News for 'Foreign Office'

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

How US State Department Is Leveraging UFC For Global Diplomacy

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has strongly protested to the United States after three merchant ships with Indian crew members were attacked by the American military off the coast of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals.

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed striking the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. This incident marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the region this week, with three Indian seafarers previously losing their lives in an attack on the MT Settebello.

Governor Review: Oversimple Take On India's Monetary Muddle

Governor Review: Oversimple Take On India's Monetary Muddle

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Governor: Simplistic narrative, questionable historical accuracy, underwhelming production quality, notes Sukanya Verma.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Rally on US-Iran Peace Deal

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Rally on US-Iran Peace Deal

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged significantly in early trade, tracking a global rally fueled by US President Donald Trump's declaration of an end to the war with Iran and a subsequent drop in crude oil prices.

Pak steps up US-Iran peace push with third ministerial visit to Tehran

Pak steps up US-Iran peace push with third ministerial visit to Tehran

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for the third time recently to mediate peace amidst rising tensions between the US and Iran. Pakistan is actively leading diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, which has impacted global energy markets and trade.

Gauhati High Court Gives Woman Citizenship Relief

Gauhati High Court Gives Woman Citizenship Relief

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The high court granted the petitioner one opportunity to establish her claim to Indian citizenship.

US navy hits sanctioned tanker off Oman, all 24 Indians safe

US navy hits sanctioned tanker off Oman, all 24 Indians safe

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

An oil tanker carrying 24 Indian seafarers reported a fire off the coast of Oman, with all crew members confirmed safe. The incident occurred amidst renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran, who exchanged attacks on petrochemical facilities.

Blocked roof exit, cooking heaters: Probe reveals more lapses in Delhi hotel fire

Blocked roof exit, cooking heaters: Probe reveals more lapses in Delhi hotel fire

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Delhi Police are investigating a blocked roof exit and the use of cooking heaters in guest rooms as key factors in the recent Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 21 people. Hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj has been arrested, and a Look Out Circular issued against his wife, while the manager remains absconding.

Global Rally Propels Sensex Up 1,695 Points, Nifty Gains 2% on US-Iran Peace Hopes

Global Rally Propels Sensex Up 1,695 Points, Nifty Gains 2% on US-Iran Peace Hopes

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed sharply higher, with the Sensex climbing 1,695.40 points and the Nifty surging nearly 2 per cent, driven by a global market rally and a decline in crude oil prices following US President Donald Trump's declaration that his country has ended the war with Iran.

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Congress on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the US' statements after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks on ships, with party leader Rahul Gandhi saying the "compromised PM" listens "like an obedient servant" and "complies with the orders".

Two More Arrested in Chandigarh BJP Office Blast Case

Two More Arrested in Chandigarh BJP Office Blast Case

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Punjab Police have arrested two more individuals allegedly involved in the recent blast outside the BJP headquarters in Chandigarh, bringing the total number of arrests to seven. The accused are believed to be part of an ISI-backed module taking directions from handlers in Germany and Portugal.

Why Bengal Will Now Hand Over Infiltrators To BSF

Why Bengal Will Now Hand Over Infiltrators To BSF

Rediff.com21 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be handed over to the BSF instead of being produced in courts, following a new rule. Instructions have been issued to the police and RPF to directly transfer detainees to the BSF at the Bangladesh border, with weekly reports submitted to the CMO.

Punjab Police Uncovers Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Operation

Punjab Police Uncovers Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Operation

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Punjab Police have dismantled a cross-border drug smuggling module, arresting four individuals in Ferozepur and seizing a significant quantity of heroin and cash.

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Office has refuted media reports suggesting that its efforts to facilitate peace talks between the US and Iran have stalled, calling the reports baseless and speculative.

Delhi govt mandates WFH, Metro rides for ministers, officials to save fuel

Delhi govt mandates WFH, Metro rides for ministers, officials to save fuel

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Delhi government has announced a series of measures to conserve fuel, including work from home for government offices, increased use of public transport, and reduced fuel quotas for officers.

How Punjab Police Dismantled Drug Trafficking Networks

How Punjab Police Dismantled Drug Trafficking Networks

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Punjab Police has dismantled the financial infrastructure of drug-trafficking networks, freezing assets worth Rs 300 crore linked to alleged drug smugglers.

Trump Is Coming For Immigrant Brothers, Sisters, Aunties, Uncles...

Trump Is Coming For Immigrant Brothers, Sisters, Aunties, Uncles...

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Immigrants' contribution to the US economy is disproportionate to their share of the population, meaning that losing them would shrink the economy even more than losing a random group of Americans, points out Sree Sreenivasan.

ED Conducts Fresh Searches In Ex-Cop's Extortion Case

ED Conducts Fresh Searches In Ex-Cop's Extortion Case

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted fresh searches at the Kandi residence of arrested former Kolkata Police officer Santanu Sinha Biswas in connection with the alleged 'Sona Pappu' extortion and land-grab case.

Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier Vs Real Aircraft Carrier

Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier Vs Real Aircraft Carrier

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

While the Andaman and Nicobar islands serve as a vital, stationary asset for projecting power in the Indian Ocean, referring to them as an unsinkable aircraft carrier ignores key military and geopolitical limitations, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Chennai-born architect of Trump's AI policies exits White House

Chennai-born architect of Trump's AI policies exits White House

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The 42-year-old, who has had stints at Microsoft, Facebook and Twitter, made the announcement of leaving his role as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence in a post on X on Saturday.

Pakistan intensifies efforts for US-Iran talks after ceasefire extension

Pakistan intensifies efforts for US-Iran talks after ceasefire extension

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Pakistan has intensified its efforts to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table to end the war in West Asia, following President Trump's extension of the ceasefire. Pakistani officials have engaged with Iranian, Turkish, and British counterparts to promote dialogue and diplomacy for a peaceful resolution.

Indian Techies Face Green Card Uncertainty

Indian Techies Face Green Card Uncertainty

Rediff.com25 May 2026

This could come as a setback to thousands of Indian engineers who have waited for years for their work visas to pave the way for the coveted Green Card.

Illegal migration impact spreads beyond border areas: Govt

Illegal migration impact spreads beyond border areas: Govt

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes to study the impact of illegal immigration and other factors on India's demographic landscape.

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

For India, much is at stake: Crucial energy supplies traversing the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of its 10 million citizens living and working in West Asia -- who send generous remittances home -- and its major trade links with the region.

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.

Three Nigerians Arrested For Social Media Fraud In Gurugram

Three Nigerians Arrested For Social Media Fraud In Gurugram

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Gurugram Police have arrested three Nigerian nationals for allegedly defrauding people through social media platforms by posing as women. The police recovered mobile phones, a laptop, and SIM cards from the accused, who are also charged under the Passport Act and the Foreigners Act.

Gujarat ATS Seizes Rs 1,150 Crore Cocaine Consignment

Gujarat ATS Seizes Rs 1,150 Crore Cocaine Consignment

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Gujarat ATS and Indian Coast Guard seized 115 kg of cocaine worth nearly Rs 1,150 crore from a vessel off Mundra port, arresting three foreign nationals and disrupting an international drug trafficking network.

AI boom reshapes global equity markets, India slips to sixth place

AI boom reshapes global equity markets, India slips to sixth place

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The global artificial intelligence (AI) boom has significantly reshaped equity markets, with Taiwan surpassing India to become the world's fifth-largest stock market. India has seen its market capitalisation decline by 7% year-to-date, while AI-linked economies like Taiwan and South Korea have surged.

Gujarat ATS Seizes Huge Cocaine Haul Off Mundra Port

Gujarat ATS Seizes Huge Cocaine Haul Off Mundra Port

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard seized 115 kg of cocaine valued at nearly Rs 1,150 crore from a vessel off Mundra port and apprehended three foreign nationals.

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified that not all immigrants seeking green cards will be required to return to their home country to make such applications, partially walking back a previous announcement.

Delhi fire: Hotel owner was arrested for helping Bangladeshis get IDs

Delhi fire: Hotel owner was arrested for helping Bangladeshis get IDs

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The owner of the Malviya Nagar hotel, Lavkesh Bajaj, where a recent fire killed 21 people, was previously arrested for allegedly facilitating the illegal stay of Bangladesh nationals by helping them procure fraudulent Indian identity documents. Bajaj is currently in police custody as investigators probe the circumstances of the deadly blaze and search for other individuals linked to the hotel's management.

Pakistan Issues Strong Demarche To Afghanistan Over Terror Attack

Pakistan Issues Strong Demarche To Afghanistan Over Terror Attack

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Pakistan has strongly condemned Afghanistan for allegedly harbouring terrorists responsible for a deadly attack on a police post, issuing a stern warning and demanding action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.

Punjab Police Uncovers Babbar Khalsa International Terror Plot

Punjab Police Uncovers Babbar Khalsa International Terror Plot

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Punjab Police have dismantled a terror module supported by the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), arresting two individuals and seizing hand grenades intended for targeting government institutions.

Setback for peace talks as Iranian FM leaves Pak, Trump cancels envoys' trip

Setback for peace talks as Iranian FM leaves Pak, Trump cancels envoys' trip

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, concluded high-level meetings in Islamabad, delivering an 'official list of demands' to Pakistani leaders for the US and Israel. This comes as President Trump cancelled his envoys' visit to Islamabad amid ongoing efforts to facilitate peace talks between Iran and the US.

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Few leaders since Independence have been able to establish such a direct connection with the electorate or shape the national conversation to the extent that Narendra Modi has done over the past decade, points out former Union minister Dr Karan Singh.

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.

ISI-Backed Module Suspected in Chandigarh BJP Office Blast: Two More Arrested

ISI-Backed Module Suspected in Chandigarh BJP Office Blast: Two More Arrested

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Punjab Police have arrested two more individuals allegedly involved in the recent blast outside the BJP headquarters in Chandigarh, bringing the total arrests to seven. The suspects are believed to be part of an ISI-backed module taking instructions from handlers in Germany and Portugal.

Netanyahu's Alleged UAE Visit Sparks Diplomatic Tension With Iran

Netanyahu's Alleged UAE Visit Sparks Diplomatic Tension With Iran

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iran has warned of consequences for any collusion between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, following reports of a secret meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during Operation Roaring Lion.

Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to deepen ties, Kim receives him at airport

Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to deepen ties, Kim receives him at airport

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Pyongyang for his first official visit in seven years, meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to reaffirm their long-standing friendship and pledge further development of bilateral relations amidst Pyongyang's deepening military ties with Moscow and China's assertions against Japan's 'new militarism'.