News for 'state department'

US extends waiver on Russian oil amid global crisis

US extends waiver on Russian oil amid global crisis

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The United States has extended a waiver from sanctions on Russian oil already at sea by one month, according to an official statement from the US Department of the Treasury.

Ram Temple funds row: SP seeks removal of trust members, probe by SC judges

Ram Temple funds row: SP seeks removal of trust members, probe by SC judges

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities in the Ram temple donation funds, a move welcomed by the Ram Mandir Construction Committee chairperson. The trust itself requested the inquiry to counter misinformation, while an opposition MP demanded a Supreme Court judge-led investigation.

ED summons Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter for questioning

ED summons Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter for questioning

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The investigation pertains to alleged irregularities in CMRL's financial transactions and its links with Veena's now-defunct company Exalogic Solutions Private Limited.

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.

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.

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.

IIT Madras Unveils Indigenous Pilot Plant For E-Waste Recycling

IIT Madras Unveils Indigenous Pilot Plant For E-Waste Recycling

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

IIT Madras researchers have developed an indigenous pilot plant in Tiruchirappalli capable of processing 100 tonnes of electronic waste annually. This zero-discharge, single-acid process recovers valuable metals like copper, lead, and tin from PCBs, addressing India's growing e-waste challenge and supporting circular economy initiatives.

IIT Madras Unveils Indigenous Pilot Plant For E-Waste Recycling

IIT Madras Unveils Indigenous Pilot Plant For E-Waste Recycling

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

IIT Madras researchers have developed an indigenous pilot plant in Tiruchirappalli capable of processing 100 tonnes of electronic waste annually. This zero-discharge, single-acid process recovers valuable metals like copper, lead, and tin from PCBs, addressing India's growing e-waste challenge and supporting circular economy initiatives.

Why Iran moved its FIFA World Cup base days before opener

Why Iran moved its FIFA World Cup base days before opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup team conducted open training in Tijuana, Mexico, after relocating their base camp due to geopolitical tensions.

Odisha Engineer Faces Corruption Probe After Asset Discovery

Odisha Engineer Faces Corruption Probe After Asset Discovery

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Odisha Vigilance Department has uncovered significant assets, including multiple buildings and plots of land, allegedly belonging to a government engineer, prompting an investigation into disproportionate assets.

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.

'BJP Wants Opposition-Mukt Bengal'

'BJP Wants Opposition-Mukt Bengal'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'BJP wanted a compromised Opposition and found a match in this faction of the Trinamool.'

Assam Man Arrested With Heroin In Mizoram's Champhai

Assam Man Arrested With Heroin In Mizoram's Champhai

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A man from Assam has been arrested with over 620 gm of heroin in Mizoram's Champhai district. The heroin was allegedly smuggled from Myanmar and was being transported to Assam.

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Government sources have clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in India, a stance consistent for the past 12 years and rooted in the Passport Act 1967. This clarification, reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public figures.

Maharashtra Professor Suspended For Misbehaviour And Financial Irregularities

Maharashtra Professor Suspended For Misbehaviour And Financial Irregularities

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A professor at Mahatma Basweshwar College in Latur, Maharashtra, has been suspended following findings by Marathwada University of alleged misbehaviour with women colleagues, administrative negligence, and financial irregularities. Dr Rajkumar Lakhadive faces a departmental inquiry after a preliminary investigation found him prima facie guilty.

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.

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.

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.

Mumbai Education Clerk Arrested For Alleged Bribery

Mumbai Education Clerk Arrested For Alleged Bribery

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A senior clerk in the Maharashtra education department was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1.5 lakh to approve the operation of a junior college.

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.

'India a very tough team in their own conditions': Hashmatullah Shahidi

'India a very tough team in their own conditions': Hashmatullah Shahidi

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Teams like India do not offer too many chances and Afghanistan must learn to capitalise on the opportunities that come their way, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said.

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.

'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.

Centre turns down Karnataka's hate speech bill, says existing laws adequate

Centre turns down Karnataka's hate speech bill, says existing laws adequate

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The bill was passed by both houses of the state legislature during the winter session in Belagavi that concluded on December 19 last year, despite strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal-Secular.

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.

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed striking the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. This incident marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the region this week, with three Indian seafarers previously losing their lives in an attack on the MT Settebello.

Exam train protest turns violent in Patna; tracks blocked, traffic hit

Exam train protest turns violent in Patna; tracks blocked, traffic hit

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A mob disrupted railway traffic at Pataliputra station in Patna, alleging insufficient trains for a competitive exam. Police resorted to tear gas and lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, which also engaged in stone-pelting. Authorities suspect anti-social elements were involved, aiming to cancel the exams, and are using CCTV footage to identify culprits.

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' at assembly prayers in all madrassas with immediate effect. This decision follows a similar directive for all schools in the state and aims to bring uniformity in assembly practices across institutions.

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.

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.

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, paid tribute to the victims on the first anniversary of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives, including 52 British nationals. She visited the crash site and attended a prayer meet, where 260 trees were planted and a blood donation camp was organised.

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, paid tribute to the victims on the first anniversary of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives, including 52 British nationals. She visited the crash site and attended a prayer meet, where 260 trees were planted and a blood donation camp was organised.

Assam Rifles Seize Meth Tablets In Mizoram

Assam Rifles Seize Meth Tablets In Mizoram

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Assam Rifles and the Excise and Narcotics Department seized methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 17.10 lakh in Champhai district, Mizoram. The suspected drug traffickers fled towards Myanmar, leaving behind the consignment.

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.

Gurugram Clinic Run By Fake Doctor Busted

Gurugram Clinic Run By Fake Doctor Busted

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A man was arrested in Gurugram for allegedly running a fake clinic and treating patients without a medical degree for six years.

FBI foils major attack on White House UFC event attended by Trump

FBI foils major attack on White House UFC event attended by Trump

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The FBI announced it foiled a potential attack on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event held at the White House last weekend, leading to multiple arrests. The alleged plot involved using explosive-laden drones and a sniper team to target the event attended by President Trump, with a "second wave" planned to storm the White House gate.

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Nagaland is seeking to implement the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations in a way that respects the state's customary laws and traditional systems of care, while remaining legally sound.

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.

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.