News for 'Region Head'

SCARY! Weak Monsoon Threatens Water Security

SCARY! Weak Monsoon Threatens Water Security

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

'Monsoon is the pran (life) of our water system.' 'A weak monsoon will have a very negative impact on crops and people's lives.'

Iran attacks Gujarat-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz

Iran attacks Gujarat-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Iranian forces fired upon three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with one possibly headed for Gujarat, raising concerns about maritime security in the strategic waterway.

Did Uddhav, Fadnavis hold 'secret midnight meeting'? CM reacts

Did Uddhav, Fadnavis hold 'secret midnight meeting'? CM reacts

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has denied reports of a secret meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, dismissing the claims as false news.

No plans for further peace talks with US, says Iran

No plans for further peace talks with US, says Iran

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has stated that Tehran currently has no plans for a subsequent round of negotiations with the United States, according to the state media Tasnim news agency. This announcement comes as international mediators had hoped for a follow-up to the Islamabad talks before the looming ceasefire deadline.

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Congress party has called on the BJP-led government to adopt a unified national approach to restore India's role as a voice for peace, criticising the government's foreign policy and its impact on India's global standing.

'Only a matter of time': FBI chief Kash Patel next high-level Trump exit?

'Only a matter of time': FBI chief Kash Patel next high-level Trump exit?

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Amid mounting speculation over his position within the Trump administration, FBI director Kash Patel reportedly could be the next senior official to exit Trump's cabinet in recent times, according to a Politico report.

Manipur: Mob Violence Erupts During Chief Minister's Visit

Manipur: Mob Violence Erupts During Chief Minister's Visit

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

One person was injured after security forces allegedly opened fire on a mob advancing towards Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's programme in Thoubal district. The incident occurred during the inauguration of a Block Development Office, with protesters demonstrating over the killing of two children earlier this month.

Rs 14 Lakh Looted From Bank In Madhya Pradesh

Rs 14 Lakh Looted From Bank In Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Five masked gunmen stormed a nationalised bank in Madhya Pradesh's Singrauli district, making off with Rs 14 lakh after threatening staff and customers at gunpoint.

Supreme Court Refers AgustaWestland Case Plea To Another Bench

Supreme Court Refers AgustaWestland Case Plea To Another Bench

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has referred Christian Michel James' plea for release in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case to another bench. The Delhi High Court previously dismissed his petition, but James continues to challenge his detention and the India-UAE extradition treaty.

Strait of Hormuz opens to ships but marine covers to stay pricey

Strait of Hormuz opens to ships but marine covers to stay pricey

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Despite Iran allowing 'non-hostile vessels' through the Strait of Hormuz, marine insurance premiums are expected to remain elevated due to persistent high-risk classifications and ongoing geopolitical tensions, with experts cautioning that the threat of attacks and collateral damage still exists.

US Confirms Killing of Iranian Navy Chief Tangsiri in Israeli Strike

US Confirms Killing of Iranian Navy Chief Tangsiri in Israeli Strike

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Admiral Alireza Tangsiri was accused of leading efforts to disrupt maritime trade, including actions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

Two Killed In Manipur Ambush After CM's Peace Appeal

Two Killed In Manipur Ambush After CM's Peace Appeal

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Two people were killed in an ambush by suspected militants in Manipur's Ukhrul district, a day after the Chief Minister appealed for peace.

TMC Alleges BJP Conspiracy Before West Bengal Elections

TMC Alleges BJP Conspiracy Before West Bengal Elections

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The TMC has intensified its attack on the BJP, alleging a 'larger conspiracy' involving central agencies ahead of the second phase of West Bengal polls on April 29, while also questioning the credibility of the Election Commission.

Sri Lanka Urged To Probe Easter Blast Masterminds

Sri Lanka Urged To Probe Easter Blast Masterminds

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka commemorated the 7th anniversary of the Easter blasts, with Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith urging authorities to investigate individuals directly or indirectly involved in the deadly attacks, irrespective of their status.

Priyanka Chopra Offers Prayers, Performs Seva At Golden Temple

Priyanka Chopra Offers Prayers, Performs Seva At Golden Temple

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Priyanka Chopra embarked on a spiritual journey to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where she offered prayers, participated in selfless service, and shared a glimpse of the traditional Punjabi cuisine.

Kerala: Police Injured As BJP, CPI(M) Workers Clash

Kerala: Police Injured As BJP, CPI(M) Workers Clash

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Three police officers were injured in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, following a clash between BJP and CPI(M) workers over a property dispute. Police have registered cases against workers from both parties and have taken several into custody, leading to further protests.

Sikh Activist Ends 560-Day BSNL Tower Protest After Sacrilege Law Change

Sikh Activist Ends 560-Day BSNL Tower Protest After Sacrilege Law Change

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa ended his 560-day protest atop a BSNL tower after the Punjab government notified a stricter anti-sacrilege law. Khalsa had been demanding stricter laws against sacrilege incidents in Punjab.

Brothers Arrested In Delhi Over Hathras Journalist Murder

Brothers Arrested In Delhi Over Hathras Journalist Murder

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Two brothers, wanted in connection with the murder of a property dealer and journalist in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras, have been arrested in Delhi. The accused, carrying rewards on their heads, were apprehended following a tip-off.

US seizes Iranian ship trying to breach naval blockade near Strait of Hormuz

US seizes Iranian ship trying to breach naval blockade near Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The US Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions as ceasefire talks face uncertainty. The incident raises concerns about the fragile ceasefire and the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Can Asim Munir seal a US-Iran deal after Sharif's failed effort?

Can Asim Munir seal a US-Iran deal after Sharif's failed effort?

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir held talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran to help resolve the conflict between the US and Iran, following a recent ceasefire agreement.

Which States Have High LPG Consumption?

Which States Have High LPG Consumption?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

India is home to more than 33 crore LPG users, yet consumption habits differ sharply from one region to the next. In metropolitan hubs such as Delhi, cooking gas is used far more frequently. In contrast, families in predominantly rural states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh tend to make a cylinder last close to two months, as per PPAC estimates for 2025-26.

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Afghanistan's anti-doping programme has collapsed since the Taliban's return to power, with no tests conducted for three years and the country's exiled anti-doping chief admitting there is currently 'no hope'. The programme faces numerous challenges, including a lack of Doping Control Officers, logistical issues, and political instability.

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

SC Calls for Expedited Trials in North-East Racial Discrimination Cases

SC Calls for Expedited Trials in North-East Racial Discrimination Cases

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has requested the Delhi High Court to prioritise and expedite trials in cases of racial discrimination against people from the North-East, highlighting the need for a productive timeline for adjudication of such sensitive matters.

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The BJP's tally may dip, but the NDA is likely to retain power.'

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government sanctioned over Rs 1 crore for development works at a temple linked to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, in 2018. The funds were approved under the regional tourism development scheme. Kharat was arrested on March 18 after being accused of repeated rape.

Pakistan tightens security in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran peace talks

Pakistan tightens security in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran peace talks

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Pakistan has increased security measures in Islamabad and surrounding areas as the US and Iran prepare for another round of peace talks. The move follows an announcement by former US President Donald Trump that American negotiators would be in Pakistan for discussions aimed at resolving the conflict between the two nations.

2 Indian LPG tankers sail through Hormuz, 16 still stranded

2 Indian LPG tankers sail through Hormuz, 16 still stranded

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

An Indian-flagged LPG vessel successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, reducing the number of Indian ships stranded in the Persian Gulf. India is in talks with Iran to ensure safe passage for its tankers, and Indian refiners continue to purchase crude oil and LPG from Iran despite regional tensions.

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, offering to host talks between the US and Iran and engaging with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, the UK, China, and the European Union.

Trump Warns of 'Intense Strike' if Iran Talks Fail

Trump Warns of 'Intense Strike' if Iran Talks Fail

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States is prepared to launch a military strike on Iran if peace negotiations in Islamabad fail, while Vice President JD Vance departed for talks in Pakistan.

'We were kept in jail for 50 days': Indian sailors recount escape from Iran

'We were kept in jail for 50 days': Indian sailors recount escape from Iran

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A group of Indian sailors recount their harrowing experience of being detained in Iran on suspicion of smuggling, and their subsequent escape from the country as regional tensions escalated into open conflict.

IPL 2026: Dream Debuts! Hinge, Hussain Power SRH to 57-Run Win

IPL 2026: Dream Debuts! Hinge, Hussain Power SRH to 57-Run Win

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Debutant Praful Hinge scripts IPL history with three wickets in the first over as Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs; Ishan Kishan stars with a blazing 91.

J&K Police Dismantle Interstate Drug Network, Arrest Key Kingpin

J&K Police Dismantle Interstate Drug Network, Arrest Key Kingpin

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have dismantled a major narcotics network with interstate and cross-border links, arresting the most-wanted drug kingpin Gulzar Ahmad alias Lau Gujjar and several associates.

PM Modi assures safety of Indians amidst West Asia conflict, slams Congress

PM Modi assures safety of Indians amidst West Asia conflict, slams Congress

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed concerns about the impact of the West Asia conflict on India, assuring efforts to minimise its effects and prioritising the safety of Indian citizens working in the region. He also criticised the Congress party for making remarks that could endanger Indian lives for political gain.

Pressure builds on developers to hike prices as costs rise

Pressure builds on developers to hike prices as costs rise

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Indian realty developers are contemplating price increases for ongoing and upcoming projects to offset margin pressures caused by rising input costs and supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by the West Asia conflict. Input and labour costs have surged by 5-12%, directly impacting developer margins, especially for under-construction projects.

Strait of Hormuz will be opened, but...: Iran's message to Trump

Strait of Hormuz will be opened, but...: Iran's message to Trump

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Amidst rising tensions, Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz to those not adhering to its new regulations, signaling a potential escalation in the region's geopolitical landscape and raising concerns about global oil supply routes.

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India has established a high-level inter-ministerial body, the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), to steer the country's national AI governance strategy. The AIGEG will coordinate policy across ministries and oversee cross-sectoral governance issues, supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).

How Small Parties Could Swing Puducherry Election Results

How Small Parties Could Swing Puducherry Election Results

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Small parties have the capacity to play both ends against the middle. Puducherry could be heading that way, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Uttar Pradesh STF Encounter Kills Wanted Sharpshooter

Uttar Pradesh STF Encounter Kills Wanted Sharpshooter

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A sharpshooter carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 was killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Moradabad police during a joint operation.