News for 'National Affairs'

Concerned about Venezuela: Jaishankar in Europe

Concerned about Venezuela: Jaishankar in Europe

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is concerned about the recent developments in Venezuela, marking the first strong public statement after the latest United States actions in the South American country.

India, Central Asian nations to work with Afghanistan on security

India, Central Asian nations to work with Afghanistan on security

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

India and Central Asian nations agree to collaborate with Afghanistan on security challenges amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. The discussions took place at the third India-Central Asia meeting of top security officials in Bishkek.

India urges citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions

India urges citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

India has strongly advised its nationals to avoid travelling to Iran due to the deteriorating security situation and widespread anti-government protests.

ONGC, Reliance sign pact for sharing offshore resources

ONGC, Reliance sign pact for sharing offshore resources

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

In a strategic move to boost offshore energy exploration and operational efficiency, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) and Reliance Industries Ltd have signed an agreement to share resources such as supply vessels used in finding and producing oil and gas.

Tariffs cut, $30tn market: India, US unveil interim trade pact

Tariffs cut, $30tn market: India, US unveil interim trade pact

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

The agreement addresses non-tariff barriers and promotes increased trade in technology products and cooperation between the two countries.

Padma Vibhushan for Dharmendra, here is full list of Padma awards 2026

Padma Vibhushan for Dharmendra, here is full list of Padma awards 2026

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

For the year 2026, the President has approved the conferment of 131 Padma awards. The list comprises five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.

'Very difficult time': Indians return from Iran amid deadly protests

'Very difficult time': Indians return from Iran amid deadly protests

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Several Indians, including students, have arrived in Delhi from Iran amid widespread protests and a government crackdown. The Indian government has issued advisories urging citizens to leave Iran.

Iran moves UNSC after Trump's appeal to protesters

Iran moves UNSC after Trump's appeal to protesters

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Iran has formally appealed to the United Nations Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, accusing the United States of inciting violence, interfering in Iran's internal affairs, and threatening military action, according to an official letter circulated by Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN.

How Modi Steered India-US Ties Back On Track

How Modi Steered India-US Ties Back On Track

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stayed calm, avoided public confrontation, and focused on India's long-term interests to steady ties with the United States.

Ishaan Tharoor among 300 staff axed by Washington Post

Ishaan Tharoor among 300 staff axed by Washington Post

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Washington Post Guild, the union for staff members, had appealed to the public to send a message to Bezos: "Enough is enough. Without the staff of The Washington Post, there is no Washington Post."

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Today's situation in the Shaksgam Valley is the consequence of what happened in Gilgit in 1947. But is India ready to militarily get back its territories? asks Claude Arpi.

MHA gets Rs 2.55 lakh cr as Budget sharpens focus on internal security

MHA gets Rs 2.55 lakh cr as Budget sharpens focus on internal security

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Union Budget 2025-26 had allocated Rs 2,33,210.68 crore (BE) to the ministry helmed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Govt-Oppn tussle flares up in Lok Sabha; 8 MPs suspended

Govt-Oppn tussle flares up in Lok Sabha; 8 MPs suspended

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The House has been witnessing uproar after Rahul Gandhi was disallowed to cite an article based on excerpts from an unpublished 'memoir' of former Army chief General M M Naravane (retd).

Tina Dabi Flag Hoisting Video Goes Viral, IAS Officer Explains What Went Wrong

Tina Dabi Flag Hoisting Video Goes Viral, IAS Officer Explains What Went Wrong

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

A video of IAS officer Tina Dabi during flag hoisting has gone viral. She explains how the mistake happened and clears the air.

Russia expels British diplomat over spying allegations

Russia expels British diplomat over spying allegations

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Russia has expelled a British diplomat, Gareth Samuel Davies, accusing him of spying and working for UK secret services. The UK's Charge d'Affaires was summoned, and a formal protest was lodged. Russia warned of retaliation if the UK escalates the situation.

Man loses Rs 16.50L in digital arrest for 'Delhi blast probe'

Man loses Rs 16.50L in digital arrest for 'Delhi blast probe'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The caller told the victim that a bank account linked to his mobile number had allegedly received Rs 7 crore through money laundering activities and warned that he would be arrested in the case.

11 World Leaders And Their Pets

11 World Leaders And Their Pets

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Animal companions are often excellent publicity vehicles for politicians and leaders.

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Nitin Nabin, a five-time Bihar MLA, has been elected unopposed as the BJP national president, becoming the youngest person to hold the position. His appointment signals a generational shift in the party's leadership as it prepares for key state elections.

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

India and the European Union are set to announce on January 27 the conclusion of negotiations and finalisation of a free trade agreement, which is aimed at boosting economic ties between the two regions amid disruptions in global trade due to US tariffs, an official said.

Carney's Visit May Boost India-Canada Ties

Carney's Visit May Boost India-Canada Ties

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

India and Canada are negotiating a long-term uranium supply agreement worth $2.8 billion. They are also exploring expanded civil nuclear cooperation after the passage of the SHANTI Bill.

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India is evaluating its involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran due to potential US tariffs. The US had granted India a waiver for the project, but it expires soon. India is exploring options to continue supporting the port's development while minimizing exposure to US sanctions.

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Funeral prayers were held for Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia amid tight security. Millions joined the namaz-e-janaza of Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and political icon of Bangladesh.

'Global Uncertainties Are Of A Magnitude We've Never Seen Before'

'Global Uncertainties Are Of A Magnitude We've Never Seen Before'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Global uncertainty is something which definitely occupies the minds of officials when we are preparing for the Budget.'

High drama in Karnataka assembly as guv walks out over speech row

High drama in Karnataka assembly as guv walks out over speech row

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Gehlot had on Wednesday refused to deliver the address to the Karnataka legislature, leading to a stalemate over the fate of the customary speech that outlines the government's policies.

Bangladesh to suspend IPL broadcast?

Bangladesh to suspend IPL broadcast?

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

'The BCB announced the schedule for India's tour of Bangladesh because there was a sense of positivity but now we need to get an official confirmation from the Indian board as to why Mustafizur's contract was cancelled.'

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from over 60 international organisations, including United Nations bodies and the India-France-led International Solar Alliance, calling the institutions 'redundant' and 'contrary' to America's interests.

Mustafizur's exit: Azharuddin backs BCCI decision

Mustafizur's exit: Azharuddin backs BCCI decision

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Mohammed Azharuddin backs BCCI; BJP and Congress clash over Mustafizur Rahman issue

'At least 10 Indians fighting for Russia have died'

'At least 10 Indians fighting for Russia have died'

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

A man from Punjab claims that 10 Indians recruited into the Russian Army have died in the Ukraine war. He says he has documents confirming the deaths and has appealed to the government for help.

Suspended MPs: 7 Rahul Loyalists, 1 Marxist

Suspended MPs: 7 Rahul Loyalists, 1 Marxist

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

8 Member of Parliaments were suspended from Lok Sabha for tearing & throwing papers at the Chair till April 2. Uproar started when Rahul Gandhi was barred from citing former Army Chief, General M M Naravane's memoir on 2020 India-China clash. Rediff.com brings you the details of these MPs who were suspended.

Yunus aide quits hours after Hadi's brother points fingers at govt

Yunus aide quits hours after Hadi's brother points fingers at govt

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

The brother of slain Bangladeshi radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi has alleged that a faction within the interim government plotted his brother's killing to disrupt the upcoming general election. A special assistant to the Chief Adviser has resigned following the allegations.

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The upcoming Republic Day Parade will center around the sesquicentenary of 'Vande Mataram,' featuring themed decorations, performances, and special guests.

Maduro illegitimate, we won't mourn end of his regime: UK

Maduro illegitimate, we won't mourn end of his regime: UK

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

The UK has called for a safe and peaceful transition of power in Venezuela following a US operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated support for international law and said the UK government will discuss the situation with US counterparts.

Iran protests hit day 14, hundreds feared dead

Iran protests hit day 14, hundreds feared dead

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Anti-government protests in Iran have continued for the fourteenth consecutive day on Saturday, with authorities tightening security measures as demonstrations spread across multiple cities.

Modi And The Art Of Practising External Affairs

Modi And The Art Of Practising External Affairs

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

'Personalities are temporary, policies provide for stability.' 'With the former, when personalities change so does the nature of the relationship.' 'Policies and structures, on the other hand, are idiot-proof, as well as maverick-resistant,' explains Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

'Grassroots-level corruption, which disrupts the last-mile work, cannot be ignored in your enthusiasm and drive to get going to complete the project.' 'Like it was in MGNREGA, in some states, it is the case with the Jal Jeevan mission.' 'The last minute levels of corruption can ruin the intent of the project itself.' 'When you see that people can game a particular well-intended and well-crafted project, you need to correct that.'

India, UAE seal defence pact, set $200 bn trade target

India, UAE seal defence pact, set $200 bn trade target

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Under the defence partnership, India and the UAE are eyeing defence industrial collaboration and cooperation in advanced technologies, cyberspace training, special operations, interoperability of their militaries and counter terrorism.

Urgent need to protect people of Northeast: Rijiju on Chakma murder

Urgent need to protect people of Northeast: Rijiju on Chakma murder

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

He added that the Uttarakhand government has acted swiftly in the matter and that around five people have already been arrested.

We have to 'avenge' our painful history: NSA Doval

We have to 'avenge' our painful history: NSA Doval

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval emphasized the need to strengthen India's security across all sectors, including the economy, to address historical vulnerabilities. He highlighted the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the importance of strong leadership.

'Current elements in Bangladesh want to hurt India'

'Current elements in Bangladesh want to hurt India'

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Foreign Affairs expert Robinder Sachdev on Monday expressed serious concern over the current public sentiment and statements emerging from leaders in Bangladesh against India, describing them as 'threats' targeting Northeast India and warning that these elements in the neighbouring country are actively seeking ways to 'hurt' the nation.

The Reason Why Parasakthi Released Now

The Reason Why Parasakthi Released Now

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Throughout Parasakthi, Sivakarthikeyan mentions he is not against Hindi but the imposition of Hindi, notes A Ganesh Nadar.