News for 'Council of Ministers'

Ali Larijani, Iran's Security chief killed in airstrike, claims Israel

Ali Larijani, Iran's Security chief killed in airstrike, claims Israel

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Reports are emerging that Ali Larijani, a key Iranian security official, was allegedly targetted in an Israeli airstrike, escalating tensions in the region.

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss West Asia conflict's impact on energy security

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss West Asia conflict's impact on energy security

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the West Asia conflict's impact on the global economy, particularly energy security, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He also engaged with GCC ambassadors and his Sri Lankan and German counterparts on the same issue.

MCA unveils Ravi Shastri stand, renames Wankhede stadium gates

MCA unveils Ravi Shastri stand, renames Wankhede stadium gates

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Mumbai Cricket Association on Thursday honoured four Indian cricket greats by unveiling a stand and dedicating stadium gates at Wankhede Stadium.

'Iran begged for this ceasefire, and we all know it...,' claims US

'Iran begged for this ceasefire, and we all know it...,' claims US

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Wednesday claimed that Tehran "begged" for a truce, maintaining that Washington achieved a "decisive military victory" during 'Operation Epic Fury.'

JD-U MLAs Want Nishant Kumar As Bihar CM, Not BJP Leader

JD-U MLAs Want Nishant Kumar As Bihar CM, Not BJP Leader

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

'Nearly 80 of 85 JD-U MLAs are not in favour of a CM from the BJP.'

Khelo India Tribal Games: Chhattisgarh Sheds 'Backward' Image

Khelo India Tribal Games: Chhattisgarh Sheds 'Backward' Image

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse highlights the positive impact of the Khelo India Tribal Games on Chhattisgarh, shifting its image from a region associated with naxalism to one with opportunities for tribal youth through sports.

Pinarayi Vijayan Criticises BJP for Obstructing UDF Candidate's Campaign in Palakkad

Pinarayi Vijayan Criticises BJP for Obstructing UDF Candidate's Campaign in Palakkad

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Congress-led UDF candidate in Palakkad, Ramesh Pisharody, was allegedly prevented from entering a BJP stronghold, leading to condemnation from various political figures, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The incident occurred during Pisharody's campaign tour, with BJP women workers blocking his path and raising slogans.

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

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.

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

Bomb Threat Disrupts Maharashtra Budget Session: What We Know

Bomb Threat Disrupts Maharashtra Budget Session: What We Know

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai received a bomb threat via email during the budget session, leading to a security search and evacuation. Authorities deemed the threat a hoax after finding nothing suspicious.

'Trump faces impeachment risks if Iran conflict continues'

'Trump faces impeachment risks if Iran conflict continues'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The popularity of US President Donald Trump is waning with approval ratings at its lowest, according to former diplomat Mahesh Sachdev, who notes that with two-thirds of Americans not approving of a continuation of the war on Iran, Trump faces the risk of being impeached.

Curfew imposed in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills after poll violence

Curfew imposed in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills after poll violence

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Curfew has been imposed in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills district as a precautionary measure following violent protests and police firing in the neighbouring West Garo Hills district during district council elections.

Khelo India Tribal Games to Kick Off in Chhattisgarh

Khelo India Tribal Games to Kick Off in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games are set to begin in Chhattisgarh, featuring around 3,800 athletes competing in nine sports. The event aims to boost the state's sports infrastructure and provide exposure to national-level competition.

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The intriguing bit is that Trump is likely to attend the talks in Islamabad this weekend -- if he does, it will be the clearest signal yet that the US is ready to exit the war with some sort of win to show, since he cannot afford to go for the talks and return empty-handed, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

'The West Asia or the Gulf crisis has shown that what we develop as national infrastructure when things are not as bad as they could be, we forget to plan for adversities.'

MEA reveals how India is responding to West Asia crisis

MEA reveals how India is responding to West Asia crisis

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are actively engaged with world leaders to promote dialogue and diplomacy for peace in West Asia, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in the region.

'Unacceptable disgrace': Fury as Italy fail to qualify again

'Unacceptable disgrace': Fury as Italy fail to qualify again

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Italy crash out of World Cup qualification for the third straight time, losing to Bosnia on penalties, sparking outrage and calls for sweeping changes.

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously. The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed the GST Council to consider lowering or abolishing the goods and services tax on air purifiers, citing worsening air quality in the national capital. The court has asked the council to meet at the earliest, even via video conference if necessary, to address the issue.

Assam Elections: Who Are the Richest Candidates?

Assam Elections: Who Are the Richest Candidates?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Election affidavits in Assam have unveiled significant financial disparities among key candidates, with some declaring extensive assets, multiple bank accounts, and numerous vehicles, while others report more modest holdings.

'Transgender Persons Will Have To Show Their Genitals As Proof'

'Transgender Persons Will Have To Show Their Genitals As Proof'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Lakhs of transgender people's identities will get erased. Many of them will go into hiding and lead depressing lives.'

Meghalaya Curfew Eased Amid Garo Hills Election Unrest

Meghalaya Curfew Eased Amid Garo Hills Election Unrest

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Curfew imposed in Meghalaya's East and West Garo Hills districts has been relaxed to allow residents to procure essential items following violence related to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.

Jay Shah honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Sports Award

Jay Shah honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Sports Award

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Jay Shah received the Outstanding Contribution to Sports Award from Piyush Goyal at the Indian Business Leader Awards in Mumbai.

Mumbai Legislature Targeted: Bomb Threat Sparks Security Alert

Mumbai Legislature Targeted: Bomb Threat Sparks Security Alert

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

An email threatening missile and bomb attacks on the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan and other key locations in Mumbai triggered a security alert, prompting extensive searches and heightened security measures.

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The deployment could include infantry and armoured units, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division, which is already stationed in the region.

Internet Shutdown in Meghalaya Districts After Election Violence

Internet Shutdown in Meghalaya Districts After Election Violence

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Mobile internet services have been suspended in five districts of western Meghalaya following violence related to tribal council elections. Curfews are in place and elections have been postponed.

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

Minister Gogawale's son surrenders in Mahad poll violence case after HC rap

Minister Gogawale's son surrenders in Mahad poll violence case after HC rap

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena Minister Bharat Gogawale's son, Vikas Gogawale, surrendered to police in connection with the Mahad poll violence case after the Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra government's inaction.

Odisha Secures Hosting Rights for 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships

Odisha Secures Hosting Rights for 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Odisha, India, will host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028, marking a significant milestone for the state and the nation in becoming a global sporting hub.

Opposition Leader Urges Probe into Meghalaya's Garo Hills Violence

Opposition Leader Urges Probe into Meghalaya's Garo Hills Violence

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Meghalaya's opposition leader, Mukul Sangma, has called for an independent inquiry into the Garo Hills violence, citing the need for accountability and due process to restore public confidence.

Mumbai Legislature Complex Searched After Bomb Threat Email

Mumbai Legislature Complex Searched After Bomb Threat Email

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

An email threatening missile and bomb attacks on the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan and other key locations in Mumbai prompted a security alert and extensive searches.

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the Middle East crisis, with a focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

DMK ally exits alliance ahead of polls, heads to NDA in TN

DMK ally exits alliance ahead of polls, heads to NDA in TN

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) has announced its departure from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, citing the DMK's 'big brother' attitude and unmet demands.

Chapter on judiciary: NCERT issues 'unconditional apology'

Chapter on judiciary: NCERT issues 'unconditional apology'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The NCERT has issued a public apology and withdrawn a social science textbook for Class 8 after the Supreme Court objected to a chapter on judicial corruption. The court imposed a ban on further publication of the book.

Meghalaya CM Defiant: Stays Put Despite Threat to Residence

Meghalaya CM Defiant: Stays Put Despite Threat to Residence

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has refused to relocate despite receiving information about a possible attack on his residence amid ongoing unrest in the Garo Hills region, appealing for peace and dialogue.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Eminent historian and academic K.N. Panikkar, known for his Marxist interpretation of history and advocacy for secularism, has passed away at the age of 90. His contributions to historical research and defence of secular values are widely recognised.

First Khelo India Tribal Games to Spotlight 1300 Athletes

First Khelo India Tribal Games to Spotlight 1300 Athletes

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games are set to begin in Chhattisgarh, featuring nearly 1300 athletes from across India competing in nine disciplines. The event aims to provide a platform for tribal athletes to showcase their talent and promote sports at the grassroots level.

K'taka council passes hate speech bill amid BJP-JD-S protests

K'taka council passes hate speech bill amid BJP-JD-S protests

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Karnataka Legislative Council passed a bill to curb hate speech, facing strong opposition from BJP and JD(S), who criticized it as 'draconian' and a threat to free speech. The bill proposes jail terms and fines for hate crimes and repeated offenses.