News for 'state department'

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The US Department of Defence has restored the name of the US Indo-Pacific Command to the US Pacific Command, reversing an eight-year-old decision. This change honours the command's deep historical roots, established in 1947, while its vast area of responsibility, extending to India's western border, and its mission remain unchanged.

Junior Women's Hockey Squad Embarks On UK Exposure Tour

Junior Women's Hockey Squad Embarks On UK Exposure Tour

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 24-member Indian Junior women's hockey team has travelled to the United Kingdom for an exposure tour, playing matches against junior teams from England, Scotland, the United States, and Belgium, as well as the Scotland senior women's team, to prepare for upcoming international tournaments like the Junior Asia Cup.

Iran Coach Criticises Travel Restrictions After 2-2 World Cup Draw

Iran Coach Criticises Travel Restrictions After 2-2 World Cup Draw

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said travel restrictions and visa-related disruptions hampered his team's World Cup preparations after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, claiming Iran had become the tournament's "most oppressed" side.

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general killed in a US strike in 2020, have been arrested in the United States after their residency permits were rescinded.

7 Indian vessels with 148 seafarers stranded in Persian Gulf

7 Indian vessels with 148 seafarers stranded in Persian Gulf

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Seven Indian-flagged vessels, carrying 148 seafarers, are currently in the Persian Gulf region amidst escalating military tensions between the US and Iran. An Indian crew member was killed in a recent attack on a merchant ship, raising concerns about maritime safety and the fragile US-Iran peace deal.

Five killed in shooting at German youth welfare facility; two held

Five killed in shooting at German youth welfare facility; two held

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

At least five people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a youth welfare facility in the northern German city of Stade on Monday, CNN reported, citing local police.

'Right mix of experience and youth': India's Squad For Hockey World Cup

'Right mix of experience and youth': India's Squad For Hockey World Cup

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India has announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the team.

Hazare writes to Modi; says minister's exit won't weaken govt, favours talks

Hazare writes to Modi; says minister's exit won't weaken govt, favours talks

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Social activist Anna Hazare on Wednesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying violence and police action during the students' ongoing protest in Delhi were "deeply distressing", and asserted that "dialogue" was always preferable to confrontation in a democracy.

Why Rs 5 Lakh Health Cover Falls Short

Why Rs 5 Lakh Health Cover Falls Short

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Marriage, childbirth, dependent parents and ageing increase the cover a person needs.

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'There is no need for panic as there is widespread protective immune memory in the population from vaccination as well as prior infections.'

NITI Aayog's Vision For India's Bioeconomy Growth

NITI Aayog's Vision For India's Bioeconomy Growth

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

A NITI Aayog report outlines India's potential to scale its bioeconomy to USD 691 billion by 2035 and USD 2.6 trillion by 2047, creating over 30 million high-value jobs. The report stresses the need for coordinated national execution, regulatory reforms, a strengthened talent pipeline, and a significant BioEconomy Growth Fund to achieve this vision, positioning India among the top biotechnology powers globally.

Gujarat, And Its Strange, Thirsty Prohibition

Gujarat, And Its Strange, Thirsty Prohibition

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Prohibition never stopped anyone from drinking in Gujarat. It only made the stories that come after a lot more interesting, recounts Binu Alex.

Ayodhya donation scam: SIT to question trust officials

Ayodhya donation scam: SIT to question trust officials

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donation money at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is expected to question people associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and review banking arrangements for donations.

Mexico agrees to host Iran team during FIFA World Cup

Mexico agrees to host Iran team during FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday her government agreed to allow the Iranian national football team to stay in Mexico during the World Cup, adding that the United States did not want to host the team.

Maharashtra to make domicile must for driving licence from Aug 1

Maharashtra to make domicile must for driving licence from Aug 1

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Maharashtra plans new policy to make domicile certificate mandatory for driving licence from August 2026, alongside efforts to regulate bike taxi services for revenue and job creation.

Beyond Harman: Mithali backs Smriti for ODI captaincy, Shafali for T20

Beyond Harman: Mithali backs Smriti for ODI captaincy, Shafali for T20

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Smriti Mandhana is more suited to lead India in the longer formats after Harmanpreet Kaur's tenure ends while the much younger Shafali Varma can be handed the reins of the T20 side following another pre-mature exit from the World Cup, former captain legendary Mithali Raj said.

Unified Command To Tackle AI Threats

Unified Command To Tackle AI Threats

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

'The government has to act as one unit since the threat from these newer models will soon scale up.'

Farmers on way to protest in Delhi stopped at Haryana border

Farmers on way to protest in Delhi stopped at Haryana border

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Indian farmers staged a significant protest at the Shambhu border against a proposed India-US trade deal, fearing its detrimental effects on the domestic agricultural sector and demanding its immediate abandonment. They later ended their agitation after assurances from the Haryana Agriculture Minister regarding the release of detained farmers and a meeting with the Union Agriculture Minister.

Iran invites Kharge, Cong leaders to Khamenei's funeral

Iran invites Kharge, Cong leaders to Khamenei's funeral

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Iran has extended an invitation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other party leaders, including Salman Khurshid and Pawan Khera, to attend the burial ceremonies of its late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceremonies are scheduled from July 5 to 9 across various Iranian cities. India will also be represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Ata Hasnain.

Two nannies held for abusing toddlers at creche on Capgemini campus

Two nannies held for abusing toddlers at creche on Capgemini campus

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Two nannies at a daycare centre on an IT firm's campus in Bengaluru have been arrested for allegedly abusing toddlers. The arrests followed viral videos showing caregivers threatening and mistreating children, prompting a strong response from Karnataka's Home Minister and the IT firm, Capgemini.

Hyderabad teacher sacked for asking students to recite religious verses

Hyderabad teacher sacked for asking students to recite religious verses

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

A private school in Hyderabad has terminated a primary teacher after she assigned Islamic religious verses as homework, sparking controversy and prompting police intervention to ensure communal harmony. The incident led to protests and demands for action against the school from political and religious groups.

Senegal FA President: World Cup Team Doctor Was 'Gynaecologist'

Senegal FA President: World Cup Team Doctor Was 'Gynaecologist'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Senegal's football federation president, Abdoulaye Fall, has claimed the national team's doctor at the recent World Cup in North America was 'trained as a gynaecologist', raising concerns among players about medical support during their disappointing campaign. The Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine has rejected these allegations as 'unfounded and defamatory'.

Major Crackdown On Bishnoi Gang; 24 Arrested In US, Canada, Europe

Major Crackdown On Bishnoi Gang; 24 Arrested In US, Canada, Europe

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A coordinated international operation, 'Operation Hard Ball', led to the arrest of 24 alleged members and associates of three India-based criminal syndicates, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, across the US, Canada, and Europe.

US warns India against violating Hormuz blockade

US warns India against violating Hormuz blockade

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The US has warned India that any violation of its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated, a statement made amidst a diplomatic row over the deaths of Indian seafarers in US attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman.

Ayodhya Ram Temple to train, certify priests for India, abroad

Ayodhya Ram Temple to train, certify priests for India, abroad

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The Ram temple trust's decision to establish a permanent institute for training and certifying Hindu priests is being seen by religious leaders and members of the Indian diaspora as a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for qualified 'archaks' (priests) not only in India but also overseas.

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Parliamentary panel flags recurring exam irregularities, seeks reforms

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A parliamentary committee has voiced concerns over ongoing examination irregularities despite government measures, recommending the Ministry of Education publish a time-bound roadmap for reforms. The panel also urged a nationwide blacklist of firms involved in exam processes and suggested utilising the National Testing Agency's financial surplus to enhance its capabilities.

Suvendu govt to toughen laws against vandalism, attacks on officials

Suvendu govt to toughen laws against vandalism, attacks on officials

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The West Bengal government plans to introduce two new bills in the Assembly to address public disorder, vandalism, and attacks on police and public servants. One bill will amend the existing Public Order Act, 1972, while the other, titled the Public Safety Control and Anti-Social Activity Bill, will comprehensively strengthen public safety measures. These legislative changes aim to curb incidents of violence and allow for compensation recovery from offenders.

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

81 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana has seen 81 lakh registered beneficiaries removed following a multi-month e-KYC verification drive, with the state's Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare clarifying the process was mandatory to filter out ineligible individuals, income-tax payers, and government employee families.

Wayanad landslide: Families evacuated, search on for missing

Wayanad landslide: Families evacuated, search on for missing

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Following a landslide near the Kalladi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, district authorities have begun evacuating families and intensified rescue operations to find seven missing persons. Heavy rains are complicating efforts, while project engineers clarify the landslide did not originate from the active construction zone.

US proposes steep hike in citizenship application fees

US proposes steep hike in citizenship application fees

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a nearly 75 per cent increase in the filing fee for Form N-400, the application for US citizenship through naturalisation, raising it from $760 to $1,330. The proposal also seeks to eliminate reduced-fee options and fee waivers, potentially impacting thousands of immigrants, including Indians.

US de-lists 4 Indian companies sanctioned over Russia links

US de-lists 4 Indian companies sanctioned over Russia links

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The United States has removed four Indian companies from its sanctions list, which had been accused of supplying advanced technology and equipment to Russia's military-industrial complex. The de-listed firms include RRG Engineering Technologies, Lokesh Machines, Galaxy Bearings, and Shaurya Aeronautics, previously sanctioned for exporting dual-use items to Russian entities.

New Centre To Boost India-Kyrgyzstan Cultural And Academic Ties

New Centre To Boost India-Kyrgyzstan Cultural And Academic Ties

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR) has established the International Centre for Civilizational Studies "Manas and Mahabharata" in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with the Manas National Academy. The inauguration also saw the release of the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic "Manas," aiming to foster scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.

13 blackbucks, stray dog found dead in MP well; probe launched

13 blackbucks, stray dog found dead in MP well; probe launched

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Thirteen blackbucks and a stray dog were discovered dead in a farm well in Shajapur district, Madhya Pradesh, leading forest authorities to launch an investigation. The carcasses were found after a foul smell was reported, and it is suspected the animals fell into the well while escaping stray dogs.

Mehbooba Mufti to travel to Iran for Khamenei's funeral

Mehbooba Mufti to travel to Iran for Khamenei's funeral

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has received an official invitation to attend the state funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. She will travel to Iran as a distinguished guest of India to pay her final respects, highlighting the historical and strategic ties between the two nations.

Joakim Alexandersson Back As India U-17 Women's Head Coach For AFC Qualifiers

Joakim Alexandersson Back As India U-17 Women's Head Coach For AFC Qualifiers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Joakim Alexandersson has been reappointed as the head coach of the India U-17 women's national football team, less than a year after his previous departure. He will lead the squad in preparations for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in October, where India is grouped with Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq. The team aims to build on its historic quarter-final achievement in the previous Asian Cup.

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

How Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple Counts Cash, Donations

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Earlier, people used to hand money directly to priests after a ritual, and priests would keep it in their own pockets. We completely stopped that practice.'

'Iran is finished': Trump vows zero financial relief during 60-day talks

'Iran is finished': Trump vows zero financial relief during 60-day talks

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Following the signing of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran, US President Donald Trump reiterated the terms for a 60-day negotiation period, vowing that Tehran will receive "not ten cents" in financial relief.

Massive fire at Bangkok eatery after stage circuit breaker explodes, 27 dead

Massive fire at Bangkok eatery after stage circuit breaker explodes, 27 dead

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

A devastating fire at the Na Ladprao eatery in Bangkok's Chatuchak district resulted in 27 fatalities and 63 injuries, with officials confirming that most deaths were due to smoke inhalation after a stage circuit breaker exploded.

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Private Sector Key To India-US Strategic Tech Outcomes

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Senior Indian officials highlight the indispensable role of the private sector in translating India-US cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and critical minerals into tangible outcomes. The collaboration aims to build trusted, resilient technology ecosystems and position India as a global electronics and semiconductor hub.

Heavy rains with 80 kmph winds alert for Mumbai; WFH for pvt firms

Heavy rains with 80 kmph winds alert for Mumbai; WFH for pvt firms

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The India Meteorological Department has issued a 'red' alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and warnings include potential flash floods, structural damage, and disruptions to essential services. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has also urged caution and deployed officials to monitor the situation.