News for 'state department'

Delhi gears up for first artificial rain through cloud seeding

Delhi gears up for first artificial rain through cloud seeding

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

Delhi is preparing for its first artificial rain through cloud seeding to combat air pollution. A trial run was successful, and the first rainfall is expected on October 29 if weather conditions are favorable.

Downpour swells Chennai reservoirs; schools, colleges shut

Downpour swells Chennai reservoirs; schools, colleges shut

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Heavy rains continue to batter Tamil Nadu, causing a rise in reservoir levels and prompting a red alert. Schools and colleges are closed in several districts as authorities prepare for potential flooding.

TN, MP ban Coldrif cough syrup after child deaths

TN, MP ban Coldrif cough syrup after child deaths

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

The toll in the case reached nine in Madhya Pradesh while media reports said of two infants died in Rajasthan.

Cough Medicine Deaths: Rajasthan Suspends Drug Controller

Cough Medicine Deaths: Rajasthan Suspends Drug Controller

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

The Rajasthan government has suspended the state drug controller and halted the distribution of medicines manufactured by Kaysons Pharma following reports of children's deaths allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrup.

India to resume postal services to US from Oct 15

India to resume postal services to US from Oct 15

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

"The postal tariffs will remain unchanged, ensuring that exporters continue to benefit from affordable international delivery rates while complying with the revised US import requirements. This measure has been introduced to maintain affordability, support MSMEs, and boost India's exports through the postal channel," India Post said.

Will Modi, Trump meet soon? US official says sure, but...

Will Modi, Trump meet soon? US official says sure, but...

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'Trump is not shy when he is frustrated with countries'

INDIA bloc promises jobs, pension, free power in Bihar manifesto

INDIA bloc promises jobs, pension, free power in Bihar manifesto

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The INDIA bloc has released its manifesto for the Bihar assembly polls, promising jobs, restoration of the old pension scheme, and free power, among other things.

Not new weapons, but...: US on missile sales to Pak

Not new weapons, but...: US on missile sales to Pak

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

In a statement, the US embassy said the Department of War's September 30 announcement referred to "an amendment to an existing Foreign Military Sales contract for sustainment and spares for several countries, including Pakistan."

US hits 8th drug vessel, this time in Pacific; 2 killed

US hits 8th drug vessel, this time in Pacific; 2 killed

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

The United States on Wednesday struck an alleged drug vessel, an eighth such attack by the US, on the Pacific side of South America, according to Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, as reported by CBS News.

US Relationship With India, Pakistan 'Unchanged'

US Relationship With India, Pakistan 'Unchanged'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

'For the region and for the world, the US working with both those nations is good news.'

India-US Trade Deal In Final Lap!

India-US Trade Deal In Final Lap!

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

'As far as the contentious issues such as agriculture are concerned, we are finding some common ground.'

Accused of 'fundraising' for Bihar polls, Karnataka CM says...

Accused of 'fundraising' for Bihar polls, Karnataka CM says...

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refuted BJP's claims of Congress funding Bihar elections and defended the state's decision on mandatory permissions for using public premises, stating it's a continuation of a previous BJP policy.

NBA to review betting rules after player, coach arrests

NBA to review betting rules after player, coach arrests

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

According to the memo, the NBA said that with sports betting occupying a significant part of the current sports landscape, every effort must be made to ensure that players and coaches are aware of the "dire risks" that gambling can impose upon their careers and livelihoods.

Telangana bus crash: Newborn, mother among 19 killed

Telangana bus crash: Newborn, mother among 19 killed

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

Survivors recount the horrific Telangana bus accident that claimed 19 lives, detailing the scene and the impact on affected families.

'Wangchuk's right to dissent stifled': SC to hear wife's plea on Nov 24

'Wangchuk's right to dissent stifled': SC to hear wife's plea on Nov 24

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Ladakh administration regarding the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk's wife has filed a plea challenging the detention, claiming it violates his fundamental rights. The court has given the Centre and Ladakh administration 10 days to respond and has scheduled the next hearing for November 24.

Trump introduces 'Gold Card' for permanent US residency

Trump introduces 'Gold Card' for permanent US residency

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has launched a premium immigration programme targeting wealthy individuals worldwide, offering permanent residency in the United States through expensive 'Gold Cards' that could generate billions in revenue for the American Treasury.

WC: Unhappy GM Nepomniachtchi checks out after shock loss

WC: Unhappy GM Nepomniachtchi checks out after shock loss

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'...There's nothing to say about the chess aspect... One of those places that you don't feel sad about leaving.'

India Opens Doors To Foreign Banks, But...

India Opens Doors To Foreign Banks, But...

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

But selectively, with regulatory scrutiny and special approval, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

How Your Grievances Can Be Fixed!

How Your Grievances Can Be Fixed!

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

CPGRAMS -- an online platform available to citizens 24x7 to lodge their grievances to public authorities on service delivery -- has existed for close to two decades. But it has never been this active, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

When Will Vijay Smell The Coffee?

When Will Vijay Smell The Coffee?

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

TVK cadres are worried, the leadership looks weak, and the party is not fully prepared for the 2026 elections, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Centre to bring new drug law after MP cough syrup deaths

Centre to bring new drug law after MP cough syrup deaths

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

A new law is being proposed to grant statutory powers to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.

SC vows iron-handed crackdown on Rs 3,000 cr digital arrest scams

SC vows iron-handed crackdown on Rs 3,000 cr digital arrest scams

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the rising cases of digital arrest cybercrime in India, where fraudsters extort money from victims by posing as law enforcement officials. The court has vowed to deal with such cases with an iron hand and has sought reports from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the CBI.

Where Are Usha, J D Vance Headed To?

Where Are Usha, J D Vance Headed To?

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Vice President J D Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance departed Joint Base Andrews and aboard Air Force Two, heading to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, where he will attend a ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

Obama nominates Indian American to key post at State Department

Obama nominates Indian American to key post at State Department

Rediff.com11 Sep 2013

Puneet Talwar, one of the most respected Middle East policy specialists in administration and Congressional circles, has been nominated by United States President Barack Obama to a senior State Department position.

Digital arrests strike at trust and faith of people in law: SC

Digital arrests strike at trust and faith of people in law: SC

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has taken serious note of the digital arrest of a senior citizen couple in Haryana based on forged orders, highlighting the rising number of such cases and seeking responses from the Centre and CBI.

Accused being taken to police station stabs cop to death

Accused being taken to police station stabs cop to death

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

A 42-year-old constable was allegedly stabbed to death by a habitual offender while being taken to a police station in Nizamabad. Police have launched a manhunt for the accused.

'No Kings' protests draw 7 mn across US against Trump policies

'No Kings' protests draw 7 mn across US against Trump policies

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

According to the police, the widespread rallies have been largely peaceful with no reports of incidents or arrests.

US sanctions Indian companies over Iran oil trade

US sanctions Indian companies over Iran oil trade

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The United States has imposed sanctions on at least half a dozen Indian companies accused of trading in Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals as part of broader action targeting 20 entities worldwide.

The Queue For US Visa Just Got Longer

The Queue For US Visa Just Got Longer

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

As of September 2025, the expected time of interview appointments for visitor visa (B-1/B-2) at New Delhi was 12 months, far more than the time at other US consulates in the capital cities of top economies of the world.

Rain lashes AP, Odisha as 'Montha' turns into severe cyclonic storm

Rain lashes AP, Odisha as 'Montha' turns into severe cyclonic storm

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) issued high sea waves, up to 4.7 metres high, warning across several coastal districts.

US Sanctions May Not Stop Russian Oil Flow To India

US Sanctions May Not Stop Russian Oil Flow To India

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Sanctioning Russian oil would have led to a sharp surge in oil prices to above $80 per barrel levels, which would impact pump prices in the US ahead of midterm elections next year.

Kerala puts PM SHRI project on hold under CPI pressure

Kerala puts PM SHRI project on hold under CPI pressure

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

The Kerala government will review the implementation of the Centre's PM SHRI scheme in the state following controversies and concerns. A cabinet sub-committee has been formed to study the scheme, and further proceedings are on hold pending the committee's report.

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Despite facing financial constraints, Kerala has been able to invest in welfare schemes and targeted programmes.

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to visit the shrine. She participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies during her visit.

US denies reports of supplying advanced missiles to Pakistan

US denies reports of supplying advanced missiles to Pakistan

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The United States has refuted reports that it will supply new advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) to Pakistan, clarifying that a recent contract amendment only covers sustainment and spare parts.

Explained: Trump's H1 Order Decoded

Explained: Trump's H1 Order Decoded

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

A deep dive into Trump's new policy and what it means for Indian professionals and companies.

Cyclone Montha lashes Andhra, Odisha; 76K in relief camps, flights cancelled

Cyclone Montha lashes Andhra, Odisha; 76K in relief camps, flights cancelled

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Severe cyclonic storm 'Montha' has begun making landfall off the Andhra Pradesh coast, with the process expected to continue for the next three to four hours. The storm is expected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph.

Sikkim opens strategic border areas for tourism

Sikkim opens strategic border areas for tourism

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Sikkim government has announced the opening of Doka-La and Cho-La battlefields for domestic tourists starting October 1, under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative. Strict guidelines for security and environmental protection will be in place.

J-K teachers warned against criticising govt policies online

J-K teachers warned against criticising govt policies online

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The chief education officer (CEO) of Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir directed teaching and non-teaching staff employed under the department to refrain from criticising government policies on social media, warning them of punitive action, including dismissal from service.

Zoho's Vembu Sparks Fury Over Vaccine-Autism Claim

Zoho's Vembu Sparks Fury Over Vaccine-Autism Claim

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A social media spat erupted on X between TheLiverDoc and Zoho Corporation's Chief Scientist, Sridhar Vembu, after the later endorsed a claim linking childhood vaccinations to autism.