News for 'Media Briefing'

China backs Pak, advocates 'fair probe' into Pahalgam attack

China backs Pak, advocates 'fair probe' into Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

China hopes both sides will remain restrained, move toward each other, and work together to de-escalate the situation.

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump on Monday vowed to work towards a 'trusted' partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence in their first phone conversation since the American leader's inauguration last week.

'Not a single jet lost in Op Sindoor': Pak def min rejects IAF claims

'Not a single jet lost in Op Sindoor': Pak def min rejects IAF claims

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has denied claims by the Indian Air Force that it shot down Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor, calling the assertions 'implausible' and 'ill-timed'.

With Trudeau out, India seeks to mend ties with Canada

With Trudeau out, India seeks to mend ties with Canada

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

India on Friday said it hopes to rebuild ties with Canada based on 'mutual trust and sensitivity', blaming the downturn in the relations to the 'licence' that was given to the 'extremist and secessionist elements' in that country.

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.

Remarks on Col Qureshi: SC to hear MP minister's plea on Monday

Remarks on Col Qureshi: SC to hear MP minister's plea on Monday

Rediff.com16 May 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh deferred the hearing on Shah's plea after his counsel and senior advocate Maninder Singh made a request.

India to get F-35s, Javelin, Stryker combat vehicles from US

India to get F-35s, Javelin, Stryker combat vehicles from US

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

India and the United States have announced a groundbreaking 10-year defence partnership, paving the way for increased military cooperation and potential sales of F-35 stealth fighter jets. The agreement aims to bolster both countries' defence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, with plans for joint production of weapons and platforms. The move comes amid China's growing military presence in the region.

India rejects role of US tariff threat behind Pak ceasefire

India rejects role of US tariff threat behind Pak ceasefire

Rediff.com30 May 2025

India on Thursday said the issue of trade did not come up at all in talks between Indian and American leaders during its military clashes with Pakistan, virtually rejecting Washington's repeated claims that its offer of trade stopped the confrontation.

From CM's wife to Col Qureshi: Vijay Shah's trail of foul remarks

From CM's wife to Col Qureshi: Vijay Shah's trail of foul remarks

Rediff.com16 May 2025

For Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah, currently under fire for his comments aimed at Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, this is not the first time he has been embroiled in a controversy.

Did US use Indian airspace for strikes against Iran? PIB clarifies

Did US use Indian airspace for strikes against Iran? PIB clarifies

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

The US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday, with President Donald Trump warning of additional strikes if Iran retaliates.

Both armies implementing border pact effectively: China

Both armies implementing border pact effectively: China

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The Chinese Defence Ministry has stated that the Indian and Chinese militaries are implementing the resolutions to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh in a "compressive and effective manner." This follows the disengagement process completed late last year after a pact for troop withdrawal from Depsang and Demchok, the last two friction points in eastern Ladakh. The disengagement has paved the way for the resumption of various dialogue mechanisms between the two countries, with the aim of normalizing bilateral relations.

Pak sought ceasefire after losing 35-40 soldiers: DGMO

Pak sought ceasefire after losing 35-40 soldiers: DGMO

Rediff.com11 May 2025

India on Sunday said it inflicted tremendous losses to the Pakistan military, including downing its fighter jets featuring latest technologies and damaging key military installations close to even capital Islamabad, during the three-day confrontation between the two sides.

Covid-19: China refutes claims of 'gain-of-function' research at Wuhan lab

Covid-19: China refutes claims of 'gain-of-function' research at Wuhan lab

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

China has firmly denied that its Wuhan Institute of Virology conducted gain-of-function studies on coronavirus, rejecting allegations that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded such research at the lab. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, emphasized that the lab has never engaged in gain-of-function research, designed, made, or leaked COVID-19. China has also reiterated its stance on the origins-tracing of COVID-19, stating that the pandemic was "extremely unlikely" to have originated from a lab leak, as concluded by the WHO-China joint mission.

Trump dispels health rumours, hits golf course

Trump dispels health rumours, hits golf course

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

President Donald Trump spent part of Saturday on the golf course, dispelling speculation that health concerns had kept him away from public view for the past few days.

Expelled from RJD, Tej Pratap to contest Bihar polls as independent

Expelled from RJD, Tej Pratap to contest Bihar polls as independent

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

Tej Pratap was expelled a day after he reportedly confessed on social media to being "in a relationship" with a woman named Anushka.

Molestation Accused Nabbed After Gunfight

Molestation Accused Nabbed After Gunfight

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

A disturbing incident of molestation was captured on CCTV in Moradabad on August 3, showing a man engaging in indecent behaviour with a burqa-clad woman in broad daylight. The footage quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage and demands for immediate action.

Take strong action: India to UK on 'Emergency' protests

Take strong action: India to UK on 'Emergency' protests

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

There were reports that the screening of the movie was disrupted in North-West London, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines and Manchester.

A 'home coming' in Tsitsipas' team after Ivanisevic split

A 'home coming' in Tsitsipas' team after Ivanisevic split

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'We've been through every chapter of this journey together, and this next one feels right.'

Around 500 cops deployed for TVK chief Vijay's Karur rally: Police

Around 500 cops deployed for TVK chief Vijay's Karur rally: Police

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Referring to the findings of the preliminary investigation, he denied the claims of a section that there was a stone pelting during the rally.

Sheikh Hasina's Awami League officially banned in B'desh

Sheikh Hasina's Awami League officially banned in B'desh

Rediff.com13 May 2025

The Awami League leaders were charged with committing crimes against humanity over the deaths of hundreds of people during last year's anti-government protests by a student platform. The protests resulted in the ouster of Hasina's 16-year-long regime on August 5.

Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India in special flight on Thursday

Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India in special flight on Thursday

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A multi-agency team has gone to the US and all paperwork and legal issues are being completed with US authorities to bring him to India, they said.

Trump introduces 'Gold Card' for permanent US residency

Trump introduces 'Gold Card' for permanent US residency

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has launched a premium immigration programme targeting wealthy individuals worldwide, offering permanent residency in the United States through expensive 'Gold Cards' that could generate billions in revenue for the American Treasury.

Has India achieved Op Sindoor objectives? IAF says...

Has India achieved Op Sindoor objectives? IAF says...

Rediff.com12 May 2025

The Director General of Air Operations said "whatever methods and whatever means we have chosen, it had the desired effects on the enemy targets",

Trump imposed sanctions on India to bring...: White House

Trump imposed sanctions on India to bring...: White House

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday once again claimed that United States President Donald Trump has ended the military conflict between India and Pakistan.

India responds to Pak claim of destroying India's S-400

India responds to Pak claim of destroying India's S-400

Rediff.com10 May 2025

The Indian and Pakistani militaries targeted each other's installations using missiles in the last over 12 hours, further escalating the already tense conflict situation.

India reiterates non-interference in Dalai Lama succession plan

India reiterates non-interference in Dalai Lama succession plan

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

India has stated its neutral stance on religious matters following the Dalai Lama's announcement of his succession plan, which China has rejected. The statement comes as the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, with China urging India to exercise caution on Tibet-related issues.

'Government Can't Use Me As A Football'

'Government Can't Use Me As A Football'

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'...by saying since you have come say everything against your party.'

Committing crimes in US could lead to visa cancellation

Committing crimes in US could lead to visa cancellation

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

Committing assault, theft or burglary in the United States won't just cause legal issues but could also lead to a visa being revoked and make that person "ineligible" for future US visas, the country's embassy in India has said.

Dhaka's certain measures....: India on ending transshipment pact with B'desh

Dhaka's certain measures....: India on ending transshipment pact with B'desh

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India has withdrawn the transhipment facility it extended to Bangladesh for exports to third countries, citing congestion at ports and airports. The decision comes after Bangladesh's interim government halted yarn imports from India and closed three land ports. The move has raised concerns about a downturn in India-Bangladesh relations following political instability and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Ashoka Univeristy associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested for his social media post on Operation Sindoor, police said in Sonipat on Sunday.

Govt misled nation, says Kharge after CDS' interview

Govt misled nation, says Kharge after CDS' interview

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday accused the government of misleading the nation on the India-Pakistan conflict and demanded holding a special session of Parliament immediately, following Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan's acknowledgement of aircraft loss in the hostilities.

5 swept away as heavy overnight rain wreaks havoc in Dehradun

5 swept away as heavy overnight rain wreaks havoc in Dehradun

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Cloudbursts and heavy rains caused widespread destruction in Dehradun and surrounding areas, leaving people stranded and causing damage to infrastructure.

Dehradun flooded, rivers in spate, bridges washed away

Dehradun flooded, rivers in spate, bridges washed away

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Cloudbursts and heavy rains overnight left a trail of destruction in Uttarakhand's capital Dehradun and its neighbouring areas on Tuesday, sweeping away at least five people and leaving more than 500 stranded in different locations.

Will Buy Russian Oil: Sitharaman

Will Buy Russian Oil: Sitharaman

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

New Delhi 'will have to take a call which supply source suits us the best,' the finance minister said, pointing out that crude oil accounts for the bulk of India's foreign exchange spend.

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian students in the US to comply with American laws following the detention of a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University and the self-deportation of another student to Canada. The MEA spokesperson said that the two Indians did not reach out to Indian missions in the US for assistance. Badar Khan Suri, the postdoctoral fellow, was detained on charges of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda." Ranjani Srinivasan, a student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada after her visa was revoked for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and involvement in activities supporting Hamas. The MEA spokesperson also said that India is keen to bolster educational ties with the US.

Yet to firm up modalities on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA

Yet to firm up modalities on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that India and China have reached an understanding to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025. While an understanding has been reached, the modalities of the pilgrimage are yet to be firmed up. The Yatra has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and non-renewal of Yatra arrangements by the Chinese side.

PMK founder Ramadoss takes back reins ahead of TN polls next year

PMK founder Ramadoss takes back reins ahead of TN polls next year

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder Dr S Ramadoss has announced taking up the complete reins of the party, relegating his president son Anbumani to the role of working president. The move, announced ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Chennai, comes in anticipation of the 2026 Assembly election.

Misri blasts Pak for blaming India for attacks on places of worship

Misri blasts Pak for blaming India for attacks on places of worship

Rediff.com9 May 2025

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's recent drone attacks on Indian cities and civilian infrastructure, calling it a "deranged fantasy" and a desperate attempt to deceive the world. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also accused Pakistan of attacking religious sites, including a gurdwara in Amritsar, in an attempt to give a communal color to the situation. Misri criticized Pakistan's "blatantly farcical denial" of the attacks and said the country is resorting to disinformation tactics.

Pakistan's ISI team in Bangladesh, India 'keeps a close watch'

Pakistan's ISI team in Bangladesh, India 'keeps a close watch'

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The visit to Dhaka by the Pakistani military officials came after a delegation of Bangladeshi military officials toured Pakistan and held meetings with the three service chiefs.

Be responsible!: SC raps MP minister over Col Sofiya slur

Be responsible!: SC raps MP minister over Col Sofiya slur

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Every word uttered by a minister has to be with a sense of responsibility at a time the country is undergoing "such a situation", the Supreme Court said on Thursday as it reprimanded Madhya Pradesh's Vijay Shah who is facing an FIR for his remarks targeting Col Sofiya Qureshi.