News for 'United Front Work Department'

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.

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.

Abhishek Nayar faces big KKR headache ahead of IPL 2026

Abhishek Nayar faces big KKR headache ahead of IPL 2026

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders' new head coach, Abhishek Nayar, emphasises the importance of finding the right team combinations as their biggest challenge ahead of IPL 2026, despite a revamped squad with new players.

IPL 2026: Pant's Big Test! Can LSG Deliver?

IPL 2026: Pant's Big Test! Can LSG Deliver?

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Lucknow Super Giants head into IPL 2026 with a simple goal -- fix what went wrong last season.

US trade probe targets India, 15 other countries

US trade probe targets India, 15 other countries

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) office on Wednesday launched a sweeping investigation into manufacturing and industrial practices in 16 economies, including India, citing concerns over what it calls 'structural excess capacity' that could distort global trade. Announcing the move on a White House press call, Jamieson Greer said the probe would be conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, one of Washington, DC's most powerful trade enforcement tools.

Trump's unpredictable Iran policy baffles Americans, allies

Trump's unpredictable Iran policy baffles Americans, allies

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Donald Trump's inconsistent statements and actions regarding the conflict with Iran have drawn criticism and confusion, raising questions about American credibility and the direction of US foreign policy.

US announces 126% duty on imports of Indian...

US announces 126% duty on imports of Indian...

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The United States has announced a preliminary countervailing duty of 125.87 per cent on imports of certain Indian solar goods, alleging unfair subsidisation. This move could impact India's renewable energy sector and its efforts to boost domestic solar manufacturing.

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.

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an online meeting with Loka Kerala Sabha members in the Gulf region to discuss support for the expatriate community amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

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.

Iran's War: 'Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Hunted By Foreign Powers And Internal Foes'

Iran's War: 'Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Hunted By Foreign Powers And Internal Foes'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'Mojtaba Khamenei supervised the most recent repression in December 2025 and January 2026 which remains ongoing.'

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The BJP has criticised the Congress party for allegedly prioritising its vote bank and outdated ideologies over India's national interest and citizen safety in its foreign policy approach towards Iran.

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

China has welcomed the appointment of Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing optimism for improved Sino-India relations. Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat with experience in China, is expected to play a key role in managing complex bilateral issues and fostering cooperation.

Budget 2026: VB-G RAM G gets Rs 95,000 cr; MGNREGA Rs 30,000 cr

Budget 2026: VB-G RAM G gets Rs 95,000 cr; MGNREGA Rs 30,000 cr

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The total expenditure on the MGNREGA programme, as per the revised estimates from 2025-26, was Rs 88,000 crore, while initially, a sum of Rs 86,000 crore was allocated.

Mojtaba, Khamenei son, becomes Iran's new Supreme Leader

Mojtaba, Khamenei son, becomes Iran's new Supreme Leader

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Iranian state media reports that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, has been appointed as Iran's new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, a move criticised by US President Donald Trump.

'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.

11 Indians charged with visa fraud for faking robberies in US

11 Indians charged with visa fraud for faking robberies in US

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Eleven Indian nationals residing illegally in the US have been charged with visa fraud for allegedly conspiring to stage armed robberies of convenience stores to fraudulently claim victim status on immigration applications.

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

David Perdue said in a post on X that the US-India relationship delivers real results through close cooperation in diverse areas, including defence, energy and through Quad engagement.

'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.'

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Gulf War: Missile Threat Forces Sailors to Flee

Gulf War: Missile Threat Forces Sailors to Flee

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'After we were alerted about the war, none of us could sleep for the next two nights while sailing through those waters.'

'We're safe, but there is a bit of worry': Sindhu's coach Irwansyahh

'We're safe, but there is a bit of worry': Sindhu's coach Irwansyahh

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, who trains P V Sindhu, had a narrow escape after an explosion occurred close to where they were stationed at Dubai Airport while travelling to Birmingham for the All England Championships.

Sindhu's Coach Safe After Dubai Airport Explosion

Sindhu's Coach Safe After Dubai Airport Explosion

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, who trains P V Sindhu, had a narrow escape after an explosion occurred close to where they were stationed at Dubai Airport while travelling to Birmingham for the All England Championships.

Sunetra Pawar becomes Maharashtra's first woman deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar becomes Maharashtra's first woman deputy CM

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP leader Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as Maharashtra's first woman deputy Chief Minister after being elected as the leader of the NCP legislature wing.

Nitish Kumar gives up home portfolio after 20 years

Nitish Kumar gives up home portfolio after 20 years

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

The home portfolio of Bihar, which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar kept with himself all through his nearly 20-year-long tenure, has been given to his deputy, BJP leader Samrat Chowdhury, this time, according to an official notification issued on Friday.

Iran slams US 'war scare', warns of decisive response

Iran slams US 'war scare', warns of decisive response

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Iran has rejected United States allegations that it is preparing attacks on American facilities, alleging that Washington, DC is attempting to escalate tensions in West Asia, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported.

The Gulf Dream That Led To A Palace

The Gulf Dream That Led To A Palace

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

After spending 43 years working inside Dubai's royal palace, a man from Kottakkal returned home with nothing but gratitude for the life he lived in extraordinary circumstances.

Modi speaks to Arab leaders as conflict widens

Modi speaks to Arab leaders as conflict widens

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with leaders from Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, expressing concern over attacks in West Asia and discussing the safety of the Indian community.

PM Modi has our full support: US State Department

PM Modi has our full support: US State Department

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The United States stands strong with India against terrorism and Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'has our full support', the State Department said underlining that Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges India and Pakistan to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.

New deal will export more American farm products to India: US leaders

New deal will export more American farm products to India: US leaders

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Trump announced that India and the US agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will charge a reduced reciprocal tariff on Delhi, lowering it from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.

Tehran, Lebanon Hit By Israeli Bombs

Tehran, Lebanon Hit By Israeli Bombs

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

US-Israel air attacks intensified on the seventh day of war, striking Tehran and other Iranian cities.

29 Congress MLAs suspended from Chhattisgarh assembly over opium row

29 Congress MLAs suspended from Chhattisgarh assembly over opium row

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh assembly was disrupted by Congress protests over alleged illegal opium cultivation on a BJP functionary's farm, leading to the suspension of several MLAs.

Nagpur Factory Blast: Negligence Suspected, Minister Says

Nagpur Factory Blast: Negligence Suspected, Minister Says

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule suspects negligence and safety lapses at SBL Energy Limited in Nagpur, where a blast killed 19. An investigation is underway to determine accountability.

Chhatrapati Shivaji bust reinstalled in Pune office after protests

Chhatrapati Shivaji bust reinstalled in Pune office after protests

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The removal of a bust of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the premises of a government office in Pune triggered protests by various organisations, prompting the administration to reinstall the structure at its original spot.

Electric buses to drive UP's public transport revolution

Electric buses to drive UP's public transport revolution

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

From EV bus expansion to airport-like terminals and rural connectivity, Uttar Pradesh is overhauling public transport to cut pollution and ensure every village has modern, affordable travel, reports Siddharth Kalhans.

US ends automatic work permit extensions for foreigners, Indians to be hit

US ends automatic work permit extensions for foreigners, Indians to be hit

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

As per the new rule, foreigners who file to renew their EAD on or after October 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension, the DHS said in a news release.

Republican push to end H-1B visas sparks fresh immigration row

Republican push to end H-1B visas sparks fresh immigration row

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

US Representative Greg Steube, a Republican from Florida, introduced the 'Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions Act or EXILE Act', a bill that would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by ending the H-1B visa programme.

Is AI Really Boosting India's Economy?

Is AI Really Boosting India's Economy?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'The real risk is not that AI will fail to transform India's economy.'
'The risk is that it already is -- while our measurement systems continue to look the other way,' observes Nishant Sahdev, a theoretical physicist at the University of North Carolina.

New Zealand look to seal Super Eight berth against Canada

New Zealand look to seal Super Eight berth against Canada

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

New Zealand will aim to secure their spot in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup when they face Canada, while also looking to address weaknesses exposed in their previous match against South Africa.