News for 'state department'

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Did Trump, Hegseth clash over weapons shortage? US Prez reacts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Donald Trump has strongly refuted claims of a munitions shortage and denied any confrontation with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, labelling the reports as "fake news" and asserting the nation's robust military production capabilities.

It will be better if..: CJP's Dipke on Bhagwat's Gen Z dialogue

It will be better if..: CJP's Dipke on Bhagwat's Gen Z dialogue

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), emphasised the importance of young or Gen Z voices leading dialogues with youth, ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's interaction with students in Mumbai. Dipke highlighted that youth protests, including those against the NEET paper leak, have compelled leaders to engage with Gen Z. He also expressed solidarity with students protesting alleged paper leaks in Jharkhand, criticising the government's handling of the issue.

Breakthrough: IIT Dhanbad Creates Ultra-Compact Antenna For Next-Gen Wearables

Breakthrough: IIT Dhanbad Creates Ultra-Compact Antenna For Next-Gen Wearables

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Researchers at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad have developed an ultra-compact wearable antenna, measuring just 5x5x0.75 mm, designed to significantly enhance the performance of future healthcare devices, smart wearables, and wireless body communication systems. This innovation offers high-speed data transmission, wider wireless coverage, and a low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), making it safe and efficient for prolonged use in Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs).

Govt adviser bats for E10 petrol to protect older vehicles

Govt adviser bats for E10 petrol to protect older vehicles

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A government adviser has called for India to reintroduce a petrol variant with a lower ethanol blend, such as E10, alongside the current E20 fuel. This move aims to protect millions of older vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, which may experience performance issues and damage from the higher 20 per cent ethanol blend.

'Eknath Shinde Was Extremely Aggressive'

'Eknath Shinde Was Extremely Aggressive'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

'I've seen a lot of meetings over the years, but this was the first time I've seen the deputy chief minister and the industries minister sit through something like this with 200 to 300 industrialists, local residents and politicians from both the ruling side and Opposition, all in the same room.'

'Sword to kill mosquito': HC raps Maha FDA over Cadila drug action

'Sword to kill mosquito': HC raps Maha FDA over Cadila drug action

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised the Maharashtra FDA for its "shoot first" approach, likening its drastic actions to using a sword to kill a mosquito. The court, hearing a petition from Cadila Pharmaceuticals, directed the FDA to grant companies a hearing before taking severe measures, warning of heavy costs for its arbitrary conduct.

Trump big fan of Modi: Rubio downplays anti-India row

Trump big fan of Modi: Rubio downplays anti-India row

Rediff.com26 May 2026

President Donald Trump is a big fan of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday, seeking to dismiss allegations of rising anti-India rhetoric in the US.

'A lot of progress made': Trump signals possible talks with Iran

'A lot of progress made': Trump signals possible talks with Iran

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has indicated that 'a lot of progress' has been made regarding Iran, suggesting that Tehran has reached out for talks and that developments could become clearer within 48 hours.

Chembur tree collapse: Contractor fined, BMC to implement new SOPs

Chembur tree collapse: Contractor fined, BMC to implement new SOPs

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A committee investigating the fatal Chembur tree crash has recommended fines of Rs 5 lakh on the roadwork contractor and Rs 2 lakh on the supervising consultant. The panel found no prima facie fault with BMC's garden and roads departments but suggested implementing a Standard Operating Procedure for urban tree safety and appointing tree experts to oversee pruning work to prevent future incidents.

Mizoram Shuts Schools, Offices Half-Day For FIFA Final

Mizoram Shuts Schools, Offices Half-Day For FIFA Final

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Mizoram has declared a full holiday for educational institutions and a half-day for government offices to allow residents to watch the FIFA World Cup final. Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the state's passion for football and the importance of the sport to its youth.

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

BMW India CFO Carsten Lammers has expressed surprise at the extensive scale and prolonged duration of tax and Customs litigation in India, advocating for faster dispute resolution and simpler procedures to ensure business stability.

Israel, Lebanon sign US-led framework pact in 'first step' towards peace

Israel, Lebanon sign US-led framework pact in 'first step' towards peace

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday (local time) announced a US-mediated framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon aimed at achieving "lasting peace and security".

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre has reviewed the monsoon situation, noting a reduced rainfall deficit and ongoing preparedness for the kharif season amidst El Nino concerns. A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed measures across various sectors, emphasising continuous monitoring and coordinated action to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and essential commodities.

SC judge recuses from DMK leader's bail hearing

SC judge recuses from DMK leader's bail hearing

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Supreme Court Justice V Mohana has recused herself from hearing the anticipatory bail plea of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji in a new corruption case related to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The plea, seeking pre-arrest bail, was filed after the Madras High Court dismissed Balaji's petition. The case involves a systematic cash-kickback scheme and overcharging at TASMAC retail shops.

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.

SC grants anticipatory bail to DMK's Senthil Balaji in TASMAC corruption case

SC grants anticipatory bail to DMK's Senthil Balaji in TASMAC corruption case

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to DMK leader and former minister V Senthil Balaji in a fresh corruption case related to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), with conditions including cooperation with the investigation and depositing his passport.

CAG flags Rs 3,541 crore excess spend in Ladki Bahin scheme

CAG flags Rs 3,541 crore excess spend in Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has identified significant financial irregularities in the Maharashtra government's flagship Ladki Bahin scheme, including an excess expenditure of Rs 3,541.16 crore and the parking of Rs 15,586 crore in Virtual Personal Deposit Accounts (VPDAs) without immediate need. The report highlights deficiencies in budget estimation and financial management, recommending realistic fund assessments and strict adherence to expenditure needs.

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Calcutta high court has held that voter identity cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards are not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship.

Hiroshima Day: 6 Facts You Need To Know

Hiroshima Day: 6 Facts You Need To Know

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Hiroshima Day is observed on August 6. On that day, the United States B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb over the city of Hiroshima on May 6, 1945 changing the course of history.

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Air India Group has accumulated losses of about Rs 47,821 crore since its takeover, leaving its prolonged transformation among the biggest unfinished projects of N Chandrasekaran's tenure.

Assam floods worsen, 41 killed so far, over 6.5 lakh affected

Assam floods worsen, 41 killed so far, over 6.5 lakh affected

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Assam faces a severe flood crisis with 41 deaths and over 6.5 lakh people displaced, prompting intensified rescue operations and a critical alert for continued heavy rainfall.

PWD declares Azam Khan's Jauhar University road open to public

PWD declares Azam Khan's Jauhar University road open to public

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department has declared a 3-km road passing through SP leader Azam Khan's Mohammad Ali Jauhar University campus in Rampur as a public road, erecting signboards to ensure unrestricted access. The road, built by the PWD in 2016-17, had its access restricted by the university since 2019, leading to a legal dispute that is still ongoing in the Allahabad High Court.

Omicron RF.5 variant detected in Andhra, health minister urges calm

Omicron RF.5 variant detected in Andhra, health minister urges calm

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced the detection of the Omicron RF.5 variant in four COVID-19 samples from Kadapa district, confirmed by genome sequencing in Pune. While the variant is being monitored by WHO and health officials, there is currently no indication it is more dangerous than other Omicron strains, and public vigilance is advised over panic.

Assam to release NEET protestors, withdraw cases

Assam to release NEET protestors, withdraw cases

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Assam government has decided to withdraw all police cases registered against individuals involved in protests concerning the NEET question paper leak and to release those arrested or detained during these demonstrations, citing the need for systemic reforms in the education ecosystem.

US State Department spokesman P J Crowley resigns

US State Department spokesman P J Crowley resigns

Rediff.com14 Mar 2011

United States State Department spokesman P J Crowley resigned on Sunday, days after criticising the Pentagon's treatment of the man accused of leaking secret cables to Wikileaks as "ridiculous, counterproductive and stupid". "Given the impact of my remarks, for which I take full responsibility, I have submitted my resignation as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Spokesman for the Department of State," Crowley said in his resignation statement.

Salah Says Goodbye to Liverpool, Hello Turkey

Salah Says Goodbye to Liverpool, Hello Turkey

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Mohamed Salah has arrived in Istanbul, greeted by hundreds of fans, ahead of his expected free transfer to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, marking a new chapter after nine successful years at Liverpool.

US op in Nigeria eliminates ISIS second-in-command: Trump

US op in Nigeria eliminates ISIS second-in-command: Trump

Rediff.com16 May 2026

US President Donald Trump announced the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a key ISIS leader, in a joint operation with Nigerian forces.

Heavy rains, landslides disrupt Kedarnath, Mansarovar pilgrimages

Heavy rains, landslides disrupt Kedarnath, Mansarovar pilgrimages

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall has disrupted major pilgrimages in Uttarakhand, including the Kedarnath route and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, prompting the IMD to issue red and orange alerts for extremely heavy rainfall across several districts.

Will Pakistan rethink its Israel policy after Rubio talks?

Will Pakistan rethink its Israel policy after Rubio talks?

Rediff.com29 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar amid American demand that countries mediating the peace talks with Iran join the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic and economic ties with Israel.

Himachal Pradesh on red alert as rainfall triggers landslides, schools declare holidays

Himachal Pradesh on red alert as rainfall triggers landslides, schools declare holidays

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Himachal Pradesh is on high alert with schools and colleges shut in several districts as heavy rainfall triggers landslides, flash floods, and road closures, prompting authorities to issue warnings and activate emergency centres.

No VIP treatment to anyone, says Tukharam Mundhe on cleaning up Mumbai's eateries

No VIP treatment to anyone, says Tukharam Mundhe on cleaning up Mumbai's eateries

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Meet the man who is on mission mode to enforce hygiene standards in eateries and restaurants.

Delhi Drug Department Seizes Insulin Stocks Over Storage Violations

Delhi Drug Department Seizes Insulin Stocks Over Storage Violations

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The Delhi Drugs Control Department seized insulin stocks worth over Rs 20 lakh from wholesale drug firms for allegedly violating storage and regulatory norms.

Kerala police's internal app down, cyber attack suspected

Kerala police's internal app down, cyber attack suspected

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Kerala Police has launched a probe after an internal application, crucial for handling files, became dysfunctional, with officials suspecting a cyber attack. The system, maintained by Keltron through a private firm, has been non-functional for four days, affecting internal file movement. Police have confirmed no data breach, and public-facing services remain operational.

US launches major probe into H-1B visa fraud, names Indian IT firm

US launches major probe into H-1B visa fraud, names Indian IT firm

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The US Department of Labour's Office of the Inspector General has initiated an investigation into alleged fraud in H-1B and PERM work visa programmes. Indian IT firm Cognizant is among the companies under scrutiny for widespread schemes involving fraudulent applications, exploitation of foreign workers, and undercutting American labour. The probe aims to dismantle networks exploiting the guest worker visa system.

'No blame game over Bumrah, Sudharsan injuries': V V S Laxman defends BCCI CoE

'No blame game over Bumrah, Sudharsan injuries': V V S Laxman defends BCCI CoE

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, has defended the CoE against criticism regarding slow player recovery, stating that cricketers are not 'machines' and rehabilitation timelines can vary.

IIT-ISM Dhanbad Secures Patent For Innovative Copper Recovery Technology

IIT-ISM Dhanbad Secures Patent For Innovative Copper Recovery Technology

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Researchers at IIT-ISM Dhanbad have been granted an Indian patent for an electrochemical reactor designed to recover copper from industrial wastewater. This innovative technology offers an environmentally sustainable solution for resource recovery and wastewater treatment, particularly benefiting the mining and metallurgical sectors.

NADA Suspends CWG Medallist Tulika Maan From Glasgow Games

NADA Suspends CWG Medallist Tulika Maan From Glasgow Games

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Birmingham Commonwealth Games silver-medallist judoka Tulika Maan has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for three whereabouts failures, leading to her withdrawal from the ongoing Glasgow edition. This comes after another judoka, Arun Kumar, was also withdrawn for a dope test failure.

Shalarth scam: BJP-linked education baron held over fake teacher IDs in Maha

Shalarth scam: BJP-linked education baron held over fake teacher IDs in Maha

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

An education baron from Jalgaon district in Maharashtra, associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party, has been arrested in connection with the alleged Shalarth ID scam, which involves creating fake identities of teachers on a government portal and withdrawing salaries in their names.

CM Shivakumar Appeals For Calm During FIFA World Cup Final Screening

CM Shivakumar Appeals For Calm During FIFA World Cup Final Screening

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged football fans to maintain peace during the FIFA World Cup final and announced special permissions for hotels and restaurants to screen the match live until 3:30 AM. He is also set to join a public screening event in Koramangala, organised by the KSFA and DYES, to watch the final between Argentina and Spain with other enthusiasts.

17 killed in suicide attack during 'peace rally' in Pakistan

17 killed in suicide attack during 'peace rally' in Pakistan

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A suicide attack on a police station in Kabal, Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, killed at least 14 people, including five security personnel, and injured over a dozen. The attack occurred during a peace rally, with police intercepting the bomber at the compound gate, preventing a larger tragedy.