News for 'Region Head'

US-Iran truce: Shehbaz Sharif's X post gaffe goes viral

US-Iran truce: Shehbaz Sharif's X post gaffe goes viral

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A social media post by Shehbaz Sharif has triggered widespread debate after an apparent 'draft' message was mistakenly published on X and later edited.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Moscow Reports Interception of 28 Ukrainian Drones

Moscow Reports Interception of 28 Ukrainian Drones

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Russian air defence units reportedly destroyed 28 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, marking the second consecutive day of such incidents. Airport operations were temporarily suspended due to the drone attacks.

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.

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.

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'Workers are the people who create all the wealth in this country. How can you call them anti-national?'

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

SAD (Punar Surjit) Launches Vision Document 'Akali Declaration 2026'

SAD (Punar Surjit) Launches Vision Document 'Akali Declaration 2026'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) has launched its 'vision document' outlining its ideological direction and commitment to the rise of the 'Panth' and the progress of Punjab. The 'Akali Declaration 2026' addresses issues concerning youth, farmers, women, and other sections of society, with a focus on education, health, and internal party reforms.

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.

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).

NIA To Investigate Manipur Civilian Killings After Ambush

NIA To Investigate Manipur Civilian Killings After Ambush

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will investigate the killing of two civilians in Manipur's Ukhrul district, following an ambush by suspected militants. The incident occurred a day after the Chief Minister appealed for peace in the region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India is one of the few nations, and perhaps the only nation, that has good relations with America, Israel and Iran. Knowing that a war in the Gulf would damage our economy, hurt supply of fertilisers and fuel, and cause general chaos, we should have tried to ensure this war did not begin, asserts Aakar Patel.

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-intensity election campaign in Tamil Nadu concluded with accusations and counter-accusations between the DMK and AIADMK, while new entrant TVK made its presence felt. Key issues included state autonomy, corruption, law and order, and the delimitation bill.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tamil Nadu Elections: 'Vijay Has Been Campaigning Very Intensely As A Christian'

Tamil Nadu Elections: 'Vijay Has Been Campaigning Very Intensely As A Christian'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

'Remember Vijay had never spoke of himself as a Christian when he was a film star.' 'The BJP strategy is they want the Christian minority constituency to move away from the DMK.' 'That is what the BJP wants so that it will be very easy to mobilise Hindu votes.' 'This strategy is to weaken the Dravidian ideology and bring in religion based politics into Tamil Nadu.'

Asim Munir Is Making Pakistan A Global Influencer

Asim Munir Is Making Pakistan A Global Influencer

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'In a volatile global market, India is pursuing a low-risk, low-return policy, akin to a SIP -- slow, steady investment.' 'Pakistan is following a high-risk, high-return policy.'

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.

Won't allow Iran to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Won't allow Iran to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump criticised Iran for attempting to use international waterways for leverage, stating that the United States had restrained itself only to allow space for negotiations.

Manipur Rages: Protests Surge After Bombing Kills Children

Manipur Rages: Protests Surge After Bombing Kills Children

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Thousands in Manipur defy curfew to protest the bombing that killed two children, leading to clashes with security forces and widespread unrest.

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.

Navy officer chops lover into pieces, burns parts, keeps remains at home

Navy officer chops lover into pieces, burns parts, keeps remains at home

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

An Indian Navy officer has been arrested in Visakhapatnam for allegedly murdering and dismembering a 31-year-old woman after meeting her on a dating app.