News for 'defence minister'

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic tour to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials, energy talks, and a Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Suvendu serves jhalmuri to Modi at NDA conclave

Suvendu serves jhalmuri to Modi at NDA conclave

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared jhalmuri with NDA leaders at the Bharat Mandapam conclave, bringing the popular Bengali snack back into the political spotlight. This act revived memories of his West Bengal election campaign where a jhalmuri break became a political talking point and a subtle jab at the Trinamool Congress.

Iran missile programme excluded from US-Iran MoU: Pak PM Sharif

Iran missile programme excluded from US-Iran MoU: Pak PM Sharif

Rediff.com6 days ago

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the US and Iran does not include provisions regarding Tehran's ballistic missile programme. This statement followed talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Sharif emphasising Iran's right to its defence capabilities and Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran peace process.

India, France seal Hammer missile deal, renew defence ties

India, France seal Hammer missile deal, renew defence ties

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have renewed their 10-year defence cooperation agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint manufacturing of Hammer missiles in India, marking a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership.

Trump announces Iran peace deal, to be signed in Switzerland on Friday

Trump announces Iran peace deal, to be signed in Switzerland on Friday

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have announced a landmark peace deal between the US and Iran, which includes the crucial reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and the immediate cessation of military operations in Lebanon.

Guwahati Misses Out On Hosting India-Japan Summit

Guwahati Misses Out On Hosting India-Japan Summit

Rediff.com6 days ago

The visit was expected to project Assam as the gateway to Southeast Asia and reinforce the state's emergence as a preferred investment destination.

Punjab BJP Seeks Sedition Case Against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann

Punjab BJP Seeks Sedition Case Against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Punjab BJP has called for a sedition case against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for blaming the party for recent blasts in the state, alleging his remarks could be used by Pakistan to defend against accusations of sponsoring terrorism.

Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora In ED Custody: Here's Why

Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora In ED Custody: Here's Why

Rediff.com10 May 2026

A court in Gurugram has sent Punjab's Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora to seven days of ED custody in a money laundering case, officials said on Sunday.

POCSO Case Against Minister's Son Sparks Political Row

POCSO Case Against Minister's Son Sparks Political Row

Rediff.com9 May 2026

A case has been registered against the son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar under the POCSO Act, following allegations of sexual harassment of a minor girl. The accused denies the charges, claiming extortion and criminal intimidation. The case has sparked a political row, with accusations of a 'political hit job' and demands for the minister's removal.

If India is attacked and Modi is PM, US will help: Trump

If India is attacked and Modi is PM, US will help: Trump

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Trump lauded the defence relations between India and US and affirmed support precisely for the PM Modi-led nation during conflict situations.

Modi-Trump G7 meeting to focus on trade deal, strategic ties

Modi-Trump G7 meeting to focus on trade deal, strategic ties

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are set to hold comprehensive talks focusing on a bilateral trade deal, defence cooperation, and energy and critical minerals sectors during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.

Nation Mourns Jaspal Rana: A Coach Who Shaped Olympic Dreams

Nation Mourns Jaspal Rana: A Coach Who Shaped Olympic Dreams

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

India's shooting legend Jaspal Rana was laid to rest in Varanasi with full state honours, two days after his passing due to cardiac complications. Tributes poured in from across the nation, including from his mentee Manu Bhaker and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, highlighting his immense contribution to Indian shooting as both an athlete and a coach.

Theatre Commands Plan Gains Momentum

Theatre Commands Plan Gains Momentum

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The plan includes three such formations: A China-focused Northern Theatre Command, a Pakistan-focused Western Theatre Command, and a Maritime Theatre Command.

'US Thought They Could Pressurise India'

'US Thought They Could Pressurise India'

Rediff.com22 hours ago

'They talked bad about our leaders. They said India was a dead economy. They were not sensitive to the Indian psyche.'

Maharashtra Minister Accuses AIMIM Leader Over Shelter To Accused

Maharashtra Minister Accuses AIMIM Leader Over Shelter To Accused

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has accused AIMIM corporator Matin Patel of double standards for allegedly harbouring Nida Khan, who is accused in a Nashik TCS sexual harassment and forced conversion case.

Massive Mahapanchayat In Bihar Against Encounter Killing

Massive Mahapanchayat In Bihar Against Encounter Killing

Rediff.com4 days ago

Bharat Tiwari, a self-proclaimed social worker, was shot by an STF team after he surrendered near his Bilauti village but succumbed to injuries few hours later on June 17.

'Yoga for peace, warships for security': Modi commissions 3 naval vessels

'Yoga for peace, warships for security': Modi commissions 3 naval vessels

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used two major public engagements in Kolkata to outline a broader vision for India's future -- one rooted in inner balance and collective well-being through yoga, and the other in national self-reliance and maritime strength.

Telangana HC To Decide On Minister's Son's Bail Plea

Telangana HC To Decide On Minister's Son's Bail Plea

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Telangana High Court will decide on the interim anticipatory bail petition of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, Bandi Sai Bageerath, in a POCSO case. The court also directed the police to verify the victim's birth certificates.

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian government has issued a stern warning to industrial users who are reportedly procuring cheaper retail fuel instead of industrial-grade fuel, leading to significant losses for state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) and potential local shortages. This diversion, driven by a substantial price difference between retail and bulk diesel, is adversely impacting OMCs, which are absorbing daily losses of approximately 550 crore to keep retail prices stable.

CPI(M) Alleges Sabotage In Sabarimala Gold Case Over Lawyer Appointment

CPI(M) Alleges Sabotage In Sabarimala Gold Case Over Lawyer Appointment

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress-led UDF government's decision to appoint a defence lawyer for the accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case as a Devaswom advocate has drawn strong criticism from the opposition CPI(M), which alleges the move is an attempt to sabotage the ongoing probe and protect political figures.

Time India Embraces China And US

Time India Embraces China And US

Rediff.com4 days ago

India's dual pursuit of a robust strategic partnership with Washington and a pragmatic, tension-management policy with Beijing represents the essence of modern multi-alignment. By embracing economic pragmatism, learning to compartmentalize political differences, and engaging in continuous dialogue, India can secure its borders, grow its economy, and contribute to a stable, multipolar Asian century, points out Ambassador Rajasekhar.

Putin: Sanctions threat on India will 'boomerang' under Modi

Putin: Sanctions threat on India will 'boomerang' under Modi

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that any attempts to undermine India's sovereignty through 'threats of sanctions' would 'boomerang immediately' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting India's sovereign decision-making and strong national interests.

Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier Vs Real Aircraft Carrier

Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier Vs Real Aircraft Carrier

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

While the Andaman and Nicobar islands serve as a vital, stationary asset for projecting power in the Indian Ocean, referring to them as an unsinkable aircraft carrier ignores key military and geopolitical limitations, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Abhishek Banerjee Criticises Modi's Response to Pakistan's Threat Against Kolkata

Abhishek Banerjee Criticises Modi's Response to Pakistan's Threat Against Kolkata

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence regarding Pakistan's defence minister's threat to attack Kolkata. Banerjee accuses Modi of prioritising election campaigns over national security concerns.

India Post's Biggest Makeover in 150 Years

India Post's Biggest Makeover in 150 Years

Rediff.com3 days ago

India Post is reinventing itself from a traditional mail service into a modern logistics, e-commerce, and real estate powerhouse. Several post offices situated inside major university campuses, called Gen Z post offices, have received a facelift, with cafe-like decor and wi-fi availability.

Modi, Trump share warm meeting at G7 amid strained ties

Modi, Trump share warm meeting at G7 amid strained ties

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump exchanged pleasantries and held a brief conversation at the G7 summit, their first in-person encounter in 16 months, setting the stage for high-stakes bilateral talks amidst continuing strain in India-US relations.

Punjab Minister Accuses ED Of Defaming Him In Raids

Punjab Minister Accuses ED Of Defaming Him In Raids

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora has accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of defaming him by linking his name to a raid operation conducted on realty groups in Punjab and Chandigarh. Arora denies any wrongdoing and claims the ED's actions are politically motivated.

India's Sports Ministry Boosts Cycling With New Campus Certification

India's Sports Ministry Boosts Cycling With New Campus Certification

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Sports Ministry has launched a certification system for cycle-friendly institutions and campuses, with several prominent academies and universities set to be felicitated for their sustainable mobility practices during the 'Sundays on Cycle' event.

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

Rediff.com5 days ago

A three-storey under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area collapsed, killing three people and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 individuals already saved, amid allegations of substandard construction materials and illegal building practices.

Court Reserves Order On Bail Plea For Ex-CM's Gunmen

Court Reserves Order On Bail Plea For Ex-CM's Gunmen

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

An Alappuzha court has reserved its order on the anticipatory bail petitions of three gunmen of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who are accused in an assault case involving Youth Congress workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme in December 2023. The incident led to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the new UDF government.

A decade after Brexit, Britain prepares for seventh PM

A decade after Brexit, Britain prepares for seventh PM

Rediff.com7 days ago

A referendum 10 years ago on this day set the United Kingdom on a new path as a non-member of the European Union (EU) and the turmoil of that Brexit vote continues to play out as the country prepares for its seventh prime minister in a decade.

Focus on your studies: Pradhan to NEET aspirants amid row

Focus on your studies: Pradhan to NEET aspirants amid row

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

After reviewing the preparations at the headquarters of the National Testing Agency (NTA), Pradhan said meetings have been held under the Cabinet secretary, and all the states have been asked to cooperate.

Modi meets Trump in France, discusses seafarers' safety, Iran deal

Modi meets Trump in France, discusses seafarers' safety, Iran deal

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged US President Donald Trump to prioritise the safety of Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz during the implementation of Washington's proposed Iran peace deal, as both leaders focused on repairing strained bilateral relations at the G7 summit.

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

An innovation roadmap, a mechanism to double annual bilateral trade within next five years, and a joint artificial intelligence framework were among 13 outcomes to emerge from wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday.

At least 15 students killed in Lucknow building fire, many trapped

At least 15 students killed in Lucknow building fire, many trapped

Rediff.com7 days ago

A devastating fire ripped through a three-floor commercial building in Lucknow, claiming the lives of at least 12 students and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing ex-gratia for the deceased and injured.

Man Detained At Assam Swearing-In With Live Ammunition

Man Detained At Assam Swearing-In With Live Ammunition

Rediff.com12 May 2026

A man was detained at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Assam government after being found with live bullets during security screening. The incident occurred shortly before the oath-taking ceremony, attended by high-profile BJP leaders and other dignitaries.

Israel, Lebanon sign US-led framework pact in 'first step' towards peace

Israel, Lebanon sign US-led framework pact in 'first step' towards peace

Rediff.com3 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday (local time) announced a US-mediated framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon aimed at achieving "lasting peace and security".

FIFA World Cup: Who is DR Congo's viral 'statue fan'?

FIFA World Cup: Who is DR Congo's viral 'statue fan'?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, DR Congo's famous 'statue fan', was seen supporting his team during their 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K clash. Colombia secured their place in the Round of 32 with a hard-fought victory, while DR Congo still has a chance to qualify.

US, Iran launch high-stakes peace talks in Switzerland

US, Iran launch high-stakes peace talks in Switzerland

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Top leaders from the US, Iran, and Pakistan, along with other nations, have gathered in Switzerland for high-level talks aimed at restoring peace in West Asia. These negotiations follow a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran, initiating a 60-day window for a deal. Discussions focus on Iran's nuclear programme and the fragile interim peace deal, amidst renewed tensions and the fluctuating status of the Strait of Hormuz.

Israel fears surprise Iran attack amid peace talks

Israel fears surprise Iran attack amid peace talks

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Israel is on high alert, fearing a potential surprise missile and drone attack from Iran targeting Gulf countries and Israel, according to intelligence officials.