News for 'Official Welcome'

12 Billion Spent, Gaddafi Stadium Still Not Ready

12 Billion Spent, Gaddafi Stadium Still Not Ready

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Gaddafi Stadium to be handed over to ICC for Champions Trophy on Feb 11: PCB source

Meitei group surrenders 246 firearms in Manipur

Meitei group surrenders 246 firearms in Manipur

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Meitei group Arambai Tenggol surrendered 246 firearms to security forces in Manipur, bringing the total number of weapons surrendered to 307. The surrender follows a deadline set by Governor Ajay Bhalla for the return of illegal weapons. Arambai Tenggol's decision was influenced by assurances from the governor, including the eradication of opium poppy cultivation, implementation of border fencing, and a general amnesty for members of the group. Officials believe the surrender will contribute to restoring peace in the state, which has been rocked by ethnic violence for nearly two years. The police have urged others in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them before the deadline. Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh welcomed the surrender, calling it a "big step towards peace."

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India and Qatar on Tuesday agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership and double bilateral trade to USD 28 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani signed agreements and MoUs to strengthen economic cooperation, including a revised double taxation avoidance agreement. The strategic partnership will cover the "entire spectrum" of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy security, and regional and international cooperation. Both leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen and broaden the energy partnership, including "exploring mutual investments." The Amir's visit provided an "excellent opportunity" for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss and "cement a strategic partnership for enhanced future cooperation."

Modi in Washington; to receive ceremonial welcome at White House

Modi in Washington; to receive ceremonial welcome at White House

Rediff.com22 Jun 2023

The prime minister, who is visiting the US at the invitation of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, will join them for the state banquet along with a number of dignitaries on Thursday.

Ready to take back verified illegal immigrants: Modi

Ready to take back verified illegal immigrants: Modi

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Those who stay in other countries illegally do not have any legal right to be there, Modi said.

Will Trump 2.0 See More US Oil To India?

Will Trump 2.0 See More US Oil To India?

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'The US is strongly placed to expand its crude supplies to India.'

'Partition Should Never Have Happened'

'Partition Should Never Have Happened'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'We wouldn't have had to face all this had our national leaders taken care to select a place for Sindhis and sent us there, instead of sending us all over to settle in places where the locals didn't want us.' 'They could have partitioned Sindh and given us a Sindhi state from its two Hindu-majority districts.' 'Wasn't that the logic of Partition?'

Heavy snowfall in Kashmir, flights, rail services suspended

Heavy snowfall in Kashmir, flights, rail services suspended

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Normal life was thrown out of gear in Kashmir on Saturday as most areas of the valley received snowfall, disrupting flight and railway operations and also leading to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, officials said.

Maha Kumbh set for auspicious start on 'Paush Purnima' on Monday

Maha Kumbh set for auspicious start on 'Paush Purnima' on Monday

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

The 45-day Maha Kumbh 2025, billed as the world's largest gathering of humans, began on Monday with the first major bathing ritual or 'Shahi Snan' at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, India. This edition of the Kumbh is being held after 12 years, with the Uttar Pradesh government expecting over 35 crore devotees to visit. The event is being touted as a 'Digi-Kumbh' with Artificial Intelligence (AI) being used for various aspects, including security and cleanliness. The Maha Kumbh will be held from January 13 to February 26, and is expected to transform the area into the world's largest temporary city. Thirteen Akharas of seers from different sects are participating in the event, attracting attention from those seeking to learn about Indian spiritual beliefs.

35 Years After IPKF's Return, Tamil Politics Has Changed

35 Years After IPKF's Return, Tamil Politics Has Changed

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Since the IPKF's withdrawal from Sri Lanka in March 1990, the LTTE's once-powerful influence in Tamil Nadu has faded.

'We have no option but to strike back'

'We have no option but to strike back'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'If they aim to remain aligned with the public sentiment, as any democratic government should, then they must respond. Why else would the prime minister have cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia? And why would he have instructed the home minister himself to travel to Srinagar to assess the situation firsthand? This suggests that something is indeed being planned. I am quite certain of that, although the exact form it will take remains to be seen.'

'US Remains Invested In Quad'

'US Remains Invested In Quad'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

'Trump's aggressive stance towards China and preference for military posturing could shift the Quad's balance towards overt militarisation.'

Navi Mumbai airport likely to be inaugurated on April 17

Navi Mumbai airport likely to be inaugurated on April 17

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

Earlier in the day, an IndiGo A320 passenger aircraft landed successfully at 1.32 pm at runway 08/26 of the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport, paving the way for the Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) to seek an aerodrome licence from the aviation safety regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to start commercial flight services.

Eagerly look forward to...: LoP Rahul arrives in US

Eagerly look forward to...: LoP Rahul arrives in US

Rediff.com8 Sep 2024

During his visit from September 8-10, the Congress leader would hold numerous interactions in Washington DC and Dallas, including at the University of Georgetown and the University of Texas.

FIR over fireworks outside Kejriwal's home despite ban

FIR over fireworks outside Kejriwal's home despite ban

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

Firecrackers were burst outside the CM's residence after his release from the Tihar Jail on Friday evening. The Aam Aadmi Party workers had gathered to welcome their leader.

Slain By Terrorists, Dr Dar Is Laid To Rest

Slain By Terrorists, Dr Dar Is Laid To Rest

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

Dr Dar and six labourers were killed when terrorists struck a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in Ganderbal on Sunday evening.

Jaishankar meets US officials, discusses security ties

Jaishankar meets US officials, discusses security ties

Rediff.com30 Sep 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and held a productive conversation with him on deepening bilateral defence cooperation, including in the co-production of defence articles, and exchanged perspectives on a variety of security issues.

Modi's welcome ceremony at White House to be one of the biggest

Modi's welcome ceremony at White House to be one of the biggest

Rediff.com12 Jun 2023

The first state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US is likely to be a defining moment for Indo-US relationship and both sides are working on a robust outcome document that may take up matters that would decide the contour of the bilateral ties for decades to come, according to people familiar with the planning of the high-profile trip.

Yamuna 'poisoning': Referred to high ammonia level, Kejriwal tells CEC

Yamuna 'poisoning': Referred to high ammonia level, Kejriwal tells CEC

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal went to the Election Commission's office in New Delhi on Friday and furnished his reply to the poll body over its notice to him on his 'poison mixed' in Yamuna water remark.

ISSF World Cup: 200 shooters, 37 nations and India's quest for glory

ISSF World Cup: 200 shooters, 37 nations and India's quest for glory

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya called the shooting World Cup final, which commenced in New Delhi on Monday, a celebration of excellence and added that the country felt honoured to welcome the best in the business.

Modi stranded at Deoghar airport for 2 hrs after snag hits aircraft

Modi stranded at Deoghar airport for 2 hrs after snag hits aircraft

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was stranded in Jharkhand's Deoghar airport for nearly two hours on Friday after his special Indian Air Force aircraft developed a snag, flew back to Delhi in another plane, officials said.

Budget Prepares For Rise In Cancer Cases

Budget Prepares For Rise In Cancer Cases

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Do we have enough trained oncologists and medical professionals in India to man these over 4,500 beds in the public sector?

India rings in 2025 amid tight security across major cities

India rings in 2025 amid tight security across major cities

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Thousands of police personnel and CCTV cameras were deployed and traffic regulated across states on Tuesday to ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incident as the country geared up to welcome 2025.

SoChay Are Married!

SoChay Are Married!

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

The couple tied the knot in a traditional Telugu ceremony in Hyderabad.

Vande Bharat completes trial run in JK, reaches Srinagar

Vande Bharat completes trial run in JK, reaches Srinagar

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The train, on its maiden trial run, arrived at Srinagar station in the Nowgam area on Srinagar's outskirts from Katra in Jammu.

PIX: Glitzy opening for inaugural Kho Kho World Cup

PIX: Glitzy opening for inaugural Kho Kho World Cup

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

After a stunning dance performance celebrating India, and highlighting the vibrant and colourful culture of the country, the athletes of the participating nations paraded around the stadium.

Hamas returns 3 hostages to Israel in first phase of ceasefire deal

Hamas returns 3 hostages to Israel in first phase of ceasefire deal

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

The Israeli Defence Forces on Sunday confirmed that Hamas has released the three hostages and that they have been returned to Israeli territory.

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The latest biopic on Jyotibai Phule has come at a time when the Department of Taking Offence is super-active. Utkarsh Mishra feels it will be interesting to see if it portrays his attack on Brahminism in the same 'no holds barred' manner-- and, if it does, what reaction it provokes.

CBI raids Sisodia's office, they are welcome, he tweets

CBI raids Sisodia's office, they are welcome, he tweets

Rediff.com14 Jan 2023

Sisodia claimed the agency did not find anything against him during previous raids and this time too it will be the same as he has done nothing wrong.

Trump Announces F-35 Jet Deal, Billions in Military Sales To India

Trump Announces F-35 Jet Deal, Billions in Military Sales To India

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

India and the United States have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership in several key areas, with President Donald Trump announcing plans to provide India with F-35 fighter jets and billions of dollars in military supplies. The two leaders also discussed energy cooperation, critical technologies, connectivity, and countering terrorism. They agreed to work together on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and Trump noted India's reforms to welcome US nuclear technologies. Prime Minister Modi said the two countries can shape a better world through their cooperation. Both leaders also addressed the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Modi stressing India's commitment to peace.

Football shorts not a requirement for women: English FA

Football shorts not a requirement for women: English FA

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

England's Football Association (FA) said women players across its competitions are allowed to wear clothing that follows their religious beliefs after former Somalia captain Iqra Ismail was prevented from playing a match for not wearing shorts.

Budget 2025: Nirmalaji May Set Fiscal Deficit At 4.4%

Budget 2025: Nirmalaji May Set Fiscal Deficit At 4.4%

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

'We have to retain some fiscal headroom without compromising on the promised fiscal consolidation roadmap.'

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Leaders from around the world extended their greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and expressing hope for a stronger future. The Indian diaspora across the globe celebrated the occasion with enthusiasm at Indian missions abroad, where the national tri-colour was unfurled, accompanied by cultural performances and patriotic fervour. The celebrations highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and its global partners.

Our ties shouldn't be transactional, says outgoing US envoy

Our ties shouldn't be transactional, says outgoing US envoy

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

Richard Verma, the highest-ranking Indian-American official in the State Department, has expressed optimism about the future of US-India ties and emphasized the need to base the relationship on shared values rather than mere transactional dealings. Verma, who previously served as America's Ambassador to India, stressed the importance of the Quad in defending the international order, highlighting its shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Groom reaches Guwahati on time for wedding thanks to railways

Groom reaches Guwahati on time for wedding thanks to railways

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

A Mumbai man managed to reach Guwahati on time for his wedding on Sunday, thanks to the help of Indian Railways. The groom and his relatives were travelling on the Gitanjali Express from Mumbai, which was delayed. They were worried about missing the Saraighat Express to Guwahati. A member of the wedding party posted a message on X, requesting help. The Howrah Divisional Railway Manager, acting on instructions from higher authorities, detained the Saraighat Express and ensured the swift arrival of the Gitanjali Express. The groom and his relatives were then quickly transported to the Saraighat Express by battery-operated vehicles. The wedding took place without further complications. The family expressed their gratitude to the Indian Railways for their assistance.

'Mazar' inside school where Rahul Gandhi studied razed

'Mazar' inside school where Rahul Gandhi studied razed

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Rajiv Gandhi, his son Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Karan Singh, Naveen Patnaik besides celebrated authors like Amitav Ghosh and Vikram Seth studied at The Doon School.

Saudi Arabia opens door to LGBTQ fans for World Cup

Saudi Arabia opens door to LGBTQ fans for World Cup

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid unit, said his country welcomes all visitors, including LGBTQ people and their bid to host the 48-team showpiece event has nothing to do with 'sportswashing' their human rights record.

Shinde extends all cooperation to Fadnavis, says will work as a team

Shinde extends all cooperation to Fadnavis, says will work as a team

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has said he will extend all possible cooperation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and will work as a team. Addressing a news conference, Shinde described his tenure as chief minister as very successful and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their support. He also said the Mahayuti government secured a majority in the recent elections. Shinde said that when he was the chief minister, Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar extended cooperation to him and they worked as a team. He added that he will now be "dedicated to the common man" 24 x 7. In the first cabinet meeting after the swearing-in ceremony, officials were instructed to disburse the next instalment of the Ladki Bahin scheme to beneficiaries. Shinde also rubbished all talk of him being upset over not being made chief minister. He pointed out that 39 Shiv Sena MLAs were with him when he led a revolt in 2022, and today, the party has 57 MLAs, which he asserted was a seal of approval from the people. Shinde was given a rousing welcome at Anand Ashram, the headquarters of the Shiv Sena in Thane, following the swearing-in ceremony. Several hundred party workers thronged the area carrying placards and shouting slogans in his praise.

Two detained in Meerut in comedian Sunil Pal's kidnapping case

Two detained in Meerut in comedian Sunil Pal's kidnapping case

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Two people have been detained and are being questioned by Meerut police in connection with the alleged kidnapping and extortion of comedian Sunil Pal. Pal's wife visited the Lal Kurti police station in Meerut with three lawyers to inquire about the matter. Last week, Pal claimed that he was abducted while on his way to Uttarakhand for a show. He claimed the kidnappers demanded a ransom of Rs 20 lakh, but he managed to secure his release after paying Rs 8 lakh, which he collected from some friends. The comedian said he was dropped by the side of a road in Meerut, from where he made his way to the Delhi airport and flew to Mumbai. The kidnapping case of comedian Sunil Pal has been transferred from Mumbai to Meerut. The police are also looking into an audio clip that has surfaced online, in which Pal allegedly discusses the kidnapping plan with an unidentified person, mentioning his wife's awareness of the situation and media discussions about the episode. Pal's wife, Sarita, claimed the viral audio clip had been edited. She said Pal is currently at home but is unwell, which is why she came to Meerut to meet police officials. When asked about any connection to the recent kidnapping case of Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, Sarita said she had no knowledge of it.

Ranbir's Ramayana To Release In 2 Parts

Ranbir's Ramayana To Release In 2 Parts

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'This epic adaptation brings to life one of India's most cherished tales with unmatched scale and visionary storytelling.'