News for 'Regional Powers'

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.

'Betrayed again': Modi accuses TMC of denying Bengal women 33% quota

'Betrayed again': Modi accuses TMC of denying Bengal women 33% quota

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of betraying women by obstructing the passage of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed to reserve 33 per cent of seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women. Modi asserted that women in West Bengal would punish the TMC in the upcoming assembly elections.

Allahabad High Court Rejects Plea In Usri Chatti Massacre Case

Allahabad High Court Rejects Plea In Usri Chatti Massacre Case

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has rejected a plea seeking to halt prosecution proceedings against Sarfaraz Ansari, an alleged sharpshooter linked to deceased gangster Mukhtar Ansari, in connection with the Usri Chatti massacre case.

Amit Shah Promises to Recover 'Stolen' Funds, Boost North Bengal Development

Amit Shah Promises to Recover 'Stolen' Funds, Boost North Bengal Development

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah pledged the BJP will recover funds allegedly stolen by the TMC in Bengal and promised development schemes for North Bengal, while attacking Mamata Banerjee's governance.

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.

USS Tripoli enters West Asia combat zone with 3,500 marines

USS Tripoli enters West Asia combat zone with 3,500 marines

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The USS Tripoli, carrying around 3,500 US Marines, has entered the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, marking the deployment of one of America's largest amphibious assault ships into an active combat theatre in West Asia amid the ongoing conflict.

London Police Step Up Security After Antisemitic Incidents

London Police Step Up Security After Antisemitic Incidents

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Metropolitan Police in London are increasing patrols and resources following a series of antisemitic attacks, including an incident targeting a Jewish charity. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating the attacks, which are suspected to be linked to an Islamist group with ties to Iran.

Odisha Man Forced To Carry Sister's Skeleton: Inquiry Ordered

Odisha Man Forced To Carry Sister's Skeleton: Inquiry Ordered

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

An administrative inquiry has been ordered after a man in Odisha's Keonjhar district was allegedly forced to carry his sister's skeleton to a bank as proof of death to withdraw money. The BJD has alleged further mistreatment, claiming he was made to walk 3 km to re-bury the remains.

Tesla drives in YL, its 2nd model in India, plans to bring humanoid robot Optimus to India

Tesla drives in YL, its 2nd model in India, plans to bring humanoid robot Optimus to India

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Tesla has launched its second model in India, the three-row six-seater SUV Model YL, priced at Rs 61.99 lakh, while also announcing plans to expand its service and body shop network across major Indian cities. The company is also considering bringing its humanoid robot Optimus and vertically integrated energy solutions business to India at an appropriate time.

Iran Supreme Leader 'unconscious', receiving treatment in Qom: Report

Iran Supreme Leader 'unconscious', receiving treatment in Qom: Report

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's Supreme Leader and a potential successor, is reportedly unconscious and receiving medical treatment in Qom, according to intelligence assessments.

T20 World Cup: Farhan's ton powers Pakistan into Super 8s

T20 World Cup: Farhan's ton powers Pakistan into Super 8s

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Pakistan defeated Namibia by 102 runs to qualify for the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup, with Sahibzada Farhan scoring a century and the spinners delivering an excellent performance.

Shah Promises Gorkha Solution, Case Withdrawals if BJP Wins Bengal

Shah Promises Gorkha Solution, Case Withdrawals if BJP Wins Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged that the BJP will prioritise resolving the Gorkha issue in Darjeeling and withdraw cases against community leaders if elected in West Bengal. He criticised Mamata Banerjee's government for non-cooperation and assured a constitutional solution.

Israel has near-total control of Tehran skies: Netanyahu

Israel has near-total control of Tehran skies: Netanyahu

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that the United States and his administration have achieved nearly total dominance over Iranian airspace following a series of coordinated military strikes.

Trump signals winding down Iran ops as US sends more troops

Trump signals winding down Iran ops as US sends more troops

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

In a post on Truth Social, Trump outlined key goals of the campaign, including degrading Iran's missile capabilities, dismantling its defence industrial base, eliminating naval and air power, preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear capability, and protecting United States allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Ready to restart war, awaiting US approval: Israel

Ready to restart war, awaiting US approval: Israel

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israel is prepared to escalate military action against Iran, pending approval from the United States. This comes as US President Donald Trump says he would not use nuclear weapons in any conflict with Iran, while also claiming the US has 'total control' over the Strait of Hormuz.

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.

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon

Fadnavis's big claim: Neighbour wanted to break Assam but...

Fadnavis's big claim: Neighbour wanted to break Assam but...

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday claimed India's neighbours wanted to "break up" Assam by taking advantage of the unrest in the state earlier, but their "dreams were shattered" as the Narendra Modi government brought peace to the region.

IAF to procure high-altitude compact UAV for Garud Special Forces

IAF to procure high-altitude compact UAV for Garud Special Forces

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force is set to procure a compact, indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system for its elite Special Forces unit, designed to operate in extreme conditions and high altitudes.

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.

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Why Punjab Police Wants Bishnoi Docu-Series Banned

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Punjab Police has requested the Centre to direct ZEE5 to halt the airing of the docu-series 'Lawrence of Punjab' on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, citing a significant risk to public order and potential influence on youth towards criminal activities.

Pakistan Brokers Ceasefire In Iran War

Pakistan Brokers Ceasefire In Iran War

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

'On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I express gratitude and appreciation for my dear brothers HE Prime Minister of Pakistan Sharif and HE Field Marshal Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region.'

Muzychuk Steps In as Humpy Withdraws from Candidates Tournament Over Safety Fears

Muzychuk Steps In as Humpy Withdraws from Candidates Tournament Over Safety Fears

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine will replace Koneru Humpy in the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus after Humpy withdrew due to safety concerns related to the region's proximity to the West Asia conflict.

Adityanath Accuses TMC Of Industrial Decay In West Bengal

Adityanath Accuses TMC Of Industrial Decay In West Bengal

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the TMC government in West Bengal, alleging the closure of numerous industries and a decline in the state's cultural and economic status.

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The US blockade on Iranian ports is aimed to curb Iranian energy exports, thereby crippling its economy to force Iran back to the negotiating table, points out Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Violence fails to dent massive turnout in Bengal Phase 1; BJP, TMC claim edge

Violence fails to dent massive turnout in Bengal Phase 1; BJP, TMC claim edge

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections was disrupted by EVM glitches and overnight violence in several districts. Polling was halted or delayed at multiple booths due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines. Incidents of violence were reported in Murshidabad and Cooch Behar, with political parties trading accusations.

Amit Shah Promises to Drive Out Infiltrators from Bengal if BJP Forms Government

Amit Shah Promises to Drive Out Infiltrators from Bengal if BJP Forms Government

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised to expel infiltrators from West Bengal and secure the border if the BJP wins the upcoming assembly elections. He accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of neglecting North Bengal and favouring Muslims in budget allocations.

Indian Navy ships escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Rajnath

Indian Navy ships escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Rajnath

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assures India's energy security amidst West Asia tensions, highlighting naval protection of tankers and readiness to counter cross-border terrorism.

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi has accused the ruling LDF in Kerala and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "B-team" and of secretly joining hands with the BJP, alleging a compromised leadership and lack of accountability.

US drops 2,000-pound bunker-buster bomb on Iran's Isfahan; Trump shares video

US drops 2,000-pound bunker-buster bomb on Iran's Isfahan; Trump shares video

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Donald Trump shared a video on Truth Social purportedly showing explosions in Isfahan, Iran, following reports of attacks in Tehran. The authenticity of the video is unverified, but reports suggest a joint US-Israeli strike on an ammunition depot.

India commissions nuclear submarine INS Aridaman, indigenous stealth frigate INS Taragiri

India commissions nuclear submarine INS Aridaman, indigenous stealth frigate INS Taragiri

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

India has commissioned its new indigenously-built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Aridaman into service, further strengthening the naval component of its nuclear triad. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also highlighted the Indian Navy's role in securing maritime trade routes.

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.

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

As Iran heads into crucial peace talks with the United States of America, here are the six men who decide the Islamic Republic's course.

How India Became a Para Archery Powerhouse

How India Became a Para Archery Powerhouse

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

India's para archery team excelled at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok, securing the top position with 13 medals.

Shigmo 2026: Spectacle Of Colour

Shigmo 2026: Spectacle Of Colour

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Shigmotsav, Goa's spring festival, highlights its traditions, celebrations, and regional variations.

Pakistani Girls' School Destroyed in Bombing; No Claim of Responsibility

Pakistani Girls' School Destroyed in Bombing; No Claim of Responsibility

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

A government girls' school in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was blown up by unidentified armed men, police said. The incident occurred in Ghora village, Baka Khel area of Bannu district. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing so far.

Iran warns US-Israel of prolonged conflict

Iran warns US-Israel of prolonged conflict

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

A spokesperson for the Central Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters said that Iran's armed forces are prepared to intensify their response if aggression continues.

Modi Promises Women's Security, Citizenship For Refugees In Bengal

Modi Promises Women's Security, Citizenship For Refugees In Bengal

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC of sheltering goons who torture women and promised citizenship to refugees in West Bengal. He highlighted the BJP's commitment to women's security by giving poll tickets to victims of violence.

After Israel, Iran denies any peace talks With US

After Israel, Iran denies any peace talks With US

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, has said there are no ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington, DC, countering United States President Donald Trump's claims of peace overtures.