News for 'United Front Department'

Pak army spokesman has Osama bin Laden connection

Pak army spokesman has Osama bin Laden connection

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, is the son of a nuclear scientist who was sanctioned by the United Nations and the US for providing information and expertise to al-Qaeda, according to Indian officials. Chaudhry's father, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, allegedly provided insights into nuclear weapons infrastructure and raised funds for a fundamentalist organization linked to the Taliban. Mahmood was arrested in 2001 after admitting to meeting Osama bin Laden but was later released.

US Supreme Court rejects Tahawwur Rana's plea to stay extradition

US Supreme Court rejects Tahawwur Rana's plea to stay extradition

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The US Supreme Court has denied the application of Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, seeking a stay on his extradition to India. Rana, currently detained in Los Angeles, had submitted the application after Associate Justice Elena Kagan initially denied it. Despite a renewed appeal, the Supreme Court ultimately rejected the request.

Doping: Russian Guliyev to be stripped of 2012 Olympic medal

Doping: Russian Guliyev to be stripped of 2012 Olympic medal

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Ekaterina Guliyev is set to lose the 800 metres silver medal she won for Russia at the 2012 Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed her appeal against a four-year doping ban.

Rajasthan govt employee held for spying for Pak, BJP alleges Cong link

Rajasthan govt employee held for spying for Pak, BJP alleges Cong link

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Shakur Khan was detained on Wednesday night by an intelligence department team who were acting on security-related inputs.

Vi partners SpaceX-rival AST SpaceMobile for satcom service on smartphones

Vi partners SpaceX-rival AST SpaceMobile for satcom service on smartphones

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Vi partners SpaceX-rival AST SpaceMobile for satcom service on smartphones

US reaffirms support for India's pursuit of justice in 26/11 attacks

US reaffirms support for India's pursuit of justice in 26/11 attacks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The United States has extradited Pakistani-Canadian Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Rana, 64, was convicted in the US in 2011 for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistani militant group responsible for the Mumbai attacks. The US Department of State said it has long supported India's efforts to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice and that the extradition is a critical step towards seeking justice for the victims. Rana's extradition comes after the US Supreme Court denied his last-ditch attempt to evade extradition. He will now face justice in India for his role in the attacks which killed 166 people, including six Americans.

Beginning Of The End For Trump?

Beginning Of The End For Trump?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Unless Donald Trump takes a major U turn, this is possibly the beginning of the end for Trumpian politics, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd). Unless President Trump takes a major U turn, this is possibly the 'beginning of the end' for Trumpian politics driven by TV trp's, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

US urges India, Pak to de-escalate; backs New Delhi

US urges India, Pak to de-escalate; backs New Delhi

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The United States on Thursday said it supports India's right to defend itself and its fight against terrorism as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dialled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack.

Rains batter Maharashtra: 1 dead, 48 rescued so far

Rains batter Maharashtra: 1 dead, 48 rescued so far

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Heavy rains lashed several parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, on Monday, resulting in one death and the rescue of 48 people from inundated areas. The state received widespread rainfall, with Pune, Satara, Solapur, Raigad, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) experiencing significant precipitation. Mumbai recorded 135.4 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to waterlogging and power outages in some areas. The India Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in Mumbai over the next 24 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.

Rana not in custody, says US Bureau of Prisons

Rana not in custody, says US Bureau of Prisons

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India after the US Supreme Court denied his last-ditch effort to avoid being sent back. Rana, a close associate of David Coleman Headley, another key conspirator in the attacks, was expected to be extradited "shortly" after his legal appeals failed. This decision comes after a multi-agency team from India traveled to the US to complete all necessary paperwork and legalities with the US authorities. Rana's extradition marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Mumbai attacks.

Airtel keen to tie up with Jio, VIL to fight fraud

Airtel keen to tie up with Jio, VIL to fight fraud

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Airtel has informed the government and regulator Trai that it has approached Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea with a proposal for a joint initiative to unite the industry against rising telecom fraud and scams.

US warns of 'violent civil unrest' in Kashmir

US warns of 'violent civil unrest' in Kashmir

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The US has issued a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Jammu and Kashmir citing potential for terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest. The advisory, issued on Wednesday, comes a day after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The advisory also warns against traveling within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border.

US: Man shouting 'Free Palestine' injures 8 with fire bomb

US: Man shouting 'Free Palestine' injures 8 with fire bomb

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

In one video, apparently of the attack, a shirtless man holding clear bottles in his hands is seen pacing as the grass in front of him burns.

Crowd/gate management event organiser's responsibility, KSCA says in letter

Crowd/gate management event organiser's responsibility, KSCA says in letter

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

After an FIR was lodged against them, KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, secretary A Shankar and treasurer E S Jayaram submitted in the Karnataka high court that the gate management and crowd management were not the responsibility of the association.

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

We have nothing to gain by raising our concerns internationally as our narrative has got entangled with several controversial concepts in the United Nations, asserts Ambassador T N Sreenivasan.

Traders oppose changing Mount Abu's name to Aburaj Teerth

Traders oppose changing Mount Abu's name to Aburaj Teerth

Rediff.com6 May 2025

A proposal to change the name of Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, to "Aburaj Teerth" and ban non-vegetarian food and alcohol consumption in public has sparked protests from local businesses, who fear severe economic consequences. They argue that the name change will cause confusion and the restrictions will drastically reduce tourist numbers, impacting livelihoods.

6 Reasons Why India Failed At Lord's

6 Reasons Why India Failed At Lord's

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

India's batting faltered under pressure as they suffered a 22-run defeat in the third Test against England, at Lord's.

India's GDP growth revised downward to 6.3% for 2025

India's GDP growth revised downward to 6.3% for 2025

Rediff.com17 May 2025

India's economic growth forecast for 2025 has been revised downward to 6.3 per cent, and despite a projected moderation, the country remains one of the fastest-growing large economies, supported by resilient consumption and government spending, the United Nations has said.

'Super spokesperson of BJP': Cong's Udit Raj slams Tharoor again

'Super spokesperson of BJP': Cong's Udit Raj slams Tharoor again

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Congress leader Udit Raj criticized party colleague Shashi Tharoor for his reported remarks that India breached the Line of Control (LoC) for the first time during the 2016 surgical strike on a terror base, saying he should be declared a "super spokesperson of the BJP". Raj argued that India had crossed the LoC in 1965 and 1971, and that the UPA government had also conducted surgical strikes. Tharoor had reportedly said that India breaching the LoC to conduct a surgical strike was "something we had not done before". This is not the first time Raj has criticized Tharoor for his comments on India-Pakistan relations. Last month, Raj had hit out at Tharoor for his reported "no country has 100-per cent foolproof intelligence" remarks, questioning how Tharoor could be giving the BJP a "clean chit" on the Pahalgam terror attack. Tharoor had hit back at Raj, saying the latter is a former BJP MP and "is better qualified to understand who speaks for the BJP".

Won't be able to enrol foreigners if...: US govt threatens Harvard

Won't be able to enrol foreigners if...: US govt threatens Harvard

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The United States Department of Homeland Security has threatened to revoke Harvard University's ability to enrol foreign students if it failed to provide by April 30 records on its international student visa holders' 'illegal and violent' activities.

FY25 trade deficit with China close to $100 bn amid dumping concerns

FY25 trade deficit with China close to $100 bn amid dumping concerns

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

India's trade deficit with China neared $100 billion in FY25, amid escalating concerns of dumping, data released by the commerce department on Wednesday showed. Chinese imports rose by 11.5 per cent to $113.45 billion, while outbound shipments to the neighbouring country saw 14.5 per cent contraction to $14.2 billion.

IIT Kharagpur student found hanging in hostel room; police launch probe

IIT Kharagpur student found hanging in hostel room; police launch probe

Rediff.com4 May 2025

A third-year BTech student of IIT Kharagpur was found hanging in his hostel room on Sunday, the third such incident at the institute this year. Mohammad Asif Qamar, a civil engineering student, was found dead in his room in Madanmohan Malviya Hall. The institute said it is cooperating with authorities in the investigation and has offered condolences to Qamar's family. The institute has also reiterated its commitment to providing counseling services to students.

6 more killed in Assam flood; Manipur, Mizoram battle rain fury, lakhs hit

6 more killed in Assam flood; Manipur, Mizoram battle rain fury, lakhs hit

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The rain and flood situation in northeastern states remained grim on Tuesday, with lakhs people affected in Assam, Mizoram and Manipur, even as the meteorological department predicted more rain in several parts of the region.

US, Ukraine finally sign rare earth minerals deal

US, Ukraine finally sign rare earth minerals deal

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The United States and Ukraine have signed an 'economic partnership agreement,' giving Washington, DC access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals in return for creating an investment fund in the country, CNN reported.

Rubio dials Jaishankar, Pak army chief; offers assistance

Rubio dials Jaishankar, Pak army chief; offers assistance

Rediff.com10 May 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement early Saturday.

FBI chief condemns Pahalgam attack, pledges full support to India

FBI chief condemns Pahalgam attack, pledges full support to India

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

Kash Patel pledged full support to India, calling the act a reminder of the constant threats that the world faces from the evil of terrorism.

Rubio speaks to Jaishankar, Sharif, urges both sides to de-escale

Rubio speaks to Jaishankar, Sharif, urges both sides to de-escale

Rediff.com8 May 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday spoke separately with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, emphasising the need for de-escalation and reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups.

Trump administration uses India-Pak ceasefire to justify tariffs

Trump administration uses India-Pak ceasefire to justify tariffs

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Trump has repeatedly claimed that he "helped settle" the tensions between India and Pakistan and that he told the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours that America would do a "lot of trade" with them if they stopped the conflict.

Was LeT involved in Pahalgam?: UNSC asks Pak 'tough questions'

Was LeT involved in Pahalgam?: UNSC asks Pak 'tough questions'

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The United Nations Security Council held closed-door consultations on rising tensions between India and Pakistan, with envoys calling for restraint and dialogue. The consultations, requested by Pakistan, lasted for about an hour and a half. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the tensions, urging both countries to avoid a military confrontation. India's former Permanent Representative to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin, said that no consequential outcome could be expected from the discussion.

India's Drone Future Begins at IIT-K

India's Drone Future Begins at IIT-K

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'The defence forces have come up with certain problems they face in the drone space.' 'Recently we had a meeting at which they presented the problems to many of our start-ups and faculty.' 'Some of the start-ups have started working on the problems.'

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, is facing deportation after US authorities accused him of "spreading Hamas propaganda" and having "close connections to a suspected terrorist." The Department of Homeland Security claims Suri has been actively promoting antisemitism on social media and is connected to a senior Hamas advisor. Suri's lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, argues that his client is being targeted due to his wife's Palestinian heritage and their opposition to US foreign policy towards Israel. The incident follows the self-deportation of another Indian student from Columbia University who was also accused of supporting Hamas.

Vice President Dhankhar admitted to AIIMS, condition stable

Vice President Dhankhar admitted to AIIMS, condition stable

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi early Sunday after complaining of uneasiness and chest pain. The 73-year-old was taken to the hospital around 2 am and admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) under Dr Rajiv Narang, Head of Department of Cardiology at AIIMS. He is stable and under observation, a source said, adding a group of doctors is monitoring his condition. Union Health Minister J P Nadda visited AIIMS to enquire about Dhankhar's condition.

Have better...: Shashi Tharoor slams 'zealots' amid Cong criticism

Have better...: Shashi Tharoor slams 'zealots' amid Cong criticism

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Tharoor said his remarks were preceded by a reference to the several attacks that have taken place in recent years alone, during which previous Indian responses were both restrained and constrained by India's responsible respect for the LoC and the IB.

Where You Can Watch Nani's HIT 3 On OTT

Where You Can Watch Nani's HIT 3 On OTT

Rediff.com30 May 2025

A Bob Dylan biopic, Mohanlal's vendetta, super serious Suriya and more on OTT this week.

Dutch revolution: Arne Slot makes history at Liverpool

Dutch revolution: Arne Slot makes history at Liverpool

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Arne Slot is the first to win the top flight in England where many of his compatriots have suffered dents to their reputations over the years.

SEE: How Trump-Zelenskyy clash unfolded in Oval Office

SEE: How Trump-Zelenskyy clash unfolded in Oval Office

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

During an intense Oval Office meeting on Friday, Trump shouted at Zelenskyy, accusing him of "risking millions of lives" and warning that his actions might lead to World War III.

'Ameriki papa ne war rukwa di kya': Cong's swipe at govt

'Ameriki papa ne war rukwa di kya': Cong's swipe at govt

Rediff.com14 May 2025

With United States President Donald Trump reiterating his claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the Congress on Wednesday asked what do the 'typically loquacious' Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have to say about this revelation and did they 'mortgage' India's security interests in the face of US 'pressure'.

Govt empowers COAS to call Territorial Army for help

Govt empowers COAS to call Territorial Army for help

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The central government has empowered the Army Chief to call out 'every officer and every enrolled person' of the Territorial Army (TA) to provide for essential guard or to be embodied to support or supplement the regular Army.

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian student at Columbia University, has left the United States after her student visa was revoked over allegations of supporting Hamas. Srinivasan, a PhD student in Urban Planning, claims her visa was revoked for engaging in protected political speech. The Trump administration has been accused of targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators through the use of federal immigration powers, and this case has drawn attention to the potential for free speech suppression in the United States.

US judge stops Indian student's deportation weeks before graduation

US judge stops Indian student's deportation weeks before graduation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Krish Lal Isserdasani is an engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.