News for 'state department'

IIT Bhubaneswar Unveils Portable Device For Rapid Arsenic Detection In Water

IIT Bhubaneswar Unveils Portable Device For Rapid Arsenic Detection In Water

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

IIT Bhubaneswar researchers have developed 'ArsenSafe', a portable, low-cost device for rapid, on-site detection of arsenic in drinking water. This innovation aims to address the critical public health challenge of arsenic contamination in groundwater, offering a solution that doesn't require laboratory infrastructure.

One Tigress Cub Captured After Fatal Attacks In Chandrapur

One Tigress Cub Captured After Fatal Attacks In Chandrapur

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Forest personnel in Maharashtra have captured a cub of tigress T2, which killed four women in Chandrapur district. Efforts are underway to trap her three other cubs.

US Treasury prepares mock-up design of $250 note with Trump's face

US Treasury prepares mock-up design of $250 note with Trump's face

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The US Treasury Department is exploring the possibility of featuring Donald Trump's portrait on a new $250 note, pending congressional approval to amend the law that prohibits living individuals from being depicted on US currency.

'Gulf War Has Been The Worst Crisis For Indians'

'Gulf War Has Been The Worst Crisis For Indians'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'It will take a long time to recover from the impact of this war.'

Beed Woman Charged With Abetment After Husband's Tragic Suicide

Beed Woman Charged With Abetment After Husband's Tragic Suicide

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

A woman in Beed has been booked for abetment of suicide after her husband, a revenue official, died by suicide just 12 days after their marriage. The deceased's mother alleged that the wife was unwillingly married and had another relationship, causing her son distress.

Delhi Government To Formulate New Rules For Coaching Centres

Delhi Government To Formulate New Rules For Coaching Centres

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Delhi government is establishing a multidisciplinary committee to develop a regulatory framework for coaching institutes. This initiative follows recent tragedies, including the Saket building collapse and the Old Rajendra Nagar coaching centre incident, and aims to address issues like fee structures, student safety, infrastructure, and grievance redressal.

IMD forecasts below normal monsoon rainfall for India

IMD forecasts below normal monsoon rainfall for India

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the June-September southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is expected to be 90 per cent of the long-period average. While the Northeast is likely to witness normal rainfall, the remaining parts of the country may see below normal rainfall.

Karnataka Leaders Laud RCB's Second IPL Title

Karnataka Leaders Laud RCB's Second IPL Title

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Karnataka's chief minister-designate D K Shivakumar and outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on winning their second consecutive Indian Premier League title. Shivakumar criticised IPL organisers for moving the final match venue to Gujarat, calling it an injustice to Karnataka and alleging political motivation.

Ghaziabad Madrassas Sealed After Teen Murder Case

Ghaziabad Madrassas Sealed After Teen Murder Case

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Authorities in Ghaziabad intensified verification drives and sealed three unrecognised madrassas in the Khoda area following the murder of a 17-year-old boy. The incident has led to heightened security measures and political reactions.

HDFC Bank Shares Fall After Report Alleges 'Camouflaged' Payments To MSRDC

HDFC Bank Shares Fall After Report Alleges 'Camouflaged' Payments To MSRDC

Rediff.com27 May 2026

HDFC Bank's shares experienced a dip on Wednesday after a newspaper report alleged that the bank made illegal payments to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to secure large deposits, raising concerns about corporate governance.

MP moving towards implementing Uniform Civil Code: CM Mohan Yadav

MP moving towards implementing Uniform Civil Code: CM Mohan Yadav

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said the Madhya Pradesh government is committed to implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and has initiated the process of gathering public feedback before moving ahead with the proposal.

US arrests relatives of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani

US arrests relatives of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Two family members of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian general killed in a US strike in 2020, have been arrested in the United States after their residency permits were rescinded.

Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme: LDF Accuses UDF Of Misinformation And Double Standards

Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme: LDF Accuses UDF Of Misinformation And Double Standards

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Senior CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty has criticised the Kerala UDF government for allegedly spreading misinformation about the Centre's PM SHRI scheme and attempting to implement it despite earlier opposition. He clarified that the previous LDF government froze the agreement over concerns about the National Education Policy and that funds received were not for PM SHRI. The scheme continues to be a politically contentious issue in the state.

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Methanol Linked To Liquor Deaths

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Methanol Linked To Liquor Deaths

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Maharashtra FDA seizes 5,929 kg of toxic methanol from a warehouse in Thane district, allegedly linked to spurious liquor that caused 14 deaths in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Gujarat Jail Staff To Receive Mental Health Training

Gujarat Jail Staff To Receive Mental Health Training

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A week-long mental health training programme, 'Psychological Risk Assessment, Health Awareness and Resilience' (PRAHARI), has commenced for jail staff at Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The initiative aims to equip prison personnel with skills to identify and manage mental health risks among inmates and to support their own mental well-being.

Kerala on high alert as fresh Nipah case found in Kozhikode

Kerala on high alert as fresh Nipah case found in Kozhikode

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The patient initially developed a fever that subsided but later returned, prompting hospitalisation.

'Unlawful': US court strikes down Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee

'Unlawful': US court strikes down Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A US federal judge has ruled that the USD 100,000 fee imposed by former President Donald Trump for H-1B visa applications was unlawful, as it lacked congressional approval. The ruling states the fee was a tax, exceeding the administration's authority and impacting skilled global talent.

Forest Employee Killed In Haldwani After Drunken Argument

Forest Employee Killed In Haldwani After Drunken Argument

Rediff.com23 May 2026

A forest department employee was allegedly hacked to death with an axe in the Tanda forest in Haldwani following an argument with his associate, police said.

HimClimX: New AI Platform For Himalayan Climate Insights

HimClimX: New AI Platform For Himalayan Climate Insights

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

BIT Mesra has launched 'HimClimX', an AI-powered platform designed for Himalayan climate intelligence and visualisation. It integrates over a century of climate data to offer trend analysis, anomaly detection, spatial visualisation, impact assessment, and AI-driven forecasting for the Himalayan region.

'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.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

Maharashtra Cyber Nabs Telegram Seller In Child Exploitation Case

Maharashtra Cyber Nabs Telegram Seller In Child Exploitation Case

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Cyber has arrested a Telegram-based seller, Adiraj Rajendra Bait, for allegedly dealing in Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM). The arrest followed an extensive investigation involving digital ecosystem monitoring, technical verification, and forensic analysis of the accused's mobile phone.

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.

Two Arrested With Meth Tablets In Mizoram

Two Arrested With Meth Tablets In Mizoram

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Two individuals have been arrested in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after authorities seized over 9 kg of methamphetamine tablets near the Myanmar border.

'Vijay's Government Will Be Pulled Down By December 2027'

'Vijay's Government Will Be Pulled Down By December 2027'

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

'You will have the President's rule for 7 to 8 months, And Annamalai will be the hero in those 7 months.'

St Stephen's Appoints New Principal Despite University Objections

St Stephen's Appoints New Principal Despite University Objections

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Susan Elias has taken charge as the new principal of St. Stephen's College despite objections from Delhi University, marking a new chapter in the ongoing dispute between the college and the university.

Spurious Liquor Claims 14 Lives In Pune, Arrests Made

Spurious Liquor Claims 14 Lives In Pune, Arrests Made

Rediff.com29 May 2026

At least 14 people have died in Pune after consuming suspected spurious liquor. Police have arrested eight individuals, including a key bootlegger, and the investigation has been transferred to the CID. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the illegal liquor trade.

Make Iran pay: US weighs using frozen assets for Gulf reconstruction

Make Iran pay: US weighs using frozen assets for Gulf reconstruction

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

A source familiar with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's thinking revealed on Saturday that the department "intends to utilise all available authorities to make Iranian assets accessible for rebuilding and repair efforts related to any future damage inflicted by Iran."

Centre To Release Funds To Bolster Mizoram's Power Sector

Centre To Release Funds To Bolster Mizoram's Power Sector

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced the Centre's readiness to release Rs 6 crore to Mizoram to strengthen its power sector. The announcement came during a meeting with BJP leaders in Aizawl, where issues concerning Mizoram, including pending central funds and housing schemes, were discussed.

Spurious Liquor Claims Lives In Pune: Arrests Made

Spurious Liquor Claims Lives In Pune: Arrests Made

Rediff.com29 May 2026

At least 13 people have died in Pune after consuming suspected spurious liquor, leading to multiple arrests and a high-level investigation.

LDF govt left Rs 5 lakh cr liabilities, says Kerala CM on tabling white paper

LDF govt left Rs 5 lakh cr liabilities, says Kerala CM on tabling white paper

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday hit out at the previous Left Democratic Front government, claiming that it had left behind huge liabilities, including Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board borrowings, amounting to Rs 5.07 lakh crore.

Maharashtra To Invoke MCOCA Against Cattle Smugglers

Maharashtra To Invoke MCOCA Against Cattle Smugglers

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Maharashtra government has issued a circular directing authorities to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against individuals, gangs, and organisations repeatedly involved in cattle smuggling.

Haryana Groom Lands In Jail For Reckless SUV Stunts During Wedding Procession

Haryana Groom Lands In Jail For Reckless SUV Stunts During Wedding Procession

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A groom and three others were arrested in Haryana's Nuh district for allegedly performing dangerous stunts on SUVs while on their way to a wedding venue. The incident, captured on video, involved individuals standing and sitting on moving vehicle roofs, prompting police action and a stern warning against reckless driving during celebrations.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maharashtra BJP MLC Pravin Darekar announced the launch of 'Devabhau' and 'Chhava' cooperative taxi services in Mumbai, aiming to counter private aggregators and benefit drivers directly, but the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Opposition Congress over the proposed use of Mumbai Bank funds and its political branding.

Police File 819-Page Chargesheet In Sulur Child Murder

Police File 819-Page Chargesheet In Sulur Child Murder

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Police in Coimbatore have filed an 819-page chargesheet against two men, K Karthi and R Mohan, in connection with the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Sulur. The investigation was completed in a record 18 days, relying on scientific evidence and eyewitness testimonies, and the prosecution expects an expedited trial.

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Uttar Pradesh is experiencing an intense heatwave, with Banda recording the highest temperature at 47.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a 'Red Colour Warning' for severe heatwave conditions. The extreme heat is disrupting daily life and economic activity, prompting government action to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Odisha Government Honours Para Archer Payal Nag For World Series Win

Odisha Government Honours Para Archer Payal Nag For World Series Win

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Odisha government felicitated para archer Payal Nag for winning two gold medals at the World Para Archery Series 2026 in Bangkok and qualifying for the Para Asian Games. She received a cash award and funds for sports equipment.

2 fires in Noida: High-rise evacuated, no injuries reported

2 fires in Noida: High-rise evacuated, no injuries reported

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Two separate fire incidents occurred in Noida on Friday morning, one in a 12th-floor flat of a high-rise residential society in Sector 75, leading to a full evacuation, and another in a building in Sector 52. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incidents, directing immediate relief and rescue operations. No casualties or injuries have been reported in either incident, and the causes are under investigation.

Odisha CM Under Fire For Alleged Rise In Police Brutality

Odisha CM Under Fire For Alleged Rise In Police Brutality

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Opposition parties in Odisha, BJD and Congress, have criticised Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accusing him of a surge in police brutality. The allegations stem from a custodial death in Ganjam district and other instances of alleged police misconduct. The BJP has defended the government, stating that prompt action has been taken in response to these cases.