News for 'Foreign Office'

Won't be deterred by nuclear threat, says Army's western commander

Won't be deterred by nuclear threat, says Army's western commander

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Western Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar reports a sustained decline in militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the army's readiness to respond to any misadventures by Pakistan and its support for terrorist activities.

In Hampi: Hanuman Lives Through Ramu

In Hampi: Hanuman Lives Through Ramu

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

He was enacting and telling stories of none other than Lord Hanuman, the figure, to date, that rules the hearts of the people of Kishkinda or present-day Hampi in the Vijayanagar district of Karnataka.

Trump yet to decide as US mulls weekend strike on Iran

Trump yet to decide as US mulls weekend strike on Iran

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that progress has been made in the Geneva talks with Iranian authorities, but the two nations stand 'far apart' on certain issues.

London Court Denies Bail to Nirav Modi in PNB Fraud Case

London Court Denies Bail to Nirav Modi in PNB Fraud Case

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The High Court of Justice in London has rejected a fresh bail petition filed by diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is wanted in India in connection with the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

India Opens Doors To Foreign Banks, But...

India Opens Doors To Foreign Banks, But...

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

But selectively, with regulatory scrutiny and special approval, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Youth Cong AI protest ignites nationwide BJP-Congress street clashes

Youth Cong AI protest ignites nationwide BJP-Congress street clashes

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry and Prakasam in Andhra Pradesh also witnessed a tense atmosphere amid confrontation between the party workers.

Chinese military urged to boost English skills for global role

Chinese military urged to boost English skills for global role

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Chinese military is planning to revamp its English-language instruction in its academies to improve graduates' communication skills on the international stage, according to an article by senior lecturers from the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to strengthen the rule of law and ensure the country is a safe land for people of all faiths, while also addressing corruption and improving law and order.

How The Taxman Plans To Close Cases Faster

How The Taxman Plans To Close Cases Faster

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Building on last year's clearance of 172K cases, I-T department is pushing for faster appeal disposals, penalty reforms and system-driven processes to curb litigation and boost tax certainty.

Pakistan backs Chinese claim of mediation during Operation Sindoor

Pakistan backs Chinese claim of mediation during Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Pakistan has backed China's claim that Beijing played a role in defusing tension with India during Operation Sindoor, calling it 'diplomacy for peace' that was part of international efforts.

How investors will benefit if banks start lending to Reits

How investors will benefit if banks start lending to Reits

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday proposed to allow banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) with certain prudential safeguards to deepen the financing pool for the real estate sector.

Pan-India LeT module busted, 7 Bangladeshis among 8 held

Pan-India LeT module busted, 7 Bangladeshis among 8 held

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

In a major counter-terror operation spanning three states, the Delhi Police has dismantled a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module comprising eight operatives, including seven Bangladeshi nationals who had illegally entered India and procured forged identity documents, an official said on Sunday.

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

An Indian couple from Gujarat was dramatically rescued from kidnappers in Azerbaijan after intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs.

India seizes 3 Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers

India seizes 3 Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

India has seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran and increased surveillance in its maritime zone to curb illicit trade.

Bowed our head, lost self-respect: Pakistan PM on loans

Bowed our head, lost self-respect: Pakistan PM on loans

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Seeking foreign loan had forced Pakistan to 'bow' its head and make compromises at the 'cost of self-respect', Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said in a candid admission about the humiliation involved in approaching 'friendly countries' for financial aid.

Terror plot foiled in Punjab, six BKI operatives held; arms, ammo seized

Terror plot foiled in Punjab, six BKI operatives held; arms, ammo seized

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Punjab Police announced the busting of two terror modules ahead of Republic Day, resulting in the arrest of six operatives and the seizure of arms and ammunition.

What Budget 2026 Means For Taxpayers

What Budget 2026 Means For Taxpayers

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Budget offers a limited-time regularisation window with clear thresholds, defined payments, and immunity from penalty or prosecution.

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The BJP protesters, carrying placards and raising slogans, slammed the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, calling them "traitors" for allegedly tarnishing the nation's image.

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

This Budget positions India's taxation ideology as not merely a revenue source but as a strategic catalyst for growth, inclusion and long-term confidence.

India-US trade deal brings glimmer of hope for beleaguered IT services players

India-US trade deal brings glimmer of hope for beleaguered IT services players

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

The India-US trade deal has offered a much-needed breather for the Indian information technology (IT) industry, which has been grappling with global macroeconomic uncertainty and subdued client spending over the past few years.

Realty to get indirect push from Budget proposals

Realty to get indirect push from Budget proposals

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The government's Budget announcements providing tax holiday for data centres, setting up of city economic regions (CERs) and funding to improve infrastructure in Tier-II and -III cities may give an indirect boost to India's realty sector, said industry executives.

PLA Top Brass In Turmoil After Zhang Youxia's Dismissal

PLA Top Brass In Turmoil After Zhang Youxia's Dismissal

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'As the PLA higher command is almost dismantled and instability spreads, India needs to be prepared for any eventuality,' cautions China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.

Maduro illegitimate, we won't mourn end of his regime: UK

Maduro illegitimate, we won't mourn end of his regime: UK

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

The UK has called for a safe and peaceful transition of power in Venezuela following a US operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated support for international law and said the UK government will discuss the situation with US counterparts.

Accused in gangster Goldy Brar's cousin's murder shot dead

Accused in gangster Goldy Brar's cousin's murder shot dead

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

An accused in the 2020 murder of gangster Goldy Brar's cousin was fatally shot in Mohali. Police suspect Brar's involvement, citing threats and a social media claim of responsibility.

How India-US Trade Deal Finally Shaped Up

How India-US Trade Deal Finally Shaped Up

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The turning point came with the appointment of Sergio Gor as the US ambassador to India.

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The threat of wars hovers over the negotiations in Oman, but the good part is that Trump called the talks to be 'very good' and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian responded that they 'constitute a step forward', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

B'desh summons Indian envoy over its missions' security

B'desh summons Indian envoy over its missions' security

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry condemned the violence, citing threats to diplomatic personnel and establishments, and urged India to ensure their safety and security.

After US, Israel cuts ties with several UN bodies

After US, Israel cuts ties with several UN bodies

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Following an examination and discussions held in the aftermath of the United States' decision to withdraw from dozens of international organisations, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar, has decided that Jerusalem will immediately sever all contact with several United Nations agencies and international bodies, citing what the government described as persistent bias, politicisation and actions hostile to Israel.

'Viksit Bharat cannot truly become a reality unless...'

'Viksit Bharat cannot truly become a reality unless...'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'The real question is how best to leverage technology to deliver better services, all the way to the last mile, where we still haven't been able to get across the financial literacy that can enable us to unlock the potential of the entire country.'

Mohun Bagan kick-off ISL season with win over Kerala Blasters

Mohun Bagan kick-off ISL season with win over Kerala Blasters

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Kerala Blasters 2-0 in the opening match of the Indian Super League season.

31 killed, 169 hurt in suicide attack at Shia mosque in Islamabad

31 killed, 169 hurt in suicide attack at Shia mosque in Islamabad

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The attack came less than three months after a suicide bomber killed 12 people in a blast outside a district and sessions court building in Islamabad.

Modi-Trump Call: 'Headwind Becomes Tailwind': FM

Modi-Trump Call: 'Headwind Becomes Tailwind': FM

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The finance minister said that consolidation of state-owned banks could proceed at any time without waiting for the recommendations of the proposed high-level committee on banking.

17 cancer drugs to become cheaper as FM announces 'trust-based' customs regime

17 cancer drugs to become cheaper as FM announces 'trust-based' customs regime

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Sitharaman in her budget speech said that the customs proposal "aim to further simplify the tariff structure, support domestic manufacturing, promote export competitiveness, and correct inversion in duty".

Pakistan to join BRICS? Foreign Office replies

Pakistan to join BRICS? Foreign Office replies

Rediff.com26 Aug 2023

"We will examine the latest developments and make a determination about our future engagement with BRICS," Baloch said.

Indo-US deal 'wholesale surrender': Rahul vs govt in LS

Indo-US deal 'wholesale surrender': Rahul vs govt in LS

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Rahul Gandhi said that had an INDIA Bloc government negotiated the trade agreement with the US, it would have told US President Donald Trump that he should treat India as an equal.

Over 3,800 Indians deported from US in 2025, govt tells RS

Over 3,800 Indians deported from US in 2025, govt tells RS

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Indian government informed the Rajya Sabha that over 3,800 Indian nationals were deported from the US in 2025. The government is working with US authorities to ensure humane treatment during deportation operations and is taking action against illegal recruitment agents facilitating illegal immigration.

Equity capital inflow in real estate rises 25% to record $14.25 bn in 2025

Equity capital inflow in real estate rises 25% to record $14.25 bn in 2025

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Indian real estate sector received a record equity capital inflow of Rs 14.25 billion last year, higher by 25 per cent annually, as developers and institutional investors remained bullish on growth potential, according to CBRE.

Manipur gets new CM a year after Biren Singh stepped down

Manipur gets new CM a year after Biren Singh stepped down

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Biren Singh relinquished the post on February 9 last year amid rumblings within the state BJP seeking a change of leadership in strife-torn Manipur.

Revealed: How US ensured Jaishankar's security during shutdown

Revealed: How US ensured Jaishankar's security during shutdown

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The US Department of State highlighted a mission-defining challenge during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit in November amid the US government shutdown, detailing the security measures taken to ensure his protection.

India, EU ink mobility pact for students, professionals

India, EU ink mobility pact for students, professionals

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India and the European Union have finalized a comprehensive mobility pact that will create new opportunities for Indian students and professionals in Europe. The agreement was reached during summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top EU officials.