News for 'PRIME'

Opposition plans notice to remove Speaker Birla; numbers short, says Rijiju

Opposition plans notice to remove Speaker Birla; numbers short, says Rijiju

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Congress party has accused the government of stifling opposition voices in the Lok Sabha, alleging that opposition leaders are not being allowed to express their views while the government side faces no such restrictions.

Farmer groups slam India-US trade deal, call nationwide strike on Feb 12

Farmer groups slam India-US trade deal, call nationwide strike on Feb 12

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Several farmer organisations in India are protesting the proposed India-US trade deal, expressing concerns about its impact on the agriculture sector and demanding the resignation of the Commerce Minister.

PCB mulls over playing India at T20 WC after Sri Lanka request

PCB mulls over playing India at T20 WC after Sri Lanka request

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to consult its government regarding Sri Lanka's request to reconsider the boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, a decision that could impact the tournament's finances and image.

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

An Indian couple from Gujarat was dramatically rescued from kidnappers in Azerbaijan after intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs.

'Abodh Baalak': Kharge-Nadda spat in RS over Rahul

'Abodh Baalak': Kharge-Nadda spat in RS over Rahul

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Kharge condemned the use of the "abodh balak" term for Gandhi and alleged that BJP MPs can't even speak their mind.

Venezuela's acting president dials Modi weeks after US action

Venezuela's acting president dials Modi weeks after US action

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations. This marks the first conversation between the leaders since Nicolas Maduro's capture.

'Indian Army Has Free Hand To Deal With China'

'Indian Army Has Free Hand To Deal With China'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'After the Galwan clash, the rules of engagement changed with the army commanders allowed to use any means at their disposal as they deem fit for tactical operations.'

US U-turn on India trade deal: White House revises fact sheet

US U-turn on India trade deal: White House revises fact sheet

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

The White House has revised a fact sheet on the interim trade deal between the United States and India, removing the reference to "pulses" from the list of American products on which India would eliminate or reduce tariffs. The revised sheet also changed "committed" to "intends" regarding India's purchase of American products.

T20 WC: Bangladesh-BCCI tensions could end at India-Pakistan clash

T20 WC: Bangladesh-BCCI tensions could end at India-Pakistan clash

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam will attend the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash in Colombo, hoping to resolve tensions with the BCCI following recent disputes.

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

India has stated it will wait for the outcome of the elections in Bangladesh and the resulting mandate before addressing any existing issues. The country also affirmed its support for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.

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.

Bowed our head, lost self-respect: Pakistan PM on loans

Bowed our head, lost self-respect: Pakistan PM on loans

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Seeking foreign loan had forced Pakistan to 'bow' its head and make compromises at the 'cost of self-respect', Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said in a candid admission about the humiliation involved in approaching 'friendly countries' for financial aid.

How Modi Steered India-US Ties Back On Track

How Modi Steered India-US Ties Back On Track

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stayed calm, avoided public confrontation, and focused on India's long-term interests to steady ties with the United States.

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In the Indo-Pacific's new era -- where perception shapes reality faster than treaties -- the real entrapment is not of China or the United States. It is the test Japan has set for itself -- and whether partners like India, acting as balancers rather than accelerants, can help ensure that the story ends in stability, points out Varun Arya.

Modi didn't say India will stop buying Russian oil: Lavrov

Modi didn't say India will stop buying Russian oil: Lavrov

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Lavrov's comments came two days after Russia accused the US of attempting to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, saying Washington was using a wide range of 'coercive' measures, including tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions.

Bangladesh Is All Set For Election Day

Bangladesh Is All Set For Election Day

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Bangladesh holds its general election on Thursday, February 12, amid an intense political campaign across major cities. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party and student-led National Citizen Party mobilise supporters through rallies in Dhaka and Sylhet.

Nirmala Sitharaman, the longest serving FM will present record 9th Budget on Feb 1

Nirmala Sitharaman, the longest serving FM will present record 9th Budget on Feb 1

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Sitharaman took charge of the Finance Ministry on May 31, 2019, and has steered the economy through the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical turmoil, making India the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

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.

The Fall Of Dongri's Drug Queen

The Fall Of Dongri's Drug Queen

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Iqra Qureshi, an elusive drug operator in Dongri, becomes the NCB's prime target after confessions expose her as the key figure in a mephedrone network. Despite months of surveillance, she remains a step ahead of the authorities. A sudden tip-off leads to a raid on her home, where officers recover a significant drug consignment and arrest her-though her composure hints the story may not truly end there.

Hindu trader hacked to death in Bangladesh

Hindu trader hacked to death in Bangladesh

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

A 62-year-old Hindu trader was hacked to death inside his shop in Bangladesh, raising concerns about violence against the minority community.

Modi's Long Game With Trump Has Paid Off

Modi's Long Game With Trump Has Paid Off

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

India and the US have entered a new phase in their relationship, marked by greater parity, point out Harsh V Pant and Vivek Mishra.

Oppn stages walkout demanding debate on Indo-US trade deal

Oppn stages walkout demanding debate on Indo-US trade deal

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh raised the issue of the Indo-US trade deal soon after the zero hour ended and alleged that the information about the deal was being received from Washington instead.

India winds down Russian oil buys, ramps up US imports: USTR

India winds down Russian oil buys, ramps up US imports: USTR

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Greer said that India has taken down some digital services taxes and is moving tariffs down.

Ex-Prince Andrew exits Royal Lodge amid Epstein scandal pressure

Ex-Prince Andrew exits Royal Lodge amid Epstein scandal pressure

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Prince Andrew vacates his Royal Lodge residence as scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein intensifies. UK police investigate new information, while a former UK ambassador faces investigation over his relationship with the convicted sex offender.

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The threat of wars hovers over the negotiations in Oman, but the good part is that Trump called the talks to be 'very good' and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian responded that they 'constitute a step forward', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Rahul standoff rattles Opposition unity as SP, TMC back Budget debate

Rahul standoff rattles Opposition unity as SP, TMC back Budget debate

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Cracks appeared in the opposition ranks as some parties showed willingness to participate in the budget debate, while the government insisted on equal speaking opportunities for all members amidst ongoing disruptions.

New deal will export more American farm products to India: US leaders

New deal will export more American farm products to India: US leaders

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Trump announced that India and the US agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will charge a reduced reciprocal tariff on Delhi, lowering it from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

'We Are With Bangladesh': Pakistan PM On Not Playing India Match

'We Are With Bangladesh': Pakistan PM On Not Playing India Match

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Pakistan's cricket team has been told by the government to skip the February 15 game in Colombo after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for refusing to play its games in India.

Madan Lal Welcomes Pak's U-Turn on Ind-Pak T20 WC Clash

Madan Lal Welcomes Pak's U-Turn on Ind-Pak T20 WC Clash

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Former India cricketer Madan Lal welcomes Pakistan's decision to play India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, saying a boycott would have hurt the tournament's charm and finances.

Lok Sabha erupts as Rahul cites former Army chief on China clash

Lok Sabha erupts as Rahul cites former Army chief on China clash

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Rahul Gandhi said he never wanted to speak on the particular issue, but decided to do so after BJP's Surya questioned the patriotism of the Congress party. Singh maintained that the book had not been published.

'I Don't Want To Let Down The Economy...'

'I Don't Want To Let Down The Economy...'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

'This Budget has a one-year agenda, which you can call the sprint, and the marathon is towards Viksit Bharat.'

'Let Children Have Real Friends Whom They Can't Block Or Delete'

'Let Children Have Real Friends Whom They Can't Block Or Delete'

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'Recently a girl who was suicidal was brought to me.' 'When I asked her what was bothering her, she said she and her friend took photos at the same place and posted them on Instagram.' 'While her friend got 23 likes, she didn't get a single like.' 'She said, "nobody likes me, nobody wants me in this world. I am rejected by everybody".' 'And she wanted to end her life.'

Auto firms hope to drive to Europe taking the FTA route

Auto firms hope to drive to Europe taking the FTA route

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

The India-EU free trade deal could help Indian-made cars enter Europe at lower costs and challenge Chinese dominance.

Tariffs cut, $30tn market: India, US unveil interim trade pact

Tariffs cut, $30tn market: India, US unveil interim trade pact

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

The agreement addresses non-tariff barriers and promotes increased trade in technology products and cooperation between the two countries.

India Faces Russian Oil Squeeze After US Deal

India Faces Russian Oil Squeeze After US Deal

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Replacing over a third of India's oil imports at competitive rates is going to be a challenge, said traders from State refiners, even though some progress was made in the last two months.

PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi praise team on Under-19 WC win

PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi praise team on Under-19 WC win

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi congratulated India's U-19 team after their record sixth World Cup win, powered by Vaibhav Suryavanshi's stunning 175 against England in the final.

Ambitious, futuristic: PM Modi lauds Sitharaman's 9th Budget

Ambitious, futuristic: PM Modi lauds Sitharaman's 9th Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Reiterating Sitharaman's statement that this is a youth power budget, Modi emphasised that the provisions made in the budget will prepare leaders, innovators and creators across different sectors.

'Treat Bangladesh, Pakistan The Same As India'

'Treat Bangladesh, Pakistan The Same As India'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Former England captain Nasser Hussain slammed the International Cricket Council for its decision to exclude Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup for their refusal to play in India.

India to buy 114 Rafale jets in largest-ever arms push

India to buy 114 Rafale jets in largest-ever arms push

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, a significant step towards bolstering the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities. The decision comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India.