News for 'regional security'

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged its citizens to immediately depart from several Middle Eastern countries, citing "serious safety risks."

Khandwa Man Jailed Under NSA for Disruptive Social Media Posts

Khandwa Man Jailed Under NSA for Disruptive Social Media Posts

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A man in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, has been jailed under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly sharing objectionable social media posts intended to disrupt communal harmony. The arrest followed protests demanding severe punishment for the accused.

Dubai could be blown up if UAE enters Iran war: Top US economist

Dubai could be blown up if UAE enters Iran war: Top US economist

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Economist Jeffrey Sachs saw Gulf nations' decision to partner with the US through the Abraham Accords as an "invitation for disaster" as it made them more dependent on American protection.

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.

Iran allows Indian ships to pass through Hormuz: Sources

Iran allows Indian ships to pass through Hormuz: Sources

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

IRGC said vessels seeking to sail through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz must obtain Iran's approval; otherwise, they could become targets of Iranian attacks.

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.com15 Mar 2026

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.

Pakistan Army Kills 15 Terrorists in Balochistan Intelligence Operations

Pakistan Army Kills 15 Terrorists in Balochistan Intelligence Operations

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Pakistani security forces killed 15 terrorists in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan province, recovering weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

Census kicks off in Delhi with President, PM leading digital count

Census kicks off in Delhi with President, PM leading digital count

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

This will be India's 16th Census and the eighth since Independence. For the first time, citizens will also have the option of self-enumeration.

Khamenei killing: 14 injured in J-K protests; curbs on convoy movement

Khamenei killing: 14 injured in J-K protests; curbs on convoy movement

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Protests erupted in Kashmir following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leading to restrictions on movement and mobile internet speeds.

Humpy Stands by Cyprus Tournament Withdrawal, Cites Safety Concerns

Humpy Stands by Cyprus Tournament Withdrawal, Cites Safety Concerns

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Indian chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy defends her decision to withdraw from the Candidates tournament in Cyprus due to safety concerns amid regional tensions, stating that playing peacefully is impossible when surrounded by warships.

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.

Vishwaguru stands exposed: Cong mocks Modi over Pak-brokered Iran truce

Vishwaguru stands exposed: Cong mocks Modi over Pak-brokered Iran truce

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts following the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, facilitated in part by Pakistan. The party claims this development undermines Modi's strategy and exposes his perceived failures in foreign policy.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election BJP's unfinished agenda: Modi

Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election BJP's unfinished agenda: Modi

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BJP's 47th Foundation Day, highlighting the Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation, One Election' as key unfinished agendas. He also reaffirmed the party's commitment to implementing women's reservation in the 2029 elections and criticised dynastic politics.

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.

Middle East on edge as Iran targets US military bases

Middle East on edge as Iran targets US military bases

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Residents across the Gulf region, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, experienced fear and disruption following attacks, leading to flight suspensions and heightened security measures.

Meghalaya CM Briefs Governor on Garo Hills Law and Order

Meghalaya CM Briefs Governor on Garo Hills Law and Order

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma briefed Governor CH Vijayashankar on the law and order situation in the Garo Hills region following recent violence related to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.

Indian Lacrosse Teams Set Sights on LA 2028 Olympics After Asian Games Success

Indian Lacrosse Teams Set Sights on LA 2028 Olympics After Asian Games Success

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Indian men's and women's lacrosse teams, fresh off their gold-winning performance at the Asian Lacrosse Games, have been felicitated by the Sports Minister and urged to focus on qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Karnataka Govt Assures Safety of Kannadigas Amid Middle East Conflict

Karnataka Govt Assures Safety of Kannadigas Amid Middle East Conflict

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured the safety of Kannadigas residing in the Middle East amid escalating conflict, directing officials to take proactive measures and operationalize a dedicated helpline.

2 more Indian ships safely cross Strait of Hormuz

2 more Indian ships safely cross Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Two Indian ships carrying liquified petroleum gas (LPG) from the Gulf countries crossed the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday morning, raising the number of Indian vessels safely passing through the war-hit, narrow shipping lane to three.

India Should Have Been Better Prepared For Gulf War

India Should Have Been Better Prepared For Gulf War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Our diplomacy should have been focused on preventing war and avoiding the inevitable disruptions it would cause, posing a real risk to India's growth story,' asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

China, Pakistan unveil five-point peace plan for West Asia

China, Pakistan unveil five-point peace plan for West Asia

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point peace plan to address the ongoing conflict in West Asia, focusing on de-escalation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Palau-flagged oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman, resulting in injuries. The incident occurred amidst rising tensions in the Middle East following attacks between Iran, the US, and Israel.

Modi Unveils 'Six Guarantees' for West Bengal, Criticises TMC's Governance

Modi Unveils 'Six Guarantees' for West Bengal, Criticises TMC's Governance

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced six guarantees for West Bengal if the BJP wins the Assembly polls, promising to end the 'reign of fear' and address corruption, while criticising the TMC government's performance.

Jammu Marathon Symbolises J&K's Transformation Since 2019

Jammu Marathon Symbolises J&K's Transformation Since 2019

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Jammu Marathon, featuring international runners, symbolises the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, highlighting peace, prosperity, and its emergence as a destination for world-class events.

PV Sindhu Safe After Dubai Airport Explosion

PV Sindhu Safe After Dubai Airport Explosion

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu recounts a tense experience at Dubai Airport following an explosion, as she and her coach were stranded due to airspace closures.

Sri Lanka Establishes Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Crisis

Sri Lanka Establishes Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Sri Lanka has established emergency hotlines and is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia following escalating tensions, urging restraint and de-escalation from all parties involved.

Indian Firms Plan Highest AI Investment Growth in Asia-Pacific: Lenovo Study

Indian Firms Plan Highest AI Investment Growth in Asia-Pacific: Lenovo Study

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A Lenovo study reveals that Indian enterprises are planning to increase their investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at a higher rate than other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Gurugram School Cleared After Hoax Bomb Threat Email

Gurugram School Cleared After Hoax Bomb Threat Email

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Gurugram Police investigated a bomb threat at a private school in DLF Phase 1 after receiving a threatening email. The threat was determined to be a hoax, and the school was declared safe after a thorough search.

Assam Elections: Can AGP Retain Its Identity In Assam's Changing Politics?

Assam Elections: Can AGP Retain Its Identity In Assam's Changing Politics?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

In its list of 26 candidates for Thursday's assembly elections, 13 are from the Bengali-speaking Muslim community -- a demographic that was at the centre of the original Assam agitation.

Assam Elections: Acid Test For Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF

Assam Elections: Acid Test For Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The outcome of the assembly elections will not only determine AIUDF's immediate relevance but could also shape its long-term role in Assam's political landscape.

US 7th fleet's USS Tripoli strike group heads to West Asia as tensions soar

US 7th fleet's USS Tripoli strike group heads to West Asia as tensions soar

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

According to the report, the Pentagon is deploying the USS Tripoli ARG, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), part of its own strike group.

Koneru Humpy Weighs Candidates Tournament Participation Due to Cyprus Safety Concerns

Koneru Humpy Weighs Candidates Tournament Participation Due to Cyprus Safety Concerns

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy is uncertain about competing in the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus due to safety concerns amid the West Asia conflict, despite assurances from FIDE.

U'khand: Retd Brigadier's last rites performed, crackdown on criminals begins

U'khand: Retd Brigadier's last rites performed, crackdown on criminals begins

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The funeral of retired Army Brigadier Mukesh Joshi, who died in a crossfire between rival gangs in Dehradun, has taken place. Police have arrested multiple suspects and launched 'Operation Prahar' to combat crime.

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions in West Asia following a series of strikes and counter-strikes, the United States Embassy in Muscat on Tuesday instructed its staff to shelter in place.

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

He added that opposition parties were assured that their concerns regarding the impact of the West Asia situation on India and the safety of Indian citizens were addressed in detail.

'Iran ready for ceasefire talks but....', says Trump as oil prices surge

'Iran ready for ceasefire talks but....', says Trump as oil prices surge

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Trump said he is unwilling to make a deal with Tehran at this stage despite indications the country wants negotiations.

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is urging the Indian government to take a more proactive role in mediating the escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, emphasising the impact on India's energy security and regional stability.

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump seems to have estimated that Ghalibaf is a pragmatic politician who is receptive to close relations with the US and is enthusiastic about fostering business and economic ties in particular, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Meghalaya CM Defiant: Stays Put Despite Threat to Residence

Meghalaya CM Defiant: Stays Put Despite Threat to Residence

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has refused to relocate despite receiving information about a possible attack on his residence amid ongoing unrest in the Garo Hills region, appealing for peace and dialogue.