News for 'Office of Media Affairs'

When Shehbaz Sharif Met Vance, Ghalibaf

When Shehbaz Sharif Met Vance, Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

CNN and Al Jazeera report that the Americans and Iranians are discussing a way out of conflict and hostilities face to face, in the same room -- the first time that such a high level interaction has taken place since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

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.

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.

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Office has refuted media reports suggesting that its efforts to facilitate peace talks between the US and Iran have stalled, calling the reports baseless and speculative.

Dawood Ibrahim's Aide Dola Arrives In Mumbai After Arrest

Dawood Ibrahim's Aide Dola Arrives In Mumbai After Arrest

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Mohammad Salim Dola, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim and a major drug trafficker, has been brought to Mumbai by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) after being arrested in Turkiye and granted transit remand by a Delhi court.

Why Saif Ali Khan Was Told Not To Play A Cop

Why Saif Ali Khan Was Told Not To Play A Cop

Rediff.com8 May 2026

'Shah Rukh Sir gave us a lot of room to make the film we wanted to make.'

Setback for peace talks as Iranian FM leaves Pak, Trump cancels envoys' trip

Setback for peace talks as Iranian FM leaves Pak, Trump cancels envoys' trip

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, concluded high-level meetings in Islamabad, delivering an 'official list of demands' to Pakistani leaders for the US and Israel. This comes as President Trump cancelled his envoys' visit to Islamabad amid ongoing efforts to facilitate peace talks between Iran and the US.

Pakistan All Set For 'Islamabad Talks'

Pakistan All Set For 'Islamabad Talks'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Pakistan is set to host crucial US-Iran talks aimed at solidifying a fragile ceasefire and de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.

'India Playing A Chess Game In Nepal'

'India Playing A Chess Game In Nepal'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

'Nepal today is far more aware, self-confident, aspirational, and assertive.' 'India's policy so far has not been geared to this shift. It is time to redraw our Nepal strategy.'

Iranian delegation reaches Islamabad for peace talks

Iranian delegation reaches Islamabad for peace talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Delegations from the US and Iran have arrived in Islamabad for talks aimed at resolving the conflict between the two nations, following a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. The negotiations are being closely watched due to their potential impact on regional security and global diplomacy.

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran have drawn strong condemnation from Democrat leaders, who are calling for his removal from office, while some Republicans express concern.

Stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, Pak PM tells MBS in 'restricted meeting'

Stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, Pak PM tells MBS in 'restricted meeting'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to express Pakistan's support for the Kingdom amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, reaffirming their mutual defence pact and commitment to regional stability.

More Ministries May Get Online Content Blocking Powers

More Ministries May Get Online Content Blocking Powers

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'We are considering this to ensure swift action on content for which the respective ministries have domain experts and can better determine the illegality of the content or the web site that needs to be taken down.'

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive in Islamabad for the second round of peace talks with the US, according to Pakistani media reports. This follows a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Araghchi regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.

Bhagwant Mann Defends Stance on Chandigarh After Blast

Bhagwant Mann Defends Stance on Chandigarh After Blast

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has responded to criticism following a blast outside the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh, defending his government's record and reiterating his stance on Chandigarh's relationship with Punjab.

NCW Submits Recommendations For Acid Attack Victim Support

NCW Submits Recommendations For Acid Attack Victim Support

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to various central ministries, outlining a survivor-centric framework to enhance care, justice, and rehabilitation for acid-attack victims.

Iran names new security chief to replace Ali Larijani

Iran names new security chief to replace Ali Larijani

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Zolqadr's appointment comes through a presidential decree, endorsed by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Putin meets Iran's Araghchi, offers support to bring peace to West Asia

Putin meets Iran's Araghchi, offers support to bring peace to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his support to help bring peace to West Asia, praising the Iranian people for their resilience. This comes as Iran seeks to resolve the conflict with the US, following discussions with Pakistani and Omani leadership.

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, addressing topics ranging from ceasefire efforts to maritime security and the safe return of Indian nationals. The MEA also addressed the UN Climate Change Conference and the delimitation bill.

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.

Manohar Lal Khattar Urges Transparency in Haryana Welfare Schemes

Manohar Lal Khattar Urges Transparency in Haryana Welfare Schemes

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has directed officials to ensure transparency in the implementation of central and Haryana government welfare schemes, aiming to maximise their reach. He reviewed multiple schemes across various departments during a DISHA meeting in Karnal.

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.

J-K CM Appeals for Calm After Khamenei Killing

J-K CM Appeals for Calm After Khamenei Killing

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm amid widespread protests following reports of the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

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.

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, on Saturday informed that five Indians have been killed and one is missing due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He added that Indian missions remain open round the clock and are constantly working to provide assistance.

Trump's unpredictable Iran policy baffles Americans, allies

Trump's unpredictable Iran policy baffles Americans, allies

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Donald Trump's inconsistent statements and actions regarding the conflict with Iran have drawn criticism and confusion, raising questions about American credibility and the direction of US foreign policy.

Iranian women's football squad member changes mind on Australia asylum offer, to return home

Iranian women's football squad member changes mind on Australia asylum offer, to return home

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Australian police helped two more members of the Iranian women's football delegation slip their minders to claim asylum, but one has changed her mind and decided to go back to Iran.

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.

India Missed Diplomatic Edge Against Pakistan

India Missed Diplomatic Edge Against Pakistan

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Iran was the chance to arrange a concert of nations, to actually be a Vishwaguru. Instead, we are watching from the sidelines as Pakistan, the same country that is apparently still at war with Afghanistan, hosts talks between US-Israel and Iran. The irony is hard to miss, points out Amberish K Diwanji.

Justice Varma withdraws from inquiry for his impeachment

Justice Varma withdraws from inquiry for his impeachment

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma has resigned, effectively halting impeachment proceedings initiated against him by the Lok Sabha following corruption allegations.

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.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israel and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, India voices strong concerns over the safety of its nationals and the potential disruption to energy supplies, urging dialogue and diplomacy for a swift resolution.

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

'India is at a critical juncture in this century. I want to be a part of the diplomatic team that works to make India great.'

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.

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

This weekend, Donald Trump has begun to say the quiet part out loud -- that he wants to take control of Iran's oil, a formulation more in line with his robber-baron style of international relations.

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

China's latest defence budget surges to $275 billion, fueling its ambitious military modernisation program and intensifying geopolitical dynamics in the region.