News for 'General Council'

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Karex, the Malaysian company that makes roughly one in five of the world's condoms -- about five billion a year, supplying Durex and Trojan among others -- announced this week that it is raising prices by up to 30 percent. The reason is the Strait of Hormuz.

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Afghanistan's anti-doping programme has collapsed since the Taliban's return to power, with no tests conducted for three years and the country's exiled anti-doping chief admitting there is currently 'no hope'. The programme faces numerous challenges, including a lack of Doping Control Officers, logistical issues, and political instability.

Rajasthan Police Exposes Medical Certificate Forgery Ring, Arrests 18

Rajasthan Police Exposes Medical Certificate Forgery Ring, Arrests 18

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Rajasthan Police have dismantled a criminal network involved in the creation and distribution of fraudulent Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) certificates, leading to the arrest of 18 individuals, including a former registrar of the state medical council.

HC dismisses plea against AIADMK general council meet

HC dismisses plea against AIADMK general council meet

Rediff.com11 Sep 2017

The court dismissed the plea filed by P Vetrivel, MLA, a supporter of sidelined AIADMK leader T T V Dinakaran, and imposed a cost of Rs one lakh on him for "wasting the time of the court".

Projectile hits near Iran's Bushehr nuclear facility; 1 killed

Projectile hits near Iran's Bushehr nuclear facility; 1 killed

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

A projectile struck near Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, resulting in one security personnel casualty and damage to an auxiliary building. The incident has raised concerns about nuclear safety and potential regional consequences, drawing criticism from Iranian officials and prompting calls for restraint from the IAEA.

Volleyball Players Quit National Camp Over Coaching and Facility Concerns

Volleyball Players Quit National Camp Over Coaching and Facility Concerns

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Two senior Indian volleyball players have quit the national camp in Ahmedabad, citing concerns over incompetent coaches, poor facilities, and politics within the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI).

Seven Detained Following Election Violence in Assam

Seven Detained Following Election Violence in Assam

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Police in Assam have detained seven people in connection with election-related violence in Tamulpur and Sivasagar. Minor clashes also erupted at several polling booths, resulting in minor injuries. Authorities are investigating the incidents and monitoring the situation to ensure uninterrupted polling.

Attacks on commercial, civilian ships unacceptable: India

Attacks on commercial, civilian ships unacceptable: India

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Addressing the 36th extraordinary session of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) held on Thursday in London, the Indian envoy said, "India remains deeply concerned about the evolving situation and continues to call for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy, with utmost restraint and priority being given to the safety of civilians."

How Research and Applied Sciences Can Drive India's Sustainability Goals

How Research and Applied Sciences Can Drive India's Sustainability Goals

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

CSIR Director General N Kalaiselvi emphasised the importance of research and applied sciences in developing sustainable solutions for India's energy security and environmental challenges at an international conference on Sustainability Through Fundamental and Applied Sciences (STFAS), 2026.

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.

Trump hails Iran ceasefire, says US will 'hang around'

Trump hails Iran ceasefire, says US will 'hang around'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Trump added that the United States would assist in managing the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz.

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

One of the most uncivilised characteristics of this war has been the total disregard for international law and the laws of armed conflict, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

India's pharma exports cross $28 bn till Feb, grow over 5%

India's pharma exports cross $28 bn till Feb, grow over 5%

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

India's pharmaceutical exports have shown robust growth, reaching over USD 28 billion, despite global economic challenges. The sector is projected to reach USD 130 billion by 2030.

India's Defence Sector Set for 'Super Cycle' Driven by Geopolitics, Indigenous Push

India's Defence Sector Set for 'Super Cycle' Driven by Geopolitics, Indigenous Push

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India's defence sector is on the cusp of a 'super cycle' of growth, driven by escalating geopolitical conflicts and a strong policy push towards indigenous manufacturing, with major players like BEL, HAL, and BDL poised for significant order inflows and technological advancements.

Israel backs Iran ceasefire, refuses to halt ops against Hezbollah

Israel backs Iran ceasefire, refuses to halt ops against Hezbollah

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Israel will continue its offensive in South Lebanon aimed at neutralising the threat from Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

Vishwaguru stands exposed: Cong mocks Modi over Pak-brokered Iran truce

Vishwaguru stands exposed: Cong mocks Modi over Pak-brokered Iran truce

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts following the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, facilitated in part by Pakistan. The party claims this development undermines Modi's strategy and exposes his perceived failures in foreign policy.

Shehbaz Sharif invites US and Iran to Pakistan for ceasefire negotiations

Shehbaz Sharif invites US and Iran to Pakistan for ceasefire negotiations

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran and invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad for peace negotiations.

Iran names new security chief to replace Ali Larijani

Iran names new security chief to replace Ali Larijani

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Zolqadr's appointment comes through a presidential decree, endorsed by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

NCERT row: Experts knock on SC door, say judiciary chapter collective work

NCERT row: Experts knock on SC door, say judiciary chapter collective work

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Three academics involved in drafting a controversial NCERT textbook chapter on corruption in the judiciary have approached the Supreme Court to defend their work, stating it was a collective effort and not the view of any single individual.

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The deployment could include infantry and armoured units, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division, which is already stationed in the region.

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.

Unrest in Meghalaya: Convoy of BSF DIG attacked

Unrest in Meghalaya: Convoy of BSF DIG attacked

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A Border Security Force (BSF) convoy, including a vehicle carrying a DIG, was attacked in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, resulting in injuries and the burning of a vehicle. The incident occurred amidst ongoing unrest and clashes related to local elections, leading to the suspension of internet services and imposition of curfews.

China, Bhutan discuss boundary alignment, focus on undisputed areas

China, Bhutan discuss boundary alignment, focus on undisputed areas

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

China and Bhutan held the 15th Expert Group Meeting to discuss boundary alignment, focusing on areas where there are no disputes, and agreed to maintain the momentum of negotiations.

Women Lawyers Face Steep Career Barriers

Women Lawyers Face Steep Career Barriers

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Nearly two-thirds (63.7 per cent) said they had, at some stage, found the profession discouraging.

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has granted provisional recognition to the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) while also raising concerns with the IOA regarding visa delays for athletes and pending dues from private partners.

'Hypocritical': India slams Pak at UN over airstrikes on Afghanistan during Ramzan

'Hypocritical': India slams Pak at UN over airstrikes on Afghanistan during Ramzan

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan, calling them a flagrant violation of international law and hypocritical given the civilian casualties during Ramzan.

Assam Elections: Who Are the Richest Candidates?

Assam Elections: Who Are the Richest Candidates?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Election affidavits in Assam have unveiled significant financial disparities among key candidates, with some declaring extensive assets, multiple bank accounts, and numerous vehicles, while others report more modest holdings.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Iran, US engage in clash of words at UN amid Middle East crisis

Iran, US engage in clash of words at UN amid Middle East crisis

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Tensions escalate at the UN Security Council as the US and Israel defend their military actions against Iran, while Iran condemns the strikes as war crimes, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Iran moves closer to naming Khamenei's successor

Iran moves closer to naming Khamenei's successor

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Quoting assembly of experts member Mirbaqeri, the report stated that while a "majority consensus over Khamenei's successor has been reached," the transition process is not yet fully complete as "some obstacles regarding the process need to be resolved."

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.

LIC drove 18% rise in life insurers' NBP in Feb

LIC drove 18% rise in life insurers' NBP in Feb

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

New business premium of life insurance companies grew 18 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 35,417 crore in February, driven by robust growth at the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) due to a favourable base.

Israel warns Iran's next supreme leader will be targeted

Israel warns Iran's next supreme leader will be targeted

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

This threat comes as the assembly of experts in Iran has reportedly reached a majority consensus regarding the successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the Tehran-based Mehr News Agency (MNA).

Party names Vijay as CM candidate, gives free hand on alliances

Party names Vijay as CM candidate, gives free hand on alliances

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) authorizes actor Vijay to decide on alliances for the upcoming Assembly elections and announces him as their Chief Ministerial candidate.

Is The UN Heading For Bankruptcy?

Is The UN Heading For Bankruptcy?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Every UN secretary-general has flagged the financial situation, but Antonio Guterres has issued the direst warning yet, calling it a 'race to bankruptcy and of imminent financial collapse, points out Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The call came before Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.

WTO general council to meet on Oct 21

WTO general council to meet on Oct 21

Rediff.com16 Oct 2003

The World Trade Organisation will hold its first general council meeting in Geneva on October 21, to chalk out a future course of action after the collapse of trade talks in Cancun last month.

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday signalled the US intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

Ethiopians Dominate Chandigarh International Marathon

Ethiopians Dominate Chandigarh International Marathon

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Ethiopia's Olbana Negasa Yadate and Meskerem Tesfaye Fikadu won the full marathon at the Chandigarh International Marathon, while other athletes triumphed in half marathon and 10k races.