News for 'National Affairs'

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.

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Samrat Choudhary's appointment as Bihar's Chief Minister marks a significant milestone for the BJP, ushering in a new era of leadership in the state's political landscape.

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has granted provisional recognition to the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) while also raising concerns with the IOA regarding visa delays for athletes and pending dues from private partners.

913 Indians exit Iran through Armenia, Azerbaijan: MEA

913 Indians exit Iran through Armenia, Azerbaijan: MEA

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the number of Indians exiting Iran through Armenia and Azerbaijan has increased since the previous update.

Pakistan Hires Colin Batch as Hockey Head Coach Ahead of World Cup

Pakistan Hires Colin Batch as Hockey Head Coach Ahead of World Cup

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has appointed Australian Colin Batch as the new head coach of the national side ahead of this year's FIH men's World Cup.

'No virus': Toxic pesticides, cadmium suspected in Rajouri mystery deaths

'No virus': Toxic pesticides, cadmium suspected in Rajouri mystery deaths

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Fresh findings suggest pesticide compounds and elevated cadmium levels may be linked to the deaths of 17 people in a remote village in Rajouri district.

Delhi Police Operation CyHawk 4.0 Leads to Mass Arrests in Cybercrime Sweep

Delhi Police Operation CyHawk 4.0 Leads to Mass Arrests in Cybercrime Sweep

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Delhi Police arrested over 600 people and rounded up over 8,300 suspects during Operation CyHawk 4.0, a large-scale crackdown on cybercrime.

Iran calls India a 'trusted partner'; asserts control over Hormuz

Iran calls India a 'trusted partner'; asserts control over Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has described India as a "reliable and compassionate" partner while asserting Tehran's territorial authority over the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing regional tensions.

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.

China Calls for Pakistan-Afghanistan Dialogue to Resolve Conflict

China Calls for Pakistan-Afghanistan Dialogue to Resolve Conflict

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

China has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to engage in direct talks to resolve their ongoing conflict, offering to mediate and calling for a ceasefire.

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Indian leaders to discuss strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Iran opens Hormuz to all commercial ships; Trump hails decision

Iran opens Hormuz to all commercial ships; Trump hails decision

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Iran has announced the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial vessels, coinciding with a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

'The West Asia or the Gulf crisis has shown that what we develop as national infrastructure when things are not as bad as they could be, we forget to plan for adversities.'

After Spain, Italy denies US aircraft access to military base

After Spain, Italy denies US aircraft access to military base

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Italy has denied the United States the use of the Sigonella military base for flights heading to West Asia, citing a lack of consultation and concerns over the nature of the flights. This decision reflects Italy's stance on avoiding escalation in the region, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government emphasises its desire to stay out of war.

Delhi Police Job Vacancies: Impact on Law Enforcement

Delhi Police Job Vacancies: Impact on Law Enforcement

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Delhi Police is facing significant staffing shortages, with a considerable number of posts vacant at various levels, potentially impacting law enforcement and public safety.

Testing time, not just for us, but for world: India on Iran war

Testing time, not just for us, but for world: India on Iran war

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia, India is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to protect its energy security interests and ensure the safety of its diaspora in the region.

Saudi Arabia intercepts drone targeting oil-rich eastern region

Saudi Arabia intercepts drone targeting oil-rich eastern region

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The targeted eastern area is of immense strategic importance, as it is where the "majority of the country's oil resources are located."

6 Indians dead, 1 missing in Gulf incidents; 3 lakh passengers return: MEA

6 Indians dead, 1 missing in Gulf incidents; 3 lakh passengers return: MEA

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Travel situation from the Gulf region is gradually improving, with a significant number of passengers already returning to India.

Indian Fuel Shipment to Aid Sri Lanka Amidst Regional Volatility

Indian Fuel Shipment to Aid Sri Lanka Amidst Regional Volatility

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

India is sending a shipment of diesel and petrol to Sri Lanka to help alleviate the country's energy crisis amidst regional instability.

Situation under control, energy security stable: Centre on West Asia crisis

Situation under control, energy security stable: Centre on West Asia crisis

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

There is no cause for concern, as the overall situation arising out of the crisis is firmly under control, the Centre informed while briefing political parties at the all-party meet.

West Asia conflict: Jaishankar dials Iranian counterpart Araghchi

West Asia conflict: Jaishankar dials Iranian counterpart Araghchi

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in Iran and the Gulf region, urging all sides to exercise restraint and prioritise civilian safety.

Delhi Police Nets Over 600 in Cybercrime Operation CyHawk 4.0

Delhi Police Nets Over 600 in Cybercrime Operation CyHawk 4.0

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Delhi Police arrested over 600 individuals and detained over 8,300 suspects during Operation CyHawk 4.0, a major crackdown on cybercrime. The operation targeted financial networks and call centres involved in online scams, recovering significant digital evidence and tracing defrauded money.

Haryana CM Saini Emphasises Sikh Values at Baisakhi Celebration

Haryana CM Saini Emphasises Sikh Values at Baisakhi Celebration

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasised the importance of Sikh Gurus' teachings at the Baisakhi Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, highlighting the government's efforts to promote these values and support the Sikh community.

Modi reviews fuel, power, fertiliser supply amid West Asia tensions

Modi reviews fuel, power, fertiliser supply amid West Asia tensions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with senior ministers to assess the impact of the evolving situation in West Asia on India's crude oil, gas, petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stable logistics.

Modi government's first defeat: Women's bill fails in LS

Modi government's first defeat: Women's bill fails in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increasing Lok Sabha seats was defeated in Parliament, marking a setback for the government's efforts to empower women in politics.

Government Responds to Food Poisoning Concerns in Tribal Schools

Government Responds to Food Poisoning Concerns in Tribal Schools

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has responded to reports of suspected food poisoning in Eklavya Model Residential Schools by issuing new guidelines to ensure student health and safety.

Middle East conflict: 2 Indians killed, 1 missing after attacks on ships

Middle East conflict: 2 Indians killed, 1 missing after attacks on ships

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Two Indian nationals have been confirmed dead and one is missing following attacks on merchant vessels amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of its citizens in the Gulf region.

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Chaffing under public ridicule in the US as well as internationally for having 'lost' the war, Trump is under immense pressure to do something, cautions Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Adityanath Slams TMC's Appeasement Policies, Urges Support for BJP in West Bengal

Adityanath Slams TMC's Appeasement Policies, Urges Support for BJP in West Bengal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused the TMC of pursuing appeasement policies in West Bengal, urging voters to support a BJP government for inclusive governance and development.

'National Awards Are Compromised'

'National Awards Are Compromised'

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

'Files are getting awards', Prakash Raj said in an apparent reference to The Kashmir Files< receiving national honours.

Karnataka CM Asks Modi to Ensure Safety of Indians in Middle East

Karnataka CM Asks Modi to Ensure Safety of Indians in Middle East

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take measures to protect Indian citizens in the Middle East due to escalating geopolitical tensions, including initiating evacuation plans and enhancing diplomatic efforts.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the Congress party of indirectly supporting the BJP in West Bengal, urging voters to reject them in the upcoming elections. He alleged a nexus between the Congress, BJP, and Left parties, claiming that votes for Congress would split the opposition and benefit the BJP.

London Court Upholds Nirav Modi Extradition Based on Indian Government Assurances

London Court Upholds Nirav Modi Extradition Based on Indian Government Assurances

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The London High Court has rejected Nirav Modi's petition to reopen his extradition case, citing the Indian government's assurances regarding his treatment in India as a key factor in their decision.

Sonam Wangchuk seeks 'meaningful dialogue' with Centre

Sonam Wangchuk seeks 'meaningful dialogue' with Centre

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, recently released from detention, calls for constructive dialogue between the government and the people of Ladakh, viewing his release as a positive step towards building trust.

NIA arrests 6 Ukrainians, 1 American for aiding insurgency in India

NIA arrests 6 Ukrainians, 1 American for aiding insurgency in India

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The NIA alleged that the accused were in touch with ethnic armed groups in Myanmar and supported proscribed Indian insurgent outfits by supplying weapons, drones and providing training.

Vishwaguru stands exposed: Cong mocks Modi over Pak-brokered Iran truce

Vishwaguru stands exposed: Cong mocks Modi over Pak-brokered Iran truce

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts following the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, facilitated in part by Pakistan. The party claims this development undermines Modi's strategy and exposes his perceived failures in foreign policy.

Santiago Nieva Focuses on Technique for Indian Women Boxers at Asian Championships

Santiago Nieva Focuses on Technique for Indian Women Boxers at Asian Championships

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Head coach Santiago Nieva is focusing on technical discipline and a tighter defensive guard for the Indian women's boxing team at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Modi speaks to Iranian President, seeks to 'safeguard navigation'

Modi speaks to Iranian President, seeks to 'safeguard navigation'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, condemning attacks on critical infrastructure in West Asia and emphasising the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring secure shipping lanes.

Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers

Australia grants humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The visas were granted to the five Iranian players after US President Donald Trump spoke to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following reports that the players had requested asylum.