News for 'state department'

'More shocks in store': Shinde mocks Uddhav Sena over MPs' defections

'More shocks in store': Shinde mocks Uddhav Sena over MPs' defections

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde mocked the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the assembly following the defection of six of its Lok Sabha MPs to his faction. Shinde stated that the opposition had lost its mental balance and predicted more "shocks" for them. The jibe came after opposition MLAs, including Aaditya Thackeray, walked out over procedural objections during the monsoon session.

US eases sanctions, grants 60-day Iranian oil licence amid Swiss talks

US eases sanctions, grants 60-day Iranian oil licence amid Swiss talks

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

In a major shift in Middle Eastern energy and security dynamics, the US Department of the Treasury on Monday issued a temporary 60-day general licence authorising transactions related to the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals, and petroleum products.

IIT research finds no impact of E20 on fuel efficiency

IIT research finds no impact of E20 on fuel efficiency

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Researchers at IIT Kanpur have found that 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) does not significantly reduce fuel efficiency or harm vehicle engines, contradicting social media claims and providing reassurance amidst its nationwide rollout. The study supports the Oil Ministry's stance on E20's benefits.

Rats, flies found: FDA shuts Mumbai's iconic K Rustom ice cream parlour

Rats, flies found: FDA shuts Mumbai's iconic K Rustom ice cream parlour

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the licence of Mumbai's renowned K Rustom ice cream parlour due to severe hygiene and food safety violations. An inspection revealed live rats and flies, expired flavouring agents, and ice cream with insufficient milk fat, leading to the parlour's closure under the 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign.

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Amid renewed speculation about political realignments and a potential merger, senior leaders from two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule clarified her party's position on the proposed Delimitation Bill, stating that while a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across states would be hard to oppose, any final decision would be made after discussions within the INDIA bloc.

Shigella infection claims woman's life in Kerala; 18 new cases reported

Shigella infection claims woman's life in Kerala; 18 new cases reported

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A 59-year-old woman in Malappuram district has died of a Shigella infection, the Kerala health department confirmed on Friday. Officials also reported 18 fresh cases of the bacterial disease across the state.

Mumbai reels under torrential rains, IMD issues 'extremely heavy rainfall' alert

Mumbai reels under torrential rains, IMD issues 'extremely heavy rainfall' alert

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mumbai and its metropolitan region are experiencing severe monsoon rains, leading to widespread waterlogging, transport disruptions, and the closure of schools and colleges. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'extremely heavy rainfall' alert, with some areas receiving nearly 200 mm of rain in 12 hours, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to urge residents to avoid non-essential travel.

Kerala 'anti-drug activist' nabbed after MDMA found in home

Kerala 'anti-drug activist' nabbed after MDMA found in home

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

A 25-year-old man, Sharfin Sebastian, who allegedly posed as the state president of an anti-drug organisation, has been arrested in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, after police seized 1.590 grams of MDMA and drug paraphernalia from his residence. The arrest highlights a shocking case of hypocrisy, as the accused was actively campaigning against narcotics while allegedly possessing banned synthetic drugs.

12 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides hit Poonch, Rajouri

12 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides hit Poonch, Rajouri

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Incessant overnight rainfall has triggered severe flash floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, resulting in at least eight fatalities and six people missing, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to cut short his Delhi visit to personally monitor the situation.

Monsoon fury: Several dead across country, red alert in Palghar

Monsoon fury: Several dead across country, red alert in Palghar

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Monsoon rains have unleashed widespread destruction across India, claiming seven lives in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka due to landslides and floods, while heavy downpours have disrupted normal life and triggered red alerts in Maharashtra and other regions.

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was not too keen to discuss it on Thursday but finally conceded he was very happy his mother had obtained a U.S. visa and would be able to watch him play against Uruguay in the World Cup this weekend.

Goa Minister Accused Of Illegal Soil Transport, Obstructing Officials

Goa Minister Accused Of Illegal Soil Transport, Obstructing Officials

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A Goa forest department official has filed a police complaint against state minister Subhash Phal Desai, alleging he obstructed officials and facilitated the illegal transportation of soil from a protected forest area. The complaint details the excavation and uprooting of trees, while the minister claims the soil was for a sports ground.

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Ram temple trust begins search for CEO. Check the criteria

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited applications for the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This new position aims to strengthen administrative and financial management following alleged embezzlement concerns. The CEO will be appointed for a three-year term, overseeing various aspects from finance to pilgrim facilities, and must be an actively practising Hindu with specific managerial experience.

Wayanad landslide: Contractor blames heavy rain for tragedy

Wayanad landslide: Contractor blames heavy rain for tragedy

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Dilip Buildcon Ltd, the contractor for the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi road tunnel project in Wayanad, attributed a recent fatal landslide to exceptionally heavy rainfall. The company stated that the project adheres to all safety and environmental protocols, despite allegations from Kerala Ministers of a "man-made disaster."

Massive Goa Liquor Haul In Thane: Rs 1.89 Crore Worth Seized

Massive Goa Liquor Haul In Thane: Rs 1.89 Crore Worth Seized

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Excise department in Thane seized 73,440 bottles of Goa-made Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs 1.89 crore from a truck on the Panvel-Mumbra highway. The liquor, lacking batch numbers and MRP, is banned for sale in Maharashtra, leading to the driver's arrest under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.

Uttar Pradesh Steps Up Road Safety Measures After Accidents

Uttar Pradesh Steps Up Road Safety Measures After Accidents

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government is conducting awareness and enforcement campaigns to reduce road accidents and promote responsible driving, issuing thousands of challans and seizing vehicles for traffic violations.

India vs England: Gill's message after Axar, Washington's match-winning stand

India vs England: Gill's message after Axar, Washington's match-winning stand

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

India skipper Shubman Gill expressed confidence in his team's middle-order batters after Washington Sundar and Axar Patel successfully chased down a challenging target, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure and hinting at exploring various combinations for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

IISc Study Reveals Ultrasound Can Selectively Attack Oral Cancer

IISc Study Reveals Ultrasound Can Selectively Attack Oral Cancer

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have discovered that oral cancer cells are vulnerable to low-frequency ultrasound, a technique that can selectively destroy them while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This vulnerability is linked to reduced levels of the mechanosensory protein Tropomyosin 2.1. The study suggests ultrasound mechanostimulation could offer a safer, more targeted treatment for oral and other accessible cancers.

Why Villagers Attacked Forest Anti-Encroachment Team In MP

Why Villagers Attacked Forest Anti-Encroachment Team In MP

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Five forest department personnel were injured in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district after villagers allegedly attacked an anti-encroachment team. Four individuals have been arrested, and a case has been registered under relevant laws.

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Newly appointed West Bengal minister Bishal Lama performed a puja before occupying his new office, which was previously used by former education minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested in a school jobs scam. Lama stated it was a personal tradition for auspicious beginnings.

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Iran's national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of its three FIFA World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament.

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

How did hundreds of errors slip through multiple stages of drafting, editing, proofreading, expert review and final approval before making their way into classrooms?

Tamil Nadu Schools Must Conduct Physical Education Classes

Tamil Nadu Schools Must Conduct Physical Education Classes

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has made physical education classes mandatory for students from Class 6 to 12 in all schools, including private institutions, starting this academic year. Detailed guidelines have been issued, and officials will monitor compliance, identify unused playgrounds, and promote special sports training.

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra excise department has arrested over 210 people and registered 313 cases in a five-day crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing and sales in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This intensified action follows the Pune hooch tragedy, which claimed at least 15 lives, leading to the seizure of property worth Rs 1.58 crore and the suspension of 22 police and excise personnel.

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Over 210 Arrested In Maharashtra Hooch Crackdown

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra excise department has arrested over 210 people and registered 313 cases in a five-day crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing and sales in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This intensified action follows the Pune hooch tragedy, which claimed at least 15 lives, leading to the seizure of property worth Rs 1.58 crore and the suspension of 22 police and excise personnel.

Mumbai gets brief respite from rain, orange alert remains in place

Mumbai gets brief respite from rain, orange alert remains in place

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Mumbai and Pune are grappling with severe monsoon weather, triggering an 'orange' alert, widespread disruptions, school closures, and tragic fatalities from landslides and wall collapses.

Bihar Asks Madrasas To Furnish Details: Here's Why

Bihar Asks Madrasas To Furnish Details: Here's Why

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bihar education department has requested madrasas, Sanskrit, and other government-aided minority schools to provide details regarding the number of students, teachers, and non-teaching staff to ensure proper utilisation of government aid.

US, Japan Hold Key Patents In Rare Earth Tech, Study Finds

US, Japan Hold Key Patents In Rare Earth Tech, Study Finds

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

A new study reveals that despite China's significant control over global rare earth mining and processing, its dominance has a critical weakness: the US and Japan hold the majority of core patents for advanced rare earth functional material technologies. This technological gap means China lags in higher-value applications, impacting its strategic advantage in the industry.

Monsoon advances across North India; 3 killed in Himachal

Monsoon advances across North India; 3 killed in Himachal

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The southwest monsoon has advanced across northern Indian states, leading to widespread rainfall, waterlogging, road blockages, and rain-related deaths, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Centre is monitoring the situation, especially concerning potential drought conditions in some areas due to the El Nino effect.

Amid fiscal worries, govt puts PSU share sales on fast track

Amid fiscal worries, govt puts PSU share sales on fast track

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Indian government is accelerating its sale of minority stakes in state-owned companies, including a significant offer for sale (OFS) in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) expected "very soon," to meet its 80,000 crore mobilisation target and reduce its holdings to 75 per cent in most listed PSUs by year-end.

JK cardiologist suspended for operating on healthy hearts

JK cardiologist suspended for operating on healthy hearts

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A doctor in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, has been suspended following an inquiry into alleged large-scale procedural irregularities, including a pacemaker implantation scam where nearly 50 per cent of evaluated patients underwent unnecessary advanced cardiac surgical procedures. The inquiry revealed fraudulent insurance claims, patient exploitation, and manipulation of medical records.

No Indian link to Nijjar murder, says Canadian police, refutes Trudeau's claim

No Indian link to Nijjar murder, says Canadian police, refutes Trudeau's claim

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Canadian police have found no evidence linking Indian government officials to the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, directly contradicting earlier allegations by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that strained bilateral ties.

Wayanad landslide: Missing construction manager's body recovered, toll rises to 8

Wayanad landslide: Missing construction manager's body recovered, toll rises to 8

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The body of Vikram Rana, the last person missing after the July 7 landslide at the Anakkampoyil-Meppadi tunnel project site in Kalladi, Wayanad, Kerala, has been recovered. This brings the death toll to eight. A massive search operation involving multiple agencies led to the discovery of the construction manager's body, concluding the search efforts.

Maharashtra students who haven't updated Aadhaar IDs won't lose benefits: Minister

Maharashtra students who haven't updated Aadhaar IDs won't lose benefits: Minister

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse stated that despite 5.5 lakh students having non-updated Aadhaar IDs, no student is being deprived of government scheme benefits or facing educational hurdles. He clarified that the government is actively conducting special camps and has issued instructions to ensure continuous access to education and benefits while the update drive is underway.

Inside Oval Office: What forced Trump to scrap Iran ceasefire

Inside Oval Office: What forced Trump to scrap Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump has abruptly withdrawn from a peace deal with Iran, citing fresh intelligence of Iranian assaults on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision, made just a fortnight after celebrating the deal, has led to a significant military escalation in the region, with the US launching extensive counter-operations against Iranian military infrastructure.

Expiry date display on ecom platforms is under consumer dept rules: Fssai

Expiry date display on ecom platforms is under consumer dept rules: Fssai

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified that the display of expiry and 'best before' dates on packaged food products sold on e-commerce platforms is governed by the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which are administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).

Heavy showers flood parts of Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Heavy showers flood parts of Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging across Mumbai, disrupting traffic and daily life. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Mumbai and surrounding districts, advising precautions. Specific areas recorded over 200 mm of rainfall, and the IMD forecasts continued heavy rains for the Konkan region, Goa, South Gujarat, Odisha, and Central India.

8 workers from Bihar killed in rock collapse in Bengaluru quarry

8 workers from Bihar killed in rock collapse in Bengaluru quarry

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Eight workers, mostly from Bihar, were killed after a massive granite rock collapsed at a stone quarry in Bengaluru South Taluk. The incident, which occurred at Madapattana, has led to allegations of illegal quarrying and negligence, with an MLA claiming police, forest, and mining department officials are involved. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar expressed grief and vowed action against violators, while rescue operations continue amidst fears of a rising death toll.

Before me, Portugal hadn't won a single title: Cristiano Ronaldo

Before me, Portugal hadn't won a single title: Cristiano Ronaldo

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo expressed sadness after Portugal's World Cup exit following a 1-0 loss to Spain, stating he gave his all and is leaving with a clear conscience, but will take time to reflect on his international future.

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three Congress candidates, including All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, and one Bharatiya Janata Party nominee were declared elected "unanimously" to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka on Thursday, election officials said.