News for 'us secretary of state'

US missile-destroyer intercepts Iranian ship amid naval blockade

US missile-destroyer intercepts Iranian ship amid naval blockade

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command confirmed that the USS Rafael Peralta intercepted an Iranian-flagged ship, enforcing a maritime blockade against Iran. The US military is prepared to resume major combat operations if ordered by the President.

Mamata Banerjee Alleges Car Search Attempt by Central Forces

Mamata Banerjee Alleges Car Search Attempt by Central Forces

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused central forces of attempting to search her car while en route to Kolkata airport, alleging misuse of central machinery by the BJP ahead of state elections.

Jharkhand Minister Promises Justice In Forest Deaths Case

Jharkhand Minister Promises Justice In Forest Deaths Case

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari met with the families of three individuals found dead in a forest in Hazaribag, assuring them of justice. The incident occurred after reporters were allegedly manhandled by family members following questions posed to the minister.

From troll target to TDP's future: Lokesh's long march

From troll target to TDP's future: Lokesh's long march

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Nara Lokesh, once heavily criticised, has risen to become the National Working President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), marking a significant generational transition within the party.

Operation Lotus? 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha join BJP

Operation Lotus? 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha join BJP

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback as several of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including key figures like Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak, resign from the party, with some reportedly joining the BJP.

India Aims To Be A Top 10 Sporting Nation By 2030

India Aims To Be A Top 10 Sporting Nation By 2030

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has urged Indian shooters to support the country's goal of becoming a top-10 global sporting power within a decade. The NRAI marked its 75th anniversary with a plan to introduce shooting to 7.5 lakh youth through grassroots outreach.

Amit Shah Promises To End Infiltration If BJP Wins Bengal

Amit Shah Promises To End Infiltration If BJP Wins Bengal

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the BJP would not allow any intruders into West Bengal if they win the state election, and would selectively root out illegal immigrants already present.

Subodh Agarwal Faces Further Questioning in Jal Jeevan Mission Corruption Probe

Subodh Agarwal Faces Further Questioning in Jal Jeevan Mission Corruption Probe

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal, arrested in connection with the alleged Rs 960-crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam, has been remanded to police custody for further questioning.

Army Veteran Assaulted in Meerut, Claims Attack Linked to Housing Scam Testimony

Army Veteran Assaulted in Meerut, Claims Attack Linked to Housing Scam Testimony

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

A retired Army officer and key witness in a multi-crore housing scam was brutally attacked in Meerut. Police are investigating the link between the assault and the ongoing scam litigation.

Haryana Orders CBI Investigation into Rs 590 Crore IDFC Bank Scam

Haryana Orders CBI Investigation into Rs 590 Crore IDFC Bank Scam

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a CBI investigation into the Rs 590-crore IDFC First Bank fraud case, emphasising the government's zero-tolerance approach to wrongdoing. The State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had previously investigated the case, arresting several individuals, including ex-IDFC First Bank employees. The alleged fraud involved the diversion of Haryana government funds intended for fixed deposits.

Trump dials Modi on Hormuz security; Gor hints at 'big-ticket' India-US deals

Trump dials Modi on Hormuz security; Gor hints at 'big-ticket' India-US deals

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the West Asia crisis and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. They also reviewed progress in bilateral ties and anticipated upcoming deals in the energy sector.

Araghchi meets Munir in Pak, Iran says no talks planned with US

Araghchi meets Munir in Pak, Iran says no talks planned with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied reports of planned talks with the United States during a visit to Islamabad, Pakistan, despite US envoys also visiting the region.

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.

Jewish men stabbed near London synagogue; police probe terror link

Jewish men stabbed near London synagogue; police probe terror link

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Two Jewish men were stabbed near a synagogue in north-west London, in an attack declared by police as a 'terrorist' incident. A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Trump Evacuated After Gunman Opens Fire Outside Dinner

Trump Evacuated After Gunman Opens Fire Outside Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

President Donald Trump and other top White House officials were evacuated unharmed from the annual White House Correspondents' dinner after a gunman opened fire outside the hotel ballroom. The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, has been arrested. World leaders have expressed relief that Trump and other guests were unharmed, emphasising that political violence has no place in a democracy.

US 'grants' India-like waiver to all countries to buy Russian oil

US 'grants' India-like waiver to all countries to buy Russian oil

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Trump administration has announced a temporary authorisation for countries to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea, aiming to stabilise global energy markets amid rising oil prices and tensions with Iran.

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw a massive voter participation during the ongoing assembly elections, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent and 82.24 per cent respectively by 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

'People Voted In Anger Against Mamata Banerjee'

'People Voted In Anger Against Mamata Banerjee'

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'The nepotism, corruption, bad governance and 15 years of rampant crime that has happened across West Bengal under her rule led to her ouster.'

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.

How Trump Responded After Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

How Trump Responded After Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

President Donald Trump and other White House officials were evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Association dinner after a shooting outside the venue. A suspect has been apprehended, and Trump addressed the incident in a press conference.

Delhi University College Name Change Sparks Staff Protest

Delhi University College Name Change Sparks Staff Protest

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Staff at Delhi University's Dyal Singh Evening College are protesting the proposed renaming of the institution after Sikh warrior Banda Singh Bahadur, seeking a staff council meeting to discuss the issue.

Pak stood isolated after Mumbai attacks, but now...: Cong slams govt

Pak stood isolated after Mumbai attacks, but now...: Cong slams govt

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that Pakistan has gained global respectability due to the failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy.

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Bhabanipur assembly segment is Banerjee's political bastion, where she is locked in a prestige battle against Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in what is being seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in the 2021 assembly polls.

How Sourav Kothari Overcame Grief To Win Billiards Title

How Sourav Kothari Overcame Grief To Win Billiards Title

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Sourav Kothari discusses his emotional journey to winning the IBSF World Billiards Championship, highlighting the impact of his father's death and his aspirations for cue sports in the Commonwealth Games.

Why London Synagogue Stabbing Is Being Treated As Terror

Why London Synagogue Stabbing Is Being Treated As Terror

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

A stabbing incident near a synagogue in north-west London, which left two Jewish men injured, has been declared a terrorist incident by UK counter-terror police. A 45-year-old man is in custody as authorities investigate whether the Jewish community was deliberately targeted.

'Trump ka naya khel': Cong after 30-day waiver on Russian oil purchase

'Trump ka naya khel': Cong after 30-day waiver on Russian oil purchase

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The Congress has strongly criticised the US government's temporary waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil, raising concerns about continued 'American blackmail' and its impact on India's energy policy.

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.

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.

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.

Ajit Pawar's death: Maharashtra announces 3-day state mourning

Ajit Pawar's death: Maharashtra announces 3-day state mourning

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Ajit Pawar, 66, and four other persons were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Maharashtra's Pune district on Wednesday morning

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Political Storm Brews Over Dalit Girl's Death In Uttar Pradesh

Political Storm Brews Over Dalit Girl's Death In Uttar Pradesh

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The death of a Dalit girl in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, has ignited a political controversy as opposition parties demand justice and action against officials. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav plans to visit the girl's family, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state.

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.

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.

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.

Bengal polls: Despite row, 'Singham' observer keeps vigil

Bengal polls: Despite row, 'Singham' observer keeps vigil

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Special police observer Ajay Pal Sharma toured West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district during the second phase of Assembly elections, facing political controversy and allegations of intimidation from TMC leaders.