News for 'State for External'

Judicial Independence Must Include Freedom From Algorithmic Influence: Justice

Judicial Independence Must Include Freedom From Algorithmic Influence: Justice

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna stated that judicial independence in the modern era includes freedom from algorithmic influence, emphasising that AI should only assist judges, who must ultimately decide based on constitutional values and human judgment.

Uninformed, in poor taste: India on Trump's 'hellhole' remark

Uninformed, in poor taste: India on Trump's 'hellhole' remark

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India has criticised US President Donald Trump's social media repost referring to India and other countries as 'hellholes' in the context of immigration, deeming the remarks 'uninformed' and 'inappropriate'.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Open Lower Amid Surging Oil Prices, Foreign Fund Outflows

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Open Lower Amid Surging Oil Prices, Foreign Fund Outflows

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, opened lower on Tuesday, driven by a surge in global crude oil prices and continued outflows by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), reflecting fragile market sentiment influenced by external factors.

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Rediff.com12 May 2026

India possesses two months of fuel stockpiles and faces no supply concerns despite global energy disruptions, according to Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. However, state-run fuel retailers are incurring losses of up to Rs 1 lakh crore in a single quarter due to elevated crude prices and unchanged retail fuel prices, raising questions about the sustainability of these losses.

Iran War May Push Markets Into Bear Cycle

Iran War May Push Markets Into Bear Cycle

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Markets face risk of a prolonged bear phase as oil shocks and geopolitical tensions test inflation, growth and investor confidence globally, points out Debashis Basu.

Three Puducherry cricketers suspended over coach assault allegations

Three Puducherry cricketers suspended over coach assault allegations

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) has suspended three first-class cricketers following allegations of assaulting the U-19 state team coach. The players face serious charges and are barred from all CAP facilities and tournaments pending court clearance.

Security Guard Found Dead At Delhi Construction Site

Security Guard Found Dead At Delhi Construction Site

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A 37-year-old security guard was found dead under suspicious circumstances at an under-construction hospital site in Delhi's Sultanpuri area. Police are investigating the cause of death, with a post-mortem examination pending.

RBI Citizen's Charter: Nearly All Applications Processed On Time

RBI Citizen's Charter: Nearly All Applications Processed On Time

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that it processed 99.7 per cent of applications within the prescribed timeline under its Citizen's Charter in April 2026. The central bank handled a total of 21,150 applications, showcasing its commitment to efficient service delivery.

How To Get Free NEET UG Counselling

How To Get Free NEET UG Counselling

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

NEET2Seat is an AI-powered platform that helps students predict ranks, shortlist colleges, and plan their counselling strategy using data-driven insights instead of guesswork.

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has appealed to the United Nations to intervene on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing human rights violations.

India-bound LPG tanker safely passes through Strait Of Hormuz

India-bound LPG tanker safely passes through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com3 May 2026

A tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for India has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and is en route to Visakhapatnam, India, carrying enough cargo to meet half a day's requirement for the country.

Why Judicial Independence Must Evolve In The Age Of AI

Why Judicial Independence Must Evolve In The Age Of AI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna stated that judicial independence in the modern era is not just freedom from external power, but also from algorithmic influence, while speaking at a conference in Bengaluru.

10 Famous Maa Temples

10 Famous Maa Temples

Rediff.com11 May 2026

We journey to 10 famous Maa temples, each devoted to a different form of Devi or the female force...

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.

New Era Emerging In Persian Gulf After US 'Failure': Iran's Supreme Leader

New Era Emerging In Persian Gulf After US 'Failure': Iran's Supreme Leader

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claims a new chapter is emerging in the Persian Gulf due to the 'shameful failure' of the United States in the region, citing shifting regional dynamics and weakening foreign influence.

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.

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The question is whether the clocks allow enough time for two deeply mistrustful sides to get there, and whether the surface calm holds long enough for the paddling to produce something before the ceasefire ends on April 22, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

India Condemns Attack On UN Peacekeepers In Lebanon

India Condemns Attack On UN Peacekeepers In Lebanon

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

India has condemned the killing of a French soldier serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in South Lebanon and called on all parties to ensure the safety of peacekeepers.

IPL 2026: Franchises scramble as BCCI tightens security

IPL 2026: Franchises scramble as BCCI tightens security

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The BCCI has issued a stern advisory to IPL franchises following concerns about security breaches, unauthorised guests, and players' interactions with social media influencers. Franchises are now working to comply with the new regulations while respecting individual privacy.

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.

Nida Khan forced ST victim to wear burqa, adopt Muslim name: Prosecution

Nida Khan forced ST victim to wear burqa, adopt Muslim name: Prosecution

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Monday fixed May 2 for giving its verdict on the anticipatory bail plea filed by TCS employee Nida Khan, an accused in a case related to alleged sexual harassment and forcible religious conversion at the IT firm's local unit.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

No joint statement as BRICS MENA fails to reach consensus on West Asia: MEA

No joint statement as BRICS MENA fails to reach consensus on West Asia: MEA

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Monday said that a joint statement could not be issued following the BRICS deputy foreign ministers and special envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) meeting, which took place on April 24 in the national capital, as member countries were unable to reach a general consensus concerning the conflict in West Asia.

Iran War: Truce Is A Bitter Pill For Trump To Swallow

Iran War: Truce Is A Bitter Pill For Trump To Swallow

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The logic of war plus the gathering storms in US politics as the midterms loom large leave him with no real alternative but to negotiate, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

10 Indians killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine war, Centre tells SC

10 Indians killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine war, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that ten Indians have died while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Russia-Ukraine war. The court is hearing a plea seeking the repatriation of Indians allegedly forced to fight.

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

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Rediff.com11 May 2026

This is the time for India to plan forward fully, with the goal of Atmanirbharata, and energy security. The Persian Gulf is no longer a reliable source, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

How RBI Fights Rupee Fall

How RBI Fights Rupee Fall

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The central bank is yet to consider actions such as a rate hike or mobilising dollar inflows from non-resident Indians to boost forex reserves as it cannot afford to continue with them for long when the rupee's internationalisation tops its agenda, explains Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Builder Booked Under Goonda Act For Assaulting Scientist

Builder Booked Under Goonda Act For Assaulting Scientist

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A builder in Dehradun has been booked under the Goonda Act and may be expelled from the district after allegedly assaulting a DRDO scientist who protested illegal construction.

Builder Booked Under Goonda Act For Assaulting DRDO Scientist

Builder Booked Under Goonda Act For Assaulting DRDO Scientist

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A builder in Dehradun has been booked under the Goonda Act and may be expelled from the district after allegedly assaulting a DRDO scientist who protested against illegal construction.

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'At the first sign of real trouble, that money will move. There will be a run.'

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

Pak gets 2nd tranche of $1bn loan from Saudi Arabia

Pak gets 2nd tranche of $1bn loan from Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Pakistan has received the second and final tranche of USD 1 billion from Saudi Arabia, completing a USD 3 billion aid package aimed at boosting its foreign reserves, the state bank said.

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The core issues to be settled -- access to Hormuz, Israel's aggression in Lebanon, the question of Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and compensation -- are thorny enough to require weeks of patient negotiation. The most likely outcome of the opening sessions is that both sides take the measure of each other, establish what is and is not negotiable, and return home without having broken anything. That would count as progress.

Moody's cuts India's FY27 growth forecast to 6% amid West Asia conflict

Moody's cuts India's FY27 growth forecast to 6% amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Moody's Ratings has downgraded India's growth forecast for financial year 2026-27 (FY27) to 6 per cent from 6.8 per cent, attributing the revision to weaker consumption and industrial activity, elevated energy prices, and rising input costs stemming from the West Asia conflict.

West Asia Conflict Deepens India's Economic Challenges

West Asia Conflict Deepens India's Economic Challenges

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Even if there is an early agreement on a cessation of hostilities in West Asia, the price shock will not go away easily, points out A K Bhattacharya.

India summons Iranian envoy after Hormuz firing incident

India summons Iranian envoy after Hormuz firing incident

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

India summoned the Iranian envoy after two Indian vessels had to reverse course in the Strait of Hormuz following an incident of firing by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Justice Nagarathna: Judiciary Must Be Free From Algorithmic Influence

Justice Nagarathna: Judiciary Must Be Free From Algorithmic Influence

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna has cautioned against the over-reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, emphasising the need for judicial independence from algorithmic influence. She stressed that AI should only serve as a tool and not replace human judgement, which is guided by legal reasoning, constitutional values, and a deep sense of justice.

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously. The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.