News for 'official'

Trump presses Netanyahu to withdraw troops from Syria, Lebanon

Trump presses Netanyahu to withdraw troops from Syria, Lebanon

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli military units from southern Syria and Lebanon, warning that Israel's continued presence could escalate regional tensions.

NEET leak: Court allows CBI to collect more handwriting samples from accused

NEET leak: Court allows CBI to collect more handwriting samples from accused

Rediff.com6 days ago

A Delhi court has granted the CBI permission to obtain additional handwriting and signature samples from accused Manisha Sanjay Havaldar in the ongoing NEET paper leak case. This decision aims to facilitate a thorough comparison of evidence, given the bulkiness of the case record and allegations of question sharing.

'We can't reach them': Families search for detained CJP protesters

'We can't reach them': Families search for detained CJP protesters

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Families of students detained during the Cockroach Janta Party protest in Delhi said they had been unable to contact them for hours and did not know whether any charges had been filed, as concerns mounted over the whereabouts of those detained.

Sitharaman: Hurry Up Tax Appeals

Sitharaman: Hurry Up Tax Appeals

Rediff.com4 days ago

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged income tax authorities to significantly accelerate the adjudication of taxpayer appeals.

CJP claims govt reached out for talks, to meet Nadda amid Parliament march

CJP claims govt reached out for talks, to meet Nadda amid Parliament march

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Amidst widespread protests, the Cockroach Janta Party is set to engage in talks with Union Minister J P Nadda.

Army Recovers Suspected Drone In Samba District

Army Recovers Suspected Drone In Samba District

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A drone was recovered from an agricultural field in Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir, after a resident spotted it. The recovery follows an earlier detection of an unidentified flying object by the Army, which initiated jamming measures. Authorities suspect the recovered drone is the same object and have sent it for forensic examination to investigate its origin and potential cross-border involvement.

The Muppets join Madonna, Shakira, Bieber in World Cup halftime show

The Muppets join Madonna, Shakira, Bieber in World Cup halftime show

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Superstars Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira delivered a high-energy musical medley during the first-ever halftime show at a World Cup final, a new American-style addition to the tournament.

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

20 killed as suspected methane blast triggers Sikkim tunnel collapse

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Approximately 27 workers are trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district following a landslide and suspected gas leak. Rescue operations are underway, but the presence of gas, believed to be methane, is complicating efforts, causing dizziness among rescue personnel. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, and West Bengal are involved in the challenging operation to save the workers.

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kick Off In Glasgow With Focus On Environment

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kick Off In Glasgow With Focus On Environment

Rediff.com5 days ago

The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony blending Scottish heritage and a strong message of sustainability. King Charles III declared the Games open, highlighting efforts to combat plastic pollution. The event featured a unique indoor setting, an early athletes' parade including the Indian contingent, and diverse musical and cultural performances, setting a new precedent for the multi-sport event.

Shah meets Dharmendra Pradhan amid CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Shah meets Dharmendra Pradhan amid CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Amidst escalating student protests over alleged NEET examination irregularities, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a crucial meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting the growing pressure on the government for exam reforms.

Jaish terror module: Gujarat ATS nabs five, bomb-making angle emerges

Jaish terror module: Gujarat ATS nabs five, bomb-making angle emerges

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Five persons were arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Thursday in connection with its probe into a terror module of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit, officials said.

BRICS Countries Unite To Build Resilient Digital Healthcare Systems

BRICS Countries Unite To Build Resilient Digital Healthcare Systems

Rediff.com5 days ago

The CEO of the National Health Authority, Sunil Kumar Barnwal, highlighted BRICS nations' shared aspiration for connected, patient-centric, and resilient healthcare systems through digital health infrastructure and responsible AI. Discussions at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting focused on overcoming challenges like limited interoperability and workforce constraints, with countries like Brazil and Indonesia sharing successful digital health initiatives.

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

Rediff.com5 days ago

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the strong health cooperation within BRICS, emphasising the critical role of digital health and artificial intelligence in ensuring continuity of care. Speaking at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting, she noted shared challenges among member nations and showcased India's advancements in digital health infrastructure and AI strategy.

Spain Coach Slams Argentina's 'Intolerable' World Cup Final Brawl

Spain Coach Slams Argentina's 'Intolerable' World Cup Final Brawl

Rediff.com5 days ago

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly condemned the post-match clashes that marred the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, calling the behaviour of Argentina's players 'unacceptable' after his side lifted the trophy with a dramatic extra-time victory.

Ayodhya Ram Temple to train, certify priests for India, abroad

Ayodhya Ram Temple to train, certify priests for India, abroad

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Ram temple trust's decision to establish a permanent institute for training and certifying Hindu priests is being seen by religious leaders and members of the Indian diaspora as a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for qualified 'archaks' (priests) not only in India but also overseas.

No buzz yet, but Glasgow gears up for Commonwealth Games

No buzz yet, but Glasgow gears up for Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Despite a subdued atmosphere in Glasgow ahead of the Commonwealth Games, with limited public buzz, preparations are underway, and athletes are arriving. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga, fresh off a Diamond League win, is a strong contender for gold, offering a significant medal hope for his nation.

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Pradhan's resignation not everything, protests will continue: Student groups

Rediff.com4 days ago

Student organisations across India celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, attributing it to their nationwide protests against alleged NEET irregularities. While welcoming the move as a victory, groups like NSUI, AISA, and SFI affirmed their commitment to continue agitations until broader demands for accountability, transparency, and education reforms, including scrapping the NTA and NEP, are met.

Andy Burnham takes charge as UK PM, promises 'circuit breaker' for Britain

Andy Burnham takes charge as UK PM, promises 'circuit breaker' for Britain

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Andy Burnham has officially taken office as the new UK Prime Minister, pledging to make politics more about problem-solving and usher in a 'circuit breaker' moment for the country with significant political and economic changes.

UP medical varsity replaces non-veg with protein-rich veg menu after ban

UP medical varsity replaces non-veg with protein-rich veg menu after ban

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow has banned non-vegetarian food in its hostels following a suggestion from Governor Anandiben Patel. To compensate, the university will now serve protein-rich vegetarian meals, including soy, paneer, and tofu. While the Vice-Chancellor cites hygiene and health benefits for the ban, it has drawn criticism from faculty members and political parties who question the imposition of dietary restrictions.

Commonwealth Games Kick Off With Focus On Sustainability

Commonwealth Games Kick Off With Focus On Sustainability

Rediff.com6 days ago

The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony at the OVO Hydro, blending Scottish heritage with modern performances. King Charles III declared the Games open, emphasising a message of sustainability, particularly regarding plastic pollution in oceans. The event showcased a new, more compact model for the Games, focusing on existing venues and integrated Para sports, following Glasgow's role as a step-in host.

10-yr-jail, Rs 1 cr fine: Cabinet approves stricter anti-paper leak bill

10-yr-jail, Rs 1 cr fine: Cabinet approves stricter anti-paper leak bill

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Union Cabinet has approved a draft bill to introduce stricter punishments for examination paper leaks, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement. This new legislation builds upon the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aiming to curb cheating in public examinations conducted by various central agencies amidst recent controversies like the NEET and NET paper leaks.

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?

FIFA World Cup final: Spain's Laporte flags refereeing concerns ahead of Argentina clash

FIFA World Cup final: Spain's Laporte flags refereeing concerns ahead of Argentina clash

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has questioned some refereeing decisions involving Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, saying aggressive play should not go unpunished.

Jagannath Rath Yatra: Pulling of chariots resumes

Jagannath Rath Yatra: Pulling of chariots resumes

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings resumed their journey to the Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha, a day after the annual Rath Yatra festival began, following delays in rituals and adverse weather conditions.

Manipur: Mob vandalises Assam Rifles camp after search op

Manipur: Mob vandalises Assam Rifles camp after search op

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A mob in Manipur's Senapati district vandalised an Assam Rifles camp and set three vehicles on fire, hours after the paramilitary force conducted a search operation based on intelligence inputs about armed cadres.

Jana Nayagan Review: Mass-y For Fans, Messy For Others

Jana Nayagan Review: Mass-y For Fans, Messy For Others

Rediff.com6 days ago

C Joseph Vijay's Jana Nayagan is not just a film but a potent political statement, strategically crafted to align with his political aspirations and claim the legacy of M G Ramachandran, notes Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Rediff.com7 days ago

A Congress spokesperson, quoted in media reports, summed up the party's thinking by saying, 'Whenever BJP is in trouble on the ground, a new 'apolitical' or 'alternative' party appears with the same ideology and the same backers.'

Maharashtra Official Suspended For Alleged Godman Connection

Maharashtra Official Suspended For Alleged Godman Connection

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Maharashtra government has suspended a deputy collector for his alleged links with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, in the first such crackdown on officials after the case rocked the state earlier this year.

Mumbai cop manhandles woman protester, police defends

Mumbai cop manhandles woman protester, police defends

Rediff.com5 days ago

A viral video shows a plainclothes policeman allegedly manhandling a woman protester during a NEET paper leak demonstration in Mumbai.

Indian official found dead at Chattogram mission in B'desh

Indian official found dead at Chattogram mission in B'desh

Rediff.com20 May 2026

An Indian High Commission official in Chattogram, Bangladesh, was found dead inside the mission premises. The deceased has been identified as Naren Dhar, who was serving as an Assistant Protocol Officer. Police suspect a possible cardiac arrest, pending a post-mortem report.

Car catches fire inside tunnel on Mumbai's coastal road

Car catches fire inside tunnel on Mumbai's coastal road

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A car caught fire inside the southbound tunnel of Mumbai's Coastal Road, causing temporary panic and stranding vehicles. Authorities responded swiftly, and no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.

UP headmistress suspended for brandishing knife, cleaver at school

UP headmistress suspended for brandishing knife, cleaver at school

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A government primary school headmistress in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, was suspended and an FIR registered against her after she allegedly brandished a knife and cleaver on school premises. The incident, which was captured on video, led to an inquiry. The teacher claimed she carried the weapons for personal safety, while her husband suggested mental health issues.

Digital India RISC-V Symposium To Boost Semiconductor Innovation

Digital India RISC-V Symposium To Boost Semiconductor Innovation

Rediff.com7 days ago

IIT Madras is hosting the 3rd Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Symposium 2026 in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and RISC-V International. The symposium aims to unite stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to advance India's semiconductor innovation, focusing on indigenous processor technologies, secure computing, hardware innovation, and AI, aligning with the government's vision for India as a global semiconductor hub.

Bengal Jail Officials Suspended Amid Mobile Phone Allegations

Bengal Jail Officials Suspended Amid Mobile Phone Allegations

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The West Bengal government has suspended two senior officials at Presidency Correctional Home following allegations that inmates were using mobile phones within the facility. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that a network of organised crime was being operated from within the state's prisons.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Champions To Receive Bespoke Rings

FIFA World Cup 2026 Champions To Receive Bespoke Rings

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

For the first time, winners of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will receive bespoke championship rings, a tradition inspired by American sports. These custom-designed rings, featuring the World Cup trophy and team identity, will be awarded to the champions and also made available to fans.

Manipur Students Get Holiday To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Manipur Students Get Holiday To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Manipur government has announced a holiday for all educational institutions on July 20, 2026, allowing students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The order covers schools, colleges, and universities across the state.

India's Core Infrastructure Output Jumps 5% in June, Driven by Cement, Electricity

India's Core Infrastructure Output Jumps 5% in June, Driven by Cement, Electricity

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

India's nine core infrastructure sectors recorded a five-month high production growth of 5 per cent in June, primarily boosted by significant increases in the output of cement, electricity, and the newly added iron ore, despite declines in crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, and fertiliser.

Second DMK MLA arrested for defamatory speech against Vijay

Second DMK MLA arrested for defamatory speech against Vijay

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

DMK MLA G V Markandeyan was arrested for allegedly making defamatory remarks and threatening Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, leading to strong condemnation from DMK president M K Stalin, who accused the ruling TVK of political vendetta.

3 publishers remanded for books glorifying J-K separatists

3 publishers remanded for books glorifying J-K separatists

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Three publishers have been remanded to 10-day police custody in Jammu for allegedly publishing and circulating books that glorify separatist leaders. The Counter Intelligence Unit is investigating the matter, which led to the blacklisting of two publishers and the suspension of several education department officials.

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Members of Parliament questioned top National Testing Agency (NTA) officials about the NEET-UG paper leak, with the NTA stating the CBI is investigating the matter. The parliamentary panel also discussed measures to prevent future leaks and reforms within the NTA.