News for 'National Media Centre'

Bastar Region Sees Transformation as Security Camps Become Public Infrastructure

Bastar Region Sees Transformation as Security Camps Become Public Infrastructure

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, India, is transitioning away from decades of Maoist conflict, with plans to convert security camps into public infrastructure. A senior Maoist commander recently surrendered, marking a significant step in the government's efforts to eliminate Naxalism.

International Cyber Fraud Racket Busted in J&K: Seven Arrested

International Cyber Fraud Racket Busted in J&K: Seven Arrested

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Police's Counter Intelligence Wing (CIK) has dismantled a sophisticated international cyber fraud racket, arresting seven individuals in Srinagar. The operation targeted victims in the USA, UK, and Canada, using advanced techniques to steal funds through deceptive online schemes.

'War Crime': Afghanistan Cricketers Slam Pakistan Airstrike In Kabul

'War Crime': Afghanistan Cricketers Slam Pakistan Airstrike In Kabul

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Several Afghanistan cricketers, including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, condemned Pakistan's military airstrike at a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabulinvestigation.

PT Usha calls for athlete-first policies in Indian sports administration

PT Usha calls for athlete-first policies in Indian sports administration

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

IOA President PT Usha emphasises the importance of athlete-centric policies in Indian sports administration, highlighting the need for prioritising athlete welfare and development.

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.

Arunachal Pradesh Lawmakers Unite Against Racial Discrimination, Demand Stricter Laws

Arunachal Pradesh Lawmakers Unite Against Racial Discrimination, Demand Stricter Laws

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly has strongly condemned racial discrimination against people from the Northeast and urged the central government to enact a stringent anti-racism law.

Gujarat to Host Reactivated National Olympic Academy as IOA Pushes Reforms

Gujarat to Host Reactivated National Olympic Academy as IOA Pushes Reforms

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Under Usha and Narang, the National Olympic Academy will "collaborate" closely with the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, to "align India's Olympic education programmes with the Olympic Charter and international best practices."

Man Accused of Cyber Trafficking Denied Bail by Bombay High Court

Man Accused of Cyber Trafficking Denied Bail by Bombay High Court

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Bombay High Court has denied bail to a man accused of trafficking educated youth on the pretext of providing them jobs abroad, only to coerce them to carry out cyber fraud activities.

Gary Kirsten to coach Sri Lanka until 2028

Gary Kirsten to coach Sri Lanka until 2028

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Gary Kirsten, the former India World Cup-winning coach, has been appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lanka cricket team on a two-year contract, aiming to strengthen the national side for major global events, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.

SC pulls up NCERT over judiciary chapter; directs govt to drop 3 experts

SC pulls up NCERT over judiciary chapter; directs govt to drop 3 experts

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Centre has directed the NCERT to review all textbooks after the Supreme Court raised concerns about 'offending' content on corruption in the judiciary in a Class 8 social science book.

More Arrests in Pakistan-Linked Espionage Case

More Arrests in Pakistan-Linked Espionage Case

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Indian police have apprehended three more individuals, including a juvenile and a woman, allegedly involved in a Pakistan-linked espionage racket, bringing the total number of arrests to 18. The suspects are accused of sending sensitive information to Pakistan via parcels through Dubai and WhatsApp.

More Arrests in Pakistan-Linked Espionage Case

More Arrests in Pakistan-Linked Espionage Case

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Indian police have arrested three more individuals allegedly involved in a Pakistan-linked espionage racket, bringing the total number of arrests to 21. The accused are suspected of sending sensitive information to Pakistan.

Kaspersky Eyes India as Regional Hub Amid Cybersecurity Threat Surge

Kaspersky Eyes India as Regional Hub Amid Cybersecurity Threat Surge

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky plans to significantly increase its investments in India, leveraging the country as a hub for regional services due to strong financial performance and the escalating threat landscape.

Indian killed as oil tanker attacked off Oman coast

Indian killed as oil tanker attacked off Oman coast

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

An Indian national was killed in an attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. The tanker was struck by an explosive-laden unmanned boat, resulting in a fire and explosion.

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

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.

RSPB's Jeet Chandra and Anirban Ghosh Clinch Men's Doubles Title at Table Tennis Championships

RSPB's Jeet Chandra and Anirban Ghosh Clinch Men's Doubles Title at Table Tennis Championships

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) players Jeet Chandra and Anirban Ghosh won the men's doubles title at the 87th UTT Senior National Table Tennis Championships. Sutirtha Mukherjee and Kaushani Nath secured the women's doubles title. The men's and women's singles pre-quarterfinals saw both expected wins and upsets, setting the stage for intense quarterfinal matches.

India suspends visa centre in B'desh's Chittagong amid tension

India suspends visa centre in B'desh's Chittagong amid tension

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

India has suspended visa operations at its application center in Chittagong, Bangladesh, following heightened tensions and protests after the death of a student leader.

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

It may now be time to question the price India is paying for Israel's disregard of the serious undermining of India's energy security, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Shekhar Kapur: 'Movie Stars Will Be AI Created'

Shekhar Kapur: 'Movie Stars Will Be AI Created'

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

'Storytelling will never change.' 'As long as storytelling can be unpredictable... AI cannot tell you an unpredictable story.'

AI System To Transform Training, Injury Tracking In Indian Sports

AI System To Transform Training, Injury Tracking In Indian Sports

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India launches AI-driven SPEEED platform to track athlete performance, predict injuries, tackle age fraud and revolutionise sports science nationwide.

How To Apply For The IndieVerse Comics Challenge

How To Apply For The IndieVerse Comics Challenge

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The competition invites creators aged 18 to 25 to reimagine India's cultural heritage through superheroes, drama, fantasy, or any genre that captures the spirit of Indian storytelling.

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

For weeks, the war skirted the edge of catastrophe without tipping over. Missiles flew, there was much destruction, commanders were assassinated, cities across the Gulf and even in Israel struggled to absorb the shock. But one line held: Energy infrastructure, the arteries of the global economy, remained largely untouched. That is no longer true. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Gulf allies livid as US 'gave no notice' of Iran strike

Gulf allies livid as US 'gave no notice' of Iran strike

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The United States is facing growing discontent from its Gulf allies after several countries in the region complained that they were not given advance notice of the US-Israel strike on Iran that triggered widespread retaliatory attacks, according to media reports.

Amethi Residents Stranded in Iran Amidst Conflict

Amethi Residents Stranded in Iran Amidst Conflict

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Several residents of Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, including students, are stranded in Iran due to ongoing joint strikes by the United States and Israel, prompting calls for government assistance.

Iranian missile hits Israeli town, 9 killed

Iranian missile hits Israeli town, 9 killed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

An Iranian missile strike targeted the town of Beit Shemesh, located west of Jerusalem, resulting in significant casualties and structural devastation, as reported by Al Jazeera. The strike caused extensive damage earlier Sunday to several buildings, with one structure completely collapsing under the impact.

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.

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the barrage targeted several US military facilities in the region, including bases at Sheikh Isa in Bahrain, Juffair in Bahrain, Ali al-Salem in Kuwait and Al Azraq in Jordan.

'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.'

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Following attacks in West Asia, hundreds of Indians, including prominent personalities, are stranded in Dubai and other key hub airports due to flight disruptions, prompting appeals for government assistance.

'There Could Be More Violence In Pakistan'

'There Could Be More Violence In Pakistan'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

'TTP has vowed to take revenge for the attacks that Pakistan is carrying out against Afghanistan.' 'To diminish this threat, Pakistan is hitting Afghanistan hard.'

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

STT hike in F&O to deter speculative trading: FM

STT hike in F&O to deter speculative trading: FM

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced an increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on Futures and Options trade with a view to discouraging small investors from speculative trading in derivatives, which led to a sharp decline in the stock market.

Bangladesh to hold crucial general elections on Thursday

Bangladesh to hold crucial general elections on Thursday

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Bangladesh is set to hold parliamentary elections with unprecedented security measures in place, following a period of interim governance and political changes.

SC demands precise transcripts in activist Sonam Wangchuk case

SC demands precise transcripts in activist Sonam Wangchuk case

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the central government to provide accurate transcripts of videos related to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention, emphasizing the need for precision in translations, especially with the advent of Artificial Intelligence.

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Taking Kharg would give the US control over virtually all of Iran's oil exports and thus provide significant leverage, notes Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War. It would also put American troops within range of Iran's remaining missiles, drones, and artillery on a piece of real estate that is just eight square miles in size, and just 15 miles from the Iranian mainland.

BNP sweeps Bangladesh polls; Tarique Rahman to be PM

BNP sweeps Bangladesh polls; Tarique Rahman to be PM

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

If the Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins, Tarique Rahman will be Bangladesh's first male prime minister in 36 years.

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

All along, we were told SIR was an essential exercise carried out as part of the Election Commission's regular duties. But now that the ideological mentor of the ruling party has declared that SIR is a means of detecting infiltrators, one understands the unseemly haste with which it is being carried out, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israel has for more than two decades and several US presidencies worked to draw the United States into a full-scale war with Iran. Having finally achieved that, the last thing it wants is Trump declaring victory and going home, as he is prone to do. Ali Larijani was the figure most capable of handing Trump a negotiated exit with something to show for it. Without Larijani, the road to an exit gets considerably narrower. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.