News for 'state department'

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.

Vigilance Department Nabs Doctor In Rudraprayag Bribery Case

Vigilance Department Nabs Doctor In Rudraprayag Bribery Case

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Uttarakhand Vigilance Department arrested Dr Ankur Thakur, an orthopaedic surgeon at Rudraprayag District Hospital, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 to issue a disability certificate. The arrest followed a complaint and a trap laid by the department.

Maha drought worsens, govt cancels leave for 11 departments

Maha drought worsens, govt cancels leave for 11 departments

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Maharashtra government has cancelled leaves for employees across 11 departments involved in drought management to assess widespread crop damage, particularly affecting soybean. This follows the declaration of drought in 265 talukas and the announcement of relief measures. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is on an assessment tour, facing protests from Congress workers demanding immediate farmer relief.

PM Modi has our full support: US State Department

PM Modi has our full support: US State Department

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The United States stands strong with India against terrorism and Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'has our full support', the State Department said underlining that Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges India and Pakistan to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.

Iran defies US exit order, Rubio strikes as 2 envoys 'kicked out' of America

Iran defies US exit order, Rubio strikes as 2 envoys 'kicked out' of America

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Two members of Iran's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York were "kicked out" of the United States on Saturday after allegedly failing to comply with a US State Department order to leave the country, Axios reported, citing a US official, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise amid the West Asia crisis, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

Inter-State CDR Racket Busted By Mumbai Police, Two Constables Arrested

Inter-State CDR Racket Busted By Mumbai Police, Two Constables Arrested

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Mumbai Police have arrested five individuals, including two constables from Jharkhand and Bihar, for their involvement in an inter-state syndicate illegally procuring and supplying Call Detail Records (CDRs), Subscriber Detail Records (SDRs), and live location data. The racket was uncovered after the arrest of a suspect who impersonated a police officer to track lost phones using illegally sourced data.

Why Is I-T Department Investigating 394 Entities, 36 Individuals?

Why Is I-T Department Investigating 394 Entities, 36 Individuals?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The income-tax department has launched a significant verification drive targeting 394 entities and 36 professionals over suspected irregularities in substantial foreign remittances made over the past three years, aiming to uncover potential tax evasion and fraudulent transactions.

CBI Busts Bribery Ring In J&K Agriculture Department

CBI Busts Bribery Ring In J&K Agriculture Department

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO) and two others in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe to release a subsidy under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) scheme.

Smriti Irani, Ram Madhav among new BJP state in-charges

Smriti Irani, Ram Madhav among new BJP state in-charges

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant reshuffle of its state in-charges and co-in-charges across all 28 states and eight Union territories, with prominent leaders like Smriti Irani and Ram Madhav assigned to crucial states, as the party gears up for upcoming assembly elections.

Govt panel asks states for data on demographic changes over 15 years

Govt panel asks states for data on demographic changes over 15 years

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Union Home Ministry's High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes has requested states and Union Territories to provide detailed data on "visible changes" in religious demography over the last 15 years. This includes information on birth registrations, religious structures, vehicle registrations, property transfers in tribal areas, and educational institutions, aiming to assess demographic shifts and recommend policy measures.

MP's Multi-Pronged Strategy To Eradicate Drug Menace

MP's Multi-Pronged Strategy To Eradicate Drug Menace

Rediff.com2 days ago

Madhya Pradesh has achieved the top rank in India for drug destruction, eliminating over 2.74 lakh kilograms of narcotics in two years. The state is implementing a comprehensive strategy, including forming anti-drug committees in educational institutions, launching a three-year campaign to dismantle drug networks, strengthening intelligence, and expanding de-addiction centres. Authorities have also seized significant quantities of drugs, attached properties, and conducted extensive public awareness programmes.

Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Dept To Harness Solar Power

Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Dept To Harness Solar Power

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Department plans to implement solar energy projects across its buildings and land to achieve zero electricity bills and generate revenue by selling surplus power. A MoU was signed with MAHAPREIT to prepare a Detailed Project Report, with pilot projects starting in Pune and Beed.

'Iran plots against US diplomats in Middle East reach advanced stages'

'Iran plots against US diplomats in Middle East reach advanced stages'

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Axios has reported that a new US intelligence report has found that Iran has "substantially increased" its efforts to target American diplomats and officials in the Middle East. The intel memo which Axios cited also said that plots against American diplomats were reaching "advanced stages."

Income Tax Department Boosts Sports Talent With 97 New Inductions

Income Tax Department Boosts Sports Talent With 97 New Inductions

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Income Tax Department in Mumbai has inducted 97 accomplished sportspersons under its sports quota, including cricketer Tejal Hasabnis and para shooter Akash, to strengthen its commitment to recognising sporting excellence and nurturing talent in public service.

India to release AI regulation consultation paper within 30 days, says Vaishnaw

India to release AI regulation consultation paper within 30 days, says Vaishnaw

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Indian government will release a draft consultation paper on Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulations within the next 30 days, focusing on safety, a human-first approach, skilling, inclusivity, and harm restriction.

Maharashtra Revenue Official Caught Taking Bribe For Land Title Entry

Maharashtra Revenue Official Caught Taking Bribe For Land Title Entry

Rediff.com9 hours ago

A Revenue department official in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 to make an entry in a 7/12 land title extract. The official, Jitendra Khetade, was caught on Friday.

Rubio pushes US energy, defence deals as India trade pact nears finish

Rubio pushes US energy, defence deals as India trade pact nears finish

Rediff.com3 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kick-started a three-day visit to India on Tuesday to advance bilateral ties in energy, trade and investment, defence, critical technologies, and exchange views on the West Asia crisis.

Is India-US Trade Deal Near The Finish Line?

Is India-US Trade Deal Near The Finish Line?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Marco Rubio will visit Mumbai and Jamnagar to discuss energy cooperation as S Jaishankar says India-US trade talks are nearing a landing point, with a few issues unresolved.

Myanmar National Arrested With Heroin In Mizoram's Champhai District

Myanmar National Arrested With Heroin In Mizoram's Champhai District

Rediff.com2 days ago

A Myanmar national was arrested in Mizoram's Champhai district on Thursday with 1.18 kg of heroin, seized during a joint operation by the Excise and Narcotics Department and Assam Rifles. The contraband was found packed in 100 soap cases, and a case has been registered under the NDPS Act.

Nepal bans import, sales of Priyagold biscuits after FSSAI action

Nepal bans import, sales of Priyagold biscuits after FSSAI action

Rediff.com5 days ago

Nepal has banned the import, sale, and distribution of Priyagold biscuits, citing them as sub-standard. This decision follows India's food regulator FSSAI initiating legal proceedings against the manufacturer, Surya Food and Agro Ltd, for using cattle feed bran and other serious violations, and suspending its licence.

Russian lab worker's death sparks plague fears, hundreds quarantined

Russian lab worker's death sparks plague fears, hundreds quarantined

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

A laboratory technician in Siberia died from 'pneumonia of unknown aetiology' at an Anti-Plague Research Institute, sparking fears of pneumonic plague, with the US now monitoring the situation and urging Russia for transparency.

Kerala Blasters FC Allotted Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium For 2026-27 Season

Kerala Blasters FC Allotted Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium For 2026-27 Season

Rediff.com2 hours ago

The Keralam government has allotted the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi to Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters FC for its home matches in the 2026-27 season at a rent of Rs 3.5 lakh per match, along with a Rs 25 lakh security deposit. The decision acknowledges the club's contribution to football in the state and the promotion of sporting interests.

Health Employee Charged For Using Forged Class 10 Certificate

Health Employee Charged For Using Forged Class 10 Certificate

Rediff.com5 hours ago

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Jammu has filed a chargesheet against a health department employee, Sohan Lal Singh, for allegedly securing a government job as a dental assistant nearly two decades ago using a forged Class 10 certificate. The investigation revealed discrepancies in his educational records and date of birth, with evidence suggesting his deceased father procured the fraudulent documents.

SIT Formed To Investigate Ex-Shimla SSP Over Fund Misuse

SIT Formed To Investigate Ex-Shimla SSP Over Fund Misuse

Rediff.com2 hours ago

A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed in Shimla to probe two cases against former SSP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi. The allegations include misappropriation and misuse of government funds, cheating, and using forged documents, totalling over Rs 16 lakh. Gandhi denies the charges, claiming he is being targeted.

Investigation Launched After Deadly SGNP Shooting

Investigation Launched After Deadly SGNP Shooting

Rediff.com3 days ago

Unidentified assailants opened fire inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the early hours of Tuesday, killing one person and injuring others. Police and forest department personnel are investigating the incident, which occurred in the Chena beat of the Yeoor Range in Thane. The motive and identities are yet to be officially established as joint inquiries are underway.

CBI begins probes into Punjab anti-drug activist murder

CBI begins probes into Punjab anti-drug activist murder

Rediff.com3 days ago

The CBI has taken over the investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, Punjab. A special team has been formed, including drug controllers, forensic experts, and GST officials, to examine all angles of the killing. The takeover follows the Punjab government's consent and a notification extending CBI's jurisdiction. Ashwani Kumar, accused of the shooting, has been apprehended. Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the CBI probe, fulfilling the family's demand.

Sanjay Raut Leads Opposition Attack On Fadnavis Over Rising Crime

Sanjay Raut Leads Opposition Attack On Fadnavis Over Rising Crime

Rediff.com5 days ago

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan have strongly criticised the Maharashtra government, particularly Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. They cited recent incidents like the firing at actor Tiger Shroff and the murder of a Shiv Sena worker, demanding a "regime change" and accountability from the government.

Mizoram Minister Calls On Students To Fight Drug Menace

Mizoram Minister Calls On Students To Fight Drug Menace

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar urged college students to avoid drugs, highlighting the growing concern over cannabis use among young people and the high demand for drugs in the Champhai district. Official data reveals a significant number of injecting drug users and drug-related deaths in the state, with a 2022 survey showing cannabis use among children as young as 10-14.

Punjab Cracks Down On Massive GST Evasion Racket

Punjab Cracks Down On Massive GST Evasion Racket

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Punjab's Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced the unearthing of a Rs 429.30 crore GST fraud, leading to an FIR in Ludhiana. The investigation, initiated after intercepting a vehicle on September 30, revealed a syndicate of 62 interconnected firms across multiple states using non-genuine documents to evade taxes.

Men posing as fans attack Maha businessman near Baramati airport

Men posing as fans attack Maha businessman near Baramati airport

Rediff.com5 days ago

A businessman, Rana Suryavanshi, was injured after being attacked by two individuals near Baramati airport in Pune district on Sunday evening. The attackers, posing as fans, assaulted him, leading to his hospitalisation. The incident has drawn criticism regarding the state's law and order situation from NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule.

Vigilance Nabs Odisha Engineer With Over Rs 21 Lakh Unaccounted Cash

Vigilance Nabs Odisha Engineer With Over Rs 21 Lakh Unaccounted Cash

Rediff.com7 days ago

Odisha Vigilance department arrested Superintending Engineer Prasanjit Das after seizing over Rs 21.88 lakh in unaccounted cash from him. Das, accused of demanding bribes, was intercepted on Friday night, and further cash was found during searches at his residences. He faces charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018.

Tukaram Mundhe transferred? Maha FDA chief says our fight...

Tukaram Mundhe transferred? Maha FDA chief says our fight...

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has clarified that he has not been transferred, dismissing speculation about his removal. He affirmed that the crackdown on unsafe food and substandard drugs will continue, despite recent appointment to an MPSC inquiry committee.

Criminal Gang Attacks Police In Kochi

Criminal Gang Attacks Police In Kochi

Rediff.com3 days ago

Two policemen in Kochi were injured in a knife attack by a criminal gang after responding to an assault report at a petrol pump. Three suspects, including a murder accused, have been taken into custody, and a serious investigation is underway.

Retired Karnataka Guard, Daughter Convicted In Money Laundering Case

Retired Karnataka Guard, Daughter Convicted In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

A special PMLA court in Bengaluru has convicted a retired Karnataka Excise Department guard, M Ramchandra, and his daughter, R Yurekha, on money laundering charges. Ramchandra received five years rigorous imprisonment and a Rs 5 lakh fine, while Yurekha received three years rigorous imprisonment and a Rs 3 lakh fine. Five immovable properties were also confiscated. The case stemmed from a 2009 ED investigation based on a Lokayukta Police complaint regarding disproportionate assets.

Fake Doctors Busted In Surat: 16 Apprehended In Special Drive

Fake Doctors Busted In Surat: 16 Apprehended In Special Drive

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Surat Police and the district health department have apprehended 16 alleged fake doctors operating clinics in the Pandesara area. A special drive on Tuesday led to the arrests, with three individuals being repeat offenders. Seizures included medical equipment and medicines worth Rs 1,82,444.

'Won't comment on India's domestic politics': Rubio on SIR protests

'Won't comment on India's domestic politics': Rubio on SIR protests

Rediff.com3 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to comment on recent protests against India's Election Commission, labelling it an "internal political matter." During his visit to India, Rubio also dismissed UN experts' criticism of the protests, stating that the US would not interfere in India's domestic affairs, despite UN concerns over police response to demonstrations.

Jaishankar meets Rubio at UNGA, shares concerns on sanctions bill

Jaishankar meets Rubio at UNGA, shares concerns on sanctions bill

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. India raised its concerns regarding the recently signed "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," which authorises tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Both leaders also discussed bilateral relations, regional priorities, and the situations in the Gulf and Ukraine.

Three Held With Rs 8.38 Crore Hydroponic Ganja At Bengaluru Airport

Three Held With Rs 8.38 Crore Hydroponic Ganja At Bengaluru Airport

Rediff.com1 days ago

Three passengers arriving from Bangkok were arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after customs officials seized hydroponic ganja worth Rs 8.38 crore in separate incidents on October 22. The arrests were made under the NDPS Act.

16 killed, 76 injured as magnitude 7 quake hits Tibet; over 12,000 evacuated

16 killed, 76 injured as magnitude 7 quake hits Tibet; over 12,000 evacuated

Rediff.com21 hours ago

A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck China's Tibet region on Thursday, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and 54 injuries. The quake, with its epicentre east-northeast of Nagqu city, caused significant damage, including the collapse of 339 houses, and led to the suspension of train services. Rescue operations are underway, with Chinese President Xi Jinping calling for all-out relief efforts.