News for 'us secretary of state'

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.

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.

Inflation, weak rupee drag Indian markets lower; fuel price hike adds to concerns

Inflation, weak rupee drag Indian markets lower; fuel price hike adds to concerns

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed lower due to investor caution over rising bond yields, a weaker rupee, and fresh fuel price hikes, which have revived inflation concerns.

'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.

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com10 May 2026

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.

Centre to retain states' tax share at 41% for next five years

Centre to retain states' tax share at 41% for next five years

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The 16th Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, has recommended maintaining the states' share in central taxes at 41% for the five-year period starting April 1, 2026. The government has accepted this recommendation, with Rs 1.4 lakh crore allocated to states for FY 2026-27 as Finance Commission Grants.

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.

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.

Kerala CM Selection Delay Creates Political Uncertainty, Says UDF Partner

Kerala CM Selection Delay Creates Political Uncertainty, Says UDF Partner

Rediff.com13 May 2026

An RSP MP has expressed strong displeasure with the delay in the Congress party's selection of a Chief Minister for Kerala, calling the situation a 'political uncertainty' that is 'unfortunate'. The MP claims the delay is creating discontent among workers and the public.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Relief for India as US renews Russian oil waiver for 30 days

Relief for India as US renews Russian oil waiver for 30 days

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The United States has extended a waiver from sanctions to allow countries to buy petroleum products from Russia by a month, days after it ruled out renewal of the special measure.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

India's 10-Year Plan To Become A Sporting Powerhouse

India's 10-Year Plan To Become A Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised the importance of executing the country's 10-year roadmap to become a global sporting powerhouse during the Chintan Shivir held in Srinagar. The event saw participation from state sports ministers and eminent sports personalities, focusing on active implementation and grassroots development.

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 Pradesh Government Reopens Inquiry into Solan Land Deal Amidst Opposition Pressure

Himachal Pradesh Government Reopens Inquiry into Solan Land Deal Amidst Opposition Pressure

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered a fresh inquiry into the Chester Hill land case in Solan, following opposition allegations of a 'benami' land deal and violations of land laws. This decision comes after the withdrawal of a previous order that had questioned the initial inquiry's legality.

Former Congress Leader Accuses Shimla Police of Abduction Attempt

Former Congress Leader Accuses Shimla Police of Abduction Attempt

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A former Congress leader from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district has accused the Shimla Police of attempting to abduct him, alleging it was directed by high-ranking officials in the state government after he was stopped for traffic violations.

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.

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

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.

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.

Kerala Parties React Differently To Assembly Exit Polls

Kerala Parties React Differently To Assembly Exit Polls

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Political parties in Kerala, including the ruling LDF, opposition UDF, and BJP-led NDA, have reacted to the exit poll predictions for the Assembly elections, with varying degrees of confidence and skepticism.