News for 'ministry'

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's merchandise exports experienced a slight decrease in February, while imports surged due to increased gold and silver purchases, leading to a widened trade deficit. The West Asia crisis is expected to further impact trade in the coming months.

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Middle East conflict: 52,000 Indians return

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

India is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and working to ensure the safety of its citizens stranded in the region. Over 52,000 Indians have returned home following the partial opening of airspace.

Indian killed as oil tanker attacked off Oman coast

Indian killed as oil tanker attacked off Oman coast

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

An Indian national was killed in an attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. The tanker was struck by an explosive-laden unmanned boat, resulting in a fire and explosion.

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Rediff.com4 days ago

Specifically, military experts are assessing if the 'Octopus' interceptor anti-drone system, produced in the UK to support Ukraine in countering Russian threats, could be repurposed to strengthen British protections against Iran's Shahed drones.

Iran quietly approaches CIA for talks: Report

Iran quietly approaches CIA for talks: Report

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

It remains unclear whether United States President Donald Trump or Iranian authorities will pursue the offer.

How the National Health Claims Exchange Aims to Simplify Health Insurance in India

How the National Health Claims Exchange Aims to Simplify Health Insurance in India

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The National Health Authority (NHA) is promoting the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) to standardise and simplify health insurance claims processing in India, aiming for a seamless and reliable digital infrastructure similar to UPI.

Manipur hostage crisis ends: 21 Tangkhul Nagas freed as Centre steps in

Manipur hostage crisis ends: 21 Tangkhul Nagas freed as Centre steps in

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Union Home Ministry intervened to secure the release of 21 Tangkhul Naga civilians held hostage in Manipur's Ukhrul district, following tensions between Kuki and Naga communities.

Govt bars LPG for households with piped gas connections

Govt bars LPG for households with piped gas connections

Rediff.com4 days ago

India restricts subsidised LPG connections for households with piped natural gas (PNG) to ensure equitable distribution and address global energy supply concerns, pushing for faster PNG adoption.

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Dozens of Indian-flagged ships and over a thousand seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and surrounding areas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

EPFO Keeps EPF Interest Rate Unchanged at 8.25% for 2025-26

EPFO Keeps EPF Interest Rate Unchanged at 8.25% for 2025-26

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has decided to maintain the interest rate on employees' provident fund (EPF) deposits at 8.25 per cent for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking the second consecutive year at this rate.

Iran Army chief vows to avenge attack on IRIS Dena

Iran Army chief vows to avenge attack on IRIS Dena

Rediff.com5 days ago

Major General Amir Hatami, commander-in-chief of the Iranian Army, condemned the attack on the vessel, one of the country's newest warships, which occurred while it was returning from a military exercise.

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15Es by mistake; drone hits Qatari sites

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15Es by mistake; drone hits Qatari sites

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The military command clarified in a statement published on X that the aircraft were engaged in error during active combat operations on Sunday.

India turns to US, Russia, Africa for oil as Middle East conflict escalates

India turns to US, Russia, Africa for oil as Middle East conflict escalates

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Indian refiners are negotiating for additional crude cargoes from the US, Russia, and West Africa to ensure adequate supplies amid Middle East tensions. Refineries are maintaining normal processing rates and deferring maintenance to build reserves. The move comes as conflict impacts tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy transit route.

Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games to be Held in Chhattisgarh

Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games to be Held in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games will be held in Chhattisgarh, featuring seven medal sports and aiming to empower tribal athletes and promote grassroots inclusion.

CBI Cracks Down on Online Investment Fraud Ring Linked to 'Pyypl'

CBI Cracks Down on Online Investment Fraud Ring Linked to 'Pyypl'

Rediff.com7 days ago

The CBI has conducted searches across multiple states in connection with a large-scale online financial fraud involving the overseas fintech platform 'Pyypl'.

IRGC claims to hit US military base with missiles

IRGC claims to hit US military base with missiles

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The IRGC said five missiles were launched at 'the headquarters of the US Army at the Harir Air Base in Erbil, located in Iraq's Kurdistan Region'.

8 Wonderful Iftaar Destinations

8 Wonderful Iftaar Destinations

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

As the sun sets in a riot of colours during the days of Ramzan, the call to prayer is heard and Indian streets are transformed into places of both faith and feasting.

Putin, UAE Prez step in, call for immediate ceasefire in West Asia

Putin, UAE Prez step in, call for immediate ceasefire in West Asia

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The US-Israeli military campaign, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury" by Washington, has entered its third day, with US President Donald Trump stating that operations would continue "until all of our objectives are achieved."

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian government has established a control room to provide crucial support and assistance to the nearly one crore Indian citizens residing in the region.

LPG crisis: Restaurants cut menu, increase prices

LPG crisis: Restaurants cut menu, increase prices

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian eateries are adapting to the LPG crisis by cutting menus, increasing prices, and switching to alternative fuels like coal, as LPG supplies are disrupted due to global events. State authorities are cracking down on hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders.

Job Scam Proclaimed Offender Arrested by Delhi Police

Job Scam Proclaimed Offender Arrested by Delhi Police

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a proclaimed offender, Suresh, allegedly involved in a multi-state job scam, accused of defrauding job aspirants of crores of rupees with promises of government jobs.

Thai-flagged ship bound for India attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Thai-flagged ship bound for India attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A Thai cargo vessel was struck by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, leaving three crew members missing and prompting a rescue operation by the Royal Navy of Oman.

EAM Jaishankar to Brief Parliament on West Asia Developments

EAM Jaishankar to Brief Parliament on West Asia Developments

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the Lok Sabha on the situation in West Asia, as Parliament reconvenes for the Budget session amidst ongoing regional tensions.

Iranian drone strike causes fire at Saudi oil refinery

Iranian drone strike causes fire at Saudi oil refinery

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Falling debris from an intercepted Iranian drone caused a 'limited fire' at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura refining facility in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki said, according to Al Arabiya.

Indian Families Anxious as Relatives Stranded in Iran

Indian Families Anxious as Relatives Stranded in Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Families in Ambari village are anxiously awaiting news of their relatives stranded in Iran amid escalating conflict, with limited communication and growing concerns for their safety.

Nobody will hire women: SC rejects plea for menstrual leave

Nobody will hire women: SC rejects plea for menstrual leave

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide policy for menstrual leave for women students and workers, citing concerns about potential negative impacts on female employment and the reinforcement of gender stereotypes.

Pak forces kill around 600 Afghan Taliban in ongoing border clashes

Pak forces kill around 600 Afghan Taliban in ongoing border clashes

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Pakistan's security forces claim to have killed hundreds of Afghan Taliban operatives in an ongoing military operation along the border, launched in response to attacks on Pakistani locations.

Putin speaks with Iran Prez amid war, calls for de-escalation

Putin speaks with Iran Prez amid war, calls for de-escalation

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Russian President Vladimir Putin is actively calling for de-escalation and political resolution, engaging with Iranian and US counterparts to navigate the complex conflict landscape.

J-K CM Appeals for Calm After Khamenei Killing

J-K CM Appeals for Calm After Khamenei Killing

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm amid widespread protests following reports of the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The US Embassy acknowledged the attack in a post on X, urging Americans to avoid the facility 'until further notice' and announcing that all appointments had been cancelled.

Pakistan attacks Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

Pakistan attacks Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Reports indicate Pakistan targeted Bagram airbase in Afghanistan as part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, following alleged Afghan Taliban attacks. The operation aims to address the failure to stop terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil.

US Business Schools Eye India Partnerships

US Business Schools Eye India Partnerships

Rediff.com7 days ago

The outreach comes amid a drop in Indian student enrolments in management programmes at American universities last year, following changes to US student visa policies.

Too early to comment on US tariff changes: Sitharaman

Too early to comment on US tariff changes: Sitharaman

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that it is premature to comment on the tariff changes announced by the United States, adding that the commerce ministry is currently reviewing the situation.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com6 days ago

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

Terms Relaxed For Chinese Investment, But India Wary About Security

Terms Relaxed For Chinese Investment, But India Wary About Security

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'It's a changing world and the opening up doesn't mean that concerns with regards to security have gone away.'

Karnataka Government Considers Sustainable Data Centre Policy to Address Environmental Impact

Karnataka Government Considers Sustainable Data Centre Policy to Address Environmental Impact

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Karnataka government is reviewing its data centre policy to prioritise sustainability due to concerns about the significant water and energy consumption of data centres. The government is exploring coastal locations like Mangaluru for future data centre development and focusing on smaller-scale data centres.

Pakistan FM Mediates Between Saudi Arabia and Iran Amid Conflict

Pakistan FM Mediates Between Saudi Arabia and Iran Amid Conflict

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been actively involved in mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the outbreak of war, ensuring the safety of Pakistani citizens in affected regions.

Turkmenistan Woman's Death in India: Police Confirm Identity

Turkmenistan Woman's Death in India: Police Confirm Identity

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Police in Meerut have confirmed that a woman found dead last month is a citizen of Turkmenistan, following initial misidentification. The investigation into her death continues, with several arrests made.

Over 1,000 Indians stranded in Doha evacuated in 3 days

Over 1,000 Indians stranded in Doha evacuated in 3 days

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Qatar Airways operated a Doha-New Delhi flight on Monday on which more than 300 Indian passengers stranded in Doha travelled to India, the Embassy of India in Doha, Qatar, said on its X handle.