News for 'us secretary of state'

TVK worker files SC plea against governor; party disowns

TVK worker files SC plea against governor; party disowns

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A member of actor-turned-politician Vijay-led Tamilaka Vettri Kazhagam on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to invite his single largest political party to form the government in the state.

NCW Takes Cognisance Of Gujarat Sexual Exploitation Case

NCW Takes Cognisance Of Gujarat Sexual Exploitation Case

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports about the alleged sexual exploitation and rape of a woman and her minor daughter by their landlord in Gujarat's Morbi district.

How A Patent Workshop Is Helping Researchers And Startups

How A Patent Workshop Is Helping Researchers And Startups

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A one-day patent workshop was held at CSIR-NIIST to promote intellectual property awareness and equip researchers and startups with essential knowledge in patent filing and innovation.

'To prevent...': Why VCK extended support Vijay's TVK

'To prevent...': Why VCK extended support Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com9 May 2026

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan announced his party's decision to support Vijay's TVK in government formation to prevent President's rule in Tamil Nadu and also ensure people's mandate for TVK was fulfilled.

Chandigarh Embraces 'No Car Day' To Cut Fuel Consumption

Chandigarh Embraces 'No Car Day' To Cut Fuel Consumption

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Chandigarh observed its first 'no car day' with officials using electric buses and bicycles, following the governor's appeal to cut fuel consumption and promote eco-friendly transportation.

Govt sends eviction notice to elite Delhi Gymkhana Club, cites security reasons

Govt sends eviction notice to elite Delhi Gymkhana Club, cites security reasons

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Delhi Gymkhana Club, a historic landmark in Lutyens' Delhi, is facing eviction as the government seeks to reclaim its land for defence infrastructure, raising concerns about the future of this elite institution.

DMK, AIADMK uneasy as Vijay's TVK hunts for allies

DMK, AIADMK uneasy as Vijay's TVK hunts for allies

Rediff.com6 May 2026

In Tamil Nadu, the political landscape is shifting as the TVK party's attempt to form a government faces challenges from its potential allies. Both the DMK and AIADMK are experiencing internal divisions regarding extending support to the TVK, leading to uncertainty and speculation about potential realignments.

UAE to store 30 mn barrels of crude in India's petroleum reserve: Misri

UAE to store 30 mn barrels of crude in India's petroleum reserve: Misri

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Friday shared key details on agreements between India and the UAE, stating that the UAE will store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India's strategic petroleum reserve following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.

Ashok Gehlot drops Raj BJP link bomb in NEET paper leak case

Ashok Gehlot drops Raj BJP link bomb in NEET paper leak case

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot alleges a BJP leader's involvement in the NEET paper leak, accusing the state government of suppression. The SOG has detained over 150 people, with 20 handed to the CBI for questioning.

ED Unearths Crores In Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam Probe

ED Unearths Crores In Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam Probe

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized cash and gold worth crores during searches related to the alleged Rs 2,800-crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam. The raids targeted liquor traders, chartered accountants, and corporate entities suspected of handling proceeds from the scam.

Nagaland Opens Cultural Centre To Preserve Indigenous Heritage

Nagaland Opens Cultural Centre To Preserve Indigenous Heritage

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Nagaland Indigenous Tribes Cultural Resource Centre has been inaugurated in Kohima to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the state's indigenous tribes.

Why An MP Was Booked For Calling Modi 'Anti-National'

Why An MP Was Booked For Calling Modi 'Anti-National'

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Samajwadi Party MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi has been booked in Mahoba for allegedly assaulting a public official and promoting hate speech after referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'anti-national'. The BJP is staging protests across Uttar Pradesh in response to the remarks.

Why India Rejects Claims Of Human Rights Violations

Why India Rejects Claims Of Human Rights Violations

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India has rejected allegations of human rights violations for the second time in three days, emphasising its constitutional values of justice, liberty, and freedom of expression. The remarks were made by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, in response to questions from a Norwegian journalist.

AAP Blames BJP For Punjab Blasts Ahead Of Elections

AAP Blames BJP For Punjab Blasts Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh has accused the BJP of orchestrating blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar to destabilise Punjab ahead of elections, alleging a connection between the BJP and ISI.

After Cong, NDA ally Palaniswami in talks to support Vijay's TVK?

After Cong, NDA ally Palaniswami in talks to support Vijay's TVK?

Rediff.com6 May 2026

AIADMK MLA Leemarose Martin claims that Edappadi K Palaniswami is in talks to support actor Vijay's TVK to form a stable government in Tamil Nadu. TVK, despite a strong debut, needs additional support to secure a majority.

Pak holds second round of talks with Iran on resolving conflict

Pak holds second round of talks with Iran on resolving conflict

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been in Tehran meeting with Iranian officials in an attempt to mediate and resolve the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. This marks Naqvi's second visit in less than a week as Pakistan seeks to bridge the differences between the two nations and establish long-term stability in the region.

Political Parties Sees 1,123 Defections In 15 Years

Political Parties Sees 1,123 Defections In 15 Years

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Most defections originated from three major parties -- the Congress, BJP and BSP.

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Rediff.com13 May 2026

In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage

DMK's jibe at allies joining TVK govt causes uproar

DMK's jibe at allies joining TVK govt causes uproar

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The DMK criticised its former allies, VCK and IUML, for joining the TVK government, leading to a heated exchange and prompting DMK chief M K Stalin to call for restraint.

AIADMK rift deepens as rebel camp seeks EPS' disqualification as MLA

AIADMK rift deepens as rebel camp seeks EPS' disqualification as MLA

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The AIADMK is facing a deeper crisis as factions clash over the floor test of the TVK government, with accusations of defying party directives and demands for disqualification under the anti-defection law.

Mishandling Taiwan issue could spark China-US clash, Xi Jinping warns Trump

Mishandling Taiwan issue could spark China-US clash, Xi Jinping warns Trump

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger conflicts between the two countries during wide-ranging talks on trade, Iran, and energy security.

Ex-IMA Chief Arrested In Illegal Sex Determination Racket

Ex-IMA Chief Arrested In Illegal Sex Determination Racket

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Police have arrested Dr Ravindra Kute, former president of the Indian Medical Association's Maharashtra chapter, for alleged involvement in an illegal sex determination racket.

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Rediff.com10 May 2026

A look at the profiles of the ministers in the new Tamil Nadu government led by Joseph C Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

14 first-time ministers to be inducted in Satheesan cabinet

14 first-time ministers to be inducted in Satheesan cabinet

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Kerala's Chief Minister-designate, V D Satheesan, has announced his new ministerial team, emphasising social and regional balance within the coalition. Senior leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and K Muraleedharan are set to be inducted, with Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan nominated as Speaker.

10-yr-old raped, brutally killed in TN; CM Vijay vows action

10-yr-old raped, brutally killed in TN; CM Vijay vows action

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Political leaders in Tamil Nadu, including TTV Dhinakaran and Anbumani Ramadoss, have strongly condemned the abduction and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore district. Two people have been reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Police in Belagavi, Karnataka, have arrested the operator of Shivam Associates, accused of running a multi-crore Ponzi scheme that promised high returns to depositors. The case has been registered under the BUDS Act and KPID Act, and will be transferred to the CID for further investigation.

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Members of Parliament questioned top National Testing Agency (NTA) officials about the NEET-UG paper leak, with the NTA stating the CBI is investigating the matter. The parliamentary panel also discussed measures to prevent future leaks and reforms within the NTA.

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Chinese leaders, including its generals, will have to weigh whether they can win a war if they ever attack Taiwan and if at all, can they sustain the subsequent devastation, notes Rup Narayan Das.

Jharkhand Hospital Death: Probe Ordered After Woman, Child Die

Jharkhand Hospital Death: Probe Ordered After Woman, Child Die

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Palamu Deputy Commissioner Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat has directed an investigation into the deaths of a woman and her newborn child at Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) in Jharkhand.

Cong keeps Kerala CM decision under wraps after key meet

Cong keeps Kerala CM decision under wraps after key meet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan said the party high command was likely to take a final decision on Kerala's next CM within 24 hours as lobbying intensifies among the three top contenders for the chief minister's post.

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Central Information Commission has ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not qualify as a 'public authority' under the Right to Information Act, effectively placing it outside the scope of RTI disclosures.

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka: Key Developments

Multi-Crore Deposit Scam Unravels In Karnataka: Key Developments

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Police in Karnataka have arrested an individual running a firm accused of operating a multi-crore deposit scam, attracting investments with promises of high returns. The case involves Shivaanand S Neelanavar and his firm Shivam Associates, also known as Acumen, who allegedly failed to return money to depositors after promising a 36 per cent annual return.

IMD Launches AI Monsoon Forecast Model

IMD Launches AI Monsoon Forecast Model

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'This system will be of immense help in agricultural planning, disaster management and water resources management.'

Why Zoravar Sandhu Was Excluded From Asian Games

Why Zoravar Sandhu Was Excluded From Asian Games

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Top trap shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu's exclusion from the Indian shotgun contingent for the Asian Games has sparked controversy, despite his international achievements. The NRAI defends its selection policy, while Sandhu urges a review.

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met TMC leader Mamata Banerjee to express solidarity after the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The meeting highlights efforts by opposition parties to strategise and strengthen unity against the BJP.

Cockroach Janata Party swings into action, demands Modi Minister's resignation

Cockroach Janata Party swings into action, demands Modi Minister's resignation

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The CJP's rapid rise on social media reflects growing digital dissent and youth frustration with issues like unemployment and exam-paper leaks.

Bihar Official Killed, Chairman Hurt In Bhagalpur Shooting

Bihar Official Killed, Chairman Hurt In Bhagalpur Shooting

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

An official of the Sultanganj Nagar Parishad in Bihar's Bhagalpur was killed, while its chairman got critically injured on Tuesday when unidentified miscreants barged into the latter's chamber and allegedly opened fire, police said.

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Vijay was appointed CM after he presented letters of support from the VCK and the IUML who have two MLAs each.

'Only a matter of time': FBI chief Kash Patel next high-level Trump exit?

'Only a matter of time': FBI chief Kash Patel next high-level Trump exit?

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Amid mounting speculation over his position within the Trump administration, FBI director Kash Patel reportedly could be the next senior official to exit Trump's cabinet in recent times, according to a Politico report.

Why Mamata Banerjee's Court Appearance Is Under Scrutiny

Why Mamata Banerjee's Court Appearance Is Under Scrutiny

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The BJP has criticised Mamata Banerjee's appearance in the Calcutta High Court as an advocate, calling it a political stunt. The Bar Council of India has requested a report on her enrolment and practice status, leading to a debate over her legal credentials and the norms governing legal practice.