News for 'Asia Society'

The world rushes to aid India battle Covid surge

The world rushes to aid India battle Covid surge

Rediff.com28 Apr 2021

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

Dharavi records 6 new COVID-19 cases, total cases 13

Dharavi records 6 new COVID-19 cases, total cases 13

Rediff.com9 Apr 2020

Dharavi is one of the biggest slums in Asia where nearly 15 lakh people live in small shanties, making it one of the most congested areas of the metropolis.

Hong Kong anti-government protests spill into Manchester City game

Hong Kong anti-government protests spill into Manchester City game

Rediff.com24 Jul 2019

Before the game, a few protesters handed out fliers outside the stadium where Man City played local outfit Kitchee.

Why We Don't Vote Against Russia At The UN

Why We Don't Vote Against Russia At The UN

Rediff.com8 Apr 2022

Any Indian government at this juncture would have voted and spoken exactly this way. It isn't just about the vast Indian dependence on Russian-origin military equipment. It is also about trust, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

'BJP has to keep people intoxicated with hate'

'BJP has to keep people intoxicated with hate'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2022

'Just keep telling people that we have fixed the Muslims, and they will not be bothered about their empty stomachs or empty wallets.'

Why Anand J S is fighting for Black

Why Anand J S is fighting for Black

Rediff.com19 Aug 2021

'Kaala celebrates black.' 'I see black as a colour that represents elegance, class and inclusiveness; not death, evil and negativity.'

'India will take years to recover from what has been done and is being done by the government'

'India will take years to recover from what has been done and is being done by the government'

Rediff.com28 Sep 2020

'Today, the State is permanently going after politicians, but also civil society, academics and all those it is threatened by or irritated with.'

India plans dam on Brahmaputra to reduce impact of Chinese hydropower projects

India plans dam on Brahmaputra to reduce impact of Chinese hydropower projects

Rediff.com1 Dec 2020

The mighty Brahmaputra, one of the longest rivers in the world passes through China, India and Bangladesh and has several tributaries and sub-tributaries.

'The epidemic is receding in India'

'The epidemic is receding in India'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2021

'But we still have to be very careful.'

Rashmi Rocket Review

Rashmi Rocket Review

Rediff.com14 Oct 2021

Rashmi Rocket suffers from overcrowding. Through its runtime of nearly two hours, it hints at too many issues without sinking its teeth into any, observes Deepti Patwardhan.

'My Muslim-ness did not matter, my professional competence did'

'My Muslim-ness did not matter, my professional competence did'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2021

At an online book release event, former vice president Hamid Ansari lays to rest the controversies surrounding his tenure.

The Amazing R K Laxman: A Friend Remembers

The Amazing R K Laxman: A Friend Remembers

Rediff.com30 Jan 2015

'It was amazing to see the speed with which the lines flowed from his pen!' remembers Ambassador Placido P D'Souza.

'Putin won't risk improving relations with Pakistan at India's expense'

'Putin won't risk improving relations with Pakistan at India's expense'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2018

'But Russia is well aware of Pakistan's nuisance power on its border.'

'I am like an energiser bunny'

'I am like an energiser bunny'

Rediff.com19 Jul 2021

'I was born a lower middle-class person, am one today and will die as one,' Billboard's International Power Player Devraj Sanyal tells Vanita Kohli-Khandekar.

Death of COVID-19 patient fuels fear in Dharavi slum

Death of COVID-19 patient fuels fear in Dharavi slum

Rediff.com2 Apr 2020

A whopping 15 lakh people live in small shanties dotting the narrow bylanes of Dharavi, making it one of the most congested areas of Mumbai.

PIX: President Kovind confers Padma awards on 73

PIX: President Kovind confers Padma awards on 73

Rediff.com8 Nov 2021

President Ram Nath Kovind presented Padma awards to 73 individuals, some posthumously, at a ceremony held in the Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Monday.

Global vaccine supply hit due to Covid surge in India:

Global vaccine supply hit due to Covid surge in India:

Rediff.com28 May 2021

The 'terrible' surge of the coronavirus cases in India has severely impacted COVAX's vaccine supply in the second quarter of this year to the extent that there will be a shortfall of 190 million doses by the end of June, according to a joint statement by the WHO, UNICEF, GAVI and CEPI.

Tulip garden mesmerizes locals, holiday makers

Tulip garden mesmerizes locals, holiday makers

Rediff.com27 Mar 2018

The floriculture department has planted 12.25 lakh Tulip bulbs of 40 varieties and colours in the 10-hectares garden. This year, visitors can access Wi-Fi at no cost among other facilities. This season, 40,000 Hyacinth bulbs have been planted in a separate terrace and several new fountains have also been added to the garden. Get a look at the beauty of the garden below.

What is Biden trying to tell India?

What is Biden trying to tell India?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2021

It is difficult to recall an Indian minister in modern times pushing back at the US publicly, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Human rights groups ask IOC to move Olympics from China

Human rights groups ask IOC to move Olympics from China

Rediff.com9 Sep 2020

Over 160 rights groups call on IOC chief to revoke 2022 Beijing Winter Games

Chess thriving during COVID-19

Chess thriving during COVID-19

Rediff.com21 Jul 2020

Over the past few months, the overall interest in chess is reported to have doubled, with more players than ever coming together to participate in chess events that are being increasingly held through online platforms

Rise and Rise of Qatar in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

Rise and Rise of Qatar in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

Rediff.com1 Sep 2021

Considering that Qatar is a trusted ally of Washington for decades, it is expected to be a steady influence on the Taliban leadership, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Long live Nirbhaya' chants ring outside Tihar Jail

'Long live Nirbhaya' chants ring outside Tihar Jail

Rediff.com20 Mar 2020

Some people distributed sweets after the convicts were hanged.

Urgently needed: National coronavirus crisis council

Urgently needed: National coronavirus crisis council

Rediff.com28 Mar 2020

'The prime minister's announcement of a nation-wide shutdown was eloquent, but should have been more clearly phrased to avoid police overreach.' 'Migrant labour should have been allowed adequate notice and transport options to get home,' notes Rahul Jacob.

Crucial fertiliser shortage may pinch farmers

Crucial fertiliser shortage may pinch farmers

Rediff.com9 Nov 2021

Enthused by rising potato prices after a prolonged slump, Pradeep Sharma was planning to sow the crop on his 15-acre farm near Agra slightly earlier than usual. The delayed departure of the southwest monsoon also prompted his decision, since the good soil moisture would have saved at least one initial irrigation. But the acute shortage of diammonium phosphate (DAP), a crucial nutrient ahead of the sowing season for potatoes, nipped those hopes in the bud. DAP is the second-most used fertiliser in the country after urea.

Kerala man sentenced to life for joining Islamic State

Kerala man sentenced to life for joining Islamic State

Rediff.com28 Sep 2020

The Special National Investigation Agency court also imposed a fine of Rs 2,10,000 on Subahani Haja Moideen, a Keralite, who was arrested by the NIA in 2016 following a crackdown in Tamil Nadu with the help of central security agencies and other state police.

'Citibank is more optimistic than RBI'

'Citibank is more optimistic than RBI'

Rediff.com16 Jul 2015

'This is clearly a much stronger government, a much strong Prime Minister's Office and a much more disciplined approach. There is an improvement of the work culture in the government -- people don't play golf in the mornings anymore. There is a huge attempt going on to making business easier,' says Rakesh Mohan, executive director at the IMF.

Pranab calls for concerted fight against corruption

Pranab calls for concerted fight against corruption

Rediff.com29 Sep 2011

Recalling the steps taken by the government to deal with the issue, Mukherjee said, "Our efforts to tackle this menace have been increasing (and) we are committed to the goal of achieving zero tolerance against corruption."

Dialogue is the only way to resolve conflicts: PM

Dialogue is the only way to resolve conflicts: PM

Rediff.com5 Aug 2017

Modi said he is a 'product of the ancient Indian tradition that firmly believes in dialogue on difficult issues'.

Xi's 'strong' obsession reason for China's behaviour: Experts

Xi's 'strong' obsession reason for China's behaviour: Experts

Rediff.com23 Jul 2020

Experts said the tensions have added to a sense of apprehension in the United States, Europe and parts of Asia that China will engage in more aggressive behaviour in pursuit of its territorial interests, which in turn has raised the possibility of a serious and coordinated pushback by leading global players.

India, China to be engine of global growth: WEF

India, China to be engine of global growth: WEF

Rediff.com28 Jan 2010

India and China continued to grow at reasonable rates even when several developed countries witnessed economic contraction.

Sorry, folks, the Samosa Is Not Indian

Sorry, folks, the Samosa Is Not Indian

Rediff.com3 Dec 2021

Where paneer came to India from... How sambar got its name... Gulab jamun does not have Indian roots...

4 reasons why India said no to RCEP

4 reasons why India said no to RCEP

Rediff.com11 Nov 2019

'It seems a wiser decision to pull out at the right moment than regret after joining the pact,' explains Dr Rahul Mishra.

Sensex ends 174 points lower; Bajaj Finance cracks 5%

Sensex ends 174 points lower; Bajaj Finance cracks 5%

Rediff.com10 Jul 2019

The broader NSE Nifty ended 57 points, or 0.49 per cent, lower at 11,498.90 in its fourth straight day of losses.

SBI's digital transactions are as high as 67% now

SBI's digital transactions are as high as 67% now

Rediff.com19 Mar 2021

The country's largest lender State Bank of India has seen a perceptible increase in the number transactions happening at its multiple digital channels, with the percentage moving from 60 per cent in the pre-pandemic period to 67 per cent currently, chairman Dinesh Khara said. The rise in the number of digital transactions at the bank was largely driven by pick up in e-commerce during the pandemic-induced lockdown, which restricted movement, he said.

Mahatma Gandhi statue vandalised in US; India demands action

Mahatma Gandhi statue vandalised in US; India demands action

Rediff.com30 Jan 2021

The statue of Gandhi, which was donated by the Indian government to the city of Davis, was installed by the city council four years ago amidst protests from anti-Gandhi and anti-India organisations.

UK's car exports to India grow 11-fold, JLR tops list

UK's car exports to India grow 11-fold, JLR tops list

Rediff.com22 Mar 2017

Around 8 out of every 10 cars manufactured in the UK is now exported, bound for one of 160 markets worldwide

Migrant crisis greatest man-made tragedy in India since Partition: Guha

Migrant crisis greatest man-made tragedy in India since Partition: Guha

Rediff.com26 May 2020

Cautioning that there will be social and psychological consequences for the rest of the country too, Guha said the migrant tragedy could have been averted or at least minimised if Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given them a week's notice to return home before the lockdown kicked in.

Srinagar: Carpets laid for 1.6 km to host 'longest iftar party'

Srinagar: Carpets laid for 1.6 km to host 'longest iftar party'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2015

A group of young men claimed to have hosted Asia's longest iftaar spread at the banks of scenic Dal lake.

We were resolute and strong: Jaishankar on border issue

We were resolute and strong: Jaishankar on border issue

Rediff.com26 Feb 2021

Talking about dealing with the border issue faced by India, Jaishankar, without naming any country or going into details, said, "You know again we did what we had to do. There was a very active debate which still continues to this day. It is natural for people to offer advice, often on matters which they may not have particular knowledge of, that are a human trait. But again if there was what came through it was that we were resolute, we were strong about protecting our interests."