News for 'United National Front'

India-US trade talks reach 'plateau', limited room for concessions: Sitharaman

India-US trade talks reach 'plateau', limited room for concessions: Sitharaman

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that negotiations for the India-US trade agreement have reached a 'plateau', indicating limited scope for further concessions from either side, while also highlighting the US's aim to reduce its trade deficit with India.

Israel was ready to 'shoot down' Flydubai plane, but...

Israel was ready to 'shoot down' Flydubai plane, but...

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A news report details how Israel scrambled fighter jets and stood ready to shoot down a Flydubai plane after a co-pilot's cockpit stabbing attempt led to a rapid descent and fears of a hijacking en route to Tel Aviv.

Anti-drug activist shot dead by medical shop owner in Punjab

Anti-drug activist shot dead by medical shop owner in Punjab

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

An anti-drug activist, Parvinder Singh alias Jhota, was allegedly shot dead by a medical store owner in Mansa, Punjab, after confronting the owner about the illegal sale of intoxicating substances.

F-35 stealth fighters set for first tactical drills with IAF

F-35 stealth fighters set for first tactical drills with IAF

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

In a major operational milestone, US fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets are set to participate in joint combat drills alongside the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the first time during the upcoming multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026.

EC-SIR row: INDIA bloc to meet on Sep 30, plans joint stir for CEC removal

EC-SIR row: INDIA bloc to meet on Sep 30, plans joint stir for CEC removal

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The INDIA bloc is set to convene on September 30 in New Delhi to formulate a unified strategy regarding the Election Commission, focusing on the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The meeting will also address coordinated protests and the CEC selection process, bringing together diverse opposition parties.

UK sanctions West Bank settlers, Israel shuts British consulate

UK sanctions West Bank settlers, Israel shuts British consulate

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The UK has announced a comprehensive sanctions regime against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, banning the import of goods and targeting entities involved in settlement expansion. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband condemned the "ethnic cleansing of Palestinians" and highlighted international support for the UK's stance, while Israel reacted strongly with counter-measures.

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump recounted an unconfirmed story about a flydubai flight where an Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, fought off a knife attack from a co-pilot attempting to crash the aircraft. Trump also detailed a dramatic intervention by an Israeli plumber-passenger who helped subdue the co-pilot, learning flying basics from a TV show. Trump stressed that he was merely relaying an account from Israeli PM Netanyahu, not independently confirmed facts.

Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with cockpit crash axe

Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with cockpit crash axe

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami 'attempted a terrorist act' on flight FZ1073 to Tel Aviv, attacking Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and trying to seize control.

No Muslim officers in Amit Shah's Bengal events, Mahua tells UN body

No Muslim officers in Amit Shah's Bengal events, Mahua tells UN body

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has formally complained to the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, alleging that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal were deliberately excluded from official events attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Moitra claims these officers were sidelined due to their religion, a pattern she describes as discriminatory and potentially damaging to minority confidence in security establishments.

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian pilot and several passengers are being hailed as heroes after thwarting a co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. The incident involved a mid-air struggle, a rapid descent, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with international leaders praising the bravery that saved 174 lives.

Over 160 Irish Sportspeople Call For Israel Football Boycott

Over 160 Irish Sportspeople Call For Israel Football Boycott

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Over 160 Irish sports personalities, including Olympians and former professionals, have signed an open letter urging the Ireland national football team to boycott upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel.

Sujeet Kalkal's inspiring journey: Footballer, class topper, Asian Games champion

Sujeet Kalkal's inspiring journey: Footballer, class topper, Asian Games champion

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Asian Games gold medalist wrestler Sujeet Kalkal's father, Dayanand, shared insights into his son's remarkable journey, highlighting his transition from football to wrestling, his academic excellence as a non-medical science topper, and his recent triumph at the Asian Games.

Sjored Marijne's Masterclass: Guiding India To Asian Games Gold And Olympic Berth

Sjored Marijne's Masterclass: Guiding India To Asian Games Gold And Olympic Berth

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

The Indian women's hockey team secured a historic gold medal at the Asian Games, defeating China 1-0, and simultaneously qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This remarkable turnaround is largely attributed to head coach Sjored Marijne, who transformed a divided and underperforming squad into a united, fearless, and successful team within nine months.

Flydubai attacker appears to be 'lone wolf': Reports

Flydubai attacker appears to be 'lone wolf': Reports

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

An investigation is underway into a flydubai co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, who allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar in an attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight. The incident, which saw the plane plummet thousands of feet before the captain regained control, is being treated as a lone-wolf terrorist act, with probes by UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.

Trump-media tiff escalates as he defends White House ban on CNN, MS NOW

Trump-media tiff escalates as he defends White House ban on CNN, MS NOW

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) defended his decision to bar CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO from the White House, characterising the media access ban as an action against "fake news" rather than an attack on constitutional press freedoms.

Nitish-Nishant share stage amid cheers: Is JD-U signalling succession?

Nitish-Nishant share stage amid cheers: Is JD-U signalling succession?

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

JD(U) president Nitish Kumar and his son Nishant Kumar made a joint appearance at a party orientation programme, sparking speculation about Nishant's political future and potential leadership roles within the party. The event, aimed at training parliamentarians and legislators, also saw Nishant urging attendees to uphold his father's principles of "zero tolerance for crime, corruption and communalism."

India's Top Junior Men's Hockey Teams Battle For National Title

India's Top Junior Men's Hockey Teams Battle For National Title

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship is set to begin in Coimbatore, featuring 30 teams across three divisions. The tournament includes a promotion and relegation system, adding competitive intensity as teams vie for the national title and advancement between divisions.

Dentist's 45-minute battle saved Smit Machchhar after cockpit stabbing

Dentist's 45-minute battle saved Smit Machchhar after cockpit stabbing

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

A dentist on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight heroically saved Captain Smit Machchhar's life after he was stabbed by a co-pilot in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Dr. Shuta Musaev's 45-minute intervention, using makeshift medical supplies, stabilised the severely injured captain, who is now recovering and has been praised by Indian and Israeli Prime Ministers.

Delhi court grants bail to 6 Ukrainians in UAPA case

Delhi court grants bail to 6 Ukrainians in UAPA case

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has granted default bail to six Ukrainian nationals arrested in connection with an NIA probe into a drone-warfare training camp linked to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, after the agency failed to file a chargesheet under UAPA within the stipulated time.

Modi, Trump talk on phone amid sanctions threat

Modi, Trump talk on phone amid sanctions threat

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation to review progress in bilateral ties, covering trade, defence, and energy, against the backdrop of heightened trade friction due to the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026'.

5 arrested near UK base hosting US Air Force over terror charges

5 arrested near UK base hosting US Air Force over terror charges

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

UK counter-terror police are leading an investigation after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terror offences and under the Explosives Act, following a call about three suspicious vehicles. The incident prompted a major response, including the Army's Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit and the evacuation of 85 households.

UAE begins probe into Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight diversion

UAE begins probe into Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight diversion

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The UAE has initiated an investigation into a serious incident aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was forced to divert and land in Saudi Arabia. An Indian pilot was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot during the flight, leading to an emergency landing. Authorities are examining all circumstances, including potential links to terrorist activity, asserting UAE jurisdiction over the UAE-registered aircraft.

'Captain Machchhar's muscle memory averted disaster'

'Captain Machchhar's muscle memory averted disaster'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero for preventing a Flydubai flight from crashing after being stabbed by his co-pilot. His friend, Dr. Jinit Shah, attributes his ability to avert the tragedy to "muscle memory" and his extensive pilot training. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Captain Machchhar's immense courage.

LIC's top management thins as MD exits, other PSU insurers also face vacancies

LIC's top management thins as MD exits, other PSU insurers also face vacancies

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is facing a thinning of its top management as Managing Director Dinesh Pant exits to join Irdai, leaving one of four MD posts vacant. This comes amidst broader staffing challenges across several public sector insurers and a headless Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).

BJP spent more in Bengal poll than Cong did across 5 state polls

BJP spent more in Bengal poll than Cong did across 5 state polls

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The BJP spent Rs 286.99 crore on the West Bengal elections, surpassing the Congress's total expenditure of Rs 248.55 crore across five states and a Union territory. The report details spending by major parties in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, highlighting significant financial disparities and campaign outlays.

How India's Women's Hockey Team Secured Direct LA Olympics Berth

How India's Women's Hockey Team Secured Direct LA Olympics Berth

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

The Indian women's hockey team secured a historic Asian Games gold medal, defeating China 1-0, which also guaranteed direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Goalkeeper Savita Punia highlighted the team's focus on Olympic qualification and credited the new coaching staff for fostering unity and belief, transforming the team's performance and mindset over the past 10 months.

Unprecedented security clampdown in Delhi ahead of CJP protest; Internet, metro stations shut

Unprecedented security clampdown in Delhi ahead of CJP protest; Internet, metro stations shut

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Delhi is under an unprecedented security clampdown with 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed, 45 metro stations shut, and mobile internet suspended in parts of the city, as authorities deny permission for a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

13-year-old Yu Zidi named MVP as Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 close

13-year-old Yu Zidi named MVP as Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 close

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Thirteen-year-old Yu Zidi's three golds and MVP award provided a golden highlight as the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games closed after a fortnight of logistical problems.

UEFA 'On Course' to Find Challenger to FIFA President Infantino

UEFA 'On Course' to Find Challenger to FIFA President Infantino

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister stated that UEFA is actively seeking a credible challenger to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the upcoming March election, emphasising the need for a candidate capable of uniting football's confederations and delivering lasting governance reform, rather than merely installing a European figurehead.

Bank unions to go on 3-day strike from Monday. Here's why

Bank unions to go on 3-day strike from Monday. Here's why

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Banking services across India, particularly at public sector banks, are set to be disrupted for three days starting Monday due to a nationwide strike by bank unions. The strike, called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), is primarily to press for a five-day working week and other demands, despite the finance ministry's appeal for dialogue.

Railways To Phase Out ICF Coaches By FY28

Railways To Phase Out ICF Coaches By FY28

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Roughly 340-350 such rakes remain to be converted out of around 2,000 rakes.

Bangladesh wants to 'reset' ties with India

Bangladesh wants to 'reset' ties with India

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Humaiun Kobir, announced that the country seeks to "reset" its relationship with India, moving towards a new bilateral engagement based on mutual interests. He described ties during the previous government's tenure as "uncomfortable" and emphasised the need for Bangladesh to approach India as "just another country," focusing on balanced relations rather than an "excessive preoccupation." This comes after Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman did not attend the BRICS Summit in India.

China, US should be 'partners, not rivals', says Xi as Trump rolls out red carpet

China, US should be 'partners, not rivals', says Xi as Trump rolls out red carpet

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in Washington marks a pivotal moment for global diplomacy, as he advocates for a "partners, not rivals" approach to US-China relations amidst high-stakes discussions on trade, technology, and international stability.

'Stir will go nationwide': CJP vows to continue fight against CEC

'Stir will go nationwide': CJP vows to continue fight against CEC

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, have vowed to escalate their agitation against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, expanding protests nationwide after their release from detention. They allege an "emergency-like situation" created by the Modi government, illegal detentions, and harassment of protesters, drawing parallels to the 1975 Emergency. The CJP is protesting alleged irregularities in voter rolls and demanding Kumar's resignation, accusing authorities of suppressing dissent.

JD-U's Anant Singh defies party, backs Jan Suraaj candidate

JD-U's Anant Singh defies party, backs Jan Suraaj candidate

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

JD(U) MLA Anant Kumar Singh openly defied his party by supporting a rival candidate, Anuj Singh of the Jan Suraaj Party, for the Bihar legislative council elections. This move is seen as a direct challenge to JD(U)'s official candidate, Neeraj Kumar, with whom Singh has a long-standing rivalry. The JD(U) leadership is reportedly considering action against Singh.

Asian Games: Gulveer storms to 10K silver after 2023 bronze

Asian Games: Gulveer storms to 10K silver after 2023 bronze

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Indian long-distance runner Gulveer Singh has secured a silver medal in the men's 10,000m event at the Asian Games, clocking 28:29.38 minutes. This achievement marks an upgrade from his previous bronze and adds to his growing list of international accolades, including medals at the Commonwealth Games and multiple national records.

'Never Seen Such Suppression Of A Political Movement'

'Never Seen Such Suppression Of A Political Movement'

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

'If Gyanesh Kumar had some shame he would have resigned and would have taken agni pariksha.'

Is JD-U About To Become Janata Dal Nitish?

Is JD-U About To Become Janata Dal Nitish?

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

JD-U leaders have backed a proposal to rename the party Janata Dal Nitish, putting Nitish Kumar's political legacy at the centre of the party's identity.

Pakistan star Muhammad Rizwan approaches ICC over corruption probe

Pakistan star Muhammad Rizwan approaches ICC over corruption probe

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan has contacted the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for clarification on procedures related to corruption investigations, as he faces questioning by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged links to illegal betting and gambling sites. This development follows the confiscation and forensic examination of his mobile phone, alongside Imam-ul-Haq's, during a recent tour, highlighting concerns about the PCB's compliance with ICC anti-corruption protocols and Pakistan cricket's history with such scandals.

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian captain and Israeli passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv heroically fought off a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.