News for 'National Affairs'

Modi didn't say India will stop buying Russian oil: Lavrov

Modi didn't say India will stop buying Russian oil: Lavrov

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Lavrov's comments came two days after Russia accused the US of attempting to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, saying Washington was using a wide range of 'coercive' measures, including tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions.

India, Canada take steps to repair security ties

India, Canada take steps to repair security ties

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Both countries also committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing on cybersecurity issues.

'Child Marriage Is Nothing But Child Rape'

'Child Marriage Is Nothing But Child Rape'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

'People don't believe that a 15-year-old girl subjected to sexual intercourse within a marriage is a victim of rape.'

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

When everyone has footage and no one can verify it, the loudest voice wins, notes Prem Panicker who begins a daily blog on the War in the Middle East.

Iran's FM dials Jaishankar, both leaders discuss Tehran situation

Iran's FM dials Jaishankar, both leaders discuss Tehran situation

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Earlier in the day, the ministry of external affairs "strongly advised" Indians to avoid travel to Iran until further notice, amid rising tensions and protests in the Islamic Republic.

Gaurav Gogoi 'key player' in anti-India network: Himanta

Gaurav Gogoi 'key player' in anti-India network: Himanta

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi of being a key player in an anti-India network and his wife of being a Pakistani agent, leaving it to the 'people's court' to decide on Gogoi's activities against the country.

Oppn seeks debate on SIR, national security in Parl; govt says...

Oppn seeks debate on SIR, national security in Parl; govt says...

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Opposition parties in India are demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and national security in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. They raised concerns about federalism, national security, and the purity of voter lists during an all-party meeting.

India's mindset must change; Awami League era over in B'adesh: Tarique aide

India's mindset must change; Awami League era over in B'adesh: Tarique aide

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Following the BNP's victory in recent elections, Bangladesh is seeking to reset its relationship with India, emphasizing mutual benefit and a recognition of the changed political landscape.

Stop fuelling terror next door, Jaishankar tells Poland

Stop fuelling terror next door, Jaishankar tells Poland

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed a strong message to his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski regarding terrorism and the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for zero-tolerance towards terrorism and criticizing the selective targeting of India.

'Coercive, unilateral': BRICS nations slam Trump tariffs

'Coercive, unilateral': BRICS nations slam Trump tariffs

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

The BRICS nations have expressed concern over the proliferation of trade-restrictive actions in the form of 'indiscriminate rising' of tariffs, particularly measures used as a means of 'coercion', cautioning that such practices risk marginalising the Global South countries.

The Newscaster Who Became Family

The Newscaster Who Became Family

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Sarla Maheshwari brought families together for that half hour -- delivering the news with remarkable poise, a firm command over language, without drama or noise. She was a classic.

Energy security for 1.4 bn supreme: India refutes Trump's Russian oil claim

Energy security for 1.4 bn supreme: India refutes Trump's Russian oil claim

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's energy decisions are guided by national interest.

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Lavrov said that the US has set itself the objective of 'achieving economic domination', adding further to it that Americans want to control the routes to leading countries to provide its energy sources to them.

'When We Come Together, We Can Move Mountains'

'When We Come Together, We Can Move Mountains'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

'I want to show bearded men actually caring and loving for their sons or a woman from Pakistan in a position of power. How radical is that?'

Sitharaman's 85-minute Budget speech skips poetry, not focus

Sitharaman's 85-minute Budget speech skips poetry, not focus

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget, focusing on investments and growth. The speech was marked by its business-like approach and lack of cultural references, while opposition members raised concerns about regional representation.

Cong MPs abused Birla in his chamber, Priyanka didn't stop them: Rijiju

Cong MPs abused Birla in his chamber, Priyanka didn't stop them: Rijiju

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused Congress MPs of abusing Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his chamber, alleging that senior Congress leaders were present and encouraging the behavior. The accusation follows days of disruptions in the Lok Sabha over Rahul Gandhi's attempt to discuss excerpts from a former Army chief's unpublished memoir.

Skeptics fear manipulation as Bangladesh goes to polls

Skeptics fear manipulation as Bangladesh goes to polls

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Political analysts express skepticism about the upcoming Bangladesh general election, citing concerns over manipulation, voter participation, and the influence of money and muscle in the changed political landscape.

31 killed, 169 hurt in suicide attack at Shia mosque in Islamabad

31 killed, 169 hurt in suicide attack at Shia mosque in Islamabad

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The attack came less than three months after a suicide bomber killed 12 people in a blast outside a district and sessions court building in Islamabad.

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

'In Bangladesh, India's Choices Are Bad Or Worse'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'It is best to remain vigilant. Tarique Rahman arranged arms smuggling to Indian insurgent groups.' 'He has criticised India for sheltering Sheikh Hasina, but has also sought India's support.'

UN report links JeM to Red Fort blast, warns of women-only terror wing

UN report links JeM to Red Fort blast, warns of women-only terror wing

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

A UN Security Council report indicates that Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was reportedly linked to a terror attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi. The report also highlights JeM's activities, including the establishment of a women-only wing and its presence in the region.

'Op Sindoor' tableau to showcase India's military might on R-Day

'Op Sindoor' tableau to showcase India's military might on R-Day

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

The Indian military will showcase an Operation Sindoor-themed tableau for the Republic Day parade, highlighting the jointness of the three services and India's military capabilities.

Budget 2026 stays committed to long-term growth drivers

Budget 2026 stays committed to long-term growth drivers

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Capex, infrastructure development, and prudent fiscal management are the key focus areas in the Budget, says Nilesh Shah.

Gogoi underwent 'some kind of training in Pak': Sarma

Gogoi underwent 'some kind of training in Pak': Sarma

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of having a 'deeper connection' with a Pakistani national and violating FCRA rules, prompting calls for a national probe.

Bangladesh allows shooters to travel to India for Asian Championships

Bangladesh allows shooters to travel to India for Asian Championships

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Bangladesh government has approved its shooters to travel to India for next month's Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships, days after refusing to send its national cricket team to the country.

'Govt In Manipur Before Feb 12'

'Govt In Manipur Before Feb 12'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'President's Rule has already been extended twice and one cannot keep the assembly in suspension for much longer.'

After US, Israel cuts ties with several UN bodies

After US, Israel cuts ties with several UN bodies

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Following an examination and discussions held in the aftermath of the United States' decision to withdraw from dozens of international organisations, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar, has decided that Jerusalem will immediately sever all contact with several United Nations agencies and international bodies, citing what the government described as persistent bias, politicisation and actions hostile to Israel.

Rahul calls Ravneet Bittu 'traitor'; He responds with 'Desh ke dushman' jibe

Rahul calls Ravneet Bittu 'traitor'; He responds with 'Desh ke dushman' jibe

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The incident took place right outside Parliament's Makar Dwar, the main entrance which MPs take to enter the new Parliament building, where Gandhi was standing in solidarity with suspended Congress MPs, mostly from Punjab.

Why Gen Naravane's Book Sparked Row In Lok Sabha

Why Gen Naravane's Book Sparked Row In Lok Sabha

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

General Manoj Mukund Naravane's memoir has triggered a controversy by revealing behind-the-scenes decision-making during the 2020 India-China standoff in Ladakh. Its candid account of military and political responses at a critical moment has reignited debate over civil-military relations, accountability, and the limits of disclosure in matters of national security.

Lok Sabha erupts as Rahul cites former Army chief on China clash

Lok Sabha erupts as Rahul cites former Army chief on China clash

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Rahul Gandhi said he never wanted to speak on the particular issue, but decided to do so after BJP's Surya questioned the patriotism of the Congress party. Singh maintained that the book had not been published.

T20 World Cup: My story similar to M S Dhoni: Pakistan's Tariq Usman

T20 World Cup: My story similar to M S Dhoni: Pakistan's Tariq Usman

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Pakistan's mystery spinner Usman Tariq has no qualms in admitting that he returned to cricket after getting inspired by the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Budget 2026: Prez Murmu offers 'Dahi-Cheeni' to Sitharaman

Budget 2026: Prez Murmu offers 'Dahi-Cheeni' to Sitharaman

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Sitharaman continues with the tradition she set in 2019, carrying the budget speech in a 'bahi-khata', which she used after dropping the briefcase tradition.

NHRC issues notice to TN over attack on migrant worker

NHRC issues notice to TN over attack on migrant worker

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The NHRC has issued a show cause notice to the Tamil Nadu government regarding an attack on a migrant worker, identified as Suraj, demanding his tracing, medical treatment, and compensation.

SIT flags Gogoi's 'Pakistan links', Assam to take call on Feb 7

SIT flags Gogoi's 'Pakistan links', Assam to take call on Feb 7

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state cabinet will decide on the future course of action regarding the SIT report on Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi's alleged links with Pakistan on February 7. The SIT report suggests direct links between Gogoi, his wife, and Pakistan.

I-League to be renamed as Indian Football League

I-League to be renamed as Indian Football League

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The I-League, the country's second-tier football competition, will be restructured and rechristened as Indian Football League (IFL).

Paes, Gopichand to join PM Modi in VBYLD 2026

Paes, Gopichand to join PM Modi in VBYLD 2026

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports aimed at giving India's youth a "meaningful role in shaping the vision of a Viksit Bharat".

Govt rejects Opposition demands for debates on VB-G RAM G Act, SIR

Govt rejects Opposition demands for debates on VB-G RAM G Act, SIR

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The government rejected the opposition's demands for discussions on the VB-G RAM G Act and the SIR in the Budget session of Parliament, stating that the issues had already been debated.

SC Orders NBCC to Complete Supertech Housing Projects, Protecting Homebuyers

SC Orders NBCC to Complete Supertech Housing Projects, Protecting Homebuyers

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court of India has upheld an order directing NBCC to complete 16 delayed housing projects of Supertech Limited, providing relief to thousands of homebuyers who have been waiting for nearly two decades.

SC Orders NBCC to Complete Supertech Housing Projects, Protecting Homebuyers

SC Orders NBCC to Complete Supertech Housing Projects, Protecting Homebuyers

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court of India has upheld an order directing NBCC to complete 16 delayed housing projects of Supertech Limited, providing relief to thousands of homebuyers who have been waiting for nearly two decades.

25-year-old Hindu youth burnt to death in Bangladesh

25-year-old Hindu youth burnt to death in Bangladesh

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

He was sleeping in a garage when the fire broke out, and CCTV footage suggests foul play.

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In the Indo-Pacific's new era -- where perception shapes reality faster than treaties -- the real entrapment is not of China or the United States. It is the test Japan has set for itself -- and whether partners like India, acting as balancers rather than accelerants, can help ensure that the story ends in stability, points out Varun Arya.