News for 'National Affairs'

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said infiltration and other reasons are causing 'unnatural' demographic change, which poses a significant challenge to the present and future of any nation.

Indian Techies Face Green Card Uncertainty

Indian Techies Face Green Card Uncertainty

Rediff.com25 May 2026

This could come as a setback to thousands of Indian engineers who have waited for years for their work visas to pave the way for the coveted Green Card.

217 Indians joined Russian forces during Ukraine war, 49 dead: Govt to SC

217 Indians joined Russian forces during Ukraine war, 49 dead: Govt to SC

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that 217 Indian nationals reportedly joined the Russian armed forces, with 49 fatalities amid the Russia-Ukraine war, and efforts are underway to repatriate those who were misled.

Now, North, South Blocks to showcase 5,000 years of Indian history

Now, North, South Blocks to showcase 5,000 years of Indian history

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Work has commenced on restoring the North and South Blocks to their original design, paving the way for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum project, with a target completion date for the first phase set for 2028.

Why The UPSC Is India's Most Competitive Exam

Why The UPSC Is India's Most Competitive Exam

Rediff.com18 May 2026

rediffGURU Nayagam PP, career counsellor and founder of EduJob360 explains why cracking the UPSC exam is a dream for lakhs of young Indians.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

India Emerges As A Leader In Digital Economy And AI

India Emerges As A Leader In Digital Economy And AI

Rediff.com29 May 2026

A new report indicates India has become the world's fifth most digitalised economy and ranks fourth globally in AI performance, driven by increasing AI adoption and a strong digital infrastructure.

India Gifts Scoreboard To Jamaica's Iconic Sabina Park

India Gifts Scoreboard To Jamaica's Iconic Sabina Park

Rediff.com4 May 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness dedicated a scoreboard gifted by India to Sabina Park, highlighting the strong cricket ties between the two nations.

HC relief for Delhi Gymkhana Club amid eviction row

HC relief for Delhi Gymkhana Club amid eviction row

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Centre had asked the Gymkhana Club in Lutyens' Delhi to hand over the premises, citing that the 27.3-acre plot was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure".

'Dangerous escalation': India on drone attack on UAE nuclear plant

'Dangerous escalation': India on drone attack on UAE nuclear plant

Rediff.com18 May 2026

India has voiced deep concern over a drone attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), calling it a dangerous escalation in the West Asia conflict.

Putin makes big Su-57 offer to India, proposes joint production

Putin makes big Su-57 offer to India, proposes joint production

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered New Delhi Russia's fifth-generation stealth aircraft Sukhoi Su-57 and even suggested that the combat jet could even be jointly produced in India in line with the strong strategic partnership between the two countries.

Why Modi Wouldn't Bother Targeting CPI(M), Explained

Why Modi Wouldn't Bother Targeting CPI(M), Explained

Rediff.com27 May 2026

BJP leader V Muraleedharan dismisses claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would strike a deal with the Congress to target the CPI(M), stating Modi has 'better things to do'. He also questioned Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's concern over ED raids if he has done nothing wrong.

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' at assembly prayers in all madrassas with immediate effect. This decision follows a similar directive for all schools in the state and aims to bring uniformity in assembly practices across institutions.

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Sports Star Bilquis Mir Pursues Contempt Case Against J-K Sports Department

Rediff.com30 May 2026

International water sports star Bilquis Mir has filed a contempt case against the Jammu and Kashmir sports department for withholding her salary for over two-and-a-half years, despite a tribunal order to release it.

Enforcement Directorate Raids Dawood Gang's Drug Trafficker's Assets

Enforcement Directorate Raids Dawood Gang's Drug Trafficker's Assets

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across Maharashtra and Gujarat as part of a money laundering investigation against Mohammad Salim Dola, an alleged drug trafficker associated with the Dawood Ibrahim gang.

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Rediff.com25 May 2026

West Bengal's Bharatiya Janata Party government has moved to institutionalise its "detect, delete and deport" policy by directing all district administrations to set up "holding centres" for suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation -- a step that appeared to give administrative shape to one of the party's most potent political themes in the state.

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Rediff.com26 May 2026

In response to the Quad ministers' joint statement, China on Tuesday said it opposes the creation of exclusive 'small cliques' and 'bloc confrontation'.

'Unwarranted': India rejects Kashmir mention in China-Pak statement

'Unwarranted': India rejects Kashmir mention in China-Pak statement

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The joint statement was issued during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent visit to China.

US ready to boost energy sales to India: Rubio ahead of New Delhi visit

US ready to boost energy sales to India: Rubio ahead of New Delhi visit

Rediff.com22 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the US is ready to sell as much energy as India is willing to buy. He described India as a 'great partner' ahead of his visit to New Delhi.

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi concluded without a joint statement due to disagreements over the West Asia conflict, with Iran blaming the UAE for the lack of consensus. India, as the host, issued a chair's statement highlighting the differing views.

Ketan Kushwaha To Lead India At U18 Asia Cup

Ketan Kushwaha To Lead India At U18 Asia Cup

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Ketan Kushwaha has been appointed as the captain of the Indian U18 team for the upcoming Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan. The squad was selected after a national coaching camp in Bhopal, which included exposure matches against Australia U-18.

Pakistan Issues Strong Demarche To Afghanistan Over Terror Attack

Pakistan Issues Strong Demarche To Afghanistan Over Terror Attack

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Pakistan has strongly condemned Afghanistan for allegedly harbouring terrorists responsible for a deadly attack on a police post, issuing a stern warning and demanding action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.

India trashes claim of declining minority rights, media freedom

India trashes claim of declining minority rights, media freedom

Rediff.com17 May 2026

India has rejected allegations of declining media freedom and erosion of religious and minority rights, asserting that the country is a vibrant democracy that guarantees free speech to all.

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic tour to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials, energy talks, and a Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Thousands and thousands and thousands of adults owe their lives to the commitment and medical fervour of Dr Armida Fernandez, who a grateful nation honoured with the Padma Shri this year.

Sri Lanka government takes over Cricket Board after resignations

Sri Lanka government takes over Cricket Board after resignations

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Sri Lankan government has taken over the administration of the country's cricket board following the resignation of its president and executive committee amid allegations of financial irregularities and poor team performance.

Unified Training Camps Key To India's Thomas Cup Bronze

Unified Training Camps Key To India's Thomas Cup Bronze

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Unified high-performance training camps in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Guwahati played a crucial role in India's bronze medal win at the Thomas Cup, with top shuttlers benefiting from the focused preparation.

10 Modern Hindi Love Triangles Worth A Watch

10 Modern Hindi Love Triangles Worth A Watch

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

These modern Hindi films proved that the love triangle still has enough heartbreak, passion and chaos left to captivate audiences.

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Central Information Commission has ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not qualify as a 'public authority' under the Right to Information Act, effectively placing it outside the scope of RTI disclosures.

Subhash Kashyap: A Titan Passes Into The Ages

Subhash Kashyap: A Titan Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Dr Subhash Kashyap not only enhanced Parliament's image in India and abroad, but also the position of Lok Sabha secretary-general which succeeding secretary-generals have upheld thorough neutrality, objectivity and high degree of professionalism, notes Rup Narayan Das.

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Rediff.com20 May 2026

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity, political leaders are reducing convoys and promoting public transport to conserve fuel.

Pakistan-backed terror behind continued Indus treaty suspension: MEA

Pakistan-backed terror behind continued Indus treaty suspension: MEA

Rediff.com7 May 2026

As India marks the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, its decisive military action against the terror hotbeds in Pakistan, the ministry of external affairs sharply rebuked Islamabad's policy of terrorism.

Modi shares glimpses of Italy visit, 'Melody moment'

Modi shares glimpses of Italy visit, 'Melody moment'

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Italy concluded with the elevation of India-Italy relations to a Special Strategic Partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation across various sectors.

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Frankly, was it really necessary in the middle of a fratricidal war for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to travel to Abu Dhabi for a one-on-one with the sheikh on April 12?Or, for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to follow up on April 26? Or, for PM Narendra Modi to follow through today? There are no easy answers, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

UN cuts India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.4%, cites global uncertainties

UN cuts India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.4%, cites global uncertainties

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The United Nations has revised downward India's economic growth forecast for 2026 to 6.4 per cent from an earlier 6.6 per cent, attributing the change to global uncertainties and economic shocks stemming from the ongoing West Asia crisis.

India unveils 'Prahaar', first national counter-terror policy

India unveils 'Prahaar', first national counter-terror policy

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

The policy unveiled by the home ministry is based on seven key pillars to counter the terror threats emanating from India or abroad -- prevention, responses, aggregating internal capacities, human rights and "Rule of Law"-based processes.

Govt issues updated SOP for processing FDI applications

Govt issues updated SOP for processing FDI applications

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Indian government has issued an updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for processing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) applications, aiming to clear all proposals within 12 weeks, a two-week extension from the previous 10-week target, to ensure a fully paperless and transparent process.

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has appealed to the United Nations to intervene on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing human rights violations.

FIFA To Offer Reassurance To Iran Over World Cup Participation

FIFA To Offer Reassurance To Iran Over World Cup Participation

Rediff.com16 May 2026

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom will meet Iranian FA officials in Istanbul to offer reassurance over Iran's participation in the World Cup, amidst concerns raised by recent geopolitical tensions and visa issues.

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with his council of ministers, focusing on enhancing 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' and setting the goal of a developed India by 2047.