News for 'National Council'

Govt clears Rs 2.38 lakh cr defence push with fresh S-400 deal, 60 aircraft

Govt clears Rs 2.38 lakh cr defence push with fresh S-400 deal, 60 aircraft

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of weapons and military hardware worth Rs 2.38 crore, including S-400 missiles and medium transport aircraft, to bolster the Indian Air Force's capabilities.

'They have fired a gunshot': SC bans NCERT textbook

'They have fired a gunshot': SC bans NCERT textbook

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The apex court ordered that the Centre and state authorities comply with its directions immediately, and warned of 'serious action' if directions are defied in any form.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das, former AIFF general secretary, passed away at 66. He played a key role in developing Indian football, including organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

IPL 2026: Safety red flag puts Jaipur matches at risk

IPL 2026: Safety red flag puts Jaipur matches at risk

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Rajasthan Royals are seeking an indemnity waiver from the Rajasthan government to host IPL matches in Jaipur due to safety concerns raised about the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

A referendum on the implementation of a reform package in Bangladesh saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout, with the 'yes' vote winning a clear majority, the Election Commission announced.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Sri Lanka's Home Semi Chances Rest on ICC's Indo-Pak Rule

Sri Lanka's Home Semi Chances Rest on ICC's Indo-Pak Rule

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Sri Lanka could play their 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium if they qualify and avoid India, as ICC clarifies knockout venue logistics.

Refreshed Buttler ready to bounce back in IPL after T20 WC struggles

Refreshed Buttler ready to bounce back in IPL after T20 WC struggles

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Jos Buttler, who travels to India this week to join Gujarat Titans ahead of the new Indian Premier League season, which begins on March 28, hopes to return to the England side despite a poor T20 World Cup, backing the team's leadership and targeting the India series.

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup after co-host the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday.

India Plans to Revive Formula One with Driver Development Program

India Plans to Revive Formula One with Driver Development Program

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

India's Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is pushing to revive Formula One racing in the country, focusing on creating a strong pipeline of drivers and technicians. Discussions with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) have centered on developing a comprehensive framework to integrate motorsports with India's automotive and engineering sectors.

India slams Pak's 'false, self-serving' claim on Op Sindoor at UN

India slams Pak's 'false, self-serving' claim on Op Sindoor at UN

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, delivered a sharp response to comments made by Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

Middle East on edge as Iran targets US military bases

Middle East on edge as Iran targets US military bases

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Residents across the Gulf region, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, experienced fear and disruption following attacks, leading to flight suspensions and heightened security measures.

Trump vows to fund UN, says 'Board of Peace' to keep watch

Trump vows to fund UN, says 'Board of Peace' to keep watch

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

President Donald Trump announced the US will strengthen the United Nations, ensure its viability, and provide financial assistance, while also asserting that his Board of Peace will oversee the global organization's operations.

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Trump may strike. He may announce productive talks and extend again. He may do both at the same time. Iran will not open the Strait on someone else's terms, so no matter what happens, that problem will remain unsolved. And the IRGC will still be collecting its $2 million toll from every ship bold enough to ask permission to pass.

Badal Accuses AAP of Deteriorating Punjab Law and Order

Badal Accuses AAP of Deteriorating Punjab Law and Order

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, alleging a decline in law and order and accusing them of using financial schemes to sway voters ahead of elections.

Sri Lanka Cricket Board Faces Overhaul After T20 World Cup Flop

Sri Lanka Cricket Board Faces Overhaul After T20 World Cup Flop

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Following Sri Lanka's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, the Sports Minister is considering an interim committee to restructure the cricket board.

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The call came before Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the Middle East crisis, with a focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

India, EU ink mobility pact for students, professionals

India, EU ink mobility pact for students, professionals

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India and the European Union have finalized a comprehensive mobility pact that will create new opportunities for Indian students and professionals in Europe. The agreement was reached during summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top EU officials.

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, reaffirming India's support for Israel in the face of terrorism and expressing support for the Gaza peace initiative.

SC declares menstrual health as fundamental right

SC declares menstrual health as fundamental right

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Private schools failing to provide these facilities risk de-recognition

India wages war on cervical cancer with free HPV vax for girls

India wages war on cervical cancer with free HPV vax for girls

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The figures are grim. India accounts for around 19 per cent of global cervical cancer cases and 23 per cent of deaths.

Kirti Azad on Gautam Gambhir's temple visit: Respect all religions

Kirti Azad on Gautam Gambhir's temple visit: Respect all religions

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad responds to Gautam Gambhir's criticism regarding taking the T20 World Cup trophy to a temple, emphasising respect for all religions and the dignity of athletes.

Netanyahu debunks death rumours with 'punch card' video

Netanyahu debunks death rumours with 'punch card' video

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to continue targeting Iranian leaders, claiming recent successes in eliminating key figures. He asserted that Israel, with US support, aims to undermine the Iranian regime and empower the Iranian people.

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday signalled the US intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

Gulf War: Energy Shock Pushes India Towards Atmanirbharta

Gulf War: Energy Shock Pushes India Towards Atmanirbharta

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

We cannot simply have a 60-65 per cent import dependency in LPG, the bulk of which comes from just one volatile region -- West Asia, points out R Jagannathan.

India match boycott only to get Bangladesh respect: Pakistan

India match boycott only to get Bangladesh respect: Pakistan

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan's decision to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India was aimed solely at securing "respect" for Bangladesh.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Political Games, Challenges Amit Shah to Public Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Political Games, Challenges Amit Shah to Public Debate

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee challenges Amit Shah to a debate on governance, accusing the BJP of political manipulation and misrepresenting West Bengal's financial situation. He also criticised the BJP's record on women's safety and alleged the Centre was withholding funds from West Bengal.

T20 World Cup: Bangladesh Journalists' Media Applications Rejected

T20 World Cup: Bangladesh Journalists' Media Applications Rejected

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked another controversy and this time, it's affecting the media.

Fissures in MVA: After Sena-UBT, Cong claims RS seat

Fissures in MVA: After Sena-UBT, Cong claims RS seat

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra is facing internal conflict over the allocation of a winnable Rajya Sabha seat, with the Congress staking its claim against the Shiv Sena (UBT). Discussions are ongoing to reach a consensus before the nomination deadline.

SL president thanks Pak PM for agreeing to play India in T20 World Cup

SL president thanks Pak PM for agreeing to play India in T20 World Cup

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Sri Lankan President thanks PM Sharif as India-Pakistan T20 WC clash to go ahead

'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.

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

While investors would focus on the results and guidance for the third quarter of financial year 2025-26 (Q3FY26) in the normal course of business, the US-Israeli attack on Iran and the latter's retaliation at Gulf allies of the US has forced them to weigh the consequences of the event.

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resign, citing hypocrisy in Shah's call for 'clean politics' given his past arrest. Banerjee also criticised the Election Commission and defended his party's record.

Khamenei Among 10 Of The World's Longest-Serving Leaders

Khamenei Among 10 Of The World's Longest-Serving Leaders

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

From founding fathers to Europe's most unyielding rulers, these figures have not just held office, they have established a cult of leadership and will leave legacies, mostly mixed, that few can rival.

US Business Schools Eye India Partnerships

US Business Schools Eye India Partnerships

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The outreach comes amid a drop in Indian student enrolments in management programmes at American universities last year, following changes to US student visa policies.

T20 World Cup: ICC working on alternate flight plans for players and officials after US strikes on Iran

T20 World Cup: ICC working on alternate flight plans for players and officials after US strikes on Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is developing alternate flight plans for players and officials returning from the T20 World Cup following US strikes on Iran.