News for 'us secretary of state'

EC orders repoll at 15 polling stations in Bengal on Saturday

EC orders repoll at 15 polling stations in Bengal on Saturday

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district following reports of electoral malpractices.

Punjab CM Blames BJP For Blasts, BJP Demands Evidence

Punjab CM Blames BJP For Blasts, BJP Demands Evidence

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of orchestrating recent blasts in the state, alleging it's part of their strategy for the upcoming assembly elections. The BJP has strongly refuted these claims, demanding proof or Mann's resignation, while the state DGP suggests Pakistani ISI involvement.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com7 May 2026

BJP leader Tarun Chugh has served a legal notice to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for linking the BJP to recent blasts, demanding proof or resignation.

Trump lands in Beijing to rare VIP welcome amid trade and Iran talks

Trump lands in Beijing to rare VIP welcome amid trade and Iran talks

Rediff.com13 May 2026

US President Donald Trump received a red carpet welcome in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade, the Iran war, and other key issues. The visit underscores the importance both nations place on their relationship amid ongoing tensions.

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.

Chess Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta Gets Assurance On Prize-Money

Chess Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta Gets Assurance On Prize-Money

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta, frustrated by delays in receiving prize money for winning the Odisha Open, has been assured by the All India Chess Federation that the issue will be resolved and his dues cleared.

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.

How AI Can Boost India's Economy By $500 Billion

How AI Can Boost India's Economy By $500 Billion

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A joint study by IBM and IndiaAI, a MeiTY initiative, indicates that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to contribute over USD 500 billion to India's economy by 2030. The report highlights the need for improved AI literacy, infrastructure, and data quality to fully realise this potential.

AFI Denies Formal Athletics Tie-Up With Russia

AFI Denies Formal Athletics Tie-Up With Russia

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has denied signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Russian athletics federation, amidst ongoing sanctions and the conflict in Ukraine.

Congress, BJP Trade Accusations In Champawat Rape Case

Congress, BJP Trade Accusations In Champawat Rape Case

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Congress and BJP in Uttarakhand are engaged in a war of words over the alleged Champawat rape case, which police have now deemed a fabricated incident stemming from a long-standing dispute. Both parties accuse each other of political manipulation and attempting to tarnish the other's image.

NEET paper leak: CBI arrests 5; TN CM Vijay calls for abolishing test

NEET paper leak: CBI arrests 5; TN CM Vijay calls for abolishing test

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The CBI has arrested five individuals and conducted searches across India in connection with the NEET UG paper leak case. Protests have intensified, and calls for the Education Minister's resignation have grown louder. Political parties are trading blame, and the Supreme Court is considering a plea for an overhaul of the National Testing Agency.

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.

AIADMK divided on backing Vijay; some MLAs want EPS to step down

AIADMK divided on backing Vijay; some MLAs want EPS to step down

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The AIADMK is grappling with a deepening internal rift as factions vie for leadership, threatening the party's stability and future in Tamil Nadu politics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pak parked Iran jets on its airbases to escape US airstrikes: Report

Pak parked Iran jets on its airbases to escape US airstrikes: Report

Rediff.com12 May 2026

A new report alleges Pakistan shielded Iranian military aircraft from potential US airstrikes, raising questions about its role as a neutral mediator in the ongoing US-Iran tensions.

'Not true': Iran denies participation in second round of talks in Pakistan

'Not true': Iran denies participation in second round of talks in Pakistan

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Iran has denied agreeing to participate in a second round of peace talks, contradicting claims made by the United States. The denial comes as tensions remain high in West Asia, with a ceasefire window nearing its end.

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.

Haryana Suspends IAS Officers Amid IDFC Bank Fraud Investigation

Haryana Suspends IAS Officers Amid IDFC Bank Fraud Investigation

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Haryana government has suspended two IAS officers, Ram Kumar Singh and Pardeep Kumar, in connection with an ongoing investigation into a Rs 590-crore fraud case involving IDFC First Bank.

Gaya's Vishnupad Corridor Project: 'Vikas Nahi, Vinash Hai'

Gaya's Vishnupad Corridor Project: 'Vikas Nahi, Vinash Hai'

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Priests see red over the Rs 2,390 crore project to overhaul infrastructure around one of Bihar's most significant pilgrimage site, particularly for those performing pind daan.

'In India Politics Has Taken Over Business'

'In India Politics Has Taken Over Business'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'When we start describing somebody as an enemy that is the start of politics and emotion after which no business can take place.' 'We need to get out of this, allow Indian businessmen to do business with China.'

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.

'Indians Are Not Buying Too Much Of Gold'

'Indians Are Not Buying Too Much Of Gold'

Rediff.com19 May 2026

'Even last year, when India bought gold, the physical quantity was much less than the previous years.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.