News for 'us secretary of state'

Petrol, diesel price hiked for 3rd time in 10 days

Petrol, diesel price hiked for 3rd time in 10 days

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Petrol price has been increased by 87 paise in Delhi from Rs 98.64 to Rs 99.51 per litre. Diesel rates have gone up by 91 paise from Rs 91.58 to Rs 92.49.

Vijay allies flay third slot for TN anthem after Vande, Jana Gana

Vijay allies flay third slot for TN anthem after Vande, Jana Gana

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The precedence given to 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana' over the 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' has triggered a controversy in Tamil Nadu, with political parties condemning the decision to relegate the Tamil invocation to third place at the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Joseph C Vijay.

Bengal Government To Probe Corruption, Atrocities Under Previous TMC Regime

Bengal Government To Probe Corruption, Atrocities Under Previous TMC Regime

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has approved the formation of two panels headed by retired judges to investigate alleged institutional corruption and atrocities against women and children during the previous TMC regime.

Jharkhand Opposition Leader Alleges Sexual Exploitation In Prisons

Jharkhand Opposition Leader Alleges Sexual Exploitation In Prisons

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Jharkhand's Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has accused officials of sexual exploitation of women in the state's prisons, alleging that the administration is trying to bury the evidence and shield those involved.

CPI(M) Leader Mocks Congress Over Kerala Leadership Race

CPI(M) Leader Mocks Congress Over Kerala Leadership Race

Rediff.com11 May 2026

CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby criticised the Congress-led UDF over internal divisions and the leadership race in Kerala, mocking the frequent consultations between Kerala and Delhi.

Hand over Bangladeshi infiltrators to BSF, not courts, Suvendu tells police

Hand over Bangladeshi infiltrators to BSF, not courts, Suvendu tells police

Rediff.com21 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be directly handed over to the BSF for deportation, bypassing court appearances, following a new rule.

No double standards in fight against terror: Ajit Doval

No double standards in fight against terror: Ajit Doval

Rediff.com29 May 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called for decisive action against terrorism and said there cannot be 'double standards' in the fight against it, while addressing an international security forum in Russia.

'Mehangai manav strikes again': Rahul slams Modi on fuel price hike

'Mehangai manav strikes again': Rahul slams Modi on fuel price hike

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latest fuel hike, saying mehangai manav has struck again and he has just one job of making promises during elections and attacking people's pockets at other times.

Congress To Accept High Command's Decision On Kerala CM

Congress To Accept High Command's Decision On Kerala CM

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala stated that the party will accept the high command's decision regarding the chief ministerial post in Kerala. He emphasised that the delay in the decision-making process is part of a democratic procedure and urged party workers to refrain from protests.

Fresh outrage as Tamil anthem pushed to third spot again

Fresh outrage as Tamil anthem pushed to third spot again

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Fresh political friction has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the cabinet swearing-in ceremony, where the Tamil Thai Valthu was once again played third during an official ceremony. This marks the third consecutive occasion where the Tamil anthem has been placed third in the protocol order, triggering fresh criticism and political reactions across the state regarding the government's failure to uphold regional ceremonial traditions.

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Centre has notified draft rules for the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, outlining the framework for the new rural employment programme replacing MGNREGA. The draft rules are open for public feedback until June 21, 2026.

Punjab minister resigns after state official's suicide

Punjab minister resigns after state official's suicide

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned after being accused of abetting the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official. The resignation follows allegations of harassment and pressure related to warehouse tenders.

Jharkhand Court Addresses Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Jharkhand Court Addresses Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of alleged sexual exploitation of a woman inmate at Birsa Munda Central Jail by the prison superintendent, registering a public interest litigation and directing the state government to file a detailed report.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

Kerala Rights Body Orders Payout In Police Pepper Spray Case

Kerala Rights Body Orders Payout In Police Pepper Spray Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has directed the state government to pay Rs 50,000 in compensation to a man who alleged that a sub-inspector sprayed a liquid, suspected to be pepper spray, into his eyes at a police station in Thiruvananthapuram.

Sikh Groups Condemn Calls To Ban Kirpan After UK Stabbing

Sikh Groups Condemn Calls To Ban Kirpan After UK Stabbing

Rediff.com30 May 2026

British Sikh groups are cautioning against calls to ban the kirpan in the UK following the murder conviction of a man who claimed to carry the knife for religious reasons, arguing that it unfairly targets the entire community.

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said infiltration and other reasons are causing 'unnatural' demographic change, which poses a significant challenge to the present and future of any nation.

Uttarakhand Authority Urges Action On Brigadier Joshi's Compensation Plea

Uttarakhand Authority Urges Action On Brigadier Joshi's Compensation Plea

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority has requested the Dehradun district judge to act on a compensation plea filed by the family of retired Brigadier Mukesh Joshi, who died after being hit by a stray bullet during a shootout in Dehradun.

Another DMK ally VCK to join Vijay govt in Tamil Nadu

Another DMK ally VCK to join Vijay govt in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com22 May 2026

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalan announced that his party has decided to join the TVK-led cabinet in Tamil Nadu, with Vanni Arasu nominated for induction. The decision follows an invitation from TVK and reflects VCK's long-standing philosophy of sharing power.

Equestrian Federation Governance Reforms Face Lengthy Delays

Equestrian Federation Governance Reforms Face Lengthy Delays

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Ad-Hoc Committee appointed to run the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) has informed the Delhi High Court that governance reforms and elections may take longer than initially planned. The committee cited statutory requirements under the new sports law and delays in gaining full control of the federation as reasons for the extended timeline.

Tension And Drama As Vinesh Phogat Returns To The Mat

Tension And Drama As Vinesh Phogat Returns To The Mat

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Vinesh Phogat's return to competitive wrestling at the Asian Games selection trials was marked by high tension, emotional outbursts, and heavy security, as her supporters clashed with WFI officials.

West Bengal's New Legislators Sworn Into Assembly

West Bengal's New Legislators Sworn Into Assembly

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Newly elected West Bengal legislators, including Chief Minister Sivendu Adhikari, were sworn into the Assembly on Wednesday. Pro tem Speaker Tapas Roy administered the oath to the new members.

Delhi CM Urges Transparency In Welfare Scheme Rollout

Delhi CM Urges Transparency In Welfare Scheme Rollout

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed officials to ensure the transparent and timely implementation of welfare schemes announced in the budget, warning of potential fund reductions for departments failing to utilise allocated budgets effectively.

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that a US team is expected to visit India next month for trade talks, following an earlier Indian delegation's visit to Washington, DC, in April to finalise an interim pact and advance negotiations for a broader bilateral trade agreement.

C2i Semiconductors Achieves Milestone With AI Chip Design In India

C2i Semiconductors Achieves Milestone With AI Chip Design In India

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Semiconductor startup C2i Semiconductors announced it has taped out a smart power stage chip designed for artificial intelligence infrastructure, marking a significant milestone for India's ambitions in domestic semiconductor production.

'Time, muhurta will answer': Shivakumar on CM ambitions

'Time, muhurta will answer': Shivakumar on CM ambitions

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has reiterated that time will tell whether he will become the Chief Minister of the state, amid speculation of a leadership change within the Congress party.

Trump-Xi Engagement Raises India's Concerns

Trump-Xi Engagement Raises India's Concerns

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The US-China rapprochement, however tenuous, is not without implications for India. Both China and Pakistan have become closer to the US, notes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Bihar CM Rewards Ishan Kishan For T20 World Cup Win

Bihar CM Rewards Ishan Kishan For T20 World Cup Win

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary felicitated cricketer Ishan Kishan with a cheque of Rs 1 crore for his contribution to India's 2026 T20 World Cup victory. The ceremony took place in Patna, with top officials and Kishan's relatives in attendance.

AIFF Rushes Replacements After Mohun Bagan Withdraws Players

AIFF Rushes Replacements After Mohun Bagan Withdraws Players

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has added five players to the national team for the Unity Cup in London after Mohun Bagan Super Giants withdrew their players. The AIFF is working to secure visas for the new players before the first match against Jamaica.

US-Iran draft deal proposes immediate ceasefire, sanctions relief

US-Iran draft deal proposes immediate ceasefire, sanctions relief

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A potential agreement between the United States and Iran, including a comprehensive ceasefire and gradual lifting of US sanctions, may be announced soon, according to reports. The agreement aims to de-escalate tensions and establish a framework for resolving disputes.

Why Bengal Will Now Hand Over Infiltrators To BSF

Why Bengal Will Now Hand Over Infiltrators To BSF

Rediff.com21 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be handed over to the BSF instead of being produced in courts, following a new rule. Instructions have been issued to the police and RPF to directly transfer detainees to the BSF at the Bangladesh border, with weekly reports submitted to the CMO.

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.

NITI Aayog Member Gauba Outlines Sweeping Deregulation to Boost Ease of Doing Business

NITI Aayog Member Gauba Outlines Sweeping Deregulation to Boost Ease of Doing Business

Rediff.com13 May 2026

NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba has detailed an extensive deregulation agenda, moving India towards a 'permitted unless prohibited' principle to dismantle new forms of the Licence Raj and clear 'regulatory cholesterol' for businesses.

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers to review preparedness and plans in light of the West Asia conflict, emphasising the importance of national unity and enhanced security measures.

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iran hosted a large send-off rally for its World Cup team in Tehran, despite ongoing concerns about visa issues for entry into the United States, where the team is scheduled to play its group matches.

SC Demands Updated Jail Overcrowding Data from States and UTs

SC Demands Updated Jail Overcrowding Data from States and UTs

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union territories to provide updated details on jails, including capacity and overcrowding measures, by May 18, also seeking information on women's prisons and facilities for children of female inmates.

K'taka CM change buzz reignites as Siddaramaiah summoned to Delhi

K'taka CM change buzz reignites as Siddaramaiah summoned to Delhi

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been called to Delhi by the Congress high command for a meeting, fuelling speculation about a potential leadership change and Cabinet reshuffle as his government completes three years in office.

NEET-UG leak: CBI briefs parliamentary panel on probe progress

NEET-UG leak: CBI briefs parliamentary panel on probe progress

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The CBI Director has updated a parliamentary panel on the NEET-UG paper leak investigation, while education ministry officials outlined measures for a fair retest.

Mizoram Seeks To Revive Hockey Fortunes With New Academy

Mizoram Seeks To Revive Hockey Fortunes With New Academy

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar met with Union Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao to discuss the development of sports in Mizoram, with a focus on reviving hockey and expanding training facilities.

TVK chief Vijay meets guv again, swearing-in likely on Saturday

TVK chief Vijay meets guv again, swearing-in likely on Saturday

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay, buoyed by the support from the Left parties, on Friday called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan in Chennai in connection with securing an invite from him to form the government.