News for 'Council'

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.

Rohit, Dhoni Create Iconic Moment Before T20 WC Final

Rohit, Dhoni Create Iconic Moment Before T20 WC Final

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

India's World Cup-winning captains Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, alongside International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah, walked out at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, with the T20 World Cup trophy on Sunday.

Israel warns Iran's next supreme leader will be targeted

Israel warns Iran's next supreme leader will be targeted

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

This threat comes as the assembly of experts in Iran has reportedly reached a majority consensus regarding the successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the Tehran-based Mehr News Agency (MNA).

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has granted provisional recognition to the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) while also raising concerns with the IOA regarding visa delays for athletes and pending dues from private partners.

4 South Africa players depart; 9 West Indies stars leave for home

4 South Africa players depart; 9 West Indies stars leave for home

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The ICC said the South African contingent had begun departing for home on Wednesday with "four players and five family members having boarded the flight".

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.

Gulf War: Energy Shock Pushes India Towards Atmanirbharta

Gulf War: Energy Shock Pushes India Towards Atmanirbharta

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

We cannot simply have a 60-65 per cent import dependency in LPG, the bulk of which comes from just one volatile region -- West Asia, points out R Jagannathan.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Acid Attack on Schoolgirl Sparks Outrage in Maharashtra Assembly

Acid Attack on Schoolgirl Sparks Outrage in Maharashtra Assembly

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government is facing criticism after an acid attack on a Class 6 girl student in Sangamner. The Congress party has slammed the government in the legislative assembly, alleging a deterioration in law and order in the state. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of women and girls in Maharashtra.

HC questions DU's blanket ban on campus protests, seeks explanation

HC questions DU's blanket ban on campus protests, seeks explanation

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Delhi High Court has questioned the blanket ban on protests and demonstrations on the Delhi University campus, seeking justification from the university and Delhi Police. The court acknowledged the need for balance but emphasized that a complete prohibition is likely untenable.

Goa Woman Accused of Concealing Portuguese Nationality to Enrol as Voter

Goa Woman Accused of Concealing Portuguese Nationality to Enrol as Voter

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

A woman in Goa has been booked for allegedly concealing her Portuguese nationality and fraudulently enrolling in the voter list.

West Indies players stranded in India after T20 World Cup leave on commercial flights

West Indies players stranded in India after T20 World Cup leave on commercial flights

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

West Indies players are leaving India on commercial flights in batches after their departure was delayed due to international airspace closures amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Caribbean side's governing body CWI said on Tuesday.

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The next two to three weeks will not be decided in Washington.' 'They will be decided in Tehran, in whatever calculation Iran makes about the costs of continued resistance against the costs of appearing to have yielded.'

ICC postpones Doha meeting amid Middle East unrest

ICC postpones Doha meeting amid Middle East unrest

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has postponed its three-day meeting scheduled for March 25-27 in Doha, Qatar, due to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The meeting has been rescheduled for next month at a location within the same continent.

Refreshed Buttler ready to bounce back in IPL after T20 WC struggles

Refreshed Buttler ready to bounce back in IPL after T20 WC struggles

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Jos Buttler, who travels to India this week to join Gujarat Titans ahead of the new Indian Premier League season, which begins on March 28, hopes to return to the England side despite a poor T20 World Cup, backing the team's leadership and targeting the India series.

'They can do it between overs, but not during the over'

'They can do it between overs, but not during the over'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the practice of encouraging spectators to chant Jasprit Bumrah's name while he is bowling, particularly during crucial matches like the ICC T20 World Cup semifinal.

Dhoni-Sakshi, Gavaskar-Marshneil Light Up Arjun Tendulkar-Saaniya Chandhok's Grand Wedding

Dhoni-Sakshi, Gavaskar-Marshneil Light Up Arjun Tendulkar-Saaniya Chandhok's Grand Wedding

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The wedding ceremony of Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandok on Thursday turned into one of the biggest celebrity gatherings in Mumbai, drawing a galaxy of stars from across the cricketing world and Bollywood.

NCP (SP) Leader Calls for Withdrawal of 'Misguided' Transgender Bill

NCP (SP) Leader Calls for Withdrawal of 'Misguided' Transgender Bill

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

NCP (SP) leader Anish Gawande has urged the government to withdraw the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026, arguing that it undermines the right to self-determination of gender identity and was drafted without adequate consultation.

Poultry farmer Ravindra Metkar invited by Oxford to share his rags to riches story

Poultry farmer Ravindra Metkar invited by Oxford to share his rags to riches story

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Ravindra Metkar, a farmer from Maharashtra who built a successful poultry business from humble beginnings, has been invited to speak at the University of Oxford's Global Research Conference.

Iran lists three conditions to end war

Iran lists three conditions to end war

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Iran on Thursday spelled out three conditions to end the war with Israel and the United States, which entered its thirteenth day today. Taking to X, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said he reaffirmed the country's commitment to peace during talks with leaders of Russia and Pakistan.

Fitch warns costlier oil could lift inflation, slow India's growth in H1FY27

Fitch warns costlier oil could lift inflation, slow India's growth in H1FY27

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Fitch Ratings on Friday said persistently higher oil prices could cause India's retail inflation to rise faster than the expected gradual pace, and lead to a slowdown in economic growth in the first half of financial year 2026-27 (FY27).

Bangladesh Cricket Board Election Probe: Sports Minister To Consult ICC

Bangladesh Cricket Board Election Probe: Sports Minister To Consult ICC

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Bangladesh's Sports Minister Aminul Haque plans to consult with the ICC regarding alleged irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board elections and will appoint a committee to investigate the country's failure to participate in the T20 World Cup.

Middle East conflict: ICC's finance committee discussions to be held virtually

Middle East conflict: ICC's finance committee discussions to be held virtually

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cancelled its Board and committee meetings due to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday.

Putin intervenes as crisis in West Asia escalates

Putin intervenes as crisis in West Asia escalates

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin is actively working to de-escalate the escalating crisis in the Gulf, engaging with regional leaders following Iran's retaliatory strikes on US facilities after joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'The White House lunch that Trump hosted for Munir last year came just after Munir returned from a visit to Iran, at a moment when Israel and Iran were at war.' 'Trump said after that lunch that the Pakistanis know Iran very well. He likely views Munir as a useful interlocutor that can give helpful insights on Iran.'

Pirated NCERT Textbook Syndicate Busted in Delhi, Arrest Made

Pirated NCERT Textbook Syndicate Busted in Delhi, Arrest Made

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a Delhi University graduate and seized over 5,000 pirated NCERT textbooks from a godown in outer Delhi, dismantling a syndicate involved in the distribution of counterfeit educational material.

Wankhede Stadium to Honour Ravi Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji

Wankhede Stadium to Honour Ravi Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will honour cricket legends Ravi Shastri, Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji by naming a stand and gates after them.

NCERT row: IIT-Gandhinagar reviews association with Prof Danino

NCERT row: IIT-Gandhinagar reviews association with Prof Danino

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

IIT-Gandhinagar is reviewing Michel Danino's position as guest professor after the Supreme Court directed institutions to disassociate from him due to a controversy over a chapter on judicial corruption in a withdrawn NCERT textbook.

Maharashtra cancels bike taxi licences for Uber, Ola, Rapido

Maharashtra cancels bike taxi licences for Uber, Ola, Rapido

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has revoked provisional licences issued to motorbike aggregators like Rapido, Ola, and Uber due to non-compliance with the Maharashtra E-bike Taxi Rules 2024, including the mandatory use of electric vehicles and submission of required documents.

Iran's new Supreme Leader injured in airstrikes?

Iran's new Supreme Leader injured in airstrikes?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of the Iranian President, has confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is 'safe and sound'. This comes after certain reports claimed that he had been injured during the ongoing strikes by the United States and Israel, according to Al Jazeera.

How a Teenager Uncovered a Fake Sports Body Scamming Athletes

How a Teenager Uncovered a Fake Sports Body Scamming Athletes

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A 16-year-old Taekwondo player uncovered a fraudulent sports body, the 'Youth Khelo India Federation (YKIF),' which falsely claimed government affiliation and scammed athletes, prompting the Sports Ministry to file an FIR.

NCERT apologises for chapter on judiciary after SC rap

NCERT apologises for chapter on judiciary after SC rap

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The NCERT has apologised for 'inappropriate content' in a Class 8 textbook chapter discussing judicial corruption, following Supreme Court criticism. The textbook will be rewritten, and its circulation has been put on hold.

Nishant Kumar joins JD-U: What it means for Bihar politics

Nishant Kumar joins JD-U: What it means for Bihar politics

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has joined the Janata Dal (United) and committed to strengthening the party's organisation. His entry into politics sparks speculation about a future role in the state government.

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The call came before Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

Iran carried out drone attack on water desalination plant: Baharain

Iran carried out drone attack on water desalination plant: Baharain

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

The ministry of interior of Bahrain on Sunday claimed that Iran attacked civilian targets in a water desalination plant after a drone attack.

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday signalled the US intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

Netanyahu debunks death rumours with 'punch card' video

Netanyahu debunks death rumours with 'punch card' video

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to continue targeting Iranian leaders, claiming recent successes in eliminating key figures. He asserted that Israel, with US support, aims to undermine the Iranian regime and empower the Iranian people.

LIC drove 18% rise in life insurers' NBP in Feb

LIC drove 18% rise in life insurers' NBP in Feb

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

New business premium of life insurance companies grew 18 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 35,417 crore in February, driven by robust growth at the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) due to a favourable base.