News for 'National Affairs'

More than 1,700 Indians return home from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

More than 1,700 Indians return home from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has facilitated the safe passage of over 1,700 Indian nationals from Iran through Armenia and Azerbaijan since the beginning of the West Asia conflict.

Days after Trump trip, Putin to land in China on Tuesday for two-day visit

Days after Trump trip, Putin to land in China on Tuesday for two-day visit

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, shortly after US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing. The visit underscores the close strategic ties between China and Russia amid global tensions.

'I'm an honorary cockroach': Wangchuk hits back at Ladakh LG

'I'm an honorary cockroach': Wangchuk hits back at Ladakh LG

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has rejected Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's claim that he was 'unsure' of the online movement's origins, asserting he considers himself an 'honorary cockroach'.

Drug Trafficker Dola's Chemist Links Under Investigation

Drug Trafficker Dola's Chemist Links Under Investigation

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Investigators are probing the network of Mohammad Salim Dola, an alleged international drug trafficker, and have uncovered links with chemists and pharma dealers who allegedly aided his illicit trans-national racket.

In Norway, India rejects allegations of violation of human rights

In Norway, India rejects allegations of violation of human rights

Rediff.com20 May 2026

India has reiterated its commitment to human rights and democracy following criticism from a Norwegian newspaper commentator during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Norway.

India's 10-Year Plan To Become A Sporting Powerhouse

India's 10-Year Plan To Become A Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised the importance of executing the country's 10-year roadmap to become a global sporting powerhouse during the Chintan Shivir held in Srinagar. The event saw participation from state sports ministers and eminent sports personalities, focusing on active implementation and grassroots development.

Babar Azam Likely To Replace Shan Masood As Pakistan's Test Captain

Babar Azam Likely To Replace Shan Masood As Pakistan's Test Captain

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Pakistan is reportedly considering replacing Shan Masood with Babar Azam as Test captain following a heavy defeat to Bangladesh. The Pakistan Cricket Board is under pressure to reinstate Azam.

Nepal seeks diplomatic solution to border dispute with India

Nepal seeks diplomatic solution to border dispute with India

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Nepal has reiterated its commitment to resolving the border issue with India through diplomatic channels, emphasising historical agreements and understanding.

India appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Chief

India appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Chief

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (retd) has been appointed as India's next Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Gen Anil Chauhan. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been named the next Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Lt Gen Subramani's primary mandate will be to implement the military theaterisation plan and bolster tri-services synergy.

Uninformed, in poor taste: India on Trump's 'hellhole' remark

Uninformed, in poor taste: India on Trump's 'hellhole' remark

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India has criticised US President Donald Trump's social media repost referring to India and other countries as 'hellholes' in the context of immigration, deeming the remarks 'uninformed' and 'inappropriate'.

Rashid Khan turned down offers to play for India, Australia, reveals new book

Rashid Khan turned down offers to play for India, Australia, reveals new book

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Afghanistan's star leg-spinner Rashid Khan declined citizenship offers from India and Australia, reaffirming his commitment to representing his home country, according to a new book.

Amid US blockade of Hormuz, India emphasises safe maritime passage

Amid US blockade of Hormuz, India emphasises safe maritime passage

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has emphasised India's commitment to safe maritime transit and condemned attacks on merchant shipping amidst the ongoing West Asia conflict and global energy market disruptions.

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed various aspects of India-US bilateral ties, focusing on defence, trade, energy, and technology. Rubio extended an invitation from President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the US.

Delhi High Court Upholds AITA Elections Under Supervision

Delhi High Court Upholds AITA Elections Under Supervision

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has validated the All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections held in September 2024, but stipulated that the elected body will operate as an interim arrangement under the supervision of a court-appointed Administrator.

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released the Srinagar Khel Sankalp document, outlining a national vision to strengthen sports culture through cooperative federalism, focusing on athlete-centric development and infrastructure expansion.

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini celebrated the BJP's victory in the recent civic body elections, attributing the win to public confidence in the party's development-focused governance and rejection of the Congress' negative politics.

Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in India for BRICS summit; to meet Jaishankar

Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in India for BRICS summit; to meet Jaishankar

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in India for a BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, where discussions will focus on the escalating crisis in West Asia and its impact on global energy supply chains.

Trump backtracks on Taiwan independence after China visit

Trump backtracks on Taiwan independence after China visit

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Following his visit to China, US President Donald Trump has suggested a potential shift in Washington's approach to Taiwan, expressing reluctance to engage in military conflict over Taiwan's independence and cautioning against unilateral moves.

Kerala University Must Allow Iranian Student To Use Swimming Pool: Rights Body

Kerala University Must Allow Iranian Student To Use Swimming Pool: Rights Body

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The State Human Rights Commission has ruled that an Iranian student of Kerala University has the legal right to use the swimming pool at the Kariavattom campus and directed the Sports and Youth Affairs Department to ensure necessary facilities.

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged its citizens to immediately depart from several Middle Eastern countries, citing "serious safety risks."

IOC voices concern for Iranian athletes

IOC voices concern for Iranian athletes

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The IOC has expressed concern for the welfare of Iranian athletes amid escalating unrest, mass arrests and reports of deaths, saying it remains in contact with Iran's Olympic community.

Delhi blast: NIA files 7,500-page chargesheet against 10; reveals plot

Delhi blast: NIA files 7,500-page chargesheet against 10; reveals plot

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 10 accused in connection with the Red Fort blast, revealing a jihadi conspiracy by Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind to overthrow the Indian government and impose Sharia law.

How To Harness Sports For Social Transformation: L-G Sinha Explains

How To Harness Sports For Social Transformation: L-G Sinha Explains

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasised the importance of harnessing sports as a force for social transformation at a national 'Chintan Shivir' in Srinagar. He highlighted the need for collaboration between schools, communities, and families to create ecosystems where young athletes can discover their potential, and urged for greater support and resources for physical education teachers in schools.

From troll target to TDP's future: Lokesh's long march

From troll target to TDP's future: Lokesh's long march

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Nara Lokesh, once heavily criticised, has risen to become the National Working President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), marking a significant generational transition within the party.

'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.

PM and I don't have 'wife issue': Rahul quips in Lok Sabha

PM and I don't have 'wife issue': Rahul quips in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Rahul Gandhi playfully remarked on his and PM Modi's lack of 'the wife issue' during a Lok Sabha debate, highlighting the influence of women in everyone's lives.

It's official, Rajya Sabha approves merger of AAP MPs with BJP

It's official, Rajya Sabha approves merger of AAP MPs with BJP

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs have officially merged with the BJP in the Rajya Sabha, reducing AAP's strength in the Upper House. The move increases the BJP's presence and has been criticised by AAP as unconstitutional.

National churches body moves SC against anti-conversion law in 12 states

National churches body moves SC against anti-conversion law in 12 states

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and 12 states on a PIL challenging the validity of their anti-conversion laws. The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) filed the PIL, seeking a stay on the operation of these laws.

Sri Lanka Cricket chief Shammi Silva resigns amidst pressure

Sri Lanka Cricket chief Shammi Silva resigns amidst pressure

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket's chief Shammi Silva and his executive committee resigned following calls for a new administration from the country's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Chess Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta Gets Assurance On Prize-Money

Chess Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta Gets Assurance On Prize-Money

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta, frustrated by delays in receiving prize money for winning the Odisha Open, has been assured by the All India Chess Federation that the issue will be resolved and his dues cleared.

'Racist trash': Trump slammed for 'hellhole' remark targeting India

'Racist trash': Trump slammed for 'hellhole' remark targeting India

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Democrat leaders have criticised US President Donald Trump for referring to India and other countries as 'hellholes', accusing him of amplifying 'racist trash' on social media.

India-bound LPG tanker safely passes through Strait Of Hormuz

India-bound LPG tanker safely passes through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com3 May 2026

A tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for India has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and is en route to Visakhapatnam, India, carrying enough cargo to meet half a day's requirement for the country.

India Vows To Fight Terrorism After Pahalgam Attack Anniversary

India Vows To Fight Terrorism After Pahalgam Attack Anniversary

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Union ministers paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on its first anniversary, reaffirming India's commitment to combating terrorism with a firm and zero-tolerance policy.

Opposition to meet on Wednesday over women's quota bill strategy

Opposition to meet on Wednesday over women's quota bill strategy

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

With the three-day special sitting of Parliament on the constitution amendment bill related to the implementation of 33 percent reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls set to begin on Thursday, a meeting of opposition parties is slated to be held on Wednesday at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

PIX: A century on, Indian hockey still unites the nation

PIX: A century on, Indian hockey still unites the nation

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

'This game against Tottenham will be important for us... to be (around) the top of the league.'

Hardliners in Iran blocking negotiation with US: Report

Hardliners in Iran blocking negotiation with US: Report

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reveals that a power struggle within Iran's leadership, with hardliners gaining influence, could significantly impact future negotiations with the United States.

Sourav Kothari Advances At World Billiards Championship

Sourav Kothari Advances At World Billiards Championship

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Sourav Kothari survived a scare in his opening match of the IBSF World Billiards Championship, while Pankaj Advani and Dhruv Sitwala registered comfortable wins.

Why FIVB Revoked Recognition Of Indian Volleyball Federation

Why FIVB Revoked Recognition Of Indian Volleyball Federation

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The world volleyball body FIVB has revoked the Volleyball Federation of India's recognition due to breaches of legal and administrative requirements, following complaints from players about poor facilities and selection politics.

Aakhri Sawal Can't Clear RSS Misconceptions

Aakhri Sawal Can't Clear RSS Misconceptions

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Rather than wasting time on rhetoric, emotions and drama, if Aakhri Sawal had engaged in a serious debate with more controversial questions and stronger arguments to counter them, it would have enriched the viewer as well as lifted the discourse, observes Utkarsh Mishra.

Modi to embark on six-day visit to UAE, Europe

Modi to embark on six-day visit to UAE, Europe

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy to deepen India's bilateral ties amid geopolitical changes.