News for 'Central Region'

US-Iran talks: First phase concludes, both sides exchange texts

US-Iran talks: First phase concludes, both sides exchange texts

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The United States and Iran concluded the first phase of in-person talks in Islamabad, with both delegations exchanging written texts to formalise areas of understanding. The discussions, involving key representatives from both sides, are aimed at reducing tensions and exploring possibilities of a structured understanding.

'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.'

Hormuz Hopes Drive Market Surge

Hormuz Hopes Drive Market Surge

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Is the current rally telegraphing a durable peace plan in West Asia, boosted by United States (US) President Donald Trump's incoherent and contradictory posts on social media?

Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal, presents 10-point plan to end war

Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal, presents 10-point plan to end war

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Iran on Monday formally rejected a US-proposed ceasefire deal amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, instead unveiling its own 10-point plan aimed at permanently ending the ongoing war, as reported by the Iranian state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

LS to debate efforts to wipe out Maoist threat on Monday

LS to debate efforts to wipe out Maoist threat on Monday

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha will hold a discussion on efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism (LWE) in India, ahead of the government's deadline. The debate will cover the government's strategy, review of affected regions, and future plans, including potential withdrawal of security forces and launch of welfare schemes.

Report reveals Iran's plan to wear down Israelis

Report reveals Iran's plan to wear down Israelis

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

A new analysis by the Institute for the Study of War has warned that Iran could escalate its attacks on Israel by launching large missile salvos aimed at maximising psychological pressure on civilians.

Lift sanctions, accept nuclear programme: Iran's 10-point peace plan

Lift sanctions, accept nuclear programme: Iran's 10-point peace plan

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Iran has put forward a comprehensive 10-point framework that it says forms the basis of a complete resolution.

Delhi Police Foil Terror Plot, Arrest Two Operatives

Delhi Police Foil Terror Plot, Arrest Two Operatives

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Delhi Police's Special Cell has arrested two operatives working for Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti, foiling a plot to carry out attacks in Delhi-NCR.

AI Adoption in India: Concentrated in Top Cities, But Potential Spreads

AI Adoption in India: Concentrated in Top Cities, But Potential Spreads

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

OpenAI reports India is a leading AI market with strengths in coding, data analysis, and reasoning, but adoption is heavily concentrated in top cities, highlighting a significant regional disparity.

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Afghanistan's anti-doping programme has collapsed since the Taliban's return to power, with no tests conducted for three years and the country's exiled anti-doping chief admitting there is currently 'no hope'. The programme faces numerous challenges, including a lack of Doping Control Officers, logistical issues, and political instability.

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticises the AAP-led Punjab government for political instability and lack of industrial development, while promoting Haryana's investor-friendly policies and industrial growth initiatives.

ULFA-I militant lays down arms in Arunachal Pradesh, signalling a move towards peace

ULFA-I militant lays down arms in Arunachal Pradesh, signalling a move towards peace

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

A militant of the banned ULFA-I surrendered to security forces in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district, laying down arms and ammunition.

Manipur: Mob Violence Erupts During Chief Minister's Visit

Manipur: Mob Violence Erupts During Chief Minister's Visit

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

One person was injured after security forces allegedly opened fire on a mob advancing towards Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's programme in Thoubal district. The incident occurred during the inauguration of a Block Development Office, with protesters demonstrating over the killing of two children earlier this month.

US Confirms Killing of Iranian Navy Chief Tangsiri in Israeli Strike

US Confirms Killing of Iranian Navy Chief Tangsiri in Israeli Strike

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Admiral Alireza Tangsiri was accused of leading efforts to disrupt maritime trade, including actions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, concluding a Budget session marked by the passage of key legislations and the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The session saw frequent opposition protests and discussions on various issues, including the West Asia conflict.

Why J-K's Anti-Corruption Bureau Faces Conviction Challenges

Why J-K's Anti-Corruption Bureau Faces Conviction Challenges

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Anti-Corruption Bureau of Jammu and Kashmir faces scrutiny due to a low conviction rate in corruption cases over the past six years, despite a high volume of complaints and enforcement actions.

US vows to prosecute Iranian oil buyers as Hormuz blockade begins

US vows to prosecute Iranian oil buyers as Hormuz blockade begins

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The US has threatened to prosecute those buying or selling sanctioned Iranian oil and has announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks failed.

Iran claims 'over 500 US troops targeted' in Dubai; US reacts

Iran claims 'over 500 US troops targeted' in Dubai; US reacts

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran claims to have inflicted heavy casualties on US forces in Dubai, a claim vehemently denied by the US Central Command, raising concerns about regional stability.

Modi: Bengal Election A Battle To Save State's Identity

Modi: Bengal Election A Battle To Save State's Identity

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Mamata Banerjee government of favouring infiltrators over the native population, asserting that the upcoming assembly election in West Bengal is a battle to save the state's identity.

Discovering The Rhythm Of Bhutan

Discovering The Rhythm Of Bhutan

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The highlight of our eight-day trip to stunning Bhutan was getting to understand their cultural heritage through their traditional dances.

Pakistan Cricketer Naseem Shah Fined Over Critical Social Media Post

Pakistan Cricketer Naseem Shah Fined Over Critical Social Media Post

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fined fast bowler Naseem Shah PKR 20 million for a controversial social media post criticising Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's presence at a PSL match.

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

US, Iran explore 45-day ceasefire as mediators push for deal

US, Iran explore 45-day ceasefire as mediators push for deal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The United States and Iran, with regional mediators, are reportedly discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire to prevent further escalation of conflict, including strikes on Iranian infrastructure and retaliation against Gulf states' facilities.

Modi Accuses TMC of Appeasement Politics, Banerjee Alleges BJP's Delimitation Plot

Modi Accuses TMC of Appeasement Politics, Banerjee Alleges BJP's Delimitation Plot

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee engaged in a war of words during election rallies, with Modi accusing the TMC of supporting divisive forces and Banerjee alleging the BJP plans to divide the state.

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The BJP's tally may dip, but the NDA is likely to retain power.'

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'Workers are the people who create all the wealth in this country. How can you call them anti-national?'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Samrat Chaudhury's limited independent standing within the party, his reliance on the central leadership for his elevation, and his lack of a personal mass base all point toward this outcome.'

'Only they can play that role': Tharoor's dig at Pak over US-Iran talks

'Only they can play that role': Tharoor's dig at Pak over US-Iran talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor discusses India's role in the US-Iran peace talks taking place in Islamabad, emphasising the importance of peace over competition with Pakistan and highlighting India's regional interests.

Indian Air Force Shows Operational Versatility On Expressway

Indian Air Force Shows Operational Versatility On Expressway

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force demonstrated its operational versatility by landing various military aircraft on an emergency airstrip on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.

Three killed, two hurt in US-Israeli air strike on Iran's Black Mountain

Three killed, two hurt in US-Israeli air strike on Iran's Black Mountain

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

An air strike conducted by US and Israeli forces on the Black Mountain has resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, Al Jazeera reported, citing Iranian state media.

Sarma Accuses Mamata Of Diverting Funds To Infiltrators

Sarma Accuses Mamata Of Diverting Funds To Infiltrators

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government of diverting resources to 'Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators' and warned of losing Bengal if she remains in power.

Why Mamata Banerjee Opposes The Delimitation Bill

Why Mamata Banerjee Opposes The Delimitation Bill

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party, the TMC, will fight this move at every step.

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.

Can Asim Munir seal a US-Iran deal after Sharif's failed effort?

Can Asim Munir seal a US-Iran deal after Sharif's failed effort?

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir held talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran to help resolve the conflict between the US and Iran, following a recent ceasefire agreement.

Mumbai Police Confiscate Illegal VIP Lights and Sirens

Mumbai Police Confiscate Illegal VIP Lights and Sirens

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Mumbai traffic police confiscated eighty dome lights and three sirens used on private vehicles to impersonate VIP vehicles during a 48-hour special drive.

Kim cites Iran war to justify North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Kim cites Iran war to justify North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Speaking to North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly on Tuesday, Kim accused the United States of carrying out 'terrorism and invasions' across regions, referring to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Moody's cuts India's FY27 growth forecast to 6% amid West Asia conflict

Moody's cuts India's FY27 growth forecast to 6% amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Moody's Ratings has downgraded India's growth forecast for financial year 2026-27 (FY27) to 6 per cent from 6.8 per cent, attributing the revision to weaker consumption and industrial activity, elevated energy prices, and rising input costs stemming from the West Asia conflict.

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'All this talk about women's reservation and Nari Shakti is a mirage.' 'It is a classic Trojan horse to bring about an alteration in the structure of political competition -- to the enduring advantage of the BJP.'

Iran refuses to send delegation for peace talks in Pakistan

Iran refuses to send delegation for peace talks in Pakistan

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Iran has denied sending a delegation to Islamabad for peace talks with the United States, contradicting Pakistan's claims of mediating the negotiations. The denial highlights a lack of confidence in Pakistan's ability to ensure security for high-level participants and underscores the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran.