News for 'passport offices'

'We don't want them': Trump bars entry to US from 12 countries

'We don't want them': Trump bars entry to US from 12 countries

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Trump has partially restricted and limited the entry of nationals from the seven nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Shortage of passport booklets figures in Rajya Sabha

Shortage of passport booklets figures in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com22 Jul 2014

The issue of shortage of blank passport booklets leading to inordinate delay in issuance of passports figured in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday with members demanding immediate intervention of the government.

Separatist leader Geelani issued passport valid for 9 months

Separatist leader Geelani issued passport valid for 9 months

Rediff.com21 Jul 2015

Geelani, who earlier had a passport in 2007, 2008 and 2011, had applied for the same in May this year.

E-passports to be rolled by 2016

E-passports to be rolled by 2016

Rediff.com5 Jan 2015

The new age e-passports are expected to be rolled out in the country by 2016, a top official said on Monday.

SC rejects NIA plea against bail given to accused in RSS leader's murder case

SC rejects NIA plea against bail given to accused in RSS leader's murder case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has declined to interfere with the bail granted to 17 members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with the 2022 murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Srinivasan in Kerala. The court noted that the Kerala High Court, which granted bail, has the power to revoke it if the conditions are violated. The NIA had sought cancellation of the bail, alleging the accused had violated bail conditions and contacted witnesses. The accused are also facing trial for allegedly instigating communal violence in Kerala and other parts of the country.

Mehul Choksi on why he has not been able to return to India

Mehul Choksi on why he has not been able to return to India

Rediff.com23 May 2024

Diamantaire Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the multi-crore PNB scam, has told a special court in Mumbai that he hasn't been able to return to India "due to reasons beyond his control" and hence cannot be declared a "fugitive economic offender". The accused has claimed that he didn't leave India to avoid criminal prosecution nor is he refusing to return to the country. He said his passport has been suspended by Indian authorities.

Family of missing Indian student wants her declared dead

Family of missing Indian student wants her declared dead

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The family of missing 20-year-old Indian student Sudiksha Konanki has asked police in the Dominican Republic to declare her dead, according to US media reports. Konanki was last seen on March 6 at the Riu Republic Resort in Punta Cana town. She has gone missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic and US federal law enforcement agencies are working with authorities in the Caribbean country in the probe into her disappearance. Despite an extensive search, her body has not been found.

Abu Salem brought to Hyderabad in passport case

Abu Salem brought to Hyderabad in passport case

Rediff.com20 Dec 2007

Underworld don Abu Salem, who is facing a criminal case for obtaining a passport under a fake name from the Hyderabad regional passport office, was brought to the city on Wednesday.

ED seeks revocation of Mallya's passport

ED seeks revocation of Mallya's passport

Rediff.com13 Apr 2016

It is understood that Vijay Mallya left the country for UK on March 2 using a diplomatic passport issued to him by virtue of him being a sitting Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament.

Hurriyat hawk Geelani's passport suspended ahead of US visit

Hurriyat hawk Geelani's passport suspended ahead of US visit

Rediff.com22 Sep 2015

The suspension was preempted to stop him flying to New York for an event where he was likely to have spoken against India, official sources said on Tuesday.

'Indian Cricket Changed My Life'

'Indian Cricket Changed My Life'

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'I have a deep affection for Indian cricket. If someone asked me to come back, I wouldn't say no.'

MEA official stops car to help, finds laptop, cash, passport stolen

MEA official stops car to help, finds laptop, cash, passport stolen

Rediff.com28 Mar 2023

A senior official serving in the ministry of external affairs was robbed of his official laptop, passport and other valuables after unidentified men broke his car's window pane when he tried to help a person lying unconscious on the Aurobindo Marg in south Delhi, the police said on Tuesday.

J&K girl gets passport in spite of uncle's militant past

J&K girl gets passport in spite of uncle's militant past

Rediff.com6 Aug 2013

The 'American dream' of a 15-year-old girl from an orphanage in Jammu and Kashmir to study in the United States is all set to come true as authorities on Tuesday issued a passport to her which she had claimed was denied earlier due to her uncle's militant past.

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Ahmedabad civic authorities launched a massive demolition drive on Tuesday, razing over 2,000 illegally constructed houses and properties in the Chandola Lake area. The operation, which involved around 50 teams equipped with earthmovers and 2,000 police personnel, was carried out days after illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were detained from these settlements. The Gujarat High Court declined to stay the action, observing that the dwellings were situated on the periphery of the water body and therefore subject to demolition under the Land Revenue Code. Authorities also demolished the illegal farmhouse of Lalu Pathan, alleged mastermind behind the encroachments, who is suspected to have helped illegal immigrants obtain rental accommodation and Aadhaar cards.

Am I a terrorist or Nirav Modi, asks Mehbooba's daughter Iltija

Am I a terrorist or Nirav Modi, asks Mehbooba's daughter Iltija

Rediff.com7 Apr 2023

She said she was an "Indian citizen and a law abiding citizen" and has not broken any law. "But, even to issue the two-year passport, the Official Secrets Act has been invoked against me. This Act is usually invoked for espionage," Iltija claimed.

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Hours after being dismissed from service for 'concealing' his marriage with a Pakistani woman, Central Reserve Police Force trooper Munir Ahmed said he solemnised his marriage nearly a month after getting permission from the force's headquarters last year.

India revokes Zakir Naik's passport

India revokes Zakir Naik's passport

Rediff.com18 Jul 2017

Naik failed to respond to a showcause notice issued to him for personal appearance by July 13.

Why Are Sri Lankans Queuing For Passports?

Why Are Sri Lankans Queuing For Passports?

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

Sri Lankans queued up to apply for fresh passports outside the department of immigration and emigration office in Colombo.

Deported Haryana man recounts 6-month 'dunki' journey via 11 nations to US

Deported Haryana man recounts 6-month 'dunki' journey via 11 nations to US

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

A Haryana man who paid Rs 35 lakh to agents to facilitate his journey to the USA via the 'dunki' route was deported back to India after being apprehended in the US. The man, Pankaj Rawat, has filed a complaint with the Gujarat police accusing the agents of human trafficking and cheating.

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the 2008 Mumbai terror attack marked a turning point in relations with Pakistan when Indians collectively felt that such behaviour from a neighbouring country could no longer be tolerated. Speaking at Charotar University of Science and Technology, Jaishankar acknowledged India's transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last decade, while Pakistan has remained unchanged, continuing with what he termed as its "bad habits."

Agustawestland case: Christian Michel alleges poisoning attempts in Tihar

Agustawestland case: Christian Michel alleges poisoning attempts in Tihar

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Christian Michel James, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, has claimed that attempts were made to poison him inside Tihar Jail. A Delhi court has sought a response from the prison authorities on his plea. The court has also directed that James be taken to AIIMS on April 7 for a check-up. James was extradited from Dubai in 2018 and has been in custody since then. He has been granted bail in the ED and CBI cases against him but has refused to accept bail citing security concerns. He has also alleged that he was subjected to an incident at AIIMS, the details of which he is willing to share with the court in private. The court has ordered James to furnish a personal bond and surety of Rs 10 lakh in both cases and surrender his passport. The CBI chargesheet claims an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer due to the deal for the supply of VVIP choppers. The ED chargesheet filed against James alleged he received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

SC rejects Salem's appeal against conviction in passport case

SC rejects Salem's appeal against conviction in passport case

Rediff.com1 Aug 2014

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the appeal of underworld don Abu Salem challenging his conviction and seven-year jail term for possessing fake passport.

TCS to drive next phase of Passport Seva Program

TCS to drive next phase of Passport Seva Program

Rediff.com7 Jan 2022

Tata Consultancy Services on Friday said it has been selected by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the second phase of the Passport Seva Program. In the next phase of the programme, TCS will refresh existing facilities and systems, and develop innovative solutions to enable the issuance of e-passports and further enhance the citizen experience, using technologies, such as biometrics, artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, chatbots, auto-response, natural language processing, and the cloud, a statement said. Launched in 2008, the Passport Seva Program saw TCS transforming the delivery of passport-related services, digitising the processes, and setting global benchmarks in timeliness, transparency, and reliability.

18 stranded Indian sailors brought back from Yemen

18 stranded Indian sailors brought back from Yemen

Rediff.com23 Sep 2023

Eighteen Indian sailors, who were stranded in violence-hit Yemen, have been brought back to India.

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Whether it's navigating the labyrinthine Cu Chi Tunnels, boating on the Mekong, marveling at ancient Champa temples, or the Mekong Bay, Vietnam promises a journey like no other.

537 Pak nationals exit India via Attari as deadline ends

537 Pak nationals exit India via Attari as deadline ends

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The exit deadline for Pakistani nationals visiting India on SAARC visas ended on April 26, while for the rest, except those on medical visas, it is set to close on Sunday, April 27 amid escalating tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

David Beckham of Andamans pedals his way to gold!

David Beckham of Andamans pedals his way to gold!

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Elkatohchoongo was the best Indian cyclist at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, reaching to the quarter-finals.

Denied passport because uncle was militant, says Kashmir girl

Denied passport because uncle was militant, says Kashmir girl

Rediff.com5 Aug 2013

A 15-year-old girl at an orphanage in Jammu and Kashmir has claimed she was being denied a passport, which would allow her to study in the United States, as her uncle was a former militant, although state government officials have clarified that was not the case.

Delhi police nab human trafficker in Hyderabad after 2,500 km chase

Delhi police nab human trafficker in Hyderabad after 2,500 km chase

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested a man from Hyderabad for allegedly trafficking Indian youths and forcing them to work in fake call centres engaging in cyber fraud. The arrest came after a 2,500-kilometre non-stop chase, an officer said. The accused, Kamran Haider alias Zaidi, carried a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to his arrest, declared by the National Investigation Agency. Zaidi was apprehended near Nampally Railway Station, Hyderabad, Telangana while trying to escape to another hideout.

Assam CM may order SIT probe into 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife

Assam CM may order SIT probe into 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of Pakistan links of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn. Sarma alleged that Colburn had visited Pakistan after her marriage and that there are apprehensions of ISI infiltration into the Chief Minister's Office when Gogoi's father, the late Tarun Gogoi, was the chief minister. Sarma also shared screenshots of social media posts by Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, an advisor of the Pakistan Planning Commission and a former colleague of Colburn, claiming that the relationship between the Gogois and Sheikh appeared to be "deeply rooted." Sarma's allegations have been rejected by the Congress as "laughable and entertaining."

Donkey agents misuse visa on arrival for trafficking, 11 held

Donkey agents misuse visa on arrival for trafficking, 11 held

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

The countries offering visa-on-arrival service to Indian nationals have been exploited as 'Donkey Routes' by agents for people who endeavour to reach the United States and Canada.

Haryana engineer held on digital arrest for 6 days, duped of Rs 3.46 lakh

Haryana engineer held on digital arrest for 6 days, duped of Rs 3.46 lakh

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

A mechanical engineer in Faridabad was held 'digitally' hostage for six days by cyber fraudsters who duped him of Rs 3.46 lakh. The fraudsters forced him to lock himself in a room and monitored his activities through his mobile camera. They convinced him that he was involved in a drug smuggling operation and threatened him with legal action. The victim eventually realized the scam when the fraudsters forgot to switch off their mics and started talking to each other. Police have registered an FIR and are investigating the matter.

'Father Taught Me To Fight For My Rights'

'Father Taught Me To Fight For My Rights'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2024

To tell us about your father, just mail us at getahead@rediff.co.in (subject: My father) along with your name, the place where you live, your father's name and picture and your message about him.

Applying for a passport? Read this first

Applying for a passport? Read this first

Rediff.com17 Dec 2014

Applying for a passport is no longer the nightmare it used to be, thanks to the government outsourcing parts of the process. But there still are things you need to know before you take the plunge.

Charges framed against Chhota Rajan, 3 others in fake passport case

Charges framed against Chhota Rajan, 3 others in fake passport case

Rediff.com8 Jun 2016

Special CBI Judge Vinod Kumar passed the order after Rajan, produced before the court via video conferencing, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.

ED's charges are false and baseless, says Choksi from Antigua hideout

ED's charges are false and baseless, says Choksi from Antigua hideout

Rediff.com11 Sep 2018

Choksi said that the ED has attached his properties illegally.

Chhota Rajan, 3 others convicted in fake passport case

Chhota Rajan, 3 others convicted in fake passport case

Rediff.com24 Apr 2017

The court will on Tuesday hear arguments on the quantum of sentence to be awarded to the convicts.

Karnataka's Nataraj, Desinghu on cloud 9!

Karnataka's Nataraj, Desinghu on cloud 9!

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Nataraj and Desinghu are tipped to become the best male and female athletes of the Games.

No okay sought or given for Revanna's foreign travel: Govt

No okay sought or given for Revanna's foreign travel: Govt

Rediff.com2 May 2024

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said that no visa is required for diplomatic passport holders to travel to Germany.