News for 'Ministry'

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

Tanker With Iranian Oil Heads To India, First Since 2019

Tanker With Iranian Oil Heads To India, First Since 2019

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil is heading to India, marking the resumption of oil imports from Iran after seven years.

Modi Unveils 'Six Guarantees' for West Bengal, Criticises TMC's Governance

Modi Unveils 'Six Guarantees' for West Bengal, Criticises TMC's Governance

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced six guarantees for West Bengal if the BJP wins the Assembly polls, promising to end the 'reign of fear' and address corruption, while criticising the TMC government's performance.

Body of UP man killed in Riyadh missile attack brought to native village

Body of UP man killed in Riyadh missile attack brought to native village

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The mortal remains of a 26-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh, who was killed in a suspected missile attack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have been returned to his family in Sitapur. Ravi Gopal, who worked as a driver, died on March 18. The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed condolences and facilitated the repatriation of his body.

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Indian government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to mitigate the impact of rising global crude prices, triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This move aims to provide relief to consumers and oil companies amidst volatile international oil markets.

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Russia has expressed strong concern over a US-Israeli strike on the Iranian port of Bandar Anzali, a key transit hub on the INSTC, warning of the risk of drawing Caspian states into the ongoing conflict.

Urged Modi in 2010 to conserve Great Indian Bustard: Jairam Ramesh

Urged Modi in 2010 to conserve Great Indian Bustard: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalls writing to Narendra Modi in 2010 about conserving the Great Indian Bustard, amid recent announcements of successful conservation efforts.

BCB appeals to BCCI to revive India tour and fix strained relations

BCB appeals to BCCI to revive India tour and fix strained relations

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is attempting to repair strained relations with the BCCI after pulling out of the T20 World Cup in India, seeking to revive India's white-ball tour in September.

Why India Doesn't Track Hate Speech Against Northeast Citizens

Why India Doesn't Track Hate Speech Against Northeast Citizens

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian government has stated that it does not maintain centralised data on incidents of hate speech, racial slurs, harassment, and discrimination against people from the Northeast, emphasising that policing and public order are the responsibility of state governments.

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Pakistan is set to host face-to-face talks between the United States and Iran, aiming to solidify a fragile ceasefire and prevent further conflict in West Asia. The discussions will focus on a long-term peace arrangement, including sanctions relief, regional security, and Iran's nuclear program.

Pakistan hits back at India over comments on Afghan military action

Pakistan hits back at India over comments on Afghan military action

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Pakistan has rejected India's criticism of its military campaign in Afghanistan, calling India's statement 'baseless' and 'misleading'.

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that nearly 1,000 Indians remain in Iran amidst the West Asia conflict, and 23,000 students in the Gulf region missed CBSE exams due to the turmoil.

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has dismissed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) report on religious freedom in India, stating that it does not recognise the commission's authority to comment on the rights of Indian citizens.

Over 1 Crore Public Grievances Received in Five Years: What's Being Done?

Over 1 Crore Public Grievances Received in Five Years: What's Being Done?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha was informed that over 1 crore public grievances were received in the last five years through the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). The government has taken several measures to improve the accountability and efficiency of the grievance redressal mechanism.

Russia offers to boost oil, gas supplies to India amidst West Asia turmoil

Russia offers to boost oil, gas supplies to India amidst West Asia turmoil

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Amidst global energy market volatility driven by the West Asia crisis, Russia has proposed increasing its crude oil and natural gas supplies to India, strengthening bilateral energy ties and aiming for USD 100 billion in annual trade by 2030.

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian government has maintained the interest rates on small savings schemes, including PPF and NSC, for the eighth consecutive quarter, starting April 1, 2026.

Govt Pressure On Salman To Remove China Bashing

Govt Pressure On Salman To Remove China Bashing

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in direct touch with Salman Khan, and on his suggestion, Salman decided to drop not only the title but also several scathing references to China.'

Indian National Stranded in Russia Amid Gulf Tensions Seeks Repatriation

Indian National Stranded in Russia Amid Gulf Tensions Seeks Repatriation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Indian government has addressed Parliament regarding a case of an Indian national seeking repatriation from Russia due to the situation in West Asia and the Gulf region. The government also responded to queries about Indian nationals denied entry to South Korea and seafarers detained in foreign countries.

Jio IPO Set To Break All Records

Jio IPO Set To Break All Records

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Only 2.5 per cent of the equity in Jio Platforms will be offloaded through the OFS route -- meant for secondary share sale.

Moscow Reports Interception of 28 Ukrainian Drones

Moscow Reports Interception of 28 Ukrainian Drones

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Russian air defence units reportedly destroyed 28 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, marking the second consecutive day of such incidents. Airport operations were temporarily suspended due to the drone attacks.

Iran launches 5 multi-warhead missiles, hits Tel Aviv

Iran launches 5 multi-warhead missiles, hits Tel Aviv

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

After the Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars Gas Field on Wednesday night, in retaliation, Iran struck Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, resulting in extensive damage, as per the country's Ministry of Defence.

Middle East conflict nears nuke flashpoint, warns WHO; urges restraint

Middle East conflict nears nuke flashpoint, warns WHO; urges restraint

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Tedros said that the war in the Middle East has reached a perilous stage with strikes reportedly hitting the Natanz Enrichment Complex in Iran, and the Israeli city of Dimona, where a nuclear facility is located.

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has asked the finance ministry to spell out a clear legal strategy, including options such as a "golden share" or indirect control structures, to maintain strategic oversight in public sector entities if state ownership falls below 51 per cent.

Over 1,150 Indians Evacuated from Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Over 1,150 Indians Evacuated from Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reports that over 1,150 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran through land borders into Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict. The MEA also confirmed that three Indians were injured in attacks in the UAE.

Pakistan's deputy PM Ishaq Dar suffers hairline fracture after fall

Pakistan's deputy PM Ishaq Dar suffers hairline fracture after fall

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar sustained a hairline fracture in his shoulder after a fall during a reception for his Egyptian counterpart. Despite the injury, he continued with scheduled meetings throughout the day.

India Slams Pakistan Over Air Strikes in Afghanistan, Cites Sovereignty Concerns

India Slams Pakistan Over Air Strikes in Afghanistan, Cites Sovereignty Concerns

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's air strikes within Afghan territory, emphasising the need to respect Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity following civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

10K surrender in 10 yrs: Are Maoists in their last mile?

10K surrender in 10 yrs: Are Maoists in their last mile?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

A combination of security pressure and rehabilitation efforts has significantly weakened Naxalism in India, leading to numerous surrenders and the elimination of key leaders.

How Many Indians Live In The Middle East?

How Many Indians Live In The Middle East?

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Based on figures currently listed on the ministry of external affairs web site, a large number of Indians reside across West Asia.

Radio-Collared Tiger Dies of Suspected Poisoning Near Satpura Tiger Reserve

Radio-Collared Tiger Dies of Suspected Poisoning Near Satpura Tiger Reserve

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

A radio-collared tiger was allegedly poisoned to death near the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, leading to the arrest of five individuals suspected of lacing the tiger's kill with poison after it preyed on their cattle; the suspects are also allegedly involved in illegal opium cultivation.

400 killed in Pak airstrikes on Afghanistan rehab centre

400 killed in Pak airstrikes on Afghanistan rehab centre

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A devastating airstrike on a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre has killed hundreds, escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and prompting international calls for de-escalation and investigation.

India's 2nd LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' reaches Gujarat port amid crisis

India's 2nd LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' reaches Gujarat port amid crisis

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Despite ongoing tensions in West Asia, the successful arrival of the LPG carrier 'Nanda Devi' in Gujarat ensures a steady supply of liquefied petroleum gas to India, highlighting the country's efforts to secure its energy needs.

In a fresh message, Khamenei extols sacrifice and martyrdom

In a fresh message, Khamenei extols sacrifice and martyrdom

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday extolled the sacrifice and martyrdom of senior Iranian armed forces leaders as the conflict in West Asia enters into its second month.

Iran War Burns India's Exporters: Stranded at Sea, Billed For A War They Never Started

Iran War Burns India's Exporters: Stranded at Sea, Billed For A War They Never Started

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

'Every day the meter is ticking. Like a time bomb.' Shipping giants are billing Indian exporters up to $3,000 per container in war surcharges -- on cargo that sailed before the war began -- as the Strait of Hormuz shuts down.

India Sporting Goods Fair Aims to Propel Manufacturing Sector

India Sporting Goods Fair Aims to Propel Manufacturing Sector

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The 4th India Sporting Goods Fair (ISGF) showcases athletic gear and equipment from 75 exhibitors, highlighting the government's commitment to promoting sports goods manufacturing in India.

India Sporting Goods Fair Aims to Propel Manufacturing Sector

India Sporting Goods Fair Aims to Propel Manufacturing Sector

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The 4th India Sporting Goods Fair (ISGF) is set to take place, showcasing athletic gear and equipment from across the country, as the government pushes to establish India as a global hub for sports goods manufacturing.

Middle East conflict: 28 Indian ships with 778 crew stuck in Persian Gulf

Middle East conflict: 28 Indian ships with 778 crew stuck in Persian Gulf

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

28 Indian vessels carrying 778 seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, prompting government monitoring and coordination to ensure their safety and security.

Radio-Collared Tiger Dies of Poisoning in Madhya Pradesh

Radio-Collared Tiger Dies of Poisoning in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

A radio-collared tiger was allegedly poisoned to death in Madhya Pradesh, leading to the arrest of five individuals. The incident highlights concerns about poaching and monitoring failures, prompting calls for investigation and accountability.

No deal with Iran to release seized oil tankers: India

No deal with Iran to release seized oil tankers: India

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refuted reports suggesting a deal with Iran involving the release of seized vessels in exchange for safe passage of Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran threatens to target US-Israeli universities in West Asia

Iran threatens to target US-Israeli universities in West Asia

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday issued a stark warning that American and Israeli universities in West Asia could be treated as 'legitimate targets' in retaliation for alleged United States and Israeli strikes on Iranian academic institutions and cultural infrastructure.

$3 Billion a Week: The Cost of Israel's Iran War

$3 Billion a Week: The Cost of Israel's Iran War

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Israeli Finance Ministry has warned that the ongoing war with Iran could cost Israel an estimated NIS 9.4 billion (USD 3 billion approximately) per week under current restrictions on economic activities.