News for 'us secretary of state'

13 killed in blast at fireworks unit ahead of Thrissur Pooram

13 killed in blast at fireworks unit ahead of Thrissur Pooram

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A devastating explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Thrissur, Kerala, has resulted in at least 13 fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident occurred as the unit was preparing crackers for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival.

Trump Evacuated After Gunman Opens Fire At Dinner

Trump Evacuated After Gunman Opens Fire At Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump and other top officials were evacuated unharmed from the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents' Association after a man armed with multiple weapons fired shots outside the hotel ballroom.

Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passes away at 76

Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passes away at 76

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Balbir Punj, a former Rajya Sabha MP, journalist, and BJP leader, has died at the age of 76. Tributes have poured in from prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, recognising his contributions to the party and the world of media.

Pune To Host Boxing Camp For Budding Women Boxers

Pune To Host Boxing Camp For Budding Women Boxers

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Pune City Boxing Association and the Rotary Club of Pune Central will conduct a training camp for 60 budding women boxers from April 23 to 30 under the 'She Can and She Will' initiative.

Jharkhand Finance Minister Orders Investigation into Treasury Fraud

Jharkhand Finance Minister Orders Investigation into Treasury Fraud

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Jharkhand's Finance Minister has ordered a statewide investigation into alleged fraudulent salary withdrawals from government treasuries, following reports of irregularities in multiple districts.

Ex-IOA Chief Narayana Ramachandran Dies After Illness

Ex-IOA Chief Narayana Ramachandran Dies After Illness

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narayana Ramachandran has died in Chennai after a prolonged illness at the age of 77. He served as IOA president from 2014 to 2017 and held key positions in international squash federations.

Caretaker Found Dead: Concerns Over Minority Safety In Bangladesh

Caretaker Found Dead: Concerns Over Minority Safety In Bangladesh

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A Hindu temple caretaker was found dead in Bangladesh, sparking outrage and demands for justice from minority groups. The caretaker had been missing for three days before his body was discovered.

Trump orders US Navy to shoot and kill mine-laying boats in Hormuz

Trump orders US Navy to shoot and kill mine-laying boats in Hormuz

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he has directed the country's Navy to take decisive action against any vessels attempting to lay mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tension over the virtual control of the waterway between Tehran and Washington.

Iran attacks Gujarat-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz

Iran attacks Gujarat-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Iranian forces fired upon three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with one possibly headed for Gujarat, raising concerns about maritime security in the strategic waterway.

ISRO And TIFR To Boost Space Exploration Through Collaboration

ISRO And TIFR To Boost Space Exploration Through Collaboration

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

ISRO and TIFR have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on space science, technology, and exploration, marking a significant milestone for India's space programme.

India Chosen For FIFA Women's Development Programme

India Chosen For FIFA Women's Development Programme

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

FIFA has selected India as one of 12 countries for its Women's Development Programme, aimed at building sustainable models for women's football clubs and preparing them for the upcoming AFC club licensing system.

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.

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'Workers are the people who create all the wealth in this country. How can you call them anti-national?'

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Punjab Police has requested the Centre to direct ZEE5 to halt the airing of the docu-series 'Lawrence of Punjab' on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, citing a significant risk to public order and potential influence on youth towards criminal activities.

Indian Banks Discuss AI Security Risks After Global Concerns

Indian Banks Discuss AI Security Risks After Global Concerns

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss the risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns about Anthropic's Mythos model and its potential threat to financial systems' data security.

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo announced that the Census 2027 will be a fully digital and paperless exercise, utilising mobile technology, AI, and cloud computing for accuracy and efficiency, marking a shift towards data-driven governance.

NRAI Aims To Introduce Shooting To Lakhs Of Students

NRAI Aims To Introduce Shooting To Lakhs Of Students

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is set to introduce approximately 7.5 lakh school students to the sport of shooting as part of its 75th foundation anniversary celebrations.

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A US trade representative described India as a 'tough nut to crack' during trade agreement negotiations in Washington, highlighting India's protection of its agricultural markets and the ongoing discussions on specific commodities.

Trump unhurt as shots fired at White House press dinner, shooter arrested

Trump unhurt as shots fired at White House press dinner, shooter arrested

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Gunshots fired at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner led to the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other senior officials, causing chaos and a security lockdown.

IPL ticket scam? Valid pass holders stopped at Delhi stadium

IPL ticket scam? Valid pass holders stopped at Delhi stadium

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A Delhi and District Cricket Association director has alleged that valid ticket-holders are being denied access to IPL matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium due to fraudulent duplicate tickets, a claim disputed by the DDCA's leadership.

Rs 4 Crore Assets Of IAS Officer Attached In Coal Scam

Rs 4 Crore Assets Of IAS Officer Attached In Coal Scam

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has attached properties worth Rs 4 crore belonging to suspended IAS officer Sameer Vishnoi, an accused in a coal levy scam, for allegedly amassing assets beyond his known sources of income.

Locals Protest Over Alleged Exploitation Of Girls In Nainital

Locals Protest Over Alleged Exploitation Of Girls In Nainital

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Traders and locals in Nainital protest outside Bhimtal Police Station, demanding the arrest of a man accused of exploiting several girls physically and financially by concealing his identity. BJP workers led the demonstration, warning of intensified action if the accused is not arrested promptly. Police have filed an FIR against the accused's mother for allegedly protecting him, and investigations are ongoing.

Tamil Nadu Elections: 'Vijay Has Been Campaigning Very Intensely As A Christian'

Tamil Nadu Elections: 'Vijay Has Been Campaigning Very Intensely As A Christian'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

'Remember Vijay had never spoke of himself as a Christian when he was a film star.' 'The BJP strategy is they want the Christian minority constituency to move away from the DMK.' 'That is what the BJP wants so that it will be very easy to mobilise Hindu votes.' 'This strategy is to weaken the Dravidian ideology and bring in religion based politics into Tamil Nadu.'

Abhishek Banerjee Demands Release Of Bengal Funds

Abhishek Banerjee Demands Release Of Bengal Funds

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release pending central dues to West Bengal before professing his love for the state. Banerjee also criticised BJP leaders for their reaction to the 'Jai Bangla' slogan and accused the BJP of failing to act on its promise to develop the Sagar islands.

Pro-Kannada protest targets Guv over 'Hindi bias', demand recall

Pro-Kannada protest targets Guv over 'Hindi bias', demand recall

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A pro-Kannada organisation protested against the Governor of Karnataka over a letter asking the state government to reconsider its decision to replace the marks system with a grading system for the third language in the SSLC exam.

Haryana Government Greenlights 1,028 Crore for Multi-Departmental Projects

Haryana Government Greenlights 1,028 Crore for Multi-Departmental Projects

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Haryana government has approved expenditure of 1,028 crore for various projects across multiple departments, including police housing, public works, and irrigation, aiming to enhance infrastructure and public services in the state.

Banerjee Accuses BJP of Religious Division and Unfulfilled Promises

Banerjee Accuses BJP of Religious Division and Unfulfilled Promises

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP over the proposed Uniform Civil Code and the delay in recognising the Kurmali language, accusing the party of dividing people and making false promises.

VHP Demands Action Against Radical Networks Amid Delhi Attack Claims

VHP Demands Action Against Radical Networks Amid Delhi Attack Claims

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has alleged a rise in targeted attacks on Hindus in Delhi, demanding a high-level review and the formation of a special task force to counter radical networks.

Bihar set for first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary to create history as CM

Bihar set for first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary to create history as CM

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has been elected as the BJP legislature party leader, paving the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

Allahabad HC Slams Advocate For 'Vexatious' Litigation, Imposes 15 Lakh Cost

Allahabad HC Slams Advocate For 'Vexatious' Litigation, Imposes 15 Lakh Cost

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition by an advocate seeking quick disposal of a maintenance case against his wife, calling it 'vexatious' and imposed a significant fine for concealing facts and misusing his wife's funds.

Vance heads to Pak as ceasefire deadline nears; Iran yet to confirm

Vance heads to Pak as ceasefire deadline nears; Iran yet to confirm

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US Vice President J D Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad for peace talks with Iran to end the seven-week war, amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing tensions.

Ramesh Chennithala Confident of UDF Victory in Kerala Elections

Ramesh Chennithala Confident of UDF Victory in Kerala Elections

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala expresses confidence in the UDF's victory in the Kerala assembly elections, attributing it to Rahul Gandhi's leadership and a strong anti-incumbency sentiment.

Haryana Government Invests in AI Skills for Public Sector Employees

Haryana Government Invests in AI Skills for Public Sector Employees

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Haryana government is launching an initiative to equip its employees with artificial intelligence (AI) skills through the iGOT Karmayogi platform, aiming to enhance governance and public service delivery.

Rs 4 Crore Assets Of IAS Officer Attached In Coal Scam

Rs 4 Crore Assets Of IAS Officer Attached In Coal Scam

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Authorities in Chhattisgarh have attached properties worth Rs 4 crore belonging to suspended IAS officer Sameer Vishnoi, an accused in the coal levy scam, for allegedly amassing assets beyond his known sources of income.

Leh body wants direct talks with Amit Shah during his Ladakh visit

Leh body wants direct talks with Amit Shah during his Ladakh visit

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has requested direct talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his upcoming visit, deeming the scheduled sub-committee meeting insufficient for resolving Ladakh's long-standing issues.

Political bigwigs, film celebs queue up to vote

Political bigwigs, film celebs queue up to vote

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Here are glimpses of famous faces who got their fingers inked.

Odisha CEO orders verification of 9.8 lakh voter deletions

Odisha CEO orders verification of 9.8 lakh voter deletions

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer has ordered a thorough verification of nearly 1 million voter deletions following complaints of wrongful removals, particularly concerning deceased voters and those who may have shifted residences.

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive in Islamabad for the second round of peace talks with the US, according to Pakistani media reports. This follows a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Araghchi regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Several opposition parties on Wednesday decided to jointly oppose the delimitation provisions in the Constitution amendment bill in Parliament, even as they reiterated support for women's reservation, with Mallikarjun Kharge alleging the move is politically motivated.

Abhishek Banerjee Appeals To BJP Candidate On Rape Bill

Abhishek Banerjee Appeals To BJP Candidate On Rape Bill

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged BJP candidate Ratna Debnath to appeal to PM Modi to ensure the Aparajita Bill, aimed at time-bound punishment for rape convicts, is enacted.