News for 'Secretaries of Defence'

India's Defence Output Hits New High

India's Defence Output Hits New High

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

'The share of the private sector is at its all-time high of around Rs 42,000 crore in FY26, reflecting its expanding role in the defence ecosystem.'

Defence Commanders Get Bigger Financial Powers

Defence Commanders Get Bigger Financial Powers

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Army, Navy and Air Force commanders received enhanced powers to address urgent operational requirements quickly.

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of senior IAS officer Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ignited a political controversy, drawing criticism from the CPI(M), CPI, and BJP.

Former MHA Official: Pak Cricket Teams Trafficked Drugs in India, Linked to Woolmer's Death

Former MHA Official: Pak Cricket Teams Trafficked Drugs in India, Linked to Woolmer's Death

Rediff.com4 days ago

R V S Mani, former Under Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has alleged that drug trafficking was a regular practice by Pakistani cricket teams and delegations visiting India, linking it to the 2006 doping scandal involving Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, and even the death of coach Bob Woolmer.

Great Nicobar project is not about defence but real estate: Rahul

Great Nicobar project is not about defence but real estate: Rahul

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the government's argument that the Great Nicobar Island Project is about defence and a trans-shipment port is a "lie", and alleged that it is actually about benefiting one businessman so that he can build hotels and casinos on India's most irreplaceable ecological land.

UP govt appoint legal aid for accused in Ram temple theft case

UP govt appoint legal aid for accused in Ram temple theft case

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed Kulshekhar Singh, an ex-joint director of the Department of Prosecution, as legal aid defence counsel for the accused in the alleged Ram temple donation embezzlement case, following a boycott by the Faizabad Bar Association.

India appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Chief

India appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Chief

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (retd) has been appointed as India's next Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Gen Anil Chauhan. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been named the next Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Lt Gen Subramani's primary mandate will be to implement the military theaterisation plan and bolster tri-services synergy.

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Rediff.com4 days ago

Poland's Secretary of State, Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski, has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in late 2022, highlighting Modi's significant influence on the Russian leader.

'Entire truth...': Champat Rai breaks silence on Ram temple donation

'Entire truth...': Champat Rai breaks silence on Ram temple donation

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Former Ram temple trust chief Champat Rai has stated he will address all allegations of donation embezzlement against him only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report. Rai, who observed 'maun dharan' (silence) on the matter, highlighted that the SIT's preliminary report has already been made public. The trust has appointed an interim general secretary and acknowledged the theft from donation boxes, while also appreciating Rai's contributions.

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic tour to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials, energy talks, and a Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Rediff.com1 days ago

A controversy has erupted in Odisha after Lord Jagannath's idol was moved from the Puri temple to the chariot during the Rath Yatra without its traditional 'Tahia' floral headgear, leading to strong criticism from opposition parties BJD and Congress against the BJP government.

Ram Temple Trust holds series of meetings; eyes administrative overhaul

Ram Temple Trust holds series of meetings; eyes administrative overhaul

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Amidst an ongoing SIT probe into alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri held a series of meetings in Ayodhya. These discussions followed the acceptance of resignations from former general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, and the Trust's decision to overhaul its administrative structure, including appointing a professional CEO. Rai, who has adopted a vow of silence, questioned the State Bank of India's role in the donation counting process, while Giri defended Rai but acknowledged his trust in the wrong people. The SIT probe is expanding to examine the Trust's financial transactions and administrative processes.

India, US review defence ties, key deals at policy meet

India, US review defence ties, key deals at policy meet

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Key discussions focused on major defence procurements, including India's plan to acquire six additional P-8I aircraft for anti-submarine warfare. The deal, estimated at around Rs 30,000 crore, is under advanced negotiations.

US troops set to leave Iraq after 23 years

US troops set to leave Iraq after 23 years

Rediff.com4 days ago

The United States military is scheduled to complete its withdrawal from Iraq by September 30, marking the end of a 23-year deployment that began with the 2003 invasion and later focused on combating the Islamic State group.

'1,000 missiles locked and loaded': Trump's big warning to Iran

'1,000 missiles locked and loaded': Trump's big warning to Iran

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Donald Trump has issued a severe warning to Iran, threatening 'decimation' with '1,000 missiles' if the nation pursues alleged assassination plots against him, while Iranian officials accuse the US of violating a MoU amidst ongoing diplomatic talks.

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

'Restoring legacy': US drops 'Indo' from Indo-Pacific Command

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The US Department of Defence has restored the name of the US Indo-Pacific Command to the US Pacific Command, reversing an eight-year-old decision. This change honours the command's deep historical roots, established in 1947, while its vast area of responsibility, extending to India's western border, and its mission remain unchanged.

Israel, Lebanon sign US-led framework pact in 'first step' towards peace

Israel, Lebanon sign US-led framework pact in 'first step' towards peace

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday (local time) announced a US-mediated framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon aimed at achieving "lasting peace and security".

'Hit them hard again tonight': Trump warns of more strikes on Iran

'Hit them hard again tonight': Trump warns of more strikes on Iran

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Hours after US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the ceasefire deal with Iran was "over", the US President indicated that Washington could launch another round of strikes against the Islamic Republic, following strikes on Tuesday, saying it had already hit Tehran "very hard" and warning of further attacks.

WhatsApp submits reply to govt on 'username' notice

WhatsApp submits reply to govt on 'username' notice

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Meta-owned WhatsApp has submitted its reply to the government's notice on the "username" feature and the response is being examined, sources said on Thursday.

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, labelling it a "Frankenstein state" for its alleged support of terrorism. The remarks came after Pakistan and the OIC raised the Kashmir issue, which India firmly rejected, reiterating Jammu and Kashmir's integral status. India also deemed the Indus Water Treaty "outdated" given Pakistan's policies.

India maintaining balance of power in Indian Ocean: US

India maintaining balance of power in Indian Ocean: US

Rediff.com30 May 2026

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised India's military modernisation efforts at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, highlighting its growing industrial and logistics capacity.

India's FDI Inflows Set to Cross $90 Billion in FY26, Says DPIIT Secretary

India's FDI Inflows Set to Cross $90 Billion in FY26, Says DPIIT Secretary

Rediff.com3 May 2026

India's foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows are projected to surpass $90 billion in 2025-26 (FY26), driven by robust policy reforms, free trade agreements, and strong economic growth, according to DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia.

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend temple fund scam accused

Ayodhya lawyers not to defend temple fund scam accused

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Local legal practitioners in Ayodhya are considering a unanimous refusal to defend the eight individuals accused in the Ram temple donations embezzlement case. The Faizabad Bar Association is set to make a final decision, driven by strong local sentiment against the alleged theft of temple offerings.

Marco Rubio to visit India for Quad talks

Marco Rubio to visit India for Quad talks

Rediff.com20 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from May 23-26 to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, and energy, attending meetings with senior Indian officials and participating in a Quad group meeting in New Delhi.

Gen Subramani takes charge as CDS, seeks to implement theaterisation

Gen Subramani takes charge as CDS, seeks to implement theaterisation

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Gen NS Raja Subramani has taken over as India's new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Gen Anil Chauhan. His primary focus will be on implementing the military theaterisation plan and enhancing tri-services synergy.

Modi-Trump G7 meeting to focus on trade deal, strategic ties

Modi-Trump G7 meeting to focus on trade deal, strategic ties

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are set to hold comprehensive talks focusing on a bilateral trade deal, defence cooperation, and energy and critical minerals sectors during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed various aspects of India-US bilateral ties, focusing on defence, trade, energy, and technology. Rubio extended an invitation from President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the US.

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

For the foreseeable future, the most likely outcome remains continuation of the status quo. Taiwan will remain self-governing without formally declaring independence, while China continues to apply sustained pressure short of war, predict Krishnan Srinivasan and Manoj Mohanka.

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

An innovation roadmap, a mechanism to double annual bilateral trade within next five years, and a joint artificial intelligence framework were among 13 outcomes to emerge from wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday.

Won't let our soil be used against India: Myanmar Prez

Won't let our soil be used against India: Myanmar Prez

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Myanmarese territory would not be allowed to be used against India's security interests, as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks to boost bilateral ties in trade, defence, and energy.

Army Set To Boost Ballistic Missile Arsenal

Army Set To Boost Ballistic Missile Arsenal

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

'DRDO has been directed to license missile technologies to the private sector.'

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A three-storey under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area collapsed, killing three people and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 individuals already saved, amid allegations of substandard construction materials and illegal building practices.

A decade after Brexit, Britain prepares for seventh PM

A decade after Brexit, Britain prepares for seventh PM

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A referendum 10 years ago on this day set the United Kingdom on a new path as a non-member of the European Union (EU) and the turmoil of that Brexit vote continues to play out as the country prepares for its seventh prime minister in a decade.

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The simmering tension between former Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya and the current Sourav Ganguly-led establishment came out into the open on Wednesday, with the state cricket body's top brass issuing a strongly-worded rebuttal to allegations of corruption and governance failures barely three months before its annual general meeting.

Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon truce, vows to fight

Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon truce, vows to fight

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

In a statement issued following the announcement of the US-mediated deal, Qassem characterised the agreement as a 'humiliating' and 'shameful' surrender of Lebanese sovereignty that prioritises Israeli and American dictates over the nation's independence.

At least 15 students killed in Lucknow building fire, many trapped

At least 15 students killed in Lucknow building fire, many trapped

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

A devastating fire ripped through a three-floor commercial building in Lucknow, claiming the lives of at least 12 students and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing ex-gratia for the deceased and injured.

Modi, Trump share warm meeting at G7 amid strained ties

Modi, Trump share warm meeting at G7 amid strained ties

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump exchanged pleasantries and held a brief conversation at the G7 summit, their first in-person encounter in 16 months, setting the stage for high-stakes bilateral talks amidst continuing strain in India-US relations.

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced a finalised peace deal between the US and Iran, set for signing on June 19 in Switzerland, with key figures like J D Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner from the US side, and Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf representing Iran, alongside Pakistani mediators Field Marshal Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Mohsin Naqvi, playing crucial roles in the diplomatic breakthrough.

UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet tanker in English Channel

UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet tanker in English Channel

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

British armed forces, including Royal Marine Commandos, intercepted the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel, marking the UK's first such operation. The action aims to disrupt Russia's funding for its war in Ukraine, with the UK government highlighting the shadow fleet's role in sustaining Moscow's military efforts.

India-Nepal Boundary Dispute Needs Solution

India-Nepal Boundary Dispute Needs Solution

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The boundary mess between India and Nepal needs a solution in a manner as mentioned by Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal: 'On evidence not emotions', counsels Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung (retd).