News for 'West'

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.

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

Rediff.com1 days ago

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a war threat against India, citing water security as a national concern. This comes as Pakistan grapples with a severe internal water crisis, attributed by experts to mismanagement, and India maintains its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack. Asif accused India of "weaponising water" but admitted to lacking current data on the situation.

US, Iran to hold talks in Switzerland; Pak, Qatar to attend

US, Iran to hold talks in Switzerland; Pak, Qatar to attend

Rediff.com5 days ago

The United States and Iran are scheduled to hold their initial round of talks in Switzerland on Friday, following a ceasefire agreement virtually signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The World Bank has increased India's economic growth projection for FY27 to 6.6 per cent, citing resilient domestic demand, while simultaneously cutting its global economic growth outlook due to the conflict in West Asia.

Kerala Police Busts Major Ganja Smuggling Ring

Kerala Police Busts Major Ganja Smuggling Ring

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Four migrant workers from West Bengal were arrested in Perumbavoor, Kerala, with 34 kg of ganja as part of 'Operation Toofan'. The accused allegedly smuggled the contraband from Odisha and sold it in Kerala, making significant profits.

It's a shame! Meloni blasts Trump for saying 'she begged for a photo'

It's a shame! Meloni blasts Trump for saying 'she begged for a photo'

Rediff.com3 days ago

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly rebuked former US President Donald Trump's claims that she 'begged' for a photo-op at the G7 summit, dismissing his remarks as 'utterly fabricated' and asserting, 'Italy and I never beg.'

Does Hrithik Roshan Want To Go To Hollywood?

Does Hrithik Roshan Want To Go To Hollywood?

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Hrithik Roshan is making a significant move towards Hollywood, having signed up with the prestigious global talent agency Anonymous Content to explore international acting opportunities.

Rebel Trinamool MPs spark symbol war, claim mission to 'rectify' party

Rebel Trinamool MPs spark symbol war, claim mission to 'rectify' party

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Rebel Trinamool Congress MP Arup Chakraborty on Monday said the breakaway faction is trying to "rectify" the party, and would fight for the control of its election symbol, even as the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit termed the move illegal under the anti-defection law.

Mourinho's Real Madrid Strengthen Defence with Cucurella Arrival

Mourinho's Real Madrid Strengthen Defence with Cucurella Arrival

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Real Madrid have signed Spain international Marc Cucurella from Chelsea on a six-year deal, making him Jose Mourinho's first signing since returning to the Santiago Bernabeu as manager.

Major Arms And Ammunition Haul In North 24 Parganas

Major Arms And Ammunition Haul In North 24 Parganas

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

West Bengal Police's Special Task Force and Basirhat Police recovered a significant cache of 16 firearms and 2,345 rounds of ammunition during a search operation in North 24 Parganas district. This latest seizure brings the total recovery in the ongoing Basirhat-Baruipur arms investigation to 51 firearms and 2,705 rounds of ammunition. The investigation continues to identify those involved, examine the weapons' source and intended use, and establish links to criminal networks.

Why TMC Leader Jahangir Khan Is Under Police Scrutiny For Post-Poll Violence

Why TMC Leader Jahangir Khan Is Under Police Scrutiny For Post-Poll Violence

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

TMC leader Jahangir Khan, a close aide to Abhishek Banerjee, was made to walk through areas of Falta as part of an investigation into the 2021 post-poll violence. Khan, currently in police custody, was arrested while allegedly trying to flee and is being investigated for his role in the alleged violence.

Amit Shah Leads Massive Roadshow in Kharagpur, West Bengal

Amit Shah Leads Massive Roadshow in Kharagpur, West Bengal

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in a roadshow in Kharagpur Sadar, West Bengal, attracting large crowds and highlighting the BJP's campaign efforts in the region ahead of the assembly elections.

Bengal LoP row: Mamata-led TMC moves HC against Speaker's decision

Bengal LoP row: Mamata-led TMC moves HC against Speaker's decision

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress has moved the Calcutta High Court to challenge the West Bengal Assembly Speaker's decision to recognise Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of Opposition, citing that 58 of its 80 MLAs supported him over the party's official nominee. The court has scheduled an urgent hearing for June 11, ahead of the 18th Assembly session starting June 18.

New Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy Vows To Bring Back Tatas

New Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy Vows To Bring Back Tatas

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Newly appointed Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy has announced ambitious plans to attract significant investments, particularly from the Tata Group, to revive industrial growth in West Bengal. He aims to restore investor confidence, bring back businesses that left the state, and create an industry-friendly environment focused on manufacturing, services, and renewable energy.

Motto of Manipur party TMC rebels merged with: Reject turncoats

Motto of Manipur party TMC rebels merged with: Reject turncoats

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India's campaign posters carry the message: 'To save your rights, reject political turncoats. Support social workers, not political personalities,' and urges voters to press the symbol of a pen nib.

Is All Well With US-Iran MoU?

Is All Well With US-Iran MoU?

Rediff.com3 days ago

Much will depend on how the protagonists use the current interlude to work proactively for the beginning of a durable settlement or, on the contrary, prepare for a new round of escalation, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Pollard becomes T20 cricket's leading run-scorer with century for MI New York

Pollard becomes T20 cricket's leading run-scorer with century for MI New York

Rediff.com2 days ago

Pollard becomes T20 cricket's leading run-scorer with century for MI New York

West Asia Crisis Reroutes Tourists

West Asia Crisis Reroutes Tourists

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Travellers are considering safer and more stable destinations.'

Police Raid Abhishek Banerjee's Residence In Financial Fraud Probe

Police Raid Abhishek Banerjee's Residence In Financial Fraud Probe

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

West Bengal police, supported by central forces, conducted a four-hour predawn raid on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence in connection with a financial fraud case involving his aide, Sumit Roy. The operation, which Banerjee claims involved forced entry, has been denounced by the TMC as "political vendetta" and comes as Banerjee faces multiple investigations from various agencies, further escalating political tensions in the state.

West Bengal Elections: Time For Singur To Move On

West Bengal Elections: Time For Singur To Move On

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Years after the Nano exit, Singur's farmers now seek industry and jobs, as the land remains caught between failed promises and political contest.

BJP Alleges Land Rights Given to Infiltrators in West Bengal

BJP Alleges Land Rights Given to Infiltrators in West Bengal

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

BJP chief Nitin Nabin has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal of altering the state's demography by giving land rights to infiltrators and forcing residents to leave due to appeasement politics and lawlessness.

Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to Clash in UTT Table Tennis Final

Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to Clash in UTT Table Tennis Final

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will compete in the Under-19 Girls Team final at the UTT 87th Inter-State Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships in Dehradun.

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced a finalised peace deal between the US and Iran, set for signing on June 19 in Switzerland, with key figures like J D Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner from the US side, and Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf representing Iran, alongside Pakistani mediators Field Marshal Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Mohsin Naqvi, playing crucial roles in the diplomatic breakthrough.

West Bengal Polls: Nearly a Quarter of Candidates Face Criminal Charges

West Bengal Polls: Nearly a Quarter of Candidates Face Criminal Charges

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and West Bengal Election Watch reveals that nearly 23% of candidates in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves.

BJP Must Be Wary About Inducting Fleeing TMC Leaders

BJP Must Be Wary About Inducting Fleeing TMC Leaders

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Both the political executive in New Delhi and the newly elected political dispensation in Kolkata must be careful to ensure that their image is not tarnished by induction of undesirable elements in the name of political expediency, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool MLA quizzed in signature forgery case

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool MLA quizzed in signature forgery case

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and MLA Kunal Ghosh were questioned by the CID in Kolkata regarding alleged signature forgery of MLAs for the Leader of Opposition appointment in the West Bengal Assembly. Banerjee faced a second round of interrogation as investigators were unsatisfied with previous replies, and a face-to-face interrogation with Ghosh is possible. The probe stems from discrepancies found in signatures on documents supporting Sovandeb Chattopadhyay for the post.

TMC's Sushmita Dev resigns as Rajya Sabha MP, meets Assam CM

TMC's Sushmita Dev resigns as Rajya Sabha MP, meets Assam CM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev has resigned from the Rajya Sabha, becoming the second TMC MP to do so this week. Speculation suggests she may join the BJP, following a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, amidst a broader rebellion within the TMC after its recent electoral defeat.

Nirmala Sitharaman Alleges TMC Government Obstructing Central Welfare Schemes in West Bengal

Nirmala Sitharaman Alleges TMC Government Obstructing Central Welfare Schemes in West Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has accused the TMC government in West Bengal of preventing the implementation of central welfare schemes, depriving the state's residents of benefits such as Ayushman Bharat and PM Kisan.

ICC unveils major rule to help mothers return to cricket

ICC unveils major rule to help mothers return to cricket

Rediff.com1 days ago

The 'Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines' for female cricketers, outline a six 'R's framework: Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine.

Trump officials, Iranian FM on way to Switzerland for talks

Trump officials, Iranian FM on way to Switzerland for talks

Rediff.com3 days ago

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are reportedly heading to Switzerland for a new round of US-Iran negotiations, following a recently announced memorandum of understanding to end hostilities in West Asia and a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

ED Attaches 159 Crore Assets in West Bengal Coal Pilferage Case

ED Attaches 159 Crore Assets in West Bengal Coal Pilferage Case

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth 159 crore in connection with a money laundering investigation related to illegal coal mining in West Bengal. The case involves alleged pilferage and implicates various entities, including the political consultancy firm I-PAC.

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has called for collective efforts to restore the state's past glory, highlighting concerns over economic and educational indicators. His remarks coincided with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticising him for allegedly 'abusing' her instead of extending New Year greetings.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Surge on US-Iran Peace Deal, Low Oil Price

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Surge on US-Iran Peace Deal, Low Oil Price

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged significantly in early trade, mirroring a global rally and a sharp decline in crude oil prices following the finalisation of a peace deal between the US and Iran to end their 107-day conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Haryana CM Saini Foresees BJP Rule in West Bengal

Haryana CM Saini Foresees BJP Rule in West Bengal

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini predicts a BJP government in West Bengal, citing a desire for development and change among the state's residents.

Shaheen Afridi's Test future in doubt?

Shaheen Afridi's Test future in doubt?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to miss upcoming Test series against West Indies and England due to workload management, a decision he is reportedly unhappy about. This move aims to focus him on white-ball cricket and provide opportunities for other pacers.

NEET re-test tougher, physics most challenging: Students

NEET re-test tougher, physics most challenging: Students

Rediff.com1 days ago

The NEET-UG re-exam was generally tougher than the previous one, with Physics identified as the most challenging and time-consuming section by both students and experts. While Biology was considered easier, Chemistry was moderate. Experts noted conceptual and lengthy questions in Physics and Chemistry, potentially leading to a lower cut-off.

Wholesale Price Inflation Hits 9.68% in May, Driven by Fuel, Food Costs

Wholesale Price Inflation Hits 9.68% in May, Driven by Fuel, Food Costs

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India's wholesale price index (WPI) inflation surged to 9.68 per cent in May, up from 8.26 per cent in April, primarily due to significant increases in the prices of fuel and power, manufactured goods, and food items.

Two BSF jawans get 42-yr jail term for gang rape, acid attack in Mizoram

Two BSF jawans get 42-yr jail term for gang rape, acid attack in Mizoram

Rediff.com6 days ago

A court in Mizoram's Aizawl district on Tuesday sentenced two Border Security Force (BSF) jawans to 42 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a woman and attacking her with acid in 2017.

How Khunti Police Seized Rs 12 Lakh Opium

How Khunti Police Seized Rs 12 Lakh Opium

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Police in Jharkhand's Khunti district arrested four individuals and seized 2.328 kg of opium valued at Rs 12 lakh. The arrests followed a tip-off about an opium dealing operation in Tamab village, involving both cultivators and buyers from West Singhbhum district.

Abhishek Banerjee Faces Second CID Questioning In Signature Forgery Probe

Abhishek Banerjee Faces Second CID Questioning In Signature Forgery Probe

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

West Bengal CID has issued fresh summons to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee for a second round of questioning in an alleged signature forgery case. Investigators were reportedly dissatisfied with his previous responses regarding a disputed resolution submitted to the Assembly. The probe focuses on the authenticity of documents and signatures of legislators.