News for 'Presidency'

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the implementation of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, enforcing strict measures on vessels entering or departing, significantly escalating tensions between the two nations.

Amid US blockade of Hormuz, India emphasises safe maritime passage

Amid US blockade of Hormuz, India emphasises safe maritime passage

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has emphasised India's commitment to safe maritime transit and condemned attacks on merchant shipping amidst the ongoing West Asia conflict and global energy market disruptions.

Battle for Assam: BJP eyes hat-trick as Congress leads challenge

Battle for Assam: BJP eyes hat-trick as Congress leads challenge

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Assam is set to hold elections for its 126-member assembly, with a direct contest expected between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition. Key candidates and constituencies are in focus as the state prepares to vote.

China, Russia veto Bahrain-backed UN resolution to reopen Hormuz

China, Russia veto Bahrain-backed UN resolution to reopen Hormuz

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Russia and China vetoed a Bahrain-backed UN resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A resolution that was already diluted to secure their abstentions.

Muraleedharan Criticises Blaming Communities for Voting Choices in Kerala

Muraleedharan Criticises Blaming Communities for Voting Choices in Kerala

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Congress leader K Muraleedharan criticises blaming communities for voting choices in Kerala, responding to BJP leaders' remarks about the Catholic church. He also expresses confidence in the UDF's prospects in the upcoming election and criticises the Election Commission's arrangements.

Vishwaguru stands exposed: Cong mocks Modi over Pak-brokered Iran truce

Vishwaguru stands exposed: Cong mocks Modi over Pak-brokered Iran truce

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts following the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, facilitated in part by Pakistan. The party claims this development undermines Modi's strategy and exposes his perceived failures in foreign policy.

Russia-China to Discuss West Asia Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Russia-China to Discuss West Asia Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Beijing to discuss the West Asia conflict, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and bilateral relations with Chinese leaders.

Ravi Shastri Stand To Be Unveiled At Wankhede On April 9

Ravi Shastri Stand To Be Unveiled At Wankhede On April 9

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Mumbai Cricket Association will also name Wankhede Stadium gates after legends Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar and Diana Edulji.

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.

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.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

'US Iran strategy may backfire, trigger oil shock and hit India hard'

'US Iran strategy may backfire, trigger oil shock and hit India hard'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Srivastava warned that continued bombing of Iran by the US and Israel could severely undermine any prospects of reopening critical maritime routes through negotiation with Tehran.

Rupee surges 52 paise to close at 92.54/USD on US-Iran ceasefire

Rupee surges 52 paise to close at 92.54/USD on US-Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee saw a significant appreciation against the US dollar following President Trump's suspension of military strikes against Iran and the Reserve Bank of India's decision to maintain its key interest rate. Market sentiment was further buoyed by positive comments from the RBI regarding the health of the banking sector.

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The question is whether the clocks allow enough time for two deeply mistrustful sides to get there, and whether the surface calm holds long enough for the paddling to produce something before the ceasefire ends on April 22, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Tim White Takes Helm as India Junior Women's Hockey Coach

Tim White Takes Helm as India Junior Women's Hockey Coach

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Hockey India appoints experienced Australian coach Tim White to lead the junior women's hockey team, replacing Tushar Khandekar, with a focus on developing technically sound players for the senior team.

Nuclear programme non-negotiable: Iran hardens stand ahead of talks

Nuclear programme non-negotiable: Iran hardens stand ahead of talks

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The statement comes even as Tehran links the issue to ongoing efforts to bring a complete end to hostilities in West Asia involving the United States and Israel.

'Delimitation Can't Be Challenged Once It Is Approved'

'Delimitation Can't Be Challenged Once It Is Approved'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'The Supreme Court stated that once the delimitation plan is approved by Parliament and receives assent of the President, it cannot be undone. Nor can it be modified.'

'DMK Holds Advantage In Tamil Nadu Polls'

'DMK Holds Advantage In Tamil Nadu Polls'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'The AIADMK front comes second, and then the TVK.'

Haryana Bank Official Arrested in 150 Crore Panchkula Municipal Funds Scam

Haryana Bank Official Arrested in 150 Crore Panchkula Municipal Funds Scam

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A private bank official has been arrested in Haryana in connection with a 150 crore discrepancy in the accounts of Panchkula Municipal Corporation.

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Trump emphasised that diplomatic discussions remain ongoing. At the same time, he issued a stark warning, saying that failure to reach an agreement could trigger military action.

Retail Inflation Inches Up to 3.4% in March, Driven by Food and Fuel

Retail Inflation Inches Up to 3.4% in March, Driven by Food and Fuel

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

India's retail inflation marginally increased to 3.4 per cent in March, up from 3.21 per cent in February, primarily due to an uptick in certain food items and the initial impact of the West Asia crisis on fuel prices, according to government data.

WADA Targets Criminal Kingpins in Anti-Doping Strategy

WADA Targets Criminal Kingpins in Anti-Doping Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is shifting its focus from individual athletes to the criminal networks that supply performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), recognising that athletes are often victims of sophisticated doping operations.

Fatal Truck Accident in Kannauj: Scooter Collision Leads to Shop Crash

Fatal Truck Accident in Kannauj: Scooter Collision Leads to Shop Crash

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

A truck accident in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of two people, including a minor, and injuries to four others after the truck hit a scooter and crashed into a roadside shop.

'We're in war': Trump says downing of US jet not to affect Iran talks

'We're in war': Trump says downing of US jet not to affect Iran talks

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has asserted that the destruction of an American military aircraft will have no bearing on diplomatic discussions with Iran, according to a report by NBC News.

Forest Guard Crushed to Death by Illegal Sand Mining Tractor in Madhya Pradesh

Forest Guard Crushed to Death by Illegal Sand Mining Tractor in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A forest guard in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, was killed after being run over by a tractor-trolley allegedly involved in illegal sand mining. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from political leaders, highlighting concerns about law and order and the power of illegal mining operations in the region.

Bank credit grows at 16.08% in FY26, deposits rose by 13.47%, fastest since FY24

Bank credit grows at 16.08% in FY26, deposits rose by 13.47%, fastest since FY24

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Indian bank credit expanded by 16.08 per cent year-on-year in FY26, marking its fastest pace since FY24, while deposits grew by 13.47 per cent, according to RBI data. Experts caution that year-end figures may be inflated due to reporting date changes, but acknowledge strong momentum in corporate, MSME, and retail segments.

US aircraft on F-15 rescue mission shot down, claims Iran

US aircraft on F-15 rescue mission shot down, claims Iran

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Iran's claim comes after United States President Donald Trump confirmed that the military rescued the second F-15 crew member, who had gone missing after Iran downed the jet amid the West Asia conflict.

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a bill proposing stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

Nitin Nabin Criticises Mamata Banerjee's Focus on Politics Over Sports in West Bengal

Nitin Nabin Criticises Mamata Banerjee's Focus on Politics Over Sports in West Bengal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

BJP National President Nitin Nabin has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly prioritising political games over sports and cultural activities, leading to the state's decline in these areas. He also accused the TMC government of using sports clubs for political purposes.

Is US a proxy for Israel? Iran Prez issues open letter to Americans

Is US a proxy for Israel? Iran Prez issues open letter to Americans

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Pezeshkian urged American citizens to look beyond 'manufactured narratives', claiming the portrayal of Iran as a threat is driven by the military-industrial complex and Israeli political interests.

Search Underway for Man Missing After Alleged Assault in Ramban

Search Underway for Man Missing After Alleged Assault in Ramban

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

A 25-year-old man is missing after allegedly being assaulted by a group in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, sparking outrage and a search operation.

Goa's Mrunal Naik picked for BCCI U-16 Elite Camp

Goa's Mrunal Naik picked for BCCI U-16 Elite Camp

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Mrunal Naik has been selected for the BCCI U-16 Elite Camp 2026. The camp will be held in Dehradun from May 11 to June 6.

Athletes, students, artists asked to shield Iran's power plants

Athletes, students, artists asked to shield Iran's power plants

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Citizens in the city of Ilam formed a human chain on Tuesday to demonstrate their defiance against recent threats from US President Donald Trump.

Iran unable to reopen Strait of Hormuz as it can't find its own mines

Iran unable to reopen Strait of Hormuz as it can't find its own mines

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Despite a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to Iran's inability to locate and remove all the mines it laid during the conflict, hindering global oil and gas supplies.

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump seems to have estimated that Ghalibaf is a pragmatic politician who is receptive to close relations with the US and is enthusiastic about fostering business and economic ties in particular, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Opposition to meet on Wednesday over women's quota bill strategy

Opposition to meet on Wednesday over women's quota bill strategy

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

With the three-day special sitting of Parliament on the constitution amendment bill related to the implementation of 33 percent reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls set to begin on Thursday, a meeting of opposition parties is slated to be held on Wednesday at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha Leader Arrested Over BHU Assault Allegations

Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha Leader Arrested Over BHU Assault Allegations

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Police in Varanasi arrested Himanshu Yadav, a Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha leader, for allegedly assaulting a student at Banaras Hindu University after inquiring about his caste.

India to Launch Campaign Featuring Athletes for 2030 Commonwealth Games

India to Launch Campaign Featuring Athletes for 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announces plans for a nationwide campaign featuring iconic athletes and youth leaders to promote the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

Man Missing After Alleged Assault in Ramban, J&K; Investigation Launched

Man Missing After Alleged Assault in Ramban, J&K; Investigation Launched

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

A 25-year-old man is missing after allegedly being assaulted in Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir, sparking outrage and prompting a police investigation.

Big thanks to President Trump from 1.4 billion Indians: Modi

Big thanks to President Trump from 1.4 billion Indians: Modi

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Modi also said that President Trump's leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity.