News for 'Reporters Without Borders'

Buy from US or 'get your own oil' from Hormuz, Trump tells allies

Buy from US or 'get your own oil' from Hormuz, Trump tells allies

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Trump's remarks marks one of the most direct rebukes yet from Washington to its allies over their refusal to support US-led military operations in Iran and over the energy crisis triggered by disruptions in the Persian Gulf.

Iran footballers return home after asylum U-turn by players

Iran footballers return home after asylum U-turn by players

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Members of Iran women's football team returned home after five players withdrew asylum claims in Australia, ending a tense journey amid safety concerns.

Payment issue? Govt reacts after Iranian oil tanker diverts from India to China

Payment issue? Govt reacts after Iranian oil tanker diverts from India to China

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

India has refuted claims of payment issues hindering crude oil imports from Iran, clarifying that refiners have the flexibility to source oil from various global suppliers. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas addressed reports of a tanker rerouting to China, emphasising standard industry practices and secured oil requirements.

67 Taliban killed in overnight operation: Pakistan

67 Taliban killed in overnight operation: Pakistan

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Pakistani security forces have reportedly killed dozens of Afghan Taliban personnel in overnight operations along the southwestern border, repulsing attacks at multiple locations.

Bulk carrier targeted by 'unknown projectile' off UAE coast; crew safe

Bulk carrier targeted by 'unknown projectile' off UAE coast; crew safe

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The UK Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning noting that the incident took place approximately 15 nautical miles north of Sharjah.

Pakistan attacks Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

Pakistan attacks Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Reports indicate Pakistan targeted Bagram airbase in Afghanistan as part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, following alleged Afghan Taliban attacks. The operation aims to address the failure to stop terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China are meeting in Urumqi to discuss regional security concerns and potential confidence-building measures.

Pakistan most polluted country in the world, India at 6th place

Pakistan most polluted country in the world, India at 6th place

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The 8th World Air Quality report reveals Pakistan as the most polluted country, with India ranking sixth. The report analyses air quality data from over 9,446 cities across 143 countries, highlighting the severe impact of pollution on global health, especially for children.

Pakistan's Offensive Against Afghan Taliban Continues, Ammunition Depot Destroyed

Pakistan's Offensive Against Afghan Taliban Continues, Ammunition Depot Destroyed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Pakistan's military operation against the Afghan Taliban continues with the destruction of an ammunition depot, following attacks on multiple locations along the border.

Pakistan denies halting military operation against Afghan Taliban

Pakistan denies halting military operation against Afghan Taliban

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Pakistan minister refuted social media reports about the conclusion of the operation against Afghan Taliban, stating that the operation is continuing with full intensity.

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.

How AI Is Changing The Gulf War

How AI Is Changing The Gulf War

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

AI reduces the time taken to find a target and launch a strike. This has led to a major increase in the pace of the conflict, with one report mentioning nearly 900 strikes launched on Iranian targets in the first 12 hours of an operation.

Mayhem Continues In The Middle East

Mayhem Continues In The Middle East

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Tensions escalated dramatically on March 5, 2026, as the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory explosions across Tehran, Sanandaj, and beyond.

Israel sends troops to Lebanon, Hezbollah declares 'open war'

Israel sends troops to Lebanon, Hezbollah declares 'open war'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Lebanese army has begun evacuating some of its forward positions along the border with Israel and redeploying troops to other posts, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported on Tuesday, amid intensified Israeli military activity in the area.

Govt Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram Till Dec 31

Govt Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram Till Dec 31

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has extended the deadline for implementing SIM-binding rules for mobile messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to December 31, following requests from the industry. The Department of Telecom has also relaxed the mandatory six-hour log-out rule for web versions of these apps.

India Slams Pakistan's 'Barbaric' Airstrike in Kabul, Calls it Threat to Regional Stability

India Slams Pakistan's 'Barbaric' Airstrike in Kabul, Calls it Threat to Regional Stability

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrike on a drug treatment centre in Kabul, calling it a barbaric act and a threat to regional peace and stability.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Centre of 'Taking' from People Amid LPG Price Hike

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Centre of 'Taking' from People Amid LPG Price Hike

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticises the Union government over the hike in commercial LPG prices, accusing the Centre of 'taking' from people while the Mamata Banerjee administration provides relief. He also challenged the BJP to present a report card of its work in Rajganj constituency.

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

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.

Bhagwant Mann Defends Stance on Chandigarh After Blast

Bhagwant Mann Defends Stance on Chandigarh After Blast

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has responded to criticism following a blast outside the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh, defending his government's record and reiterating his stance on Chandigarh's relationship with Punjab.

400 killed in Pak airstrikes on Afghanistan rehab centre

400 killed in Pak airstrikes on Afghanistan rehab centre

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A devastating airstrike on a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre has killed hundreds, escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and prompting international calls for de-escalation and investigation.

UK submarine with Tomahawk missiles arrives near Hormuz

UK submarine with Tomahawk missiles arrives near Hormuz

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Equipped with advanced weaponry, the HMS Anson is fitted with "Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missiles" with a range of 1,600 km and "Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes," providing formidable offensive capabilities.

India to supply 5,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh

India to supply 5,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Bangladesh is importing 5,000 tonnes of diesel from India through a cross-border pipeline on Tuesday, according to officials. The fuel consignment will enter Bangladesh through the Parbatipur point, said Muhammad Rezanur Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).

Ananya, Samantha, Kajol Look Gorgeous On The Red Carpet

Ananya, Samantha, Kajol Look Gorgeous On The Red Carpet

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The second edition of The Hollywood Reporter India's Women in Entertainment Power List brought together many influential women from across the film industry.

'Barbaric': India condemns Pak airstrike on Kabul rehab centre

'Barbaric': India condemns Pak airstrike on Kabul rehab centre

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrike on a drug treatment centre in Kabul, Afghanistan, calling it a blatant assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty and a threat to regional peace and stability.

Manipur hostage crisis ends: 21 Tangkhul Nagas freed as Centre steps in

Manipur hostage crisis ends: 21 Tangkhul Nagas freed as Centre steps in

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Union Home Ministry intervened to secure the release of 21 Tangkhul Naga civilians held hostage in Manipur's Ukhrul district, following tensions between Kuki and Naga communities.

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'The White House lunch that Trump hosted for Munir last year came just after Munir returned from a visit to Iran, at a moment when Israel and Iran were at war.' 'Trump said after that lunch that the Pakistanis know Iran very well. He likely views Munir as a useful interlocutor that can give helpful insights on Iran.'

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Centre of 'Taking' from People Amid LPG Price Hike

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Centre of 'Taking' from People Amid LPG Price Hike

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the Union government over the hike in commercial LPG prices, accusing the Centre of taking from the people while the Mamata Banerjee administration provides relief. He challenged the Prime Minister to release a white paper detailing central funds allocation in Cooch Behar.

Iran launches 80 strikes as Israel hits missile sites

Iran launches 80 strikes as Israel hits missile sites

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the strikes were conducted in support of offensives by Hezbollah and residents of southern Lebanon, and described them as the beginning of a series of pre-announced operations against Israel.

Pakistan Confirms Military Action Against Terrorist Hideouts in Afghanistan

Pakistan Confirms Military Action Against Terrorist Hideouts in Afghanistan

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Pakistan confirms its armed forces targeted terrorist hideouts and military installations in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, claiming the action was in response to attacks by the Afghan Taliban. The strikes, part of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, targeted technical support infrastructure and equipment storage used by terrorists, according to Pakistani officials.

Negotiations Secure Release of Detained Naga Civilians in Manipur

Negotiations Secure Release of Detained Naga Civilians in Manipur

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Twenty-one Tangkhul Naga civilians, detained by Kuki villagers and armed men in Manipur's Ukhrul district, were released following negotiations. Tensions remain high in the region.

Tuberculosis Deaths Rise in Mizoram: Key Trends and Initiatives

Tuberculosis Deaths Rise in Mizoram: Key Trends and Initiatives

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Mizoram reports a rise in tuberculosis-related deaths and new cases, highlighting the challenges and ongoing efforts to combat the disease in the region.

Pakistan Claims Targets Achieved in Afghanistan Operation

Pakistan Claims Targets Achieved in Afghanistan Operation

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A close aide to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claims that Pakistan has achieved its targets in the recent military operation against Afghanistan, following attacks by Afghan Taliban forces along the border.

Tata Steel to gain from India growth, lower global costs

Tata Steel to gain from India growth, lower global costs

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Tata Steel is strategically positioned for growth, leveraging India's robust steel demand, significant cost transformation programmes, and favourable protectionist policies in the EU and UK. The company is expanding its India capacity and optimising operations in its European units to enhance profitability and reduce debt.

BJP Blames AAP for 'Deteriorating' Law and Order After Chandigarh Blast

BJP Blames AAP for 'Deteriorating' Law and Order After Chandigarh Blast

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Punjab BJP has criticised the AAP government following a blast outside the party's office in Chandigarh, alleging a failure in maintaining law and order in the state.

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Donald Trump has appointed Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem, who will take on the role of Special Envoy for 'The Shield of the Americas' initiative.

BJP Blames AAP for 'Deteriorating' Law and Order After Chandigarh Blast

BJP Blames AAP for 'Deteriorating' Law and Order After Chandigarh Blast

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Following a blast outside the BJP office in Chandigarh, the Punjab BJP has criticised the AAP government, citing a deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab and linking the incident to previous attacks.

West Asia crisis: Govt mulls more relief packages for vulnerable sectors

West Asia crisis: Govt mulls more relief packages for vulnerable sectors

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Indian government is considering additional relief packages for vulnerable sectors like MSMEs to mitigate the impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis on the economy and inflation.

Probe into Foreigners' Activities Aims to Uncover Conspiracy Against India

Probe into Foreigners' Activities Aims to Uncover Conspiracy Against India

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Security agencies in India are investigating a potential conspiracy involving arrested foreigners, including a US mercenary, who allegedly aimed to exploit Indian ethnic groups to undermine national security. The investigation involves data extraction from mobile phones and scrutiny of social media accounts to uncover the full extent of the plot and identify all involved parties.

Pakistan Army Kills 13 Terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Operations

Pakistan Army Kills 13 Terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Operations

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Pakistani security forces killed 13 terrorists in multiple intelligence-based operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, amidst a surge in terrorist activities in the region.