News for 'us secretary of state'

FIFA World Cup 2026: Trump factor, political heat sour Canada's excitement

FIFA World Cup 2026: Trump factor, political heat sour Canada's excitement

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

US president Donald Trump in recent weeks has renewed threats to make Canada the 51st US state, and said he might not renew the trilateral trade agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico -- the co-hosts of this year's World Cup.

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The US Department of Defence has restored the name of the US Indo-Pacific Command to the US Pacific Command, reversing an eight-year-old decision. This change honours the command's deep historical roots, established in 1947, while its vast area of responsibility, extending to India's western border, and its mission remain unchanged.

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

Rediff.com5 days ago

A three-storey under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area collapsed, killing three people and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 individuals already saved, amid allegations of substandard construction materials and illegal building practices.

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

'As the Bihar government's focus is on development and infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores, Rishu Sinha created a network to pay a decent commission to government officials for securing tenders.'

India To Host Asian Senior Fencing Championships For First Time

India To Host Asian Senior Fencing Championships For First Time

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India is set to host the Asian Senior Fencing Championships for the first time from June 19-24 in New Delhi, featuring athletes from 34 countries, including Olympic medallists. The event is a direct qualifier for the Asian Games and offers ranking points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Indian Olympian Bhavani Devi leading the home challenge.

UP govt forms SIT to probe Ram Temple donation controversy

UP govt forms SIT to probe Ram Temple donation controversy

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of financial mismanagement and missing donations related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. The move follows a request from the Trust itself, amidst escalating political demands for transparency from various parties including the Samajwadi Party and Congress.

Trump turns 80, hosts UFC fight night at White House

Trump turns 80, hosts UFC fight night at White House

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The White House on Sunday is witnessing a "fight night" in an octagon-shaped cage as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters slug it out in the marquee event on the South Lawn on a day President Donald Trump turned 80.

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

NCW mandates annual POSH audits to strengthen women's workplace safety

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a comprehensive advisory to all states and Union Territories, recommending mandatory annual POSH audits and other measures to strengthen the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The advisory aims to ensure safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive working environments for women across all sectors, emphasising institutional accountability, proper committee constitution, and robust awareness programmes.

India, US 'Very Close' to Historic Trade Deal

India, US 'Very Close' to Historic Trade Deal

Rediff.com6 days ago

The United States and India are on the verge of finalising a landmark bilateral trade deal, aiming to boost trade to USD 500 billion by 2030, according to US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bethany Poulos Morrison. The agreement seeks to open India's 1.4 billion-strong market to American goods on reciprocal terms, with ongoing high-level discussions to recalibrate the pact after recent changes in US tariff policy.

Haryana Revamps Sports Policy For Olympic Glory And Athlete Welfare

Haryana Revamps Sports Policy For Olympic Glory And Athlete Welfare

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana is revamping its 2015 Sports Policy to focus on long-term talent development for future Olympians, moving beyond just prize money and jobs. Key initiatives include 'Mission Olympics-2036 Vijayee Bhavah' for young athletes and the 'Khelo Haryana App' for integrated athlete services. The state aims to strengthen athlete welfare, infrastructure, and institutional support.

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The BJP has announced 11 candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, notably omitting Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, whose terms end soon. This decision, alongside other recent appointments, has fuelled speculation about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle. The list includes new faces and senior party leaders from various states.

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Employees of Mumbai's BEST undertaking have launched an indefinite strike, severely impacting public transport and electricity services. The strike, called by a joint action committee, demands budget merger with BMC, settlement of dues, and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, among other issues. Despite court orders and MESMA invocation, the strike continues, causing widespread inconvenience to millions of commuters and electricity consumers.

At least 15 students killed in Lucknow building fire, many trapped

At least 15 students killed in Lucknow building fire, many trapped

Rediff.com7 days ago

A devastating fire ripped through a three-floor commercial building in Lucknow, claiming the lives of at least 12 students and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing ex-gratia for the deceased and injured.

India's Junior Shooters Face Setback At World Championship

India's Junior Shooters Face Setback At World Championship

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Teenage shooter Anvii Rathord won a bronze medal in the women's 10m air rifle at the ISSF Junior World Championship in Suhl, Germany. However, India's campaign was marred by a team disqualification due to a breach of equipment stiffness standards by Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar. Despite this setback, India continues to lead the medal tally. The championship also saw another Indian shooter, Vanshika Chaudhary, miss a potential gold due to a costly error.

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the first electoral battle since the new government under Chief Minister D K Shivakumar took charge in Karnataka, the ruling Congress on Thursday won five of the seven Legislative Council seats that went to polls, while the opposition Bhjaratiya Janata Party bagged two.

Experts Call For National Policy To Boost Assistive Technology Market

Experts Call For National Policy To Boost Assistive Technology Market

Rediff.com6 days ago

Experts highlight India's significant market potential for assistive technologies, estimated at Rs 75,000-95,000 crore by 2030. They advocate for a National Assistive Technology Policy to address current gaps in access and service delivery, fostering inclusion, independence, and economic participation for persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Speaker Om Birla to decide fate of rebel TMC bloc as NCPI eyes major LS leap

Speaker Om Birla to decide fate of rebel TMC bloc as NCPI eyes major LS leap

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) has named Jyotiprakash Chatterji as its new president, a development that follows the merger of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) rebel Lok Sabha faction with the party. This announcement by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a key figure in the dissident camp, comes amidst speculation about the party's leadership after its founder stepped down. However, details about Chatterji and the party's internal workings remain unclear, with some existing members expressing unawareness of the change.

AFC And AIFF Hold Crucial Talks On ISL Future And Governance

AFC And AIFF Hold Crucial Talks On ISL Future And Governance

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) met in New Delhi to discuss key issues including the Indian Super League (ISL), the AIFF's Constitution, and compliance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The AFC assured AIFF of continued support for Indian football.

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced a finalised peace deal between the US and Iran, set for signing on June 19 in Switzerland, with key figures like J D Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner from the US side, and Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf representing Iran, alongside Pakistani mediators Field Marshal Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Mohsin Naqvi, playing crucial roles in the diplomatic breakthrough.

Why TMC Leader Jahangir Khan Is Under Police Scrutiny For Post-Poll Violence

Why TMC Leader Jahangir Khan Is Under Police Scrutiny For Post-Poll Violence

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

TMC leader Jahangir Khan, a close aide to Abhishek Banerjee, was made to walk through areas of Falta as part of an investigation into the 2021 post-poll violence. Khan, currently in police custody, was arrested while allegedly trying to flee and is being investigated for his role in the alleged violence.

Congress leaders undermined Meenakshi Natarajan's RS chances, says MP CM

Congress leaders undermined Meenakshi Natarajan's RS chances, says MP CM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has dismissed allegations of 'seat theft' in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, asserting that Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination was deliberately undermined by her own party leaders who were vying for the same seat.

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool MLA quizzed in signature forgery case

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool MLA quizzed in signature forgery case

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and MLA Kunal Ghosh were questioned by the CID in Kolkata regarding alleged signature forgery of MLAs for the Leader of Opposition appointment in the West Bengal Assembly. Banerjee faced a second round of interrogation as investigators were unsatisfied with previous replies, and a face-to-face interrogation with Ghosh is possible. The probe stems from discrepancies found in signatures on documents supporting Sovandeb Chattopadhyay for the post.

Rubio signals early end to Russian oil waivers as US tightens sanctions

Rubio signals early end to Russian oil waivers as US tightens sanctions

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said the United States would prefer to end its extension of waivers on Russian oil "as soon as possible", while noting that such decisions ultimately rest with the US Treasury Department.

Obscure NCPI flexes numbers after TMC merger

Obscure NCPI flexes numbers after TMC merger

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), previously obscure, has gained national attention after 20 rebel TMC MPs merged with it. The Tripura-based party now claims to be the largest parliamentary bloc from West Bengal, holding 20 Lok Sabha seats. Its registered address in Howrah is linked to a couple running an NGO, and a founder member has expressed support for PM Modi and a desire to join the NDA.

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Suvendu keeps home, power portfolios, Swapan is finance minister

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ten days after the expansion of the BJP government's cabinet in West Bengal, key portfolios have been allocated, with senior leader Tapas Roy taking charge of industries and journalist-turned-politician Swapan Dasgupta appointed finance minister.

AI 171 Crash: 'Families Of 260 People Are Waiting For Answers'

AI 171 Crash: 'Families Of 260 People Are Waiting For Answers'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'A lot of people feel there is pressure on the AAIB not to go against Boeing or GE -- both enormous American companies.' 'If the AAIB implicates Boeing or GE, it will impact their sales.' 'If their sales are impacted, jobs are lost in the United States. No government would willingly do that.'

Bengal CM Denies Vendetta In Signature Forgery Probe

Bengal CM Denies Vendetta In Signature Forgery Probe

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denies political vendetta in the signature forgery probe involving TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, stating the investigation stems from complaints by TMC MLAs.

Nitish didn't leave INDIA bloc because of me: Rahul

Nitish didn't leave INDIA bloc because of me: Rahul

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told INDIA bloc leaders that despite public anger indicating a win for the opposition, the main challenge is the alleged lack of free and fair elections due to the BJP's control over state institutions. He urged unity and a strategy of 'resistance' against what he termed election 'theft'.

RS poll: MP Cong to move MLAs to K'taka amid poaching fears

RS poll: MP Cong to move MLAs to K'taka amid poaching fears

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Congress party is reportedly considering moving its Madhya Pradesh MLAs to a party-ruled state, likely Karnataka, ahead of the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections. This move aims to prevent potential cross-voting after the BJP fielded a surprise third candidate, intensifying the contest for three Rajya Sabha seats.

India maintaining balance of power in Indian Ocean: US

India maintaining balance of power in Indian Ocean: US

Rediff.com30 May 2026

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised India's military modernisation efforts at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, highlighting its growing industrial and logistics capacity.

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed various aspects of India-US bilateral ties, focusing on defence, trade, energy, and technology. Rubio extended an invitation from President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the US.

JK cardiologist suspended for operating on healthy hearts

JK cardiologist suspended for operating on healthy hearts

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A doctor in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, has been suspended following an inquiry into alleged large-scale procedural irregularities, including a pacemaker implantation scam where nearly 50 per cent of evaluated patients underwent unnecessary advanced cardiac surgical procedures. The inquiry revealed fraudulent insurance claims, patient exploitation, and manipulation of medical records.

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Rediff.com4 days ago

Government sources have clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in India, a stance consistent for the past 12 years and rooted in the Passport Act 1967. This clarification, reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public figures.

Kharge, Pawan Khera among Cong's Rajya Sabha picks

Kharge, Pawan Khera among Cong's Rajya Sabha picks

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Congress party has announced its seven candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Meenakshi Natarajan, Praveen Chakravarty, Neeraj Dangi, Mansoor Ali Khan, and Pranav Jha, representing various states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand. The elections are set for June 18.

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Goa is set to host the 5th Asia Cup Bridge Championship from June 21 to 27, attracting 350 players from 16 Asia-Oceania countries. India, having previously hosted in 2018, will field strong 'A' and 'B' teams across various categories, including Asian Games medallists, aiming to add to its 20 previous medals.

TMC leader Jahangir Khan taken to Falta in 2021 post-poll violence probe

TMC leader Jahangir Khan taken to Falta in 2021 post-poll violence probe

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

TMC leader Jahangir Khan, a close aide to Abhishek Banerjee, was made to walk through areas of Falta as part of an investigation into the 2021 post-poll violence. Khan, currently in police custody, was arrested while allegedly trying to flee and is being investigated for his role in the alleged violence.

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Ideology is dead; long live the numbers game that is being played with the sole intention of securing a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha for the NDA, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Donald Trump has appointed Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem, who will take on the role of Special Envoy for 'The Shield of the Americas' initiative.

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The internecine war within the Trinamool Congress took a new turn on Thursday with "party treasurer" Aroop Biswas writing to a bank seeking restrictions on the operation of the party's accounts, citing uncertainty over its legitimate leadership amid rebellions by MLAs and MPs.

CID notice to Abhishek over TMC MLAs' complaint: Suvendu on signature row

CID notice to Abhishek over TMC MLAs' complaint: Suvendu on signature row

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denies political vendetta in the CID's investigation into alleged signature forgery by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, following complaints from within his own party.