News for 'Departments of Defence and State'

Iran, Israel trade strikes for 1st time since truce; raising war fears

Iran, Israel trade strikes for 1st time since truce; raising war fears

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Tensions in West Asia have dramatically escalated as Israel launched targeted military operations against Iran, triggering widespread blasts across strategic cities, following earlier Iranian projectile attacks on Israel.

Taxi Driver Gets Two Years For Outraging Woman's Modesty

Taxi Driver Gets Two Years For Outraging Woman's Modesty

Rediff.com11 May 2026

A Mumbai court sentenced a taxi driver to two years in jail for outraging the modesty of a hotel professional by forcibly kissing her hand. The court rejected the defence's argument that it was a routine greeting, stating it occurred outside her official duties.

Naidu Focuses On Quantum Tech For Andhra Pradesh's Future

Naidu Focuses On Quantum Tech For Andhra Pradesh's Future

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day by emphasising the state's growing quantum technologies ecosystem and the importance of secure digital infrastructure.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of senior IAS officer Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ignited a political controversy, drawing criticism from the CPI(M), CPI, and BJP.

Why Pakistan Regrets Missing The FIH Pro League

Why Pakistan Regrets Missing The FIH Pro League

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Pakistan's newly-appointed hockey team head coach, Manzur ul Hassan, believes the nation erred by not participating in the FIH Pro League's inaugural edition in 2019, depriving players of crucial experience against top-tier opponents.

Trump 'seriously considering' strikes against Iran if...: Report

Trump 'seriously considering' strikes against Iran if...: Report

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering launching fresh strikes against Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a peace deal, according to US media outlet Axios. This development comes as diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan and Qatar attempting to broker an agreement.

What To Expect From India's Women's Hockey Team In Australia

What To Expect From India's Women's Hockey Team In Australia

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Salima Tete will lead the Indian women's hockey team in their upcoming tour of Australia, with Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas receiving their first senior team call-ups.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

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.

Now, North, South Blocks to showcase 5,000 years of Indian history

Now, North, South Blocks to showcase 5,000 years of Indian history

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Work has commenced on restoring the North and South Blocks to their original design, paving the way for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum project, with a target completion date for the first phase set for 2028.

Lucknow University Investigates Professor For Misconduct

Lucknow University Investigates Professor For Misconduct

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Lucknow University has formed a disciplinary committee to investigate assistant professor Paramjeet Singh following allegations of misconduct, including inappropriate conversations with a student and leaking examination papers.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

India's FDI Inflows Set to Cross $90 Billion in FY26, Says DPIIT Secretary

India's FDI Inflows Set to Cross $90 Billion in FY26, Says DPIIT Secretary

Rediff.com3 May 2026

India's foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows are projected to surpass $90 billion in 2025-26 (FY26), driven by robust policy reforms, free trade agreements, and strong economic growth, according to DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia.

16th India-EU summit today; trade, security, defence on agenda

16th India-EU summit today; trade, security, defence on agenda

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Over the years, India-EU ties have grown, and covered trade, investment, climate change, science and technology, space, digital, mobility, and connectivity.

Neet Paper Leak: Court Remands Five Accused To Police Custody

Neet Paper Leak: Court Remands Five Accused To Police Custody

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A Delhi court has remanded five individuals to seven-day police custody in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak, citing the involvement of an organised gang.

Former Kerala DGP Named Accused In BJP Protest Case

Former Kerala DGP Named Accused In BJP Protest Case

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Former Kerala DGP R Sreelekha has been named as an accused in a case related to a BJP protest alleging assault on party workers in Vattiyoorkavu. The case stems from a protest led by BJP councillors outside the Vattiyoorkavu police station, where Sreelekha was seen chanting a derogatory slogan against the police.

Amid tariff strain, Jaishankar, Rubio hold talks on trade, defence

Amid tariff strain, Jaishankar, Rubio hold talks on trade, defence

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed cooperation in trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and defence, reaffirming commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Andhra Pradesh aims for Rs 50,000 crore investment in rare earth corridor

Andhra Pradesh aims for Rs 50,000 crore investment in rare earth corridor

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh is spearheading an ambitious initiative to establish a fully integrated beach sand minerals, rare earth, and titanium ecosystem, aiming to attract over 50,000 crore in investments over the next decade. This move is part of India's broader strategy to reduce its reliance on China for strategic minerals and permanent magnets, with the state preparing a comprehensive rare earth policy and planning specialised industrial clusters.

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Following through announcements with enforcement of measures is key, as a run through recent Indian economic history shows, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Frankly, was it really necessary in the middle of a fratricidal war for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to travel to Abu Dhabi for a one-on-one with the sheikh on April 12?Or, for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to follow up on April 26? Or, for PM Narendra Modi to follow through today? There are no easy answers, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India's newly formed Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) is set to advocate for a unified legal framework for AI companies, including developers of large language models and chatbot systems, alongside broader operational rules.

Trump orders US Navy to shoot and kill mine-laying boats in Hormuz

Trump orders US Navy to shoot and kill mine-laying boats in Hormuz

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he has directed the country's Navy to take decisive action against any vessels attempting to lay mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tension over the virtual control of the waterway between Tehran and Washington.

Trump signs order to rebrand Pentagon as 'Department of War'

Trump signs order to rebrand Pentagon as 'Department of War'

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

The Department of War was originally established by President George Washington when he created the Army. The name was later changed in 1949 during President Harry Truman's broader reorganisation of the military.

Haryana Government Greenlights 1,028 Crore for Multi-Departmental Projects

Haryana Government Greenlights 1,028 Crore for Multi-Departmental Projects

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Haryana government has approved expenditure of 1,028 crore for various projects across multiple departments, including police housing, public works, and irrigation, aiming to enhance infrastructure and public services in the state.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

US Army chief ousted amid war in Iran, former Hegseth aide takes charge

US Army chief ousted amid war in Iran, former Hegseth aide takes charge

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The decision marks a significant leadership transition as the administration seeks a commander who 'will implement Donald Trump and Hegseth's vision for the Army'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Republic Day 2026: Op Sindoor, defence prowess displayed at 77th R-Day parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Around 100 artistes heralded the parade, on the theme 'Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity) that featured a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation's unity and rich cultural diversity.

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.