News for 'LEADER'

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

During this Ramzan, another religious practice was turned into an offence: Breaking the fast, or iftar.

Iran yet to elect successor to Khamenei as process still underway

Iran yet to elect successor to Khamenei as process still underway

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A senior Iranian official has stated that Iran has not yet elected a successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, following his assassination. The process to elect a new leader is underway, with several candidates being considered.

Union Minister Nadda Criticises TMC's Governance in West Bengal

Union Minister Nadda Criticises TMC's Governance in West Bengal

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Union Minister J P Nadda criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, accusing it of disregarding democratic procedures, the judiciary, and the Election Commission of India. He alleged that the rule of law has been compromised in the state, particularly concerning the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.

Iran footballers return home after asylum U-turn by players

Iran footballers return home after asylum U-turn by players

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Members of Iran women's football team returned home after five players withdrew asylum claims in Australia, ending a tense journey amid safety concerns.

Stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, Pak PM tells MBS in 'restricted meeting'

Stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, Pak PM tells MBS in 'restricted meeting'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to express Pakistan's support for the Kingdom amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, reaffirming their mutual defence pact and commitment to regional stability.

Suresh Gopi Defends Protocol After Kerala CM Boycotts Modi Event

Suresh Gopi Defends Protocol After Kerala CM Boycotts Modi Event

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Union Minister Suresh Gopi addressed the controversy surrounding the Kerala Chief Minister's absence at Prime Minister Modi's event, citing Blue Book protocol and SPG procedures.

Suresh Gopi Defends Protocol After Kerala CM Boycotts Modi Event

Suresh Gopi Defends Protocol After Kerala CM Boycotts Modi Event

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Union Minister Suresh Gopi addressed the controversy surrounding the Kerala Chief Minister's absence at Prime Minister Modi's event, citing Blue Book protocol and SPG procedures.

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

NDA sweeps RS polls as Nitish, Nitin enter Upper House

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The ruling NDA alliance has secured a majority in the Rajya Sabha elections, winning key seats in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana, while other candidates were elected unopposed across multiple states. The elections were marked by cross-voting allegations and political maneuvering.

Fewer phases, delayed counting: Key changes in 5 state election

Fewer phases, delayed counting: Key changes in 5 state election

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The announced election schedule for five assemblies reveals fewer phases, a condensed voting period, longer gaps between polling days, and a delayed counting process compared to previous elections.

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee challenges Amit Shah to resign, questioning his commitment to clean politics, citing Shah's past arrest and criticising the BJP's actions against allegedly corrupt leaders.

Badal Accuses AAP of Deteriorating Punjab Law and Order

Badal Accuses AAP of Deteriorating Punjab Law and Order

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, alleging a decline in law and order and accusing them of using financial schemes to sway voters ahead of elections.

No Iran deal except unconditional surrender: Trump

No Iran deal except unconditional surrender: Trump

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday declared that there would be 'no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender' amid the escalating West Asia conflict, asserting that Tehran must capitulate before any diplomatic negotiations can proceed.

French officer's fitness app leaks aircraft carrier's location

French officer's fitness app leaks aircraft carrier's location

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A French sailor's use of a fitness app has exposed the location of France's aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean, raising serious security concerns amid rising tensions in the West Asia region, a report from a French newspaper said.

Lok Sabha rejects Oppn motion to remove Om Birla as Speaker

Lok Sabha rejects Oppn motion to remove Om Birla as Speaker

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha rejected a resolution seeking the removal of Om Birla as Speaker by a voice vote amidst opposition protests and demands for an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah.

Sahith Theegala in Top 10 at Players Championship

Sahith Theegala in Top 10 at Players Championship

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Indian American golfer Sahith Theegala moves into the top 10 at the Players Championship, while other Indian and Indo-Canadian players also make significant strides.

Daughter's Tears of Joy as Kashmiri Separatist Shabir Shah Gets Bail

Daughter's Tears of Joy as Kashmiri Separatist Shabir Shah Gets Bail

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court granted bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, prompting an emotional response from his daughter, Sehar Shabir Shah, who described it as the end of a long wait for justice.

'Iran has told us that they are going to FIFA World Cup': Asian Football Confederation

'Iran has told us that they are going to FIFA World Cup': Asian Football Confederation

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Asian Football Confederation said on Monday it has not received any notification from Iran that it will withdraw its national football team from the FIFA World Cup.

Thane Hospital Found Running Unauthorised IVF Centre; Probe Ordered

Thane Hospital Found Running Unauthorised IVF Centre; Probe Ordered

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A hospital in Thane, India, has been found operating an unauthorised IVF centre, leading to its closure and a city-wide inspection of all IVF and sonography facilities.

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

According to sources, the Indian Navy warships are on standby to provide assistance or help required by merchant vessels.

Iran footballer Sardar Azmoun kicked off national team for 'disloyalty to government'

Iran footballer Sardar Azmoun kicked off national team for 'disloyalty to government'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran's top football players, has been expelled from the national team for a perceived act of disloyalty to the government, Iranian media has reported.

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Election Commission's move to transfer West Bengal's chief secretary and DGP soon after the announcement of Assembly poll dates triggered a political slugfest.

Illegal Opium Farming Unearthed in Chhattisgarh, Fourth Case in 15 Days

Illegal Opium Farming Unearthed in Chhattisgarh, Fourth Case in 15 Days

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Authorities in Chhattisgarh have uncovered illegal opium cultivation in Raigarh district, marking the fourth such incident in the state within the past 15 days. The discovery has prompted further investigation and heightened scrutiny of potential narcotics cultivation across the region.

India, Pak ties remain at risk for nuclear conflict: US

India, Pak ties remain at risk for nuclear conflict: US

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A new US intelligence report warns that India and Pakistan's relations remain at risk for nuclear conflict, fueled by terrorism and escalating tensions in the region.

Minutes before poll date announcement, Mamata rolls out sops

Minutes before poll date announcement, Mamata rolls out sops

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Political observers said the announcement assumes significance as the state prepares for the assembly elections, with political parties stepping up outreach to various community groups.

'Khamenei's son unacceptable': Trump seeks role in Iran succession

'Khamenei's son unacceptable': Trump seeks role in Iran succession

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

He also criticised the possible succession of the son of the late supreme leader of the Islamic Republic, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is widely viewed as a leading contender for the position.

EC announces assembly poll dates for WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

EC announces assembly poll dates for WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The counting of votes for all 824 seats across four states and one Union Territory will be held on May 4.

Jai Ram Thakur Accuses Himachal Pradesh Government of Corruption, Illegal Tree Felling

Jai Ram Thakur Accuses Himachal Pradesh Government of Corruption, Illegal Tree Felling

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur accuses the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh of corruption and political patronage, citing illegal tree felling and financial irregularities.

Rebellion in CPI: Dalit MLA Mukundan to Contest as Independent After Ticket Denial

Rebellion in CPI: Dalit MLA Mukundan to Contest as Independent After Ticket Denial

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Sitting CPI MLA C C Mukundan from Nattika has declared he will contest as an independent after allegedly being denied a party ticket for the upcoming Assembly elections, citing party infighting and caste-related issues.

Bengaluru FC Defies Mohun Bagan in Tense ISL Draw

Bengaluru FC Defies Mohun Bagan in Tense ISL Draw

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Bengaluru FC held Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a goalless draw in an Indian Super League match, showcasing a strong defensive performance against the league leaders.

'He hugs and winks': Rijiju mocks Rahul, praises Priyanka; Cong MP hits back

'He hugs and winks': Rijiju mocks Rahul, praises Priyanka; Cong MP hits back

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly defended Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against a no-confidence motion, accusing the Congress party of attacking constitutional institutions and undermining parliamentary democracy.

Three Arrested in Delhi for Facilitating 'Digital Arrest' Fraud

Three Arrested in Delhi for Facilitating 'Digital Arrest' Fraud

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have arrested three individuals for their alleged involvement in facilitating a 'digital arrest' fraud racket, which resulted in a Paschim Vihar resident being defrauded of Rs 14.2 lakh.

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Political parties in West Bengal react to the Election Commission's reshuffle of senior administrative and police officials ahead of upcoming elections, with TMC criticising the move and BJP and CPI(M) welcoming it.

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

To be sure, Trump is furious, as the trajectory of the war is in a state of Zugzwang, as chess players call it. Trump and Netanyahu stare at two choices -- retreat in humiliation and concede Tehran's demands -- recognition of its rights, reparations, and binding security guarantees -- or perish in a quagmire, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

14 arrested in Varanasi for Iftar on boat in Ganga

14 arrested in Varanasi for Iftar on boat in Ganga

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Fourteen individuals have been arrested in Varanasi for allegedly defiling a place of worship and hurting religious sentiments after a video surfaced showing them consuming chicken biryani during an Iftar party on a boat in the Ganga river.

Director to Take 'Love Jihad' Claim in Viral Kumbh Girl's Marriage to MP Chief Minister

Director to Take 'Love Jihad' Claim in Viral Kumbh Girl's Marriage to MP Chief Minister

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Film director Sanoj Mishra met the family of Monalisa Bhonsle, the viral Kumbh girl who recently married a Muslim man, alleging 'love jihad' and promising to take the matter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.

Patnaik Accuses Odisha Government of Failing Women

Patnaik Accuses Odisha Government of Failing Women

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

BJD leader Naveen Patnaik has criticised the BJP government in Odisha for its alleged failure to protect women, while the Deputy Chief Minister defends the government's record and accuses Patnaik's previous administration of similar shortcomings.

Ridhima Dilawari, Tvesa Malik, Jasmine Shekar to Compete in Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour Sixth Leg

Ridhima Dilawari, Tvesa Malik, Jasmine Shekar to Compete in Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour Sixth Leg

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Ridhima Dilawari, Tvesa Malik, and Jasmine Shekar, leading winners on the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour, will compete in the sixth leg at Jaypee Wishtown Golf Course, facing strong competition from other contenders and talented amateurs.

Odisha Cong MLAs 'offered' Rs 5 cr ahead of RS poll; 2 arrested

Odisha Cong MLAs 'offered' Rs 5 cr ahead of RS poll; 2 arrested

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Two individuals have been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly attempting to bribe Odisha Congress MLAs, who are staying at a resort, as part of what Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar claims is the BJP's 'Operation Lotus'.

Iran claims world's first hit on US F-35 Lightning 2

Iran claims world's first hit on US F-35 Lightning 2

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

US defence officials confirmed that an F-35 did perform an emergency landing after an Iranian surface-to-air missile (SAM) barrage, with the pilot safe and an investigation underway.

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.