News for 'Defence Department'

Iran's Abbas Araghchi lands in Pak again amid uncertainty over US talks

Iran's Abbas Araghchi lands in Pak again amid uncertainty over US talks

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan for the second time in three days amid uncertainty surrounding potential peace talks with the US. The visit follows discussions in Oman regarding regional security and efforts to resolve the Iran-US conflict.

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.

Pawan Khera moves T'gana HC seeking pre-arrest bail after Delhi search

Pawan Khera moves T'gana HC seeking pre-arrest bail after Delhi search

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A day after the Assam police searched his Delhi residence, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday moved the Telangana high court seeking anticipatory bail in a case filed in Guwahati in connection with his allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife.

BEST Bus Driver's Bail Denied in Deadly Mumbai Accident

BEST Bus Driver's Bail Denied in Deadly Mumbai Accident

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

A Mumbai court has denied bail to a BEST bus driver involved in a fatal accident, citing his lack of training on electric vehicles and negligence.

Delhi bank staff held over cyber fraud targeting retired doctor

Delhi bank staff held over cyber fraud targeting retired doctor

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

A Delhi court has granted transit remand to Telangana Police for two Delhi-based bank employees arrested in connection with a cyber fraud targeting a retired doctor in Hyderabad.

TMC Leader Alleges BJP Conspiracy Against Mamata Banerjee

TMC Leader Alleges BJP Conspiracy Against Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of using central agencies to undermine Mamata Banerjee in the West Bengal elections, alleging a lack of public support for the saffron party.

Iran vows to hit tourist destinations 'beyond' West Asia

Iran vows to hit tourist destinations 'beyond' West Asia

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The threat has raised concerns about possible asymmetric attacks outside the region. Iran has also stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf countries.

Trump's unpredictable Iran policy baffles Americans, allies

Trump's unpredictable Iran policy baffles Americans, allies

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Donald Trump's inconsistent statements and actions regarding the conflict with Iran have drawn criticism and confusion, raising questions about American credibility and the direction of US foreign policy.

Will SKY's form impact his chances for 2028 Olympics?

Will SKY's form impact his chances for 2028 Olympics?

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Suryakumar Yadav's recent batting form has raised questions about his place in India's T20 plans, especially with the 2028 Olympics on the horizon and the emergence of young talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged its citizens to immediately depart from several Middle Eastern countries, citing "serious safety risks."

Iran gave US 'significant prize' linked to Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Iran gave US 'significant prize' linked to Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Former US President Donald Trump claimed victory over Iran, stating they agreed to never have a nuclear weapon and provided a 'significant prize' related to the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested a change in Iranian leadership and acknowledged Pakistan's role in facilitating talks.

Mastermind Arrested In Interstate Robbery Gang Bust

Mastermind Arrested In Interstate Robbery Gang Bust

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Police in Haryana have arrested seven individuals, including the suspected mastermind, in connection with a robbery of gold and cash from a bullion trader's employees. The accused are part of an interstate gang involved in organised robberies across the NCR, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.

Justice Varma withdraws from inquiry for his impeachment

Justice Varma withdraws from inquiry for his impeachment

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma has resigned, effectively halting impeachment proceedings initiated against him by the Lok Sabha following corruption allegations.

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Israel's Defence Minister has issued a stark warning that any leader succeeding Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be considered a target, as reports suggest his son Mojtaba may be next in line.

JD Vance touches down in Pakistan; Munir welcomes him at airport

JD Vance touches down in Pakistan; Munir welcomes him at airport

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

High-level peace talks between the US and Iran, facilitated by Pakistan, aim to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia and potentially reshape regional stability.

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Trump emphasised that diplomatic discussions remain ongoing. At the same time, he issued a stark warning, saying that failure to reach an agreement could trigger military action.

USS Tripoli enters West Asia combat zone with 3,500 marines

USS Tripoli enters West Asia combat zone with 3,500 marines

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The USS Tripoli, carrying around 3,500 US Marines, has entered the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, marking the deployment of one of America's largest amphibious assault ships into an active combat theatre in West Asia amid the ongoing conflict.

US loses aircraft during Iran op, IRGC claims it was shot down

US loses aircraft during Iran op, IRGC claims it was shot down

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Iran's state media cited the spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Iran's military to claim that a United States military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in western Iraq. The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six service members on board had been killed.

Iran threatens to strike US energy infra, IT systems over fuel site attack

Iran threatens to strike US energy infra, IT systems over fuel site attack

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

According to Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the threat was articulated by Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

NIT Rourkela's New System Uses Gait Recognition for Enhanced Security

NIT Rourkela's New System Uses Gait Recognition for Enhanced Security

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela have patented a fully automated system that uses thermal imaging and gait recognition to detect unauthorised access in large buildings, offering a next-generation security solution.

White House dismisses reports of peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'

White House dismisses reports of peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iranian representatives have conveyed to the Trump administration that they are unwilling to resume talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, preferring instead to engage with Vice President J D Vance.

'India needs capital support in aerospace and defence'

'India needs capital support in aerospace and defence'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

'If we want to pivot meaningfully from a services-driven economy to a technology and manufacturing-led one.'

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The US Embassy acknowledged the attack in a post on X, urging Americans to avoid the facility 'until further notice' and announcing that all appointments had been cancelled.

Pakistan Assures Saudi Arabia of Support 'Before It Is Needed' Amid West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Assures Saudi Arabia of Support 'Before It Is Needed' Amid West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A senior Pakistani official has affirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia, even before assistance is explicitly requested, amidst ongoing conflict in West Asia. This pledge underscores the close ties between the two nations and Pakistan's role in regional stability.

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, directing departments to assist Indian nationals affected by recent developments and emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

What Made Colonel Sonam Wangchuk A Legend?

What Made Colonel Sonam Wangchuk A Legend?

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, a decorated Kargil War hero known as the 'Lion of Ladakh' and recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, has passed away. He was celebrated for his gallantry and leadership in securing the Chorbat-La in the Batalik sub-sector during Operation Vijay in 1999.

BJP MLA Lodha ask 5 LPGs for Jain temples amid crisis, sparks row

BJP MLA Lodha ask 5 LPGs for Jain temples amid crisis, sparks row

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha defends his request for LPG cylinders for Jain temples, claiming criticism is part of a larger anti-Hindu narrative.

Iran claims missile attack on govt complex in Tel Aviv

Iran claims missile attack on govt complex in Tel Aviv

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The IRGC also warned residents to evacuate areas near military bases, security centres and government facilities.

Trump, Iran Inch Closer And Closer To A Deal

Trump, Iran Inch Closer And Closer To A Deal

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trump has said he would be present at the signing ceremony in Islamabad. Don't be surprised if the Pakistani hosts make it a grand event in the geopolitics of the region. Trump would love that, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Open Strait of Hormuz or...: Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran

Open Strait of Hormuz or...: Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Donald Trump has warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face military action, escalating tensions amid regional conflict and impacting global oil supplies.

21-hour US-Iran talks fail, ceasefire hangs in balance

21-hour US-Iran talks fail, ceasefire hangs in balance

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Direct talks between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, have failed to produce an agreement after 21 hours of negotiations, with disagreements over Iran's nuclear ambitions and sanctions proving insurmountable.

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.

Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic AI

Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic AI

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

He accused the firm of trying to interfere with how the US military operates and threatened further action if it does not cooperate during a six-month phase-out period.

'Ashaji, Your Music Will Live On Forever'

'Ashaji, Your Music Will Live On Forever'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

'Ashaji was unlike any other, a voice that defined not only one generation but across a span of cinematic universe! I was and have been the massive fan of her voice, her art, her personality...'

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

'India's ties with Israel have to do with defence and general technology.' 'The war changes nothing in what India and Israel hope to get from the relationship.' 'It's not as though India will get significantly more benefits from Iran if India abandons Israel at this time.'

Bengal polls: EC tightens grip with strategic transfers

Bengal polls: EC tightens grip with strategic transfers

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Election Commission has intensified preparations for the West Bengal Assembly elections by reshuffling senior officers and deploying IAS and IPS officers in key poll management roles.

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

As the negotiations continued, the Iranian government said on social media that "talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad entered the expert-level stage as economic, military, legal, and nuclear committees joined in".

All 6 crew members killed after US refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq

All 6 crew members killed after US refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Rescue operations are currently underway, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, the command said.

Mark my words...: Iran FM's warning after US sinks Iranian warship

Mark my words...: Iran FM's warning after US sinks Iranian warship

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Iran threatens retaliation after the United States confirms sinking its warship, IRIS Dena, in international waters, escalating conflict in the region.

IRIS Dena sinking: Navy sends Tarangini, Ikshak to assist Sri Lanka

IRIS Dena sinking: Navy sends Tarangini, Ikshak to assist Sri Lanka

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The vessel sank on March 4, 2026, approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle, after reportedly being struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine.