News for 'Southern States'

India Urges Safety for UNIFIL Peacekeepers After Deadly Attack

India Urges Safety for UNIFIL Peacekeepers After Deadly Attack

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

India has condemned recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, following the death of an Indonesian peacekeeper. India urged all parties to ensure the safety and security of the Blue Helmets and called for accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iran's national football team is training in Turkey for upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup, facing heightened attention due to geopolitical tensions.

Gulf War: 'If America Wants An Exit, It Can'

Gulf War: 'If America Wants An Exit, It Can'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'US and Iran have not annulled the ceasefire, and the possibility of continuing negotiations remains open.'

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.

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar clarifies his political affiliations, identifying as a Gandhian, Nehruvian, and Rajivian, while explaining his distance from Rahul Gandhi's political approach and his disapproval of Indira Gandhi's Emergency declaration.

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The US Embassy acknowledged the attack in a post on X, urging Americans to avoid the facility 'until further notice' and announcing that all appointments had been cancelled.

Sri Lanka to Repatriate Bodies of Iranian Sailors Killed in US Submarine Attack

Sri Lanka to Repatriate Bodies of Iranian Sailors Killed in US Submarine Attack

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka will repatriate the bodies of Iranian sailors killed on the IRIS Dena, which was reportedly sunk by a US submarine. The government is also addressing potential impacts on food security and fuel supplies due to the war situation.

Iran releases Supreme Leader's video amid death rumours

Iran releases Supreme Leader's video amid death rumours

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

In the video, the Supreme Leader can be seen teaching religious studies to a group of pupils who are listening attentively. The IRIB said that the video of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei was published for the first time.

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

...reopen for up to six months. Until then, the Strait stays nearly closed. The world pays. And no one, including the man who started this, can say when it ends, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Empty PG Seats, Missing Doctors

Empty PG Seats, Missing Doctors

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

'When young doctors see limited protection, unpredictable careers and an absence of institutional support, they hesitate.'

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

'India's ties with Israel have to do with defence and general technology.' 'The war changes nothing in what India and Israel hope to get from the relationship.' 'It's not as though India will get significantly more benefits from Iran if India abandons Israel at this time.'

Evacuate Now! Iran Warns Civilians in Neighbouring Gulf Countries

Evacuate Now! Iran Warns Civilians in Neighbouring Gulf Countries

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The IRGC accused US and Israeli forces of using civilians as 'human shields' and warned of continued attacks.

TMC Leader Banerjee Predicts Steep Rise in LPG and Fuel Prices After Elections

TMC Leader Banerjee Predicts Steep Rise in LPG and Fuel Prices After Elections

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has warned of a significant increase in cooking gas and fuel prices by the BJP-led central government following the West Bengal assembly elections. He accused the BJP of neglecting the fuel crisis and challenged them to pledge no price hikes for the next five years.

How Sanju Samson's Roots Fuelled His T20 World Cup Success

How Sanju Samson's Roots Fuelled His T20 World Cup Success

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

An article about Sanju Samson's journey to success in the T20 World Cup, highlighting the influence of his father's advice and his commitment to his roots.

Abhishek Banerjee Warns of Potential Fuel Price Surge After West Bengal Polls

Abhishek Banerjee Warns of Potential Fuel Price Surge After West Bengal Polls

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee alleges the BJP-led government may increase fuel prices after the West Bengal assembly elections, accusing them of neglecting the common man and withholding funds from the state.

Bengal police ramp up security ahead of assembly elections

Bengal police ramp up security ahead of assembly elections

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Senior police officials in West Bengal are visiting police stations to ensure free and fair polling for the upcoming Assembly elections, focusing on maintaining law and order and preventing electoral malpractice.

US missile strike targets school, homes in Iran: Report

US missile strike targets school, homes in Iran: Report

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

A United States missile strike has reportedly hit an educational facility in Khomeyn in central Iran, according to a report by Al Jazeera citing Iran's Mehr news agency. The site was identified as the Dr Hafez Khomeyni School.

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the country refused permission for the US to land two warplanes at Mattala International Airport, citing a commitment to neutrality amidst rising tensions in the Middle East.

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions in West Asia following a series of strikes and counter-strikes, the United States Embassy in Muscat on Tuesday instructed its staff to shelter in place.

Satellite images suggest US airstrike hit Iran school

Satellite images suggest US airstrike hit Iran school

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Satellite imagery and expert analysis suggest that a deadly explosion at a school in southern Iran last week was likely caused by a United States airstrike that also targeted a nearby compound linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to media reports.

'The Youth Of Kerala Believe In Modi'

'The Youth Of Kerala Believe In Modi'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'Secularism or social development or social justice is no longer part of development, according to the youth in Kerala.' 'They are concerned about material wellbeing and material welfare, and they believe that Narendra Modi is capable to giving them that kind of development.' 'So, they don't have any ideological hesitation in voting for him.'

Jewellery, precious stones worth Rs 2 cr stolen from Travancore palace

Jewellery, precious stones worth Rs 2 cr stolen from Travancore palace

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Police in Thiruvananthapuram have launched an investigation into the alleged theft of jewellery worth over Rs two crore from Kowdiar Palace, the official residence of the Travancore royal family.

Delhi Traffic Police Book Over 1,200 for Drunk Driving on Holi

Delhi Traffic Police Book Over 1,200 for Drunk Driving on Holi

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Delhi Traffic Police penalised over 1,200 motorists for drunk driving during a special enforcement drive on Holi, with thousands more fined for other traffic violations.

Trade union strike sees mixed response; normal life unaffected

Trade union strike sees mixed response; normal life unaffected

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A nationwide strike called by central trade unions saw a mixed response across India, impacting various sectors and states differently, with some areas experiencing disruptions while others remained largely unaffected.

Delhi Police Crackdown: 204 Arrested in 'Operation Aaghat' Before Holi

Delhi Police Crackdown: 204 Arrested in 'Operation Aaghat' Before Holi

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have arrested 204 people and taken preventive action against 973 individuals under 'Operation Aaghat' ahead of the Holi festival. The operation targeted habitual offenders, bootleggers, drug peddlers, and other miscreants across the southern range of Delhi.

Hezbollah drones target Israeli air base

Hezbollah drones target Israeli air base

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

According to Hezbollah, it fired a swarm of drones at radar sites and control rooms at the base on Tuesday, describing the move as retaliation for Israeli strikes.

Over 100 injured as Iranian missiles hit Israeli towns near nuclear facility

Over 100 injured as Iranian missiles hit Israeli towns near nuclear facility

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Popularly known as 'Little India', Dimona has a large Indian-Jewish population, and the community members, mostly from the state of Maharashtra, maintain strong links with India and have consistently put efforts to solidify them.

Hezbollah intelligence head killed in Israel's Beirut attack

Hezbollah intelligence head killed in Israel's Beirut attack

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

IDF international spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani said the Israeli military targeted several Hezbollah positions, including command and control centres, launch sites and senior operatives.

US 7th fleet's USS Tripoli strike group heads to West Asia as tensions soar

US 7th fleet's USS Tripoli strike group heads to West Asia as tensions soar

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

According to the report, the Pentagon is deploying the USS Tripoli ARG, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), part of its own strike group.

If language pride is a 'disease'...: Raj Thackeray slams RSS chief

If language pride is a 'disease'...: Raj Thackeray slams RSS chief

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In a post on X, Thackeray also claimed that those who attended Bhagwat's programme in Mumbai on February 7-8 to mark the RSS centenary did not come out of love for him but due to the fear of Narendra Modi's government.

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The intriguing bit is that Trump is likely to attend the talks in Islamabad this weekend -- if he does, it will be the clearest signal yet that the US is ready to exit the war with some sort of win to show, since he cannot afford to go for the talks and return empty-handed, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War

Drunk Driving Challans Issued in Delhi During Holi Celebrations

Drunk Driving Challans Issued in Delhi During Holi Celebrations

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Delhi Traffic Police issued over 1,200 challans for drunk driving during a special enforcement drive on Holi, with the western range recording the highest number of violations.

AI Could Widen Inequalities if Not Used for People's Benefit: Amitabh Kant

AI Could Widen Inequalities if Not Used for People's Benefit: Amitabh Kant

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant warns that artificial intelligence (AI) could exacerbate global inequalities if not used for the benefit of people, highlighting its immense energy requirements and the need for renewable energy solutions.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Bastar Region Sees Transformation as Security Camps Become Public Infrastructure

Bastar Region Sees Transformation as Security Camps Become Public Infrastructure

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, India, is transitioning away from decades of Maoist conflict, with plans to convert security camps into public infrastructure. A senior Maoist commander recently surrendered, marking a significant step in the government's efforts to eliminate Naxalism.

'It's a real thing': Netanyahu hails 'Modi hug'

'It's a real thing': Netanyahu hails 'Modi hug'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Netanyahu also expressed profound gratitude for the Indian government's steadfast support following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in southern Israel. Addressing PM Modi, he stated, 'You stood next to Israel, you stood by Israel, you stood for Israel, you stood for the truth. Thank you, my friend.'

Allies in India have been good actors: White House

Allies in India have been good actors: White House

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The US has temporarily permitted India to accept Russian oil already on ships to ensure energy supplies amid the conflict with Iran. This short-term measure is not expected to significantly benefit Russia financially.

'Trump's Aims In This War Have Been Inconsistent, Changing, Contradictory'

'Trump's Aims In This War Have Been Inconsistent, Changing, Contradictory'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'What we have yet to see on either the US or the Iranian side is willingness to compromise on their ultimate demands and the flexibility to reach an agreement to end the war.

Sri Lanka Completes Post-Mortem on Iranian Sailors After Frigate Sinking

Sri Lanka Completes Post-Mortem on Iranian Sailors After Frigate Sinking

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka has completed the post-mortem examination of Iranian sailors recovered from the frigate IRIS Dena, which allegedly sank after a US submarine attack. Eighty of the 84 bodies have been identified by survivors, and an opposition protest was held against military aggression against Iran.