News for 'us secretary of state'

India Responds to West Asia Crisis: Six Nationals Dead, One Missing

India Responds to West Asia Crisis: Six Nationals Dead, One Missing

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the deaths of six Indian nationals and one missing person amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia, detailing ongoing efforts for repatriation and diplomatic engagement.

Nitish set to step down as Bihar CM, to contest RS poll

Nitish set to step down as Bihar CM, to contest RS poll

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Speculation is rife in Bihar about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar potentially moving to the Rajya Sabha, leading to discussions about a possible BJP chief minister and a role for Kumar's son, Nishant. Senior BJP leaders have dismissed the rumours.

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.

India Plans to Revive Formula One with Driver Development Program

India Plans to Revive Formula One with Driver Development Program

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

India's Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is pushing to revive Formula One racing in the country, focusing on creating a strong pipeline of drivers and technicians. Discussions with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) have centered on developing a comprehensive framework to integrate motorsports with India's automotive and engineering sectors.

Russia shared intelligence with Iran on US assets: Report

Russia shared intelligence with Iran on US assets: Report

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Russia has shared intelligence with Iran that could help Tehran target American warships, aircraft and other military assets in the region, according to United States intelligence assessments cited by media reports, marking the first indication of Moscow's possible involvement in the ongoing conflict. Officials familiar with US intelligence findings said a significant portion of the shared information reportedly includes imagery from Russia's network of surveillance satellites.

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

'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.

Congress Slams Kerala Government for Ads Attacking Oommen Chandy Administration

Congress Slams Kerala Government for Ads Attacking Oommen Chandy Administration

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Congress party in Kerala has strongly criticised the state government's Public Relations Department (PRD) for publishing advertisements in major newspapers that highlight alleged shortcomings of the previous Oommen Chandy administration, accusing the government of misusing public funds for political gain ahead of upcoming elections.

'No genuine voter will be axed': CEC stresses fear-free Bengal polls

'No genuine voter will be axed': CEC stresses fear-free Bengal polls

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, has stated that the primary goal of the Election Commission is to ensure all voters in West Bengal can participate in the upcoming assembly elections without violence or intimidation.

Ethiopians Dominate Chandigarh International Marathon

Ethiopians Dominate Chandigarh International Marathon

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Ethiopia's Olbana Negasa Yadate and Meskerem Tesfaye Fikadu won the full marathon at the Chandigarh International Marathon, while other athletes triumphed in half marathon and 10k races.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Apologises to Mammootty for Online Attacks

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Apologises to Mammootty for Online Attacks

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly apologised to Malayalam actor Mammootty for online abuse following a controversy related to a visit to a Wayanad township.

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

During this Ramzan, another religious practice was turned into an offence: Breaking the fast, or iftar.

Court Demands Extradition Update in Bush Foods Money Laundering Case

Court Demands Extradition Update in Bush Foods Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has requested clarification from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the extradition status of a former managing director of Bush Foods Overseas Pvt Ltd and his wife, who are residing in London, in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged Rs 750-crore bank loan fraud.

India, UK to Enhance Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism

India, UK to Enhance Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

India and the United Kingdom have agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism and organized crime, including addressing pro-Khalistani extremists in Britain, during the sixth India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue.

Operation Epic Fury: US releases Iran air strikes images

Operation Epic Fury: US releases Iran air strikes images

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

In a coordinated military operation, the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, escalating tensions amid stalled nuclear talks and claims of resumed nuclear activities, resulting in the death of Iran's supreme leader.

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.

Trump yet to decide as US mulls weekend strike on Iran

Trump yet to decide as US mulls weekend strike on Iran

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that progress has been made in the Geneva talks with Iranian authorities, but the two nations stand 'far apart' on certain issues.

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Eminent historian and academic K.N. Panikkar, known for his Marxist interpretation of history and advocacy for secularism, has passed away at the age of 90. His contributions to historical research and defence of secular values are widely recognised.

'Hypocritical': India slams Pak at UN over airstrikes on Afghanistan during Ramzan

'Hypocritical': India slams Pak at UN over airstrikes on Afghanistan during Ramzan

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan, calling them a flagrant violation of international law and hypocritical given the civilian casualties during Ramzan.

Congress-led UDF closely monitoring CPI(M) leader's independent election bid in Kerala

Congress-led UDF closely monitoring CPI(M) leader's independent election bid in Kerala

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Congress-led UDF is closely monitoring CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran's decision to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming Assembly election. UDF leaders are considering supporting Sudhakaran, while the CPI(M) expresses disappointment and denies mistreatment.

BJP applying pressure but no alliance with them, says TVK

BJP applying pressure but no alliance with them, says TVK

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Actor Vijay's political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has firmly stated that it will not form an alliance with the BJP, despite what it describes as increasing pressure from the saffron party.

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resign, citing hypocrisy in Shah's call for 'clean politics' given his past arrest. Banerjee also criticised the Election Commission and defended his party's record.

'Not a case of love-jihad, didn't convert: Viral Kumbh Mela girl

'Not a case of love-jihad, didn't convert: Viral Kumbh Mela girl

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Actress Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, has denied reports that she is underage following her marriage in Kerala. She asserts she is 18 and legally married.

Andhra Plans Rs 25,000 Incentive for Second Child

Andhra Plans Rs 25,000 Incentive for Second Child

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'We will give Rs 25,000 to parents having a second child or more at the time of delivery itself.'

'For 2 Years Facing Humiliation, Feeling Isolated Within Congress'

'For 2 Years Facing Humiliation, Feeling Isolated Within Congress'

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

'I could have accepted the humiliation if I wanted to remain as an MP. But I decided to leave.'

Petrol Prices Stay Put For Now

Petrol Prices Stay Put For Now

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

If the conflict continues for a prolonged period, State-run oil companies may have to review retail fuel prices accordingly.

Shirtless protest at AI summit: IYC workers sent to 5-day custody

Shirtless protest at AI summit: IYC workers sent to 5-day custody

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The counsel appearing for the arrested protesters argued that they were associated with a political party and had exercised their democratic right to protest peacefully.

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.'

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday as he boasted about the United States' ongoing operation in Iran.

NSUI Leader Claims Assault by BJP MLA's Supporters Near Rajasthan Assembly

NSUI Leader Claims Assault by BJP MLA's Supporters Near Rajasthan Assembly

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

An NSUI leader has filed an FIR alleging assault and threats by aides of a BJP legislator near the Rajasthan Assembly, prompting condemnation and calls for investigation.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, and four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers were stationed east of the strategic waterway.

Bomb Thrown at Kerala Student Activist's House After Minister's Injury

Bomb Thrown at Kerala Student Activist's House After Minister's Injury

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Unidentified individuals attacked the residence of a KSU activist in Kerala with an explosive device, following his arrest related to a protest where the Health Minister was allegedly injured.

VHP Calls for Stringent Action in Uttam Nagar Holi Clash Death

VHP Calls for Stringent Action in Uttam Nagar Holi Clash Death

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has condemned the killing of Tarun Khatik during a Holi clash in Delhi and demanded strict action against the culprits, invoking the 'Yogi model' of justice.

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

India addresses the escalating conflict in West Asia, outlining its diplomatic efforts to ensure energy security, the safety of its citizens, and advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Iran shares video of shooting down US F-15 fighter jet

Iran shares video of shooting down US F-15 fighter jet

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Referring to local sources, IRNA shared a video clip that it claims shows the downing of the American F-15 fighter jet in Kuwait.

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assures that the Indian government is prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region due to the Iran-Israel conflict and disruptions in Dubai, emphasizing citizen safety as the top priority.

Mithali Raj: Indian Cricket's Global Dominance Dream Realised

Mithali Raj: Indian Cricket's Global Dominance Dream Realised

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Mithali Raj expresses her joy at seeing Indian cricket teams, including men's, women's, and junior sides, achieve significant global success, marking a period of dominance.

TMC to Connect with Voters in SC/ST-Majority Areas

TMC to Connect with Voters in SC/ST-Majority Areas

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced a 60-day mass outreach program targeting Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe-majority assembly constituencies in West Bengal, accusing the BJP of depriving the state of funds and disrespecting marginalized communities.

NHRC issues notice to states, UTs over HIV+ blood transfusion cases

NHRC issues notice to states, UTs over HIV+ blood transfusion cases

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

The NHRC has issued notices to all states and Union territories following reports of children testing HIV positive after blood transfusions in Madhya Pradesh. The commission is seeking detailed reports on the matter within four weeks.