News for 'Foreign Office'

Was US India's Ally Or Foe In The 1962 War?

Was US India's Ally Or Foe In The 1962 War?

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

What appeared to be a generous act of friendship was, in truth, a manoeuvre within a much larger strategic game. The United States used the 1962 war not just to aid India but to test how far it could be pulled into the Western fold, points out Dr Kumar.

2nd phase of voter revision in 12 states, UTs from Nov-Feb

2nd phase of voter revision in 12 states, UTs from Nov-Feb

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The Election Commission will conduct phase two of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union territories between November and February, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Monday.

Trump meets 'friend' Xi amid trade tension

Trump meets 'friend' Xi amid trade tension

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Trump also praised Chinese President as "a great leader of a great country" and said the two sides had "already agreed to a lot of things."

Not even...: Taliban on Trump's Bagram air base demand

Not even...: Taliban on Trump's Bagram air base demand

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The statement, made during a special interview with Tolo News, came days after the US President said that Washington was trying to regain control of the base, which is currently under the control of the Taliban government after the US and its allied troops withdrew from the country in 2021.

Trump to sign executive orders before meeting Pak PM today

Trump to sign executive orders before meeting Pak PM today

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

United States President Donald Trump is set to engage in high-stakes bilateral meetings on Thursday, including a closed-door session with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the Oval Office, according to Trump's public schedule released by the White House.

MI6 launches dark web portal to recruit spies worldwide

MI6 launches dark web portal to recruit spies worldwide

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

MI6 launches a dark web portal, 'Silent Courier,' to recruit spies globally, targeting Russia and other regions. The initiative aims to enhance UK's intelligence capabilities against growing threats.

Rubio: India-US Ties in 'Extraordinary Transition'

Rubio: India-US Ties in 'Extraordinary Transition'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (local time) hailed India as 'one of the top relationships that the US has in the world today' during the Senate confirmation hearing for Sergio Gor, US President Donald Trump's nominee for US Ambassador to India.

Mamata links man's suicide to NRC terror, blames BJP

Mamata links man's suicide to NRC terror, blames BJP

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A man's alleged suicide in West Bengal, with a note blaming the National Register of Citizens (NRC), has ignited a political firestorm between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with accusations of fear-mongering and political exploitation.

'I Want To Inspire Others And Help Us As A Nation'

'I Want To Inspire Others And Help Us As A Nation'

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

'I'm looking at it as a chance to play international football, to represent India, and to hopefully inspire other players with a similar background to me, to show them that they can come to India and do the same thing.'

'Firm got 5,189 H-1B visas, then sacked 16k Americans': US defends move

'Firm got 5,189 H-1B visas, then sacked 16k Americans': US defends move

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The White House mentioned that American companies are replacing US workers with H-1B workers.

'Friend' Modi Assured Me...: Trump Claims India Will Stop Buying Russian Oil

'Friend' Modi Assured Me...: Trump Claims India Will Stop Buying Russian Oil

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia, describing it as "a big step" in efforts to increase global pressure on Moscow.

Multi-asset allocation funds outshine equity schemes over 3-year period

Multi-asset allocation funds outshine equity schemes over 3-year period

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

Multi-asset allocation funds (MAAFs) have emerged as strong performers among mutual funds (MFs), rivalling medium-term returns from traditional equity categories while maintaining a lower risk profile. Over the past three years, average returns for this segment have surpassed those of flexicap and largecap funds, for both lump sum and systematic investment plan (SIP) investments.

Trump's 5% Rule: How Will It Affect Indian Students?

Trump's 5% Rule: How Will It Affect Indian Students?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Trump's proposed policy limits undergraduates from any one country to 5% at select top US universities, raising concerns for Indian aspirants eyeing elite colleges.

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Rubio voiced "appreciation" for New Delhi's continued engagement on bilateral issues, including trade, defence and energy.

Bihar poll dates soon? Gyanesh Kumar-led team visits Patna

Bihar poll dates soon? Gyanesh Kumar-led team visits Patna

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar arrived in Bihar to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. The visit includes meetings with political parties, police, administrative officials, and state leaders to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. The visit follows the publication of the final electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision, which has sparked controversy among political parties.

Bidding For Rs 10,000 Banknote Crosses Rs 18 Lakh

Bidding For Rs 10,000 Banknote Crosses Rs 18 Lakh

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

Rashtrapati Bhavan has introduced a new initiative, the E-Upahaar auction, to monetise valuable assets for a social cause, in alignment with a broader governmental policy, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of auctioning gifts received by dignitaries to fund welfare programmes.

Uneasy calm in Leh amid heavy police deployment; 50 detained

Uneasy calm in Leh amid heavy police deployment; 50 detained

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

An uneasy calm prevails in Ladakh as authorities enforce a curfew following clashes between security forces and protesters demanding statehood and constitutional protections. The violence resulted in fatalities and injuries, prompting detentions and political reactions.

Can Private Bankers Transform Public Sector Banks?

Can Private Bankers Transform Public Sector Banks?

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Yes, the entry of private bankers, particularly with global experience will add value to PSBs, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

3 key drivers for the markets this week

3 key drivers for the markets this week

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The decision to hike US H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, trade talks and the GST rate cut will be the key drivers for stock market movement this week, analysts said.

Urgent Need For Data Sovereignty

Urgent Need For Data Sovereignty

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

'When global politics has some intervention on the core software one uses, and if you are cut off from your own data in critical workflows, sovereignty is no longer optional. It becomes a necessity.'

US sanctions on Russian oil firms to hit Reliance

US sanctions on Russian oil firms to hit Reliance

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

US sanctions against two of Russia's largest oil companies are expected to impact Reliance Industries' crude imports from Russia, while state-run refiners may continue purchases through intermediary traders for now.

Trump admin faces lawsuit over H-1B visa fee hike

Trump admin faces lawsuit over H-1B visa fee hike

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, arguing it harms American innovation and competitiveness.

Hilton Hotel set on fire in Nepal, security chiefs call for peace

Hilton Hotel set on fire in Nepal, security chiefs call for peace

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The Nepali Army and heads of security agencies have jointly appealed for restraint and dialogue as protests escalate following the Prime Minister's resignation. Demonstrations have turned violent, with protesters targeting government buildings, political figures' homes, and private property.

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka over border tensions, accusing India of violating a bilateral agreement by constructing fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangla border. The development comes after Bangladesh officials alleged that India had halted construction of barbed wire fencing due to strong opposition from the Border Guard Bangladesh and local residents.

Kashmir's Unmarked Graves: The Stunning Truth!

Kashmir's Unmarked Graves: The Stunning Truth!

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

As many as 2,493 graves were identified as belonging to foreign terrorists who were killed in counter-insurgency operations.
These individuals often lacked identification to conceal their networks and maintain Pakistan's plausible deniability.

Putin, Kim, Erdogan to attend China's V-Day parade

Putin, Kim, Erdogan to attend China's V-Day parade

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Twenty-six foreign leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, will attend China's V-Day commemorations on September 3. Japan has expressed concerns about the event's anti-Japanese overtones.

Has ex-CEC Rajiv Kumar left India?

Has ex-CEC Rajiv Kumar left India?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections were held under Kumar's supervision. He demitted office in February this year.

Seven linked to Zubeen Garg's final hours ignore CID summons: Himanta

Seven linked to Zubeen Garg's final hours ignore CID summons: Himanta

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says most of those present with singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore during his death have yet to respond to CID summons, and addresses related political accusations.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao fined Rs 102 cr in gold smuggling case

Kannada actress Ranya Rao fined Rs 102 cr in gold smuggling case

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has imposed a hefty fine on Kannada film actress Ranya Rao and others in connection with a gold smuggling case. The actress was caught with 14.8 kg of gold at Bengaluru airport.

Trump loyalist confirmed as US envoy to India

Trump loyalist confirmed as US envoy to India

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Gor, 38, was among 107 nominees confirmed by the Senate in a single en bloc vote on Tuesday, with 51 senators voting in favour and 47 against.

Apologise for 1971 atrocities: Bangladesh to Pakistan

Apologise for 1971 atrocities: Bangladesh to Pakistan

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Bangladesh has demanded a public apology and compensation from Pakistan for the 1971 atrocities, raising "historically unresolved issues" during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years. Dhaka also asked Islamabad to pay USD 4.3 billion as its share from the combined assets at the time of East Pakistan's split from West Pakistan in 1971 to form an independent Bangladesh.

Operation Guddar: Kulgam encounter enters 2nd day

Operation Guddar: Kulgam encounter enters 2nd day

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Gudar forest area of Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has entered its second day. Two terrorists and two soldiers have been killed in the ongoing gunbattle.

'A Domestic Dispute That Became A National Dispute'

'A Domestic Dispute That Became A National Dispute'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

'I wanted to go for the heart, and at the same time, open the audience's mind.'

Zubeen Garg's manager, festival organiser booked for murder

Zubeen Garg's manager, festival organiser booked for murder

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Assam Police have filed a murder charge against Zubeen Garg's manager and a festival organizer in connection with the singer's death in Singapore. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking cooperation from Singaporean officials.

Russia-China Gas Pact Poses New Challenges For India

Russia-China Gas Pact Poses New Challenges For India

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

India should simultaneously prioritise domestic exploration and production of more oil and gas in the country, and ensure we retain diversified suppliers for imports, points out former foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.

Sushila Karki or Kulman Ghising? Deadlock continues in Nepal over interim govt

Sushila Karki or Kulman Ghising? Deadlock continues in Nepal over interim govt

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

The representatives of youth-led Gen Z, which spearheaded the anti-government protests, held meetings with the top military brass to finalise a transitional government, but the talks hit a roadblock on the issue of who will head it.

Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA, to be shifted to Rajasthan jail

Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA, to be shifted to Rajasthan jail

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested Friday by a police party in Leh, two days after violent protests by supporters of the movement for statehood and extension of Sixth Schedule of Constitution left four persons dead and 90 others injured, officials said.

How To Deal With Tax On ESOPs, HRA, LTCG

How To Deal With Tax On ESOPs, HRA, LTCG

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

Ask rediffGURU and tax expert Mihir Tanna your income tax-related questions.

Iran, Saudi reach out to India, Pak for de-escalation

Iran, Saudi reach out to India, Pak for de-escalation

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Iran reached out to both countries, urging de-escalation. Saudi Arabia also expressed concern, with its foreign minister engaging in phone conversations with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts. Iran's foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, emphasized the importance of bilateral relations, stating Tehran's willingness to "forge greater understanding" at this critical time. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, spoke with both India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Amidst heightened tensions, India has taken a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties. Pakistan responded by shutting its airspace to Indian airliners and suspending all trade. Both countries exchanged warnings, with Pakistan emphasizing its commitment to "respond firmly to any aggression."

Trump Wants To Get Close To Pakistan Because...

Trump Wants To Get Close To Pakistan Because...

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

'Pakistan is an ally who gives the US access.' 'If we have a presence there, it puts us that much closer to China and puts our assets closer to China and Iran.'