News for 'Ministry'

Middle East conflict: China to send special envoy for mediation

Middle East conflict: China to send special envoy for mediation

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the country believes that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solutions to resolving disputes and that the continued escalation of the conflict serves no one's interests.

Deadly retaliation awaits: Iran on killing of IRIS Dena sailors

Deadly retaliation awaits: Iran on killing of IRIS Dena sailors

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Following the death of Iranian sailors in the Indian Ocean, Iran's navy has threatened 'deadly retaliation,' accusing the US of attacking its warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, escalating tensions in the region.

AAP MP Claims Councillor Assaulted by BJP-Linked Individuals in Delhi

AAP MP Claims Councillor Assaulted by BJP-Linked Individuals in Delhi

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has alleged that a party councillor and a worker were assaulted in west Delhi, claiming the individuals were linked to a BJP MLA. He demanded police action and an FIR registration.

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that the air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted a significant number of aerial threats following a large-scale Iranian attack that commenced on February 28.

UN Emphasises Gender Equality as Key to India's Development Goals

UN Emphasises Gender Equality as Key to India's Development Goals

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

A top UN official has emphasised the critical role of women in India's development, highlighting that gender equality should be viewed as both a human right and a key factor in development effectiveness.

Asian Games 2026: India Prepares Athletes For Unique Container Housing Experience

Asian Games 2026: India Prepares Athletes For Unique Container Housing Experience

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India is preparing its athletes for the unique accommodation arrangements at the upcoming Asian Games, which will feature repurposed shipping containers as housing units.

AAP MP Demands Action After Alleged Assault on Councillor and Worker in West Delhi

AAP MP Demands Action After Alleged Assault on Councillor and Worker in West Delhi

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has alleged that a party councillor and a worker were assaulted in west Delhi and has demanded police action. The BJP has denied involvement, claiming AAP workers created a ruckus and one was injured in a fall.

China announces $200,000 aid after deadly strike on Iran's school

China announces $200,000 aid after deadly strike on Iran's school

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

China has condemned the attack on an elementary school in Iran and pledged USD 200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance.

Delhi Police Crackdown: Woman Detained Under Anti-Drug Trafficking Law

Delhi Police Crackdown: Woman Detained Under Anti-Drug Trafficking Law

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have detained a 41-year-old woman, Sonia, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act for alleged drug trafficking.

Indian killed as oil tanker attacked off Oman coast

Indian killed as oil tanker attacked off Oman coast

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

An Indian national was killed in an attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. The tanker was struck by an explosive-laden unmanned boat, resulting in a fire and explosion.

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

India is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and working to ensure the safety of its citizens stranded in the region. Over 52,000 Indians have returned home following the partial opening of airspace.

Arif Khan calls for better skiing facilities in Gulmarg to boost medal chances

Arif Khan calls for better skiing facilities in Gulmarg to boost medal chances

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Winter Olympian Arif Mohammad Khan is advocating for improved skiing infrastructure in Gulmarg to enable Indian athletes to train effectively and compete for medals at the Asian level.

Two ships with crude, LPG to reach India on Tuesday; one docks in Guj

Two ships with crude, LPG to reach India on Tuesday; one docks in Guj

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, Jag Laadki, safely sailed from the UAE's Fujairah port despite an attack on the terminal and is scheduled to reach India. The Indian government is working to ensure the safe passage of remaining Indian-flagged vessels in the region.

Iran quietly approaches CIA for talks: Report

Iran quietly approaches CIA for talks: Report

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

It remains unclear whether United States President Donald Trump or Iranian authorities will pursue the offer.

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

India's merchandise exports experienced a slight decrease in February, while imports surged due to increased gold and silver purchases, leading to a widened trade deficit. The West Asia crisis is expected to further impact trade in the coming months.

How the National Health Claims Exchange Aims to Simplify Health Insurance in India

How the National Health Claims Exchange Aims to Simplify Health Insurance in India

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The National Health Authority (NHA) is promoting the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) to standardise and simplify health insurance claims processing in India, aiming for a seamless and reliable digital infrastructure similar to UPI.

EPFO Keeps EPF Interest Rate Unchanged at 8.25% for 2025-26

EPFO Keeps EPF Interest Rate Unchanged at 8.25% for 2025-26

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has decided to maintain the interest rate on employees' provident fund (EPF) deposits at 8.25 per cent for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking the second consecutive year at this rate.

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Dozens of Indian-flagged ships and over a thousand seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and surrounding areas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15Es by mistake; drone hits Qatari sites

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15Es by mistake; drone hits Qatari sites

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The military command clarified in a statement published on X that the aircraft were engaged in error during active combat operations on Sunday.

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Specifically, military experts are assessing if the 'Octopus' interceptor anti-drone system, produced in the UK to support Ukraine in countering Russian threats, could be repurposed to strengthen British protections against Iran's Shahed drones.

Manipur hostage crisis ends: 21 Tangkhul Nagas freed as Centre steps in

Manipur hostage crisis ends: 21 Tangkhul Nagas freed as Centre steps in

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Union Home Ministry intervened to secure the release of 21 Tangkhul Naga civilians held hostage in Manipur's Ukhrul district, following tensions between Kuki and Naga communities.

Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games to be Held in Chhattisgarh

Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games to be Held in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games will be held in Chhattisgarh, featuring seven medal sports and aiming to empower tribal athletes and promote grassroots inclusion.

Govt bars LPG for households with piped gas connections

Govt bars LPG for households with piped gas connections

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

India restricts subsidised LPG connections for households with piped natural gas (PNG) to ensure equitable distribution and address global energy supply concerns, pushing for faster PNG adoption.

India turns to US, Russia, Africa for oil as Middle East conflict escalates

India turns to US, Russia, Africa for oil as Middle East conflict escalates

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Indian refiners are negotiating for additional crude cargoes from the US, Russia, and West Africa to ensure adequate supplies amid Middle East tensions. Refineries are maintaining normal processing rates and deferring maintenance to build reserves. The move comes as conflict impacts tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy transit route.

Putin, UAE Prez step in, call for immediate ceasefire in West Asia

Putin, UAE Prez step in, call for immediate ceasefire in West Asia

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The US-Israeli military campaign, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury" by Washington, has entered its third day, with US President Donald Trump stating that operations would continue "until all of our objectives are achieved."

Iran Army chief vows to avenge attack on IRIS Dena

Iran Army chief vows to avenge attack on IRIS Dena

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Major General Amir Hatami, commander-in-chief of the Iranian Army, condemned the attack on the vessel, one of the country's newest warships, which occurred while it was returning from a military exercise.

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian government has established a control room to provide crucial support and assistance to the nearly one crore Indian citizens residing in the region.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

Job Scam Proclaimed Offender Arrested by Delhi Police

Job Scam Proclaimed Offender Arrested by Delhi Police

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a proclaimed offender, Suresh, allegedly involved in a multi-state job scam, accused of defrauding job aspirants of crores of rupees with promises of government jobs.

IRGC claims to hit US military base with missiles

IRGC claims to hit US military base with missiles

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The IRGC said five missiles were launched at 'the headquarters of the US Army at the Harir Air Base in Erbil, located in Iraq's Kurdistan Region'.

CBI Cracks Down on Online Investment Fraud Ring Linked to 'Pyypl'

CBI Cracks Down on Online Investment Fraud Ring Linked to 'Pyypl'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The CBI has conducted searches across multiple states in connection with a large-scale online financial fraud involving the overseas fintech platform 'Pyypl'.

8 Wonderful Iftaar Destinations

8 Wonderful Iftaar Destinations

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

As the sun sets in a riot of colours during the days of Ramzan, the call to prayer is heard and Indian streets are transformed into places of both faith and feasting.

Iranian drone strike causes fire at Saudi oil refinery

Iranian drone strike causes fire at Saudi oil refinery

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Falling debris from an intercepted Iranian drone caused a 'limited fire' at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura refining facility in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki said, according to Al Arabiya.

EAM Jaishankar to Brief Parliament on West Asia Developments

EAM Jaishankar to Brief Parliament on West Asia Developments

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the Lok Sabha on the situation in West Asia, as Parliament reconvenes for the Budget session amidst ongoing regional tensions.

LPG crisis: Restaurants cut menu, increase prices

LPG crisis: Restaurants cut menu, increase prices

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Indian eateries are adapting to the LPG crisis by cutting menus, increasing prices, and switching to alternative fuels like coal, as LPG supplies are disrupted due to global events. State authorities are cracking down on hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders.

Thai-flagged ship bound for India attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Thai-flagged ship bound for India attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A Thai cargo vessel was struck by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, leaving three crew members missing and prompting a rescue operation by the Royal Navy of Oman.

Indian Families Anxious as Relatives Stranded in Iran

Indian Families Anxious as Relatives Stranded in Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Families in Ambari village are anxiously awaiting news of their relatives stranded in Iran amid escalating conflict, with limited communication and growing concerns for their safety.

J-K CM Appeals for Calm After Khamenei Killing

J-K CM Appeals for Calm After Khamenei Killing

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm amid widespread protests following reports of the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Too early to comment on US tariff changes: Sitharaman

Too early to comment on US tariff changes: Sitharaman

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that it is premature to comment on the tariff changes announced by the United States, adding that the commerce ministry is currently reviewing the situation.

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The US Embassy acknowledged the attack in a post on X, urging Americans to avoid the facility 'until further notice' and announcing that all appointments had been cancelled.