News for 'State for Defence'

White House dismisses reports of peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'

White House dismisses reports of peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iranian representatives have conveyed to the Trump administration that they are unwilling to resume talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, preferring instead to engage with Vice President J D Vance.

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host talks between the US and Iran to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following reports of Pakistan's involvement in backchannel diplomacy.

'Strait of Hormuz closed to Iran's enemies only'

'Strait of Hormuz closed to Iran's enemies only'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Ali Mousavi stated that such cooperation is essential for maintaining stability in the strategic waterway.

Court Denies Bail in Rs 117-Crore Money Laundering Case, Cites Threat to Financial Health

Court Denies Bail in Rs 117-Crore Money Laundering Case, Cites Threat to Financial Health

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

A special court in Mumbai has denied bail to Pune businessman Amit Thepade in a Rs 117-crore money laundering case, citing the serious threat economic offences pose to the country's financial health.

Bengaluru FC Defies Mohun Bagan in Tense ISL Draw

Bengaluru FC Defies Mohun Bagan in Tense ISL Draw

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Bengaluru FC held Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a goalless draw in an Indian Super League match, showcasing a strong defensive performance against the league leaders.

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15Es by mistake; drone hits Qatari sites

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15Es by mistake; drone hits Qatari sites

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The military command clarified in a statement published on X that the aircraft were engaged in error during active combat operations on Sunday.

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Indian government addressed opposition concerns regarding the West Asia crisis in an all-party meeting, outlining its strategy for ensuring the security of the Indian diaspora, fulfilling energy needs, and maintaining diplomatic relations with key partners. The government also dismissed Pakistan's reported mediation efforts.

Foreign Nationals' Arrest Exposes Security Gaps on India-Myanmar Border

Foreign Nationals' Arrest Exposes Security Gaps on India-Myanmar Border

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Indian security agencies have arrested seven foreign nationals, including a US security analyst and six Ukrainians, for allegedly entering India illegally from Myanmar and suspected of training insurgent groups. The arrests have raised concerns about security vulnerabilities along the India-Myanmar border and triggered diplomatic friction.

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, reaffirming India's support for Israel in the face of terrorism and expressing support for the Gaza peace initiative.

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the barrage targeted several US military facilities in the region, including bases at Sheikh Isa in Bahrain, Juffair in Bahrain, Ali al-Salem in Kuwait and Al Azraq in Jordan.

'Israel won't strike Iran': Trump after Tehran hits world's largest LNG plant in Qatar

'Israel won't strike Iran': Trump after Tehran hits world's largest LNG plant in Qatar

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening massive retaliation if it attacks Qatar again, following reports of an Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gas field and an attack on Qatar's LNG facilities.

India thrash Bhutan in Under-23 men's Tri-Nation tourney

India thrash Bhutan in Under-23 men's Tri-Nation tourney

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

India pumped five past Bhutan in the Under-23 men's Tri-Nation Football Championship 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, on Saturday.

Indian-origin county judge convicted of money laundering in US

Indian-origin county judge convicted of money laundering in US

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

An Indian-origin county judge in Texas, K P George, has been convicted of money laundering for misusing campaign funds, potentially leading to his removal from office.

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.

Chhattisgarh Introduces Bill to Prevent Religious Conversions by Force

Chhattisgarh Introduces Bill to Prevent Religious Conversions by Force

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh government has introduced a bill aimed at preventing religious conversions through force, inducement, or misrepresentation, sparking opposition and debate in the state assembly.

DRDO Scientist's Leaked Secrets: ATS Files Charge Sheet

DRDO Scientist's Leaked Secrets: ATS Files Charge Sheet

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra Police has filed a charge sheet against DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar, who is accused of providing confidential information to a Pakistani intelligence operative.

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.'

Bengal polls: EC tightens grip with strategic transfers

Bengal polls: EC tightens grip with strategic transfers

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Election Commission has intensified preparations for the West Bengal Assembly elections by reshuffling senior officers and deploying IAS and IPS officers in key poll management roles.

Rashtra Sevika Samiti Chief on Reasons for Continued Women's Safety Concerns

Rashtra Sevika Samiti Chief on Reasons for Continued Women's Safety Concerns

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Rashtra Sevika Samiti chief V Shantha Kumari highlights the erosion of traditional values and delays in legal action as key factors contributing to ongoing concerns about women's safety in India.

Sanjay Singh's Model Code Violation Case Adjourned

Sanjay Singh's Model Code Violation Case Adjourned

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The hearing in a case involving AAP MP Sanjay Singh, related to alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct, has been deferred by an MP/MLA court in Sultanpur due to the non-appearance of witnesses.

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

CIA station in Saudi Arabia hit in drone attack

CIA station in Saudi Arabia hit in drone attack

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The US embassy in Saudi Arabia and the US consulate in Dubai were reportedly targeted by suspected Iranian drone attacks amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

Fabrice Kah's Goal Secures Victory for Sreenidi Deccan Against Gokulam Kerala

Fabrice Kah's Goal Secures Victory for Sreenidi Deccan Against Gokulam Kerala

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Sreenidi Deccan FC defeated Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 in an Indian Football League match, with Fabrice Kah scoring the decisive goal in the second half.

Brothers' Discharge Plea Rejected in Mumbai Hospital Assault Case

Brothers' Discharge Plea Rejected in Mumbai Hospital Assault Case

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A Mumbai court has rejected the discharge plea of two brothers accused of assaulting doctors at a city hospital after their father's death in 2021, finding sufficient evidence to proceed with framing charges against them.

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has firmly denied allegations that the US Navy is using its ports to launch attacks against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to strategic autonomy and non-alignment in international conflicts.

Iran launches new wave of missiles after US bombs Kharg Island

Iran launches new wave of missiles after US bombs Kharg Island

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The incident came shortly after a spokesperson from Iran's military warned that Tehran could target ports and docks in the United Arab Emirates following recent United States strikes on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran's oil exports.

Afghanistan strikes key military bases in Pakistan

Afghanistan strikes key military bases in Pakistan

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The strikes targeted the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Brigade base in Quetta, Balochistan, and the Khoizai camp in the Mohmand Agency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with other military sites housing key facilities and centres.

Ishaq Dar Urges Diplomatic Engagement to Resolve West Asia Crisis

Ishaq Dar Urges Diplomatic Engagement to Resolve West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for dialogue to address the ongoing conflict in West Asia, emphasising the importance of diplomatic engagement and sustained efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil were performed with full state honours in his home district, Latur, in Maharashtra on Saturday, with many top leaders in attendance.

India Advances to Hockey World Cup Despite Final Loss to England

India Advances to Hockey World Cup Despite Final Loss to England

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

India lost to England in the final of the FIH Women's Hockey World Qualifier but still secured a spot in the World Cup, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.

HC curbs 'trial by media' in molestation case, orders to take down posts

HC curbs 'trial by media' in molestation case, orders to take down posts

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has directed the removal of defamatory social media posts concerning the alleged molestation of a journalist on a flight, citing a violation of the accused's right to dignity and fair trial. The court also criticised media houses and actor Richa Chadha for amplifying unverified allegations.

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- who died last week; his passing did not merit even an obituary in major print or electronic media in Pakistan! -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that the air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted a significant number of aerial threats following a large-scale Iranian attack that commenced on February 28.

Court Refuses to Discharge Mumbai Mayor in School Teacher Assault Case

Court Refuses to Discharge Mumbai Mayor in School Teacher Assault Case

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A Mumbai court has rejected the discharge plea of Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde in a 2016 case involving the alleged assault of two school teachers. The court cited victim statements and witness testimonies as sufficient grounds to proceed with framing charges against her.

Centre calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis, Rahul to skip

Centre calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis, Rahul to skip

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian government has convened an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis in West Asia, following Prime Minister Modi's address to Parliament on the situation and its potential impact on India.

Delhi Police Nab Wanted Robber After Gunfight

Delhi Police Nab Wanted Robber After Gunfight

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

A man wanted in connection with an Rs 85 lakh armed robbery and linked to a previous murder case was arrested in Delhi after a brief exchange of fire with police.

KKR Wary of Eden Gardens Pitch Conditions Ahead of Home Games

KKR Wary of Eden Gardens Pitch Conditions Ahead of Home Games

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are facing concerns about the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens as they prepare for their first home game of the IPL season. Despite a complete overhaul in coaching staff and squad, the team's think-tank and head coach Abhishek Nayar have expressed unease about the surfaces, which may not suit their spin strengths.

Four Men Get Life for 2017 Delhi Murder: Justice Served

Four Men Get Life for 2017 Delhi Murder: Justice Served

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

A Delhi court sentenced four men to life imprisonment for the 2017 murder of a 17-year-old boy in Kirti Nagar, West Delhi, finding they acted with common intention.