News for 'state-department'

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, was extradited to India to face charges related to his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The US Department of Justice said Rana allegedly commended the LeT terrorists who carried out the attacks and suggested they should be awarded Pakistan's highest gallantry award. Rana is accused of facilitating a fraudulent cover for his childhood friend, David Headley, to conduct surveillance in Mumbai for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. He is also accused of helping Headley submit false visa applications to Indian authorities. This extradition follows a lengthy legal process that began in 2020 with India's request for Rana's surrender. Rana, who was previously convicted in the US for providing material support to LeT, will now face trial in India on 10 criminal charges related to the Mumbai attacks.

Trump announces Rana's extradition in joint presser with Modi

Trump announces Rana's extradition in joint presser with Modi

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India and said he will face justice.

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. The US State Department said Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation" and telling them "not to escalate the situation."

Can Trump Fix India's US Problem?

Can Trump Fix India's US Problem?

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

No single individual, institution, or action is to blame for this. The BJP is responding in kind -- definitely not without checking with its government. And they wait for Mr Trump, notes Shekhar Gupta.

Blow for Mamata as SC cancels appointment of 25,753 teachers

Blow for Mamata as SC cancels appointment of 25,753 teachers

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has invalidated the appointment of 25,753 teachers and other staff in West Bengal's state-run and state-aided schools, deeming the selection process "vitiated and tainted." The court ordered the state government to conduct a fresh selection process within three months. The decision comes after a Calcutta High Court verdict in April 2024, which also annulled the appointments. The apex court, while upholding the high court's order, made some modifications, including exempting disabled employees from returning their salaries. The case stemmed from alleged irregularities in the 2016 recruitment process by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC), involving OMR sheet tampering and rank-jumping. The Supreme Court had previously termed it a "systemic fraud." Former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee and Trinamool Congress MLAs Manik Bhattacharya and Jiban Krishna Saha are among the accused being investigated in the recruitment scam.

US warns against travel near India-Pakistan border

US warns against travel near India-Pakistan border

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The United States has issued an advisory cautioning against travel to the immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict and to the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Trump pauses all military aid to Ukraine after White House clash

Trump pauses all military aid to Ukraine after White House clash

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The order also pauses "hundreds of millions of dollars in aid through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which provides funds that Kyiv can use only to buy new military hardware directly from US defence companies."

Will US extradite Lawrence Bishnoi's brother to India?

Will US extradite Lawrence Bishnoi's brother to India?

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been arrested by US law enforcement authorities in Iowa. He is wanted in connection with several criminal cases in India, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and the firing outside actor Salman Khan's Mumbai home.

Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels aid for 'voter turnout in India'

Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels aid for 'voter turnout in India'

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

The United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk has announced cancelling a $22 million funding intended for 'voter turnout in India' on Saturday (Local Time).

US refutes reports of expelling Indian diplomats

US refutes reports of expelling Indian diplomats

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

The United States State Department has refuted reports claiming Washington, DC is considering 'expelling' Indian diplomats amid the strained ties between India and Canada.

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

The United States on Saturday rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations that organisations funded by the US State Department and elements in the American 'deep state' were behind attempts to destabilise India through targeted attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business tycoon Gautam Adani.

PHOTOS: Clinton's emotional goodbye to US state department

PHOTOS: Clinton's emotional goodbye to US state department

Rediff.com2 Feb 2013

Bidding an emotional goodbye to her staff on the final day as US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton said she is more optimistic today than she was four years ago.

Adani Green scraps $600 mn bond sale after bribery charges

Adani Green scraps $600 mn bond sale after bribery charges

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Adani Green Energy Ltd, the renewable energy arm of billionaire Gautam Adani's conglomerate, on Thursday scrapped a Rs 600 million bond issue after its promoter was charged in an alleged bribery case in the US. Hours before the US prosecutors charged Gautam Adani and associates with participating in a scheme to pay over Rs 250 million bribe to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts, the firm sold a 20-year green bond in the US-investment-grade market.

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian student at Columbia University, has left the United States after her student visa was revoked over allegations of supporting Hamas. Srinivasan, a PhD student in Urban Planning, claims her visa was revoked for engaging in protected political speech. The Trump administration has been accused of targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators through the use of federal immigration powers, and this case has drawn attention to the potential for free speech suppression in the United States.

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

'Putin Is The Biggest Child Kidnapper'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'Parents are forced to provide their children to Russian re-education camps in occupied territories and in different parts of Russia, for example, in Chechnya, where Ukrainian children wearing military uniform are taught to use weapons.'

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.

Will Trump-Putin Reach A Deal On Ukraine?

Will Trump-Putin Reach A Deal On Ukraine?

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Putin is keen on establishing a good personal rapport with Trump and anchor a meaningful US-Russia partnership, realistic enough to accept that Trump is as good an American president as Russia would ever get, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Projects halted in Pakistan as US puts aid on hold

Projects halted in Pakistan as US puts aid on hold

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The United States has temporarily suspended foreign assistance to Pakistan for re-evaluation following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, according to a media report on Tuesday.

Days after Trump's inauguration, Quad's strong message to China

Days after Trump's inauguration, Quad's strong message to China

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

In a move sending a strong signal to China, foreign ministers from Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- in a joint statement on Tuesday strongly opposed any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.

Modi's 'Most Expensive' Gift For Jill Biden

Modi's 'Most Expensive' Gift For Jill Biden

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

United States President Joe Biden and his family received tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts from foreign leaders in 2023, with the most expensive gift going to First Lady Jill Biden from Prime Minister Narendra D Modi.

Pannun case: US 'satisfied' with Indian response

Pannun case: US 'satisfied' with Indian response

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The United States had a 'productive meeting' with visiting officials of the India Enquiry Committee, a State Department official said on Wednesday, adding they were satisfied with the cooperation from the Indian side.

Won't be fully satisfied until...: US talks tough on Pannun case

Won't be fully satisfied until...: US talks tough on Pannun case

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

US says it wants 'meaningful accountability' on results of India's probe into Pannun murder-for-hire plot

Tariff war escalates: China warns US of countermeasures, plans WTO suit

Tariff war escalates: China warns US of countermeasures, plans WTO suit

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

In a statement, the Chinese ministry of commerce said that it would file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organisation against the US for its "wrongful practice," the Global Times reported.

SC slams TN pollution board in Jaggi Vasudev ashram case

SC slams TN pollution board in Jaggi Vasudev ashram case

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for delaying legal action against Isha Foundation, a yoga and meditation center founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, over alleged environmental violations. The court criticized the TNPCB for taking two years to challenge a Madras High Court ruling that quashed a showcause notice against the foundation. The court also emphasized the importance of environmental compliance for the yoga center, noting that it must meet all necessary parameters. The case highlights ongoing legal challenges and environmental concerns related to the Isha Foundation's activities.

GBS Disease: 16 Patients On Ventilator

GBS Disease: 16 Patients On Ventilator

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Water samples from different parts of Pune have been sent to the public health laboratory for chemical and biological analysis.

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

After the 1962 War with China, there was a demand to forge greater defence cooperation between India and the West. One such voice was that of Sudhir Ghosh, a distinguished MP, to tie up strategic cooperation with the USA immediately after the Chinese attack on India, recalls Rup Narayan Das.

Recipe: Zelda's Edamame Truffle Rice

Recipe: Zelda's Edamame Truffle Rice

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Edamame + truffle oil + basmati rice = an exquisite combo.

Is Nirav Modi in US? Cannot confirm, says state department

Is Nirav Modi in US? Cannot confirm, says state department

Rediff.com2 Mar 2018

The US Department of Justice declined to comment on Modi.

Colombia agrees to take back migrants, Trump pauses tariffs

Colombia agrees to take back migrants, Trump pauses tariffs

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs and a travel ban on Colombia after the South American nation refused to accept two American military planes deporting undocumented Colombians. The move comes after President Trump announced mass deportations of illegal immigrants and warned countries of consequences if they refuse to accept them. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, in a post on X, said that the US cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals and denied the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into Colombian territory. Trump responded by imposing a 25% tariff on all goods coming into the US, a travel ban and immediate visa revocations on Colombian government officials, and visa sanctions on all party members, family members and supporters of the Colombian government. The US also announced enhanced customs and border protection inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo on national security grounds. In retaliation, Colombia announced a 25% import tariff on American products.

US to 'consult' Canada on allegations against Amit Shah

US to 'consult' Canada on allegations against Amit Shah

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Canada's allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah are 'concerning', the United States said on Wednesday, noting that it would continue to consult Ottawa on the issue.

26/11: 'Rana Will Tell Us About ISI's Role'

26/11: 'Rana Will Tell Us About ISI's Role'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'He is the key to unravel the 26/11 conspiracy.'

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law B M Mallikarjun Swamy, Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased a land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police establishment, located in Mysuru on September 27, following the order of the Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs.

Beware The American Deep State

Beware The American Deep State

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Do not underestimate the ingenuity of the Deep State in America to have its way. Keeping the guard down will be a catastrophic mistake on the part of the Delhi establishment. We could get hit when least expected. That's what happened in Bangladesh and Syria, warns Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Trump's 'America First' agenda: Key policies unveiled

Trump's 'America First' agenda: Key policies unveiled

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

US President Donald Trump has 'America First' as his priorities and this includes making America safe again, making the country affordable, achieving energy dominance, draining the swamp and bringing back American values, the White House said on Monday.

Our ties shouldn't be transactional, says outgoing US envoy

Our ties shouldn't be transactional, says outgoing US envoy

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

Richard Verma, the highest-ranking Indian-American official in the State Department, has expressed optimism about the future of US-India ties and emphasized the need to base the relationship on shared values rather than mere transactional dealings. Verma, who previously served as America's Ambassador to India, stressed the importance of the Quad in defending the international order, highlighting its shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

'US Remains Invested In Quad'

'US Remains Invested In Quad'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

'Trump's aggressive stance towards China and preference for military posturing could shift the Quad's balance towards overt militarisation.'

In a first, Russia launches ICBM strike on Ukrainian city

In a first, Russia launches ICBM strike on Ukrainian city

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The Ukrainian Air Force on Thursday said that Russia launched a massive missile attack on the city of Dnipro, involving intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

No H-1B visa caps for data localisation: US State Department

No H-1B visa caps for data localisation: US State Department

Rediff.com21 Jun 2019

International companies usually store data on global servers and the requirement to store data locally would require them to make an additional investment. But policymakers in India believe storing data locally would help monitor and conduct investigations if the need arises.

Deep State And Beyond: The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

Deep State And Beyond: The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

From bhikshus of Ashokan 3rd century BC and medieval Sufis to Oxfam, Omidyar and Soros now, non-State actors have any real power only when they work in conjunction with a real State, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Obama nominates Indian American to key post at State Department

Obama nominates Indian American to key post at State Department

Rediff.com11 Sep 2013

Puneet Talwar, one of the most respected Middle East policy specialists in administration and Congressional circles, has been nominated by United States President Barack Obama to a senior State Department position.