News for 'foreign office'

Maharashtra Deputy CM Shinde Concludes UK Visit, Pitches For Global Investment

Maharashtra Deputy CM Shinde Concludes UK Visit, Pitches For Global Investment

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde concluded a two-day visit to the UK, focusing on attracting foreign direct investment and promoting the state's economic potential. His engagements included receiving leadership awards, meeting with sports figures like Virat Kohli to discuss Olympic aspirations, and appealing to British investors to bring technology and capital to Maharashtra, leveraging the India-UK FTA.

Nepal issues new media rules for flood coverage

Nepal issues new media rules for flood coverage

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Nepal has introduced a media safety and operational protocol for journalists covering flood-affected regions, particularly for foreign media. The new guidelines, issued after devastating floods on August 26, mandate accreditation, adherence to safety instructions, and restrictions on movement in rescue zones to ensure orderly reporting and prevent interference with relief efforts.

Why Ajit Doval Visited Dhaka On Thursday

Why Ajit Doval Visited Dhaka On Thursday

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

India's national security adviser was in Dhaka for roughly three-quarters of the day on Thursday to prepare the ground for Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to New Delhi.

Badrinath donation theft: Temple ex-officer arrested after 4-hr grilling

Badrinath donation theft: Temple ex-officer arrested after 4-hr grilling

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The probe into the alleged Badrinath Temple donation theft case is gaining pace as former temple officer of Badrinath Temple Rajendra Chauhan has been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) following four hours of questioning on Friday.

'Sheikh Hasina Has Pulled A Political Masterstroke'

'Sheikh Hasina Has Pulled A Political Masterstroke'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'After announcing that she will return to Bangladesh, if she does not, her credibility will suffer.'

35,000 security personnel deployed in Delhi for BRICS summit

35,000 security personnel deployed in Delhi for BRICS summit

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Delhi Police has implemented a comprehensive multi-layered security system for the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, deploying 15,000 personnel, 200 paramilitary companies, and over 500 CCTV cameras. The arrangements aim to ensure maximum security for visiting dignitaries while minimising public inconvenience, with extensive coordination across agencies and states, and robust measures at the main venue, Bharat Mandapam.

Chinese arms executive held for leaking secrets to two countries

Chinese arms executive held for leaking secrets to two countries

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

A Chinese military trading company executive has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive defence information to intelligence agencies from two countries, China's top spy and anti-espionage agency said on Monday.

US to end 60-day grace period for H-1B holders losing jobs

US to end 60-day grace period for H-1B holders losing jobs

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new rule to eliminate the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders and other nonimmigrants after job loss, a move expected to significantly impact Indian technology workers.

Soaring Iran war bill: How much has the US spent so far?

Soaring Iran war bill: How much has the US spent so far?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

The ongoing US conflict with Iran has cost the Trump administration an estimated $45.1 billion, according to a Pentagon estimate provided to the US Congress on Friday, CNN reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Kashmiri Pandits Celebrate Janmashtami In Srinagar

Kashmiri Pandits Celebrate Janmashtami In Srinagar

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

On Friday, Kashmiri Pandits participated in a colourful procession as part of Janmashtami celebrations in Srinagar, with tight security arrangements deployed along the route.

Raj Thackeray warns of communal tension during Ganesh festival

Raj Thackeray warns of communal tension during Ganesh festival

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has voiced strong concerns about the divisive role of social media in society, alleging it fuels anger and religious disputes. He also criticised the unbridled use of high-decibel sound systems, questioned the government's economic policies despite GDP growth claims, and objected to political messaging in public offices. Thackeray further addressed linguistic politics and endorsed the "Inquilab Zindabad" slogan.

The Prince And The Driver

The Prince And The Driver

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

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.

Defer three-language policy for Class 6 till 2027, SC tells CBSE

Defer three-language policy for Class 6 till 2027, SC tells CBSE

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has asked the CBSE to consider deferring the implementation of its three-language policy for Class 6 students, which mandates two native Indian languages, until the academic session starting 2027. The CBSE stated it would consider the suggestion. The policy, aligned with NEP-2020, makes two native Indian languages compulsory for Class 6 and Class 9, with provisions for foreign languages as additional options and no board exams for the third language in Class 10.

'Will properly handle differences': China as Xi visits India

'Will properly handle differences': China as Xi visits India

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping is in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit, his first to India in nearly seven years, comes amidst efforts to normalise India-China relations following the 2020 Eastern Ladakh standoff and is expected to have significant implications for bilateral ties and BRICS cooperation.

M777 Howitzers roar as India-US armies drill amid Trump's 100% tariff threat

M777 Howitzers roar as India-US armies drill amid Trump's 100% tariff threat

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Indian and US Army personnel conducted a live-firing demonstration involving the M777 Ultra Light Howitzer at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan as part of the ongoing bilateral Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, showcasing artillery capabilities, operational coordination and exchange of battlefield practices between the two forces.

Suicide blast at Pakistan mosque during Friday prayers claims 16 lives

Suicide blast at Pakistan mosque during Friday prayers claims 16 lives

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A powerful suicide blast during Friday prayers at a mosque near police lines in Kohat, northwest Pakistan, killed at least 16 people, including police personnel and civilians, and injured dozens. A militant group, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack, which involved an explosives-laden vehicle and an exchange of fire.

'Threat Must Have Worked, Therefore The 2 ECs Kept Quiet'

'Threat Must Have Worked, Therefore The 2 ECs Kept Quiet'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

'Election Commissioners are Constitutional authorities and they are not supposed to go to the Cabinet secretary. They are not supposed to write letters. And if they are aggrieved, they should straight go to the President of India.'

'Thalapathy' Vijay, 'Thala' Ajith share warm embrace at Silverstone; fans thrilled

'Thalapathy' Vijay, 'Thala' Ajith share warm embrace at Silverstone; fans thrilled

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and actor-racer Ajith Kumar, known as 'Thalapathy' and 'Thala' respectively, shared a warm, lingering hug at the iconic Silverstone circuit in the UK.

Six Foreign Nationals Detained In Delhi For Visa Overstay

Six Foreign Nationals Detained In Delhi For Visa Overstay

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Delhi Police have detained six foreign nationals, including five Nigerians and one from Ivory Coast, for allegedly residing in India without valid visa documents.

'Leave ISRO ALONE!'

'Leave ISRO ALONE!'

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

'I don't think the government will sacrifice such a fine institution for monetary gains.'

Natural Calamities Trigger Property Insurance Rate Spike, Discounts Cut

Natural Calamities Trigger Property Insurance Rate Spike, Discounts Cut

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Property insurance premium rates are increasing by 25-30 per cent, primarily due to a reduction in discounts, following substantial claims from natural calamities like the Gujarat floods, which caused an estimated 5,000 crore in losses.

Nepal floods: Toll rises to 1,356, search stepped up for 5,000 missing

Nepal floods: Toll rises to 1,356, search stepped up for 5,000 missing

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Nepal is grappling with the devastating aftermath of flash floods, with the death toll reaching 1,356 and nearly 5,000 people, including foreign nationals, still missing. Identification of bodies is a major challenge, with only a fraction identified so far. President Ramchandra Paudel has appealed for climate justice and national unity for relief efforts. International teams, including experts from India and China, are assisting in search and rescue, particularly at hydropower projects where workers are trapped. The country is also working to restore infrastructure and reassure tourists to protect its vital autumn tourism season.

How BRICS evolved from an acronym to a major global powerhouse

How BRICS evolved from an acronym to a major global powerhouse

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

This article details the quarter-century journey of BRICS, from its inception as an economic acronym by a Goldman Sachs economist to its current status as an expanded eleven-member international bloc. It highlights its growth, key historical moments, and the significance of its upcoming summit, particularly with Iran's renewed importance in discussions.

India on watch as Trump may sign Russia sanctions bill today

India on watch as Trump may sign Russia sanctions bill today

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 later on Friday (local time). A White House official confirmed the development to ANI without revealing further details.

Diplomatic century: Modi completes 100 foreign visits in 12 yrs as PM

Diplomatic century: Modi completes 100 foreign visits in 12 yrs as PM

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's week-long ongoing tour of France and Slovakia is his 100th foreign trip since he assumed the high office 12 years ago.

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The political confidence required to place high-end Japanese aircraft and personnel on Indian soil is itself a data point.
It indicates a level of trust that would have been difficult to imagine when India-Japan defence ties were largely symbolic, explains Varun Arya.

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.

Before The Paradise, Watch Nani's Best Movies

Before The Paradise, Watch Nani's Best Movies

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

As Nani gears up for the ambitious The Paradise, we look back at his most memorable performances, from a vengeful housefly to a fiery revolutionary and to a Saturday-only action hero.

What Will First India-China Corps Commander Talks in Arunachal Achieve?

What Will First India-China Corps Commander Talks in Arunachal Achieve?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

In July, tension emerged in Taksing, a remote village in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh after locals sighted PLA soldiers.

NSE IPO: 'Demand Is Unexpectedly Large'

NSE IPO: 'Demand Is Unexpectedly Large'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Shares will be allocated across different institutional investors, including domestic mutual funds, other domestic institutions and FPIs.

Xi outlines four-point formula to reset India-China ties

Xi outlines four-point formula to reset India-China ties

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting, outlining a four-point approach for the steady and long-term development of China-India relations. The leaders stressed strategic understanding, win-win cooperation, mutual respect, and inclusive multilateral engagement, reaffirming their commitment to resolving the boundary question and addressing economic concerns. They also discussed global challenges and strengthening people-to-people ties.

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Rediff.com25 May 2026

West Bengal's Bharatiya Janata Party government has moved to institutionalise its "detect, delete and deport" policy by directing all district administrations to set up "holding centres" for suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation -- a step that appeared to give administrative shape to one of the party's most potent political themes in the state.

Govt revises visa rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days

Govt revises visa rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Union home ministry has updated the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, requiring foreigners staying in India beyond 180 days to register before their visa expires. The new rules also offer relief to children born to foreign parents and revise reporting requirements for medical institutions.

Nepal floods: MEA sets up round-the-clock control room in Delhi

Nepal floods: MEA sets up round-the-clock control room in Delhi

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

In view of the flood situation in Nepal, the ninistry of external affairs has set up a round-the-clock control room here to assist people.

Brics Grain Exchange: A Game-Changer or Too Many Hurdles?

Brics Grain Exchange: A Game-Changer or Too Many Hurdles?

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Brics proposal for a Grain Exchange, aimed at challenging the dominance of Western trading firms, faces significant operational and implementation hurdles, including settlement currency, regulatory frameworks, and limited participation from key members like India, according to experts.

Delhi on high alert for BRICS meet, traffic curbs on key roads

Delhi on high alert for BRICS meet, traffic curbs on key roads

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

New Delhi is under a thick blanket of security as it hosts top world leaders for the BRICS Summit. Extensive security measures, including thousands of personnel and CCTV cameras, are in place. Commuters can expect temporary traffic restrictions and diversions due to VVIP movements, though officials aim to minimise public inconvenience.

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The EC also underlined that for electors whose enumeration forms have not returned, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would identify a probable cause, such as absent, shifted, dead and duplicate entry based on an inquiry from the nearby electors and would note the same.

Ex-Havildar nabbed for stealing AK-203 rifles, pistols from Army unit

Ex-Havildar nabbed for stealing AK-203 rifles, pistols from Army unit

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

An army personnel has been taken into custody in connection with the theft of service weapons and ammunition from an Army facility in Hyderabad. The theft, which included assault rifles, pistols, and night vision binoculars, was detected on August 31, prompting a joint investigation by Telangana Police and Army authorities.

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

Bangladesh yet to decide on PM Rahman's visit to India

Bangladesh yet to decide on PM Rahman's visit to India

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has not yet decided on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India for the upcoming BRICS summit, with his office stating that Dhaka is awaiting New Delhi's response to its request for the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other 'fugitive criminals' currently residing in India.