on roof of Gurudwara in Rudraprayag, army deployed

Nihangs hold Sikh devotee hostage on roof of Gurudwara in Rudraprayag, army deployed

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

A group of Nihangs, armed with traditional weapons, stormed a gurdwara in Rudraprayag, taking a Sikh devotee hostage on the roof to demand the release of four sect members arrested after a clash in Chamoli.

'This is not monarchy': Bihar CM's jibe at Rabri over govt bungalow

'This is not monarchy': Bihar CM's jibe at Rabri over govt bungalow

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary criticised the RJD regarding the allotment of government bungalows, referencing the dispute over Rabri Devi's residence.

Why US denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for World Cup

Why US denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for World Cup

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Trump administration said on Tuesday the United States had denied Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for the World Cup because of his links to "suspected members of terror organizations".

Official axed over 'hasty' minority grants after Ajit Pawar's death

Official axed over 'hasty' minority grants after Ajit Pawar's death

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

A senior Maharashtra government official has been removed from his post following allegations of irregularities in granting minority status to 75 educational institutions after the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the matter.

Two Arrested With 174 Stolen Smartphones On Jharkhand Train

Two Arrested With 174 Stolen Smartphones On Jharkhand Train

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Two individuals from West Bengal were apprehended by the Railway Protection Force in Jharkhand's Sahibganj district, found in possession of 174 stolen smartphones valued at nearly Rs 59 lakh. The arrests were made on the Vananchal Express, with the accused suspected of attempting to smuggle the devices for illegal sale in Bangladesh and Nepal.

West Bengal Reinstates CBI General Consent For Central Employee Probes

West Bengal Reinstates CBI General Consent For Central Employee Probes

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The West Bengal government has restored general consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate cases involving central government employees and public sector undertakings within the state. This decision reverses a 2018 move by the previous Trinamool Congress government to withdraw such consent, allowing the CBI to operate more freely in these specific matters.

Delhi CM Orders Redevelopment Plan For Burari DTO

Delhi CM Orders Redevelopment Plan For Burari DTO

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered officials to prepare a redevelopment plan for the Burari district transport office (DTO) following complaints about inadequate facilities.

Punjab minister resigns after state official's suicide

Punjab minister resigns after state official's suicide

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned after being accused of abetting the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official. The resignation follows allegations of harassment and pressure related to warehouse tenders.

NEET re-test: Google drops Telegram from Play Store, app CEO opposes ban

NEET re-test: Google drops Telegram from Play Store, app CEO opposes ban

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Google has removed the messaging app Telegram from its Play Store in India, with Apple expected to follow, in compliance with a government order aimed at preventing paper leaks during the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination on June 21. The government has also directed Telegram to temporarily disable its message-editing feature until June 30.

Bihar Government Officers Under Scrutiny for Alleged Asset Discrepancies

Bihar Government Officers Under Scrutiny for Alleged Asset Discrepancies

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Two senior Bihar government officers are under investigation after the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) discovered property documents, cash deposits, and valuable items allegedly disproportionate to their known income.

New Policy To Enhance Safety For Women Athletes In Maharashtra

New Policy To Enhance Safety For Women Athletes In Maharashtra

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has mandated a uniform policy for all sports grounds in the state, focusing on modern sanitation, separate changing rooms, and CCTV surveillance to ensure the safety and enhance the performance of women athletes. This directive aims to strengthen the sports ecosystem and encourage greater participation from women.

Pakistan Security Forces Neutralise Two Terrorists In Khyber Operation

Pakistan Security Forces Neutralise Two Terrorists In Khyber Operation

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Pakistani security forces conducted an operation in the Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing two terrorists. The region has a history of militant violence, with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) frequently accused of attacks following the end of their ceasefire.

CJP ramps up Pradhan's exit demand; Wangchuk joins Hyderabad stir

CJP ramps up Pradhan's exit demand; Wangchuk joins Hyderabad stir

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party and other organisations staged a protest in Hyderabad on Sunday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak and irregularities related to the CBSE's on-screen marking system.