News for 'us secretary of state'

Political Row Erupts Over Kerala Temple Marriage Controversy

Political Row Erupts Over Kerala Temple Marriage Controversy

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Kerala surrounding the marriage of a young woman, who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, to a Muslim man at a temple. Claims that she was underage at the time of the marriage have led to investigations and accusations of political motives.

BJP MP Alleges Casteist Abuse Against Son; No Complaint Filed Yet

BJP MP Alleges Casteist Abuse Against Son; No Complaint Filed Yet

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A BJP MP from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has alleged that his son was subjected to casteist abuse and misbehaviour. The MP claims the incident occurred on April 27, but no formal complaint has been filed. Police have arrested the accused's brother in connection with a separate case.

POCSO Case Filed Against VHP Leader, Director After Complaint

POCSO Case Filed Against VHP Leader, Director After Complaint

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A POCSO case has been filed against a VHP leader and a film director, among others, following a complaint by a girl who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela and later married a Muslim man in Kerala.

Mahesh Joshi Arrested In Jal Jeevan Mission Scam: All You Need To Know

Mahesh Joshi Arrested In Jal Jeevan Mission Scam: All You Need To Know

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi has been arrested in connection with the alleged Rs 960-crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam. The arrest follows that of a retired IAS officer and involves accusations of misuse of power and bribery.

Trump unlikely to accept Iran's peace plan to end war: Report

Trump unlikely to accept Iran's peace plan to end war: Report

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump is inclined to reject Iran's latest diplomatic proposal, which suggests restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz while deferring nuclear programme concerns, according to CNN. Concerns remain over Iran's nuclear enrichment and internal government fractures.

Ahmedabad To Host IPL Final On May 31

Ahmedabad To Host IPL Final On May 31

Rediff.com6 May 2026

IPL final moved from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad; Dharamsala will host Qualifier 1, as announced by the BCCI.

Stock markets rally as US-Iran talks progress, crude oil prices tumble

Stock markets rally as US-Iran talks progress, crude oil prices tumble

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, rallied significantly following a sharp decline in crude oil prices. This decline was triggered by US President Donald Trump's announcement of progress in negotiations with Iran towards a peace agreement, which led to renewed optimism in global markets.

Trump declares 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire for 'lasting peace'

Trump declares 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire for 'lasting peace'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement to initiate a 10-day ceasefire, following intensified diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities in the region.

Delhi High Court Upholds AITA Elections Under Supervision

Delhi High Court Upholds AITA Elections Under Supervision

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has validated the All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections held in September 2024, but stipulated that the elected body will operate as an interim arrangement under the supervision of a court-appointed Administrator.

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay did not defeat Dravidian politics from outside. He entered the Dravidian field and claimed ownership of it. 'His argument was not that the room should be destroyed. It was that the present occupants no longer deserved to remain in it.'

Abhijeet Gupta Seeks Intervention Over Unpaid Prize Money

Abhijeet Gupta Seeks Intervention Over Unpaid Prize Money

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta is struggling to receive his prize money from the Odisha Open, prompting him to seek intervention from the Sports Ministry after repeated assurances from organisers yielded no payment.

US, Iran likely to resume talks in Islamabad next week

US, Iran likely to resume talks in Islamabad next week

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The United States and Iran could resume negotiations as early as next week in Islamabad, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with the matter.

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering a 'mafia culture' and 'maha jungle raj' in West Bengal following the killing of an aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The party alleges the incident reflects institutionalised post-poll violence in the state and demands a CBI probe.

Poll duty keeps buses off roads in Kolkata, commuters face hardships

Poll duty keeps buses off roads in Kolkata, commuters face hardships

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Commuters in Kolkata and surrounding areas are experiencing significant difficulties due to a shortage of buses, as many vehicles remain engaged in election duties related to the West Bengal polls. Normal service is not expected to resume until after the counting process on May 4.

POCSO Case Filed Against VHP Leader, Film Director In Kerala

POCSO Case Filed Against VHP Leader, Film Director In Kerala

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

An FIR under the POCSO Act has been lodged against four persons, including a VHP leader and a film director, based on a complaint by a girl who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela and later married a Muslim man in Kerala.

All India Shree Cement Bridge Championship Kicks Off

All India Shree Cement Bridge Championship Kicks Off

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The 9th Annual All India Shree Cement Bridge Championships begins in Kolkata, featuring over 400 participants competing for a prize pool of Rs 10 lakh.

Both Dravidian majors defeated for first time since 1967

Both Dravidian majors defeated for first time since 1967

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Actor-politician Vijay's newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made a surprising and strong showing in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leading in nearly 100 constituencies and leaving established Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK trailing.

Himachal SDM Under Scrutiny For Alleged Benami Land Deals

Himachal SDM Under Scrutiny For Alleged Benami Land Deals

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Himachal Pradesh DGP Ashok Tiwari has recommended a detailed examination and action against the SDM of Solan for alleged misuse of official position, conflict of interest, and possible involvement in benami transactions related to land deals.

Iran offers deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz to end US blockade: Report

Iran offers deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz to end US blockade: Report

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Iran has submitted a fresh proposal to regional intermediaries offering to cease its military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, contingent upon a complete cessation of hostilities and the removal of the US blockade on Iranian maritime hubs.

Himachal Pradesh Pension Scam: 40 Falsely Declared 'Elderly'

Himachal Pradesh Pension Scam: 40 Falsely Declared 'Elderly'

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A pension fraud has been uncovered in Himachal Pradesh, where over 40 individuals were falsely declared as 'elderly' in official records to receive old-age pensions.

Bihar government drops Sanjay Gandhi's name from Patna zoo, dairy institute

Bihar government drops Sanjay Gandhi's name from Patna zoo, dairy institute

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, has renamed the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park as 'Patna Zoo' and the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology as 'Bihar State Institute of Dairy Technology'. The cabinet also approved significant allocations for electricity subsidies, college establishments, and infrastructure projects.

Why Imran Khan's Lawyers Want Al Qadir Case Delayed

Why Imran Khan's Lawyers Want Al Qadir Case Delayed

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Lawyers for Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have requested an adjournment in the 190 million-pound Al Qadir case, citing difficulties in obtaining instructions from their clients in jail. The case involves allegations of corruption related to the Al-Qadir Trust.

Shahdara Bar Association Supports Assaulted Woman Advocate

Shahdara Bar Association Supports Assaulted Woman Advocate

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Shahdara Bar Association has pledged its support to a woman advocate who was brutally assaulted by her husband. The Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the matter and issued directions to the Delhi Police.

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP is showing strong leads in West Bengal and Assam, while actor Vijay's party is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu. The Congress is ahead in Kerala, offering some consolation amid the changing political landscape in the state elections.

Gandhinagar To Host Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Gandhinagar To Host Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships, featuring athletes from 30 countries, will be held in Gandhinagar from May 11 to 17. The event serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay entered politics at a much better age compared to Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. His fans are young and he has at least 2-3 decades ahead of him.'

Kerala Verdict: Left's Worst Defeat

Kerala Verdict: Left's Worst Defeat

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'What we are witnessing is a massive anti-incumbency wave that has cut across all social and political divides.'

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Rediff.com11 May 2026

This is the time for India to plan forward fully, with the goal of Atmanirbharata, and energy security. The Persian Gulf is no longer a reliable source, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

US Trying To Patch Up Ties With India

US Trying To Patch Up Ties With India

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump's call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi signals a concerted effort to reset strained Washington-New Delhi ties, with a focus on 'big-ticket' energy and trade deals, including increased Indian imports of US LNG and LPG, and potential cooperation on small modular reactors.

Why Lakshya Sen Is Missing Thomas Cup Semifinal

Why Lakshya Sen Is Missing Thomas Cup Semifinal

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Lakshya Sen's swollen elbow forces him to miss India's Thomas Cup semifinal against France, with Kidambi Shrikant stepping in. India aims for a spot in the final after a strong quarterfinal win.

Ahmedabad To Host IPL Final On May 31

Ahmedabad To Host IPL Final On May 31

Rediff.com6 May 2026

IPL final moved from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad; Dharamsala will host Qualifier 1, as announced by the BCCI.

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Trinamool Congress offices across West Bengal were allegedly defaced and damaged following the BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, with the TMC alleging BJP involvement, which the BJP denies.

How BJP Plans To Win Punjab After West Bengal Victory

How BJP Plans To Win Punjab After West Bengal Victory

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Following their success in the West Bengal assembly elections, BJP leaders are now focusing on winning the Punjab assembly polls in 2027, promising to rid the state of corruption and drugs under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Support for TVK: Left in huddle, VCK to announce stand on Sat

Support for TVK: Left in huddle, VCK to announce stand on Sat

Rediff.com8 May 2026

TVK's chances of forming a government in Tamil Nadu are uncertain as it seeks support from Left parties and VCK after winning its maiden Assembly election. The Left parties are deliberating, while VCK will announce its decision on Saturday, adding suspense to the political situation.

Kerala Dalit Groups Call For Strike Over Student Death

Kerala Dalit Groups Call For Strike Over Student Death

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Dalit organisations in Kerala have called for a state-wide strike to protest the death of Nithin Raj, a dental college student, alleging caste-based harassment and demanding a fair investigation.

RSP Unhappy With Congress Over Kerala CM Selection Delay

RSP Unhappy With Congress Over Kerala CM Selection Delay

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), a key ally in the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition, has voiced its discontent with the Congress party over the prolonged delay in selecting a Chief Minister for Kerala, describing the situation as a 'political uncertainty' that is 'unfortunate'.

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A statewide hartal called by Dalit organisations seeking justice in the death of a dental college student has disrupted normal life in Kerala, with protesters blocking vehicles and forcing shops to close.

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'They will have to adjust themselves to the new reality. Because if they don't understand this changed political perception, their future will be difficult.'

BCCI blocks hotel and team bus reach for outsiders

BCCI blocks hotel and team bus reach for outsiders

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is introducing new access control rules for players during the Indian Premier League (IPL) to strengthen discipline and ensure stricter compliance with tournament protocols.

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Trinamool Congress counting agents in Bhabanipur ahead of the vote count for the assembly election. The meeting aimed to ensure agents are well-prepared and updated on the counting process.