News for 'state department'

Lokayukta Police Uncover Rs 6.27 Crore Disproportionate Assets Of MP Head Constable

Lokayukta Police Uncover Rs 6.27 Crore Disproportionate Assets Of MP Head Constable

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Madhya Pradesh's Lokayukta police raided 15 premises linked to head constable Firoz Khan in Indore and Dewas, uncovering assets worth Rs 6.27 crore. This amount is more than three times his legitimate income over 24 years of service. Khan is accused of misusing his position in property dealings, and an FIR has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with a woman associate also named as an accused.

Odisha Busts Major Ganja Smuggling Ring To Kerala

Odisha Busts Major Ganja Smuggling Ring To Kerala

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Four individuals, including three from Kerala, were arrested in Odisha's Ganjam district for allegedly transporting 160 kg of ganja worth Rs 38 lakh. The cannabis was being moved from Kandhamal district to Kerala by road, and cases have been registered under the NDPS Act.

Rubio's India Visit: The Russian Oil Factor

Rubio's India Visit: The Russian Oil Factor

Rediff.com4 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India this week underscores the complex dynamics of global energy policy, as Washington re-evaluates sanctions on Russian oil buyers amidst India's continued reliance on Russian crude.

Assam PWD Engineer Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe

Assam PWD Engineer Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

An assistant executive engineer of the Public Works Department, Mridul Baglari, was arrested in Dibrugarh, Assam, for accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000. He had allegedly demanded Rs 1.3 lakh for releasing pending bills and was caught in a trap laid by the Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption.

Congress Seva Dal Holds Candle March For Ankita Bhandari Justice

Congress Seva Dal Holds Candle March For Ankita Bhandari Justice

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Congress' Seva Dal organised a candle march in New Delhi, demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari, who was murdered in Uttarakhand in 2022. The protest called for an impartial investigation and accountability, especially regarding allegations against BJP's Dushyant Gautam, whose recent appointment as Sikkim Governor has drawn criticism from the Congress.

US suspends IT giants from green card programme

US suspends IT giants from green card programme

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The US government has suspended eight major IT firms, including Microsoft, Tata, Infosys, and Wipro, from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, which allows companies to apply for green cards for foreign workers. This action, announced by Vice President J D Vance, Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling, and Attorney General Todd Blanche, is part of an effort to prevent American workers from being shut out of the job market. The Department of Labour cited abuse of the system, particularly by Microsoft, and also initiated an investigation into the J-1 visa programme used by several universities.

ACB Uncovers Rs 9.41 Crore Assets In Telangana Civil Supplies Case

ACB Uncovers Rs 9.41 Crore Assets In Telangana Civil Supplies Case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a Disproportionate Assets case against a Civil Supplies department official in Mahabubabad district. Searches at seven locations revealed assets worth approximately Rs 9.41 crore, including immovable and movable properties. The investigation is ongoing, with further verification of assets and their sources underway.

4 India-based companies face US sanctions over Iran trade

4 India-based companies face US sanctions over Iran trade

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies, including a customs broker and three other firms, for their involvement in importing petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran. This action is part of "Operation Economic Outcast," a broader US campaign to sever Iran's financial lifelines and prevent funding for its destabilising activities.

Sadhna Group Chairman Held In Major Money Laundering Probe

Sadhna Group Chairman Held In Major Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Chairman of Sadhna Group, in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in IBC processes. He is accused of engineering insolvency to settle significant Income Tax dues for a fraction of the amount, receiving cash via crypto/hawala, and share manipulation. The alleged proceeds of crime total Rs 168 crore, and Gupta has been remanded to five days of ED custody.

'Anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America'

'Anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Top US lawmakers, leaders, and civil society members have strongly condemned an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois. Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested for attempting a mass shooting at the Aurora temple, which failed when his rifle jammed. Indian-American Congressmen and other officials have called for efforts to combat rising anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice in America, highlighting the need to protect minority houses of worship.

Post-Mortem Reveals Asphyxia As Primary Cause In Kolkata Stampede

Post-Mortem Reveals Asphyxia As Primary Cause In Kolkata Stampede

Rediff.com5 days ago

Preliminary post-mortem reports indicate that asphyxia due to intense chest pressure was the likely cause of death for most of the 19 victims in a Durga Puja pandal stampede in Kolkata. Reports also noted serious internal injuries, including damage to vital organs and fractures, in some victims.

Rs 500-cr audio clip sparks row; Jarange alleges plot to crush Maratha stir

Rs 500-cr audio clip sparks row; Jarange alleges plot to crush Maratha stir

Rediff.com1 days ago

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has released an audio clip purportedly claiming a Rs 500 crore payment was delivered to him through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, alleging a conspiracy to silence him. This comes a day after Deputy CM Eknath Shinde challenged him to prove similar allegations. Ruling party leaders have hit back, questioning the clip's veracity and demanding a forensic probe, while Jarange insists on a thorough investigation by top state and central leaders.

Karnataka Government Urges Stronger BFSI And FinTech Partnerships

Karnataka Government Urges Stronger BFSI And FinTech Partnerships

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Government of Karnataka has called for enhanced collaboration with the BFSI and FinTech sectors to bolster its technology ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions. This initiative, discussed at an Industry Meet, aims to foster partnerships between government, industry, and academia, particularly through programmes like 'Government First', in preparation for the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026.

Microsoft defends H1-B visa applications, clarifies 80% for existing staff

Microsoft defends H1-B visa applications, clarifies 80% for existing staff

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Microsoft has clarified that 80 per cent of its H1-B visa applications in the last fiscal year were for existing employees, not new hires, following its suspension from a US green card programme.

Russian diesel not for us, but for...: Trump amid criticism

Russian diesel not for us, but for...: Trump amid criticism

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump has defended a controversial diesel deal with Russia, stating it aims to stabilise the global market despite bipartisan criticism from US lawmakers. The deal, which eases sanctions on Russian diesel shipments until April 2027, has been criticised as a "gift to our adversary" that finances Russia's war efforts and offers little relief to Americans.

In dry Bihar, cop shot dead by liquor smugglers

In dry Bihar, cop shot dead by liquor smugglers

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

A police constable was shot dead by suspected liquor smugglers in Nalanda district, Bihar, during a chase on Wednesday night. In a separate incident, five police personnel were injured in Bagaha when locals attacked them during an arrest related to a liquor supply case, freeing one suspect.

Karnataka Cabinet Denies Clemency To Shubha Shankar In Notorious Ring Road Murder Case

Karnataka Cabinet Denies Clemency To Shubha Shankar In Notorious Ring Road Murder Case

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The Karnataka cabinet has rejected the clemency plea of Shubha Shankar, who is serving life imprisonment for the 2003 murder of her fiancee, Girish. The cabinet also decided to challenge the High Court's ruling on enhanced reservation quotas for SCs and STs in the Supreme Court.

Chhattisgarh Acid Attack: Woman Suffers Burns, Opposition Demands Action

Chhattisgarh Acid Attack: Woman Suffers Burns, Opposition Demands Action

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

A 22-year-old woman preparing for competitive exams was severely injured in an acid attack in Balod, Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred as she returned from an e-library, suffering burns to her face and hands. Police are investigating, examining CCTV footage, while the Opposition Congress has condemned the attack, raising concerns about the state's law and order situation.

Why Delhi Court Granted Bail To Eight Gold Smuggling Accused

Why Delhi Court Granted Bail To Eight Gold Smuggling Accused

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A Delhi court has granted bail to eight men accused of smuggling over 6 kg of gold worth Rs 9.9 crore, citing the customs department's failure to provide specific reasons for their continued detention. The court noted the absence of direct evidence linking the accused to the gold recovered from the aircraft after their disembarkation, and the lack of corroboration for alleged activities in Dubai.

TN govt revokes controversial RTI move amid backlash

TN govt revokes controversial RTI move amid backlash

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The Tamil Nadu government revoked a controversial order exempting its Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act, 2005.

Jaishankar to host Rubio in Mumbai on Oct 20 for key India-US talks

Jaishankar to host Rubio in Mumbai on Oct 20 for key India-US talks

Rediff.com7 days ago

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20 for talks aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions will cover energy, trade, defence, and critical technologies. The visit also includes celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US Independence. This meeting follows earlier confusion regarding Rubio's visit and will also touch upon the India-US bilateral trade agreement, which both sides are close to concluding. The MEA clarified that hosting foreign dignitaries outside Delhi is a common practice.

Bystander Injured In Tiger Shroff Car Firing Is Stable

Bystander Injured In Tiger Shroff Car Firing Is Stable

Rediff.com4 days ago

Umesh Chauhan, a bystander injured during a firing incident near actor Tiger Shroff's car in Juhu, Mumbai, is in stable condition at KEM Hospital. Three suspects have been apprehended in Rajasthan, reportedly planning to flee to Nepal, and one is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

CM Mann Reviews Preparations For Asian Champions Trophy

CM Mann Reviews Preparations For Asian Champions Trophy

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued directives to various departments to ensure top-tier arrangements for the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, set to take place in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5. Mann emphasised the need for world-class facilities, robust security, and comprehensive crowd management, while also calling for a statewide trophy tour and student participation to foster public enthusiasm and showcase Punjab's rich sporting heritage. He personally inspected venues and stressed the importance of cleanliness, beautification, and hospitality for international delegations.

Gujarat High Court Grants Temporary Bail To Jailed AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava

Gujarat High Court Grants Temporary Bail To Jailed AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava

Rediff.com7 days ago

Jailed Aam Aadmi Party MLA Chaitar Vasava was granted one-day temporary bail by the Gujarat High Court after his stepbrother was hospitalised following a suicide attempt. The MLA's stepbrother, Shantilal Vasava, consumed poison on October 12 and is in critical condition. Chaitar Vasava had initially sought bail for an examination but changed his plea to care for his stepbrother. He was previously sentenced to seven years in jail for extortion and assault.

Maharashtra braces for water crisis, orders 10% cut from Oct 16

Maharashtra braces for water crisis, orders 10% cut from Oct 16

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Maharashtra government announced a minimum 10 per cent water cut for all urban and rural local bodies starting October 16 due to a deficient monsoon and El Nino impact. The state is prioritising drinking water, planning for water stocks until August 2027, and implementing measures like preventing leakage, reusing treated wastewater, and curbing unauthorised extraction.

Sion Hospital Medical Student Dies By Suicide

Sion Hospital Medical Student Dies By Suicide

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

A first-year postgraduate medical student at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital in Sion, Mumbai, allegedly died by suicide in his hostel room on Saturday evening. Preliminary investigations suggest Dr Shivcharan Appa Patil died from an overdose of anaesthesia. Police have registered an accidental death report and are investigating further.

CBI Faces Scrutiny After Ex-Principal Gets Bail In Financial Irregularities Case

CBI Faces Scrutiny After Ex-Principal Gets Bail In Financial Irregularities Case

Rediff.com6 days ago

The father of a doctor who was raped and murdered has questioned the CBI after former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh received bail from the Supreme Court in a financial irregularities case. Ghosh was previously granted bail in the rape-murder case in December 2024 due to the CBI's failure to file a chargesheet. Doctors and the victim's family are criticising the CBI's handling of the investigations, alleging incompetence and delays.

School Headmaster Held For Alleged Sexual Harassment Of Class 6 Student

School Headmaster Held For Alleged Sexual Harassment Of Class 6 Student

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

A government residential school headmaster in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a Class 6 girl student. The incident, which occurred on September 25, was reported to the police on Monday after the victim informed her parents. The headmaster, Srikrushna Patra, faces charges under BNS and the POCSO Act.

Key Accused In Zubeen Garg Death Case Gets Bail

Key Accused In Zubeen Garg Death Case Gets Bail

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to suspended Assam Police DSP Sandipon Garg, an accused in the mysterious death case of singer Zubeen Garg. Garg, charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, is expected to be released after the Durga Puja holidays. This follows earlier bail grants to other accused in the high-profile case, even as investigations continue despite conflicting findings from Singaporean authorities.

Vigilance Raids CPI(M) Councillor's Home Over Rs 10 Lakh Bribe Allegation

Vigilance Raids CPI(M) Councillor's Home Over Rs 10 Lakh Bribe Allegation

Rediff.com5 days ago

A CPI(M) councillor in Thiruvananthapuram, Ajin S L, is under investigation by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) for allegedly demanding a Rs 10 lakh bribe to resolve a land-related issue. His residence was searched, and a case has been registered against him and three others under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CPI(M) has announced an internal inquiry, while the BJP demands his resignation.

How India Became NetApp's Fastest-Growing Market In Asia

How India Became NetApp's Fastest-Growing Market In Asia

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

NetApp CEO George Kurian announced that India is the company's fastest-growing market in Asia, driven by strong performance in BFSI, manufacturing, IT services, and public sectors. The company's Bengaluru global capability centre is its largest, housing 4,000 engineers and leading global R&D. NetApp also unveiled new AI-focused storage solutions and cloud partnerships at its Insight event.

Goa Nightclub Owners Granted Bail In Health NOC Manipulation Case

Goa Nightclub Owners Granted Bail In Health NOC Manipulation Case

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, have been granted regular bail by a Goa court in a case involving the alleged manipulation of a Health Department NOC to obtain an excise licence. The alleged forgery came to light after a devastating fire at the nightclub in December 2025 killed 25 people. Despite the bail, the brothers will remain in custody due to a separate High Court order in the fire tragedy case, with stringent conditions imposed by the court.

RPF Thiruvananthapuram Seizes Narcotics Worth Rs 55 Crore

RPF Thiruvananthapuram Seizes Narcotics Worth Rs 55 Crore

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Thiruvananthapuram Division has seized 943 kg of narcotic substances valued at Rs 54.98 crore in 108 cases between January and September this year. These efforts are part of Operation NARCOS, a nationwide initiative to prevent the railway network from being used for drug trafficking. The RPF also detected cases involving banned tobacco products and IMFL during the same period.

US DHS deletes 'Mr Singh, off our roads' poster, dismisses backlash

US DHS deletes 'Mr Singh, off our roads' poster, dismisses backlash

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security removed a controversial X post featuring a Transformers-themed cartoon targeting an Indian Sikh man, Harjinder Singh, with racially charged language. The post, which linked Singh to vehicular homicide charges and used phrases like "Self deport or find out," drew fierce condemnation from Indian American organisations and Democratic lawmakers for its discriminatory nature. DHS initially dismissed the outcry but later removed the post without explanation, while continuing its campaign against "illegal aliens" involved in fatal traffic accidents.

Cabinet approves Fairfax's Rs 52,878-cr bid for IDBI Bank; largest FDI ever in India's financial sector

Cabinet approves Fairfax's Rs 52,878-cr bid for IDBI Bank; largest FDI ever in India's financial sector

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

The Indian Cabinet has approved Fairfax Financial Holdings' Rs 52,878 crore bid to acquire a 60.72 per cent stake in IDBI Bank, marking the country's largest foreign direct investment in the financial sector.

Kerala Mini Cooper Crash: Family Demands Murder Charge

Kerala Mini Cooper Crash: Family Demands Murder Charge

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Police in Kerala have arrested four individuals, including the driver, in connection with a fatal Mini Cooper crash that killed three youngsters. The driver, Suhail, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and driving at high speed. The victims' family is demanding that murder charges be invoked against the accused, while the Excise Department has registered cases against three bars for serving alcohol to underage individuals.

How Mizoram Police Recovered Rs 1 Crore From Cybercrime Victims

How Mizoram Police Recovered Rs 1 Crore From Cybercrime Victims

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Mizoram police have successfully recovered over Rs 1 crore for cybercrime victims this year and arrested nine alleged cybercriminals. The state has also established a dedicated State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (S4C) to enhance its efforts in detection, investigation, and public awareness against cybercrime.

Property Dispute Angle In Greater Noida Family Deaths

Property Dispute Angle In Greater Noida Family Deaths

Rediff.com5 days ago

Police in Greater Noida have arrested three relatives of a deceased man for alleged abetment to suicide, following the deaths of five family members from suspected poisoning. The investigation suggests a property dispute may be the motive, with the deceased having left a voice note blaming the accused. Forensic reports are awaited to confirm the exact cause of death.

Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, 19 dead; govt orders probe

Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, 19 dead; govt orders probe

Rediff.com5 days ago

A stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday evening resulted in 19 deaths and 25 injuries. The Chief Minister announced compensation and a SIT probe, while officials have been detained and crowd-pulling pujas advised to close.

11 killed as torrential rains trigger floods, landslides across states

11 killed as torrential rains trigger floods, landslides across states

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Torrential rains have caused widespread devastation across several Indian states, leading to at least 11 deaths in Assam and Uttarakhand, pushing rivers above danger levels, and disrupting daily life with landslides, floods, and school closures. States like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir are also grappling with the monsoon fury, while Meghalaya faces an unusual rainfall deficit.