News for 'United Provinces'

Gulf war simmers again: Houthi advance puts Saudi on edge

Gulf war simmers again: Houthi advance puts Saudi on edge

Rediff.com7 days ago

Fighting in Yemen has intensified as Houthi rebels advance on strategic government-held areas like Marib and Taiz, putting pressure on Saudi Arabia to respond. The conflict is also linked to wider US-Iran tensions affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with former US President Trump commenting on the situation.

Narrow escape for Punjabi singer Ammy Virk in Canada gun attack

Narrow escape for Punjabi singer Ammy Virk in Canada gun attack

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Punjabi singer Ammy Virk's concert convoy was targeted in a shooting incident in Abbotsford, Canada, though he escaped unhurt. Police are investigating the targeted attack and a connected vehicle fire.

US colonel survived 50 hours after jet downed in Iran

US colonel survived 50 hours after jet downed in Iran

Rediff.com7 days ago

A US Air Force colonel, identified by his call sign 'Bravo', survived nearly 50 hours behind Iranian lines after his F-15E fighter jet was shot down near Isfahan. Despite severe injuries, he evaded Iranian forces and was eventually rescued in a complex operation involving US military and intelligence personnel, highlighting a daring mission to leave no man behind.

US hits Canada with fresh import bans, tariffs amid trade war

US hits Canada with fresh import bans, tariffs amid trade war

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The United States has announced a new round of trade measures against Canada, including bans on Canadian dairy, alcoholic beverages, and motorcycles, and reshuffled existing tariffs. This escalation comes after Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on American goods. The US administration cited Canada's retaliatory actions as the trigger, contrasting it with other nations that chose negotiation over retaliation.

If Guptas, Jaiswals had not been here...: WB BJP chief's remarks sparks row

If Guptas, Jaiswals had not been here...: WB BJP chief's remarks sparks row

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya's comments recalling the role of non-Bengali communities during the 1946 communal riots and alleging past restrictions on Durga Puja have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the TMC, Congress, and CPI(M). Bhattacharya appealed for unity for peaceful Durga Puja celebrations, while opposition leaders accused him of divisive politics and distorting history.

Nepal's Hindu Rashtra Debate

Nepal's Hindu Rashtra Debate

Rediff.com7 days ago

Nepal's Hindu groups have sought an all-party discussion on restoring Hindu-nation status within three months.

The Prince And The Driver

The Prince And The Driver

Rediff.com5 days ago

A Kishore Kumar song, a birthday cake, a prince's break from protocol to thank his driver, a Persian painting on the ceiling of the presidential residence -- the BRICS Summit had many memorable moments.

How Ordinary Indians Brought A Mighty Empire To Its Knees

How Ordinary Indians Brought A Mighty Empire To Its Knees

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

What Every Indian Must Know About the Quit India Movement.

Pickaxe Mountain next? Trump warns Iran nuclear site could be hit 'very soon'

Pickaxe Mountain next? Trump warns Iran nuclear site could be hit 'very soon'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said the United States could "hit" Iran's heavily fortified underground nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain "very soon", days after Washington targeted Iranian military targets.

US strikes Iranian targets near Hormuz after mine attempt: Trump

US strikes Iranian targets near Hormuz after mine attempt: Trump

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that Washington has launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. They come after what Trump claimed was in retaliation for Iran attempting to add sea mines to the Strait.

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Nepal's devastating flash floods have claimed 1,127 lives, with thousands still missing a week after the disaster. Rescuers are intensifying efforts to find survivors and recover bodies across affected regions, while police work to identify victims and relocate families from high-risk areas.

Unable to find Old Monk rum in stores? This is why

Unable to find Old Monk rum in stores? This is why

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Several popular rum and whisky brands, including variants of Old Monk Rum and McDowell's No 1, have been prohibited from sale after laboratory tests found their samples did not conform to prescribed standards, primarily due to the addition of artificial flavouring substances.

PIX: Yoga unites world as Indian missions lead global events

PIX: Yoga unites world as Indian missions lead global events

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Thousands of yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the International Day of Yoga on Sunday, as Indian missions abroad organised events to highlight the ancient practice's role in fostering health and well-being.

'Pakistan Treats Afghanistan As Its Province'

'Pakistan Treats Afghanistan As Its Province'

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

'The unexpected turn of events and assertion of sovereignty by the Taliban has baffled the Pakistan security establishment.'

Indian-origin woman killed in 'targeted attack' in Canada

Indian-origin woman killed in 'targeted attack' in Canada

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

A 26-year-old Indian-origin woman, Navneet Kaur, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Toronto, Canada. Police have arrested and charged 37-year-old Sharnjeet Singh with first-degree murder. The incident follows another recent case of an Indian-origin woman's murder in Edmonton.

US launches multiple strikes after Iranian missile attack

US launches multiple strikes after Iranian missile attack

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces have conducted a 'heavy wave of strikes' against numerous Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran. This action was a direct response to attempted Iranian missile strikes on US forces in West Asia, which were successfully intercepted. The strikes targeted IRGC military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance, and maritime capabilities, aiming to reduce threats posed by Iran and its proxies. US President Donald Trump also issued strong warnings to Tehran, linking the escalation to a recent drone strike on an LNG vessel in Egypt's Damietta Port.

'Nims' Purja lived by the mountains, dies on one

'Nims' Purja lived by the mountains, dies on one

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Nirmal Purja, the Nepali-British climber famous for scaling all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in record time, has been confirmed dead after an avalanche on Broad Peak, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan.

Constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away

Constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Author of over 100 books, he served as the secretary general of Lok Sabha from 1983 to 1990.

Iran retaliates, strikes US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Iran retaliates, strikes US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched missile and drone strikes on four US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. This action is in retaliation for recent American strikes against targets in Iran, which the IRGC condemned as a "violation of commitments" and an "anti-civilian act." The IRGC has warned of an expanded "crushing response" if US aggression continues.

Pahalgam attack: NIA court issues non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed

Pahalgam attack: NIA court issues non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A special NIA court in Jammu has issued a non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack. This action follows a supplementary chargesheet filed by the NIA, which also links Saeed to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

'End of a dream': Messi fans left heartbroken after World Cup final

'End of a dream': Messi fans left heartbroken after World Cup final

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Argentina's hopes of securing back-to-back World Cup titles were dashed after a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final, leaving fans in Buenos Aires with a "bitter sensation" despite acknowledging Spain's strong performance.

US deploys sea, air attack drones for first time in Iran war

US deploys sea, air attack drones for first time in Iran war

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched extensive precision strikes across multiple Iranian military installations, deploying both one-way attack aerial and sea drones for the first time, to degrade Tehran's ability to disrupt international maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz.

US hits over 80 targets in Iran after Hormuz attacks

US hits over 80 targets in Iran after Hormuz attacks

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The United States conducted retaliatory strikes against Iran, targeting over 80 sites, after accusing Tehran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran condemned the US decision to revoke a temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales.

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstruction' at Taxila site

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstruction' at Taxila site

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

UNESCO has warned Pakistan that two historical sites within the Taxila World Heritage site could be placed on a "danger list" or even delisted if "unnecessary interventions" and "reconstructions" are not reversed. The UN cultural agency highlighted concerns about new masonry replacing ancient walls and increased wall heights, compromising the authenticity of the sites. Pakistani officials, however, maintain that the work constitutes conservation, not reconstruction.

US launches new strikes on Iran after Trump vows to hit 'hard'

US launches new strikes on Iran after Trump vows to hit 'hard'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched self-defence strikes against multiple targets in Iran, citing ongoing Iranian aggression. This action has led to Iran's Red Crescent placing emergency centres on high alert amidst reports of explosions in several Iranian cities. Concurrently, Iraqi media claims Iran retaliated with a missile strike on a US air base in Erbil.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi's birthday sparks celebrations across Argentina

FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi's birthday sparks celebrations across Argentina

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Moved by Lionel Messi's record-breaking form at the World Cup, Argentines have taken to the streets and social media to sing "Happy Birthday" to their favourite footballer who turned 39 on Wednesday.

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Why India Wants UN Sanctions On Afghanistan Revised

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India has urged the United Nations to update its sanctions regime against Afghanistan, arguing that it must reflect the changed political reality and focus on incentivising positive actions rather than solely relying on punitive measures. India highlighted its ongoing humanitarian and development support for the Afghan people.

'Hit them hard again tonight': Trump warns of more strikes on Iran

'Hit them hard again tonight': Trump warns of more strikes on Iran

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Hours after US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the ceasefire deal with Iran was "over", the US President indicated that Washington could launch another round of strikes against the Islamic Republic, following strikes on Tuesday, saying it had already hit Tehran "very hard" and warning of further attacks.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Beijing clearly intends to extend the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Bangladesh as part of its larger Maritime Belt and Road Initiative to boost its Indian Ocean presence.

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Rediff.com29 May 2026

World Cup fever in Argentina, home of the defending champions, has boosted sales of counterfeit jerseys and soccer trading cards, sparking protests from retailers who are already under pressure from President Javier Milei's market-opening policies.

The Most Interesting Food Pix You Will See

The Most Interesting Food Pix You Will See

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Each of these photographs tells a powerful story through the universal language of food!

Police Injured in Attack on Polio Vaccination Security in Pakistan

Police Injured in Attack on Polio Vaccination Security in Pakistan

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Unidentified militants opened fire on a police contingent protecting a polio vaccination team in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, injuring at least four police personnel.

India urges states, UTs to step up Ebola surveillance after WHO alert

India urges states, UTs to step up Ebola surveillance after WHO alert

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Union Health Ministry has directed states and Union territories to enhance surveillance, hospital preparedness, and screening of international travellers after the WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.

Arvind Subramanian: Be Wary of China Bashing

Arvind Subramanian: Be Wary of China Bashing

Rediff.com14 May 2026

It seems odd to criticise a country for delivering growth rates in standards of living and consumption that have been perhaps the fastest, longest, and most broad-based (affecting hundreds of millions of people) in history, points out Arvind Subramanian.

Why IAF Needs Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter

Why IAF Needs Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Pakistan is reportedly pursuing Chinese J-35 stealth fighters while China already operates hundreds of J-20 stealth aircraft.

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Chinese leaders, including its generals, will have to weigh whether they can win a war if they ever attack Taiwan and if at all, can they sustain the subsequent devastation, notes Rup Narayan Das.

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.

J-K Police To Decimate Pakistan Gangster's Drug Network

J-K Police To Decimate Pakistan Gangster's Drug Network

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat issued a stern warning to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti for 'pumping narcotics' into India, vowing to dismantle his network.

UN report flags forced conversions of Hindu, Christian women in Pakistan

UN report flags forced conversions of Hindu, Christian women in Pakistan

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

UN experts have voiced serious concerns regarding the ongoing abduction and forced religious conversion through marriage of women and girls from minority communities in Pakistan, highlighting that impunity is fuelling the practice.