News for 'partner states'

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Adults' right to marry cannot be interfered with: HC

Adults' right to marry cannot be interfered with: HC

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The Delhi High Court has affirmed that consenting adults have the constitutional right to marry, and no one, including family or the state, can interfere with their decision. The ruling came in response to a petition from a couple seeking protection from the woman's father.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das, former AIFF general secretary, passed away at 66. He played a key role in developing Indian football, including organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

India joins US-led strategic alliance Pax Silica

India joins US-led strategic alliance Pax Silica

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India has joined the US-led 'Pax Silica' alliance, aimed at building a resilient supply chain for critical minerals and artificial intelligence, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic security.

India gets 30-day US waiver to buy Russian oil amid Iran war

India gets 30-day US waiver to buy Russian oil amid Iran war

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions with Iran, the US has granted India a temporary 30-day waiver to continue purchasing Russian oil, aiming to stabilise global energy markets and encourage future US oil imports by India.

'Child Marriage Is Nothing But Child Rape'

'Child Marriage Is Nothing But Child Rape'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

'People don't believe that a 15-year-old girl subjected to sexual intercourse within a marriage is a victim of rape.'

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.

How the Open Quantum Institute Plans to Make Quantum Computing Accessible to All

How the Open Quantum Institute Plans to Make Quantum Computing Accessible to All

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The Open Quantum Institute (OQI), a joint initiative by Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) and CERN, aims to ensure equitable access to quantum computing when it becomes widely available, fostering international cooperation and addressing societal implications.

Will Embracing Israel Prove Costly For India?

Will Embracing Israel Prove Costly For India?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

By appearing to privilege ideological affinity over strategic balance, India risks eroding the trust painstakingly built across West Asia. Once the perception takes hold that India's friendship is conditional and transactional, rebuilding credibility will be difficult, warns Amberish K Diwanji.

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus, prompting the UK to allow US defensive operations and consider evacuation plans for British citizens in the region.

NTT DATA, Ericsson Join Forces on Private 5G

NTT DATA, Ericsson Join Forces on Private 5G

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

NTT DATA and Ericsson have announced a multi-year partnership to promote the adoption of private 5G networks and develop advanced edge AI applications for enterprises.

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The US President had hosted Modi for an official working visit in Washington, DC, on February 13 last year.

Siddaramaiah Calls for Ethical AI Use, Protecting Artists in AVGC-XR

Siddaramaiah Calls for Ethical AI Use, Protecting Artists in AVGC-XR

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of ethical AI usage, intellectual property protection, and fair compensation in the AVGC-XR sector, advocating for AI to enhance human creativity rather than replace artists.

Karnataka bans social media for children under 16

Karnataka bans social media for children under 16

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister announces a ban on social media for children under 16 and increased measures to prevent drug abuse in schools, colleges, and universities, alongside investments in education infrastructure and mental health support.

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Modi government's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, arguing it raises doubts about India's foreign policy direction and credibility.

'Indians have been good actors': Trump aide on Russian oil waiver

'Indians have been good actors': Trump aide on Russian oil waiver

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The US has granted India permission to buy Russian oil already in transit to ease global supply pressures amidst the West Asia conflict. This decision comes after India agreed to halt sanctioned Russian oil purchases and substitute them with US oil.

Tata Group, TCS Join Forces with OpenAI to Develop AI Infrastructure in India

Tata Group, TCS Join Forces with OpenAI to Develop AI Infrastructure in India

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The Tata Group and TCS have announced a multi-dimensional partnership with OpenAI to build AI infrastructure, offer joint solutions, and train Indian youth, aiming to position India as a global AI hub.

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In the Indo-Pacific's new era -- where perception shapes reality faster than treaties -- the real entrapment is not of China or the United States. It is the test Japan has set for itself -- and whether partners like India, acting as balancers rather than accelerants, can help ensure that the story ends in stability, points out Varun Arya.

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Israel's Defence Minister has issued a stark warning that any leader succeeding Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be considered a target, as reports suggest his son Mojtaba may be next in line.

Spirit Of Giving: Households Earning Rs 5,000 A Month Give To Charity

Spirit Of Giving: Households Earning Rs 5,000 A Month Give To Charity

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Of the donations, 48% is in kind -- such as food, clothing, or other household goods -- followed by cash (44%) and volunteering (30%) with non-profits, religious institutions, or community groups.

Maharashtra, 1st state to ink pact with Musk's Starlink

Maharashtra, 1st state to ink pact with Musk's Starlink

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced partnership with billionaire Elon Musk's satellite communications venture in India to deploy a host of satellite-based internet services, becoming the first Indian state to formally tie-up with the US firm. The government signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd.

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Lavrov said that the US has set itself the objective of 'achieving economic domination', adding further to it that Americans want to control the routes to leading countries to provide its energy sources to them.

US urged India to buy Russian oil: Trump's Energy Secretary

US urged India to buy Russian oil: Trump's Energy Secretary

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The United States has encouraged India to purchase Russian oil already at sea to mitigate supply shortages and price increases amid the West Asia conflict, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright. This move is described as a short-term effort to stabilise the market without altering Washington's policy towards Russia.

Iran renews threat to Gulf neighbours hours after 'apology'

Iran renews threat to Gulf neighbours hours after 'apology'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amidst ongoing conflict, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signals a potential de-escalation by apologising to neighbouring countries while firmly rejecting US President Donald Trump's demand for unconditional surrender.

AIFF floats tender for picking commercial partner

AIFF floats tender for picking commercial partner

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

AIFF invites bids from consulting firms to manage process of awarding commercial rights.

Man Killed, Body Chopped and Dumped in Yamuna Over Money Dispute

Man Killed, Body Chopped and Dumped in Yamuna Over Money Dispute

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

A man was killed, his body chopped into pieces and dumped in the Yamuna River by his friend and his associates after he refused to give them money, according to police. Four people, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the killing.

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, reaffirming India's support for Israel in the face of terrorism and expressing support for the Gaza peace initiative.

Ajit Pawar hailed as 'best CM never had' as Maha leaders unite in tribute

Ajit Pawar hailed as 'best CM never had' as Maha leaders unite in tribute

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Maharashtra's political leaders, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, paid tribute to the late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar during the state legislature's budget session, remembering him as a capable leader and administrator.

Serena Williams certain to make comeback, says former coach Rick Macci

Serena Williams certain to make comeback, says former coach Rick Macci

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Serena Williams' former coach Rick Macci believes the tennis star is preparing for a comeback to competitive tennis, despite her previous statements about 'evolving away' from the sport.

War Fallout: UAE Challenger Halted; Medvedev, Rublev Delayed

War Fallout: UAE Challenger Halted; Medvedev, Rublev Delayed

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Travel disruptions following airspace closures in the Gulf have forced Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev to miss an Indian Wells exhibition, while an ATP Challenger in Fujairah was cancelled amid security concerns.

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Indian government informed Parliament that India and the US are engaged in negotiations for a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. The two countries also cooperate on strategic, economic, and defense matters, managing divergences through high-level dialogues.

The Girl From Bhandup Who Became Ms Universe USA

The Girl From Bhandup Who Became Ms Universe USA

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Don't let the world put you in a box. If the world tries to put you in a box, don't stay in it. Step out of it. And if you have to, burn that box completely,' says Siddhata Patil.

Meet Neal Katyal, Indian-American lawyer who argued against Trump's tariffs

Meet Neal Katyal, Indian-American lawyer who argued against Trump's tariffs

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Neal Katyal, an accomplished Indian-American lawyer, triumphed in a landmark Supreme Court case against Donald Trump's tariffs, championing the Constitution and the rights of American small businesses.

Must Watch Movies And Shows On OTT

Must Watch Movies And Shows On OTT

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Discover the latest OTT releases, streaming between February 23 and March 1.

Vertex Group Invests Rs 100 Crore in Responsible AI Lab

Vertex Group Invests Rs 100 Crore in Responsible AI Lab

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Vertex Group has launched its 'Responsible AI Lab' with a Rs 100 crore investment in research and development, focusing on ethical, transparent, and accountable AI solutions for businesses.

Google has full-stack connectivity in India: Sundar Pichai

Google has full-stack connectivity in India: Sundar Pichai

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Wednesday said India is poised for an "extraordinary trajectory" in artificial intelligence and emphasised the company's commitment to partnering in the country's AI transformation.

US Commerce Secretary's Surprise Delhi Visit

US Commerce Secretary's Surprise Delhi Visit

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

'Engaged in very fruitful discussions to expand our trade and economic partnership.'

US kills Qaeda affiliate linked to deadly Syria ambush

US kills Qaeda affiliate linked to deadly Syria ambush

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

The United States military killed a senior Al Qaeda-affiliated leader with direct links to the Islamic State ambush that targeted American soldiers in Syria in December in a strike carried out in the country's northwest region.