News for 'State for External'

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is urging the Indian government to take a more proactive role in mediating the escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, emphasising the impact on India's energy security and regional stability.

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

An Indian couple from Gujarat was dramatically rescued from kidnappers in Azerbaijan after intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs.

'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.'

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, directing departments to assist Indian nationals affected by recent developments and emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

Palghar Man Gets Life for 'Heinous' Sexual Assault on 6-Year-Old

Palghar Man Gets Life for 'Heinous' Sexual Assault on 6-Year-Old

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A special POCSO court in Thane sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the sexual assault of a six-year-old girl in Palghar district, Maharashtra, in 2018, deeming the crime 'heinous'.

India, Pak ties remain at risk for nuclear conflict: US

India, Pak ties remain at risk for nuclear conflict: US

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A new US intelligence report warns that India and Pakistan's relations remain at risk for nuclear conflict, fueled by terrorism and escalating tensions in the region.

Stock Market Today March 9, 2026: Sensex tanks 1,353 points

Stock Market Today March 9, 2026: Sensex tanks 1,353 points

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Indian equity markets experienced a significant downturn, with the Sensex and Nifty plummeting due to rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and continuous foreign fund outflows.

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The unregulated marketing has to stop. People are getting recommendations for this from gym trainers, from marriage counsellors -- that is simply unacceptable.' ''There are many ways to lose weight -- eat less, fast, exercise, eat healthy. That is how you lose weight.'

Iran naval commander leading closure of Hormuz killed, claims Israel

Iran naval commander leading closure of Hormuz killed, claims Israel

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a series of military operations against US and Israeli targets in retaliation for earlier airstrikes. The IRGC claims to have launched multiple missile and drone strikes, and has warned against any potential ground operations within Iranian territory.

How Did a 590 Crore Fraud Go Undetected At IDFC First Bank?

How Did a 590 Crore Fraud Go Undetected At IDFC First Bank?

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

The quantum of fraud detected by the bank is more than the 503 crore net profit it reported for the October-December quarter of 2025-2026.

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Indian government informed Parliament that India and the US are engaged in negotiations for a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. The two countries also cooperate on strategic, economic, and defense matters, managing divergences through high-level dialogues.

RBI Processes 99.8% of Applications Under Citizen's Charter Within Timeline

RBI Processes 99.8% of Applications Under Citizen's Charter Within Timeline

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that it processed 99.8% of applications within the prescribed timeline under its Citizen's Charter in February, demonstrating high efficiency in its operations.

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The US President had hosted Modi for an official working visit in Washington, DC, on February 13 last year.

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of 'VIP Treatment' to Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Punjab CM Accuses Centre of 'VIP Treatment' to Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the central government of providing 'VIP treatment' to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, criticising perceived double standards in dealing with crime.

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

India is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and working to ensure the safety of its citizens stranded in the region. Over 52,000 Indians have returned home following the partial opening of airspace.

Suzuki Motorcycle India tempers FY27 growth forecast due to West Asia conflict, rising costs

Suzuki Motorcycle India tempers FY27 growth forecast due to West Asia conflict, rising costs

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Suzuki Motorcycle India Ltd (SMIPL) has revised its domestic two-wheeler sales growth estimate for FY27 downwards from 7-8 per cent, citing rising commodity costs due to the ongoing West Asia conflict and its impact on consumer affordability.

Iran blames US amid intensifying energy crisis

Iran blames US amid intensifying energy crisis

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran has blamed the US for disruptions in oil and gas shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, citing 'destabilising actions' as the cause amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and rising energy prices.

'Only they can play that role': Tharoor's dig at Pak over US-Iran talks

'Only they can play that role': Tharoor's dig at Pak over US-Iran talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor discusses India's role in the US-Iran peace talks taking place in Islamabad, emphasising the importance of peace over competition with Pakistan and highlighting India's regional interests.

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.

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.

Why We Must Listen To Lord Mahavir & His Timeless Principles

Why We Must Listen To Lord Mahavir & His Timeless Principles

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The three principles he taught in particular -- Ahimsa, Anekantavada and Aparigraha -- are as alive and necessary today as they were then. Perhaps more so.

Scientists Discover Novel Chemical Reaction with Applications in Drug Development and Sustainable Plastics

Scientists Discover Novel Chemical Reaction with Applications in Drug Development and Sustainable Plastics

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Researchers have discovered a new chemical reaction that spontaneously makes and breaks a sulphur-sulphur bond at room temperature, offering potential applications in drug development, protein science, biotechnology, and chemical and material science.

More Ministries May Get Online Content Blocking Powers

More Ministries May Get Online Content Blocking Powers

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'We are considering this to ensure swift action on content for which the respective ministries have domain experts and can better determine the illegality of the content or the web site that needs to be taken down.'

CAG Report Exposes Overcrowding and Poor Facilities in Punjab Prisons

CAG Report Exposes Overcrowding and Poor Facilities in Punjab Prisons

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

A Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report has revealed significant issues within Punjab's jail system, including overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and poor medical facilities.

India Responds to West Asia Crisis: Six Nationals Dead, One Missing

India Responds to West Asia Crisis: Six Nationals Dead, One Missing

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the deaths of six Indian nationals and one missing person amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia, detailing ongoing efforts for repatriation and diplomatic engagement.

Indian Families Anxious as Relatives Stranded in Iran

Indian Families Anxious as Relatives Stranded in Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Families in Ambari village are anxiously awaiting news of their relatives stranded in Iran amid escalating conflict, with limited communication and growing concerns for their safety.

'Urge all sides...': India reacts as US-Israel attack Iran

'Urge all sides...': India reacts as US-Israel attack Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Following a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran, India is calling for restraint and de-escalation to avoid further military confrontation in the Middle East.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Nobody takes Pakistan seriously and therefore Pakistan's sudden mediating with almost immediate results of a ceasefire seems more contrived than real, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

'Nitish May Have Been Moved Aside, But Nitishism Is Not Over'

'Nitish May Have Been Moved Aside, But Nitishism Is Not Over'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'Nitish Kumar may be marginalised as an office-holder, but that is not the same thing as the disappearance of Nitish Kumar's politics.'

Turkmenistan Woman's Death in India: Police Confirm Identity

Turkmenistan Woman's Death in India: Police Confirm Identity

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Police in Meerut have confirmed that a woman found dead last month is a citizen of Turkmenistan, following initial misidentification. The investigation into her death continues, with several arrests made.

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

President Trump asserts the US military has decimated Iran's forces and no longer requires assistance from NATO allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz, despite earlier requests for support.

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

He added that opposition parties were assured that their concerns regarding the impact of the West Asia situation on India and the safety of Indian citizens were addressed in detail.

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, and four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers were stationed east of the strategic waterway.

Leakage Or Seepage? Know Your Rights

Leakage Or Seepage? Know Your Rights

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Buyers should understand the distinction between the losses the policy covers, those that need add-ons, and those it excludes.

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Palau-flagged oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman, resulting in injuries. The incident occurred amidst rising tensions in the Middle East following attacks between Iran, the US, and Israel.

Over 20 Indian workers died abroad daily, most in Gulf: Govt

Over 20 Indian workers died abroad daily, most in Gulf: Govt

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Data reveals a disturbing trend of Indian worker deaths abroad, particularly in Gulf nations, alongside numerous complaints of exploitation and labour rights violations.

Gulf War: Nasscom Warns Firms Of Cyber Threat Surge

Gulf War: Nasscom Warns Firms Of Cyber Threat Surge

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Periods of geopolitical uncertainty often see a rise in coordinated cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and infrastructure targeting.'

IDFC First bank flags Rs 590 crore fraud in Haryana govt accounts

IDFC First bank flags Rs 590 crore fraud in Haryana govt accounts

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

IDFC First Bank reported a Rs 590 crore fraud involving its employees and others in accounts held by the Haryana government. The bank has informed regulators and filed a police complaint, initiating internal reviews and forensic audits.

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Iran attack: PV Sindhu among hundreds of Indians stranded in Dubai

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Following attacks in West Asia, hundreds of Indians, including prominent personalities, are stranded in Dubai and other key hub airports due to flight disruptions, prompting appeals for government assistance.