News for 'Best of National Interest'

Gulf War: India Is In A Catch-22 Situation

Gulf War: India Is In A Catch-22 Situation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's handling of the Iran crisis reflects a growing strain between strategic autonomy and geopolitical alignment, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

US-Israel-Iran Conflict: 'India Is Too Late In...'

US-Israel-Iran Conflict: 'India Is Too Late In...'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'To suddenly give the impression of taking a position that is hostile to Iran, or, at least, not friendly to Iran, is not a good thing.'

All Eyes On Sunday's Clash, Not Thursday's Game

All Eyes On Sunday's Clash, Not Thursday's Game

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

In this rivalry, numbers fade and national pride takes centre stage.

T20 WC Final: India On Brink Of History As Plucky New Zealand Await

T20 WC Final: India On Brink Of History As Plucky New Zealand Await

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

India face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad as Suryakumar Yadav's side aim to become the first team to successfully defend the title.

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Taking Kharg would give the US control over virtually all of Iran's oil exports and thus provide significant leverage, notes Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War. It would also put American troops within range of Iran's remaining missiles, drones, and artillery on a piece of real estate that is just eight square miles in size, and just 15 miles from the Iranian mainland.

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.

T20 World Cup, India vs Netherlands: 'Bigger Than FIFA World Cup': Dutch Excited For India Clash

T20 World Cup, India vs Netherlands: 'Bigger Than FIFA World Cup': Dutch Excited For India Clash

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

The Netherlands cricket team is excited to play against India in their final T20 World Cup league fixture at the world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

A War Of Attrition Is The Last Thing Trump Expected

A War Of Attrition Is The Last Thing Trump Expected

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

As days turn into weeks and America loses more planes, as the destruction of trillions of dollars worth military assets piles up, and dead bodies of soldiers return in ever greater numbers in coffins, Trump will have to answer some very difficult questions to save his presidency, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Youth Cong AI protest ignites nationwide BJP-Congress street clashes

Youth Cong AI protest ignites nationwide BJP-Congress street clashes

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry and Prakasam in Andhra Pradesh also witnessed a tense atmosphere amid confrontation between the party workers.

India denies links to transnational violence in Canada amid Nijjar case

India denies links to transnational violence in Canada amid Nijjar case

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

India has categorically rejected allegations of its involvement in transnational violence or organised crime in Canada, following a media report linking Indian officials to the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The 10 Best Indian Films Of 2025

The 10 Best Indian Films Of 2025

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Aseem Chhabra ranks the Best of 2025's films that released in theatres, or went directly to OTT platforms.

T20 World Cup Final: 5 Match Ups To Watch Out For

T20 World Cup Final: 5 Match Ups To Watch Out For

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

A preview of the key player battles that could determine the outcome of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand, highlighting individual matchups and their potential impact on the game.

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.

'Iranian Ship Was A Sitting Duck'

'Iranian Ship Was A Sitting Duck'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Torpedoes travel at more than 100 kilometres per hour, about 50-60 knots.' 'It must have been a matter of a few minutes before it detonated under the Iranian ship.' 'The Iranian ship would have probably got three, four minutes and wouldn't have known till they actually heard the whirr of the torpedo.'

T20 WC Semi-final: India Eye Complete Game as England Loom

T20 WC Semi-final: India Eye Complete Game as England Loom

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

India face a tough spin challenge from England in the T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium, as both teams aim for a perfect game in the high-pressure knockout.

T20 World Cup: How India-Pakistan Game Was Saved

T20 World Cup: How India-Pakistan Game Was Saved

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Pakistan have agreed to play India in the T20 World Cup match in Sri Lanka after diplomatic outreach and ICC-led talks ended the boycott standoff.

Step Inside Keerthy Suresh's Beautiful Home

Step Inside Keerthy Suresh's Beautiful Home

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Keerthy Suresh and Anthony Thattil share a lovely home in beautiful Kochi.

India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20, Guwahati: Abhishek Sharma Continues To Blaze New Records

India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20, Guwahati: Abhishek Sharma Continues To Blaze New Records

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Abhishek Sharma blasted a half-century from 14 balls -- the second fastest by an Indian batter in T20 Internationals.

Not concerned about rupee at all: Sanjeev Sanyal

Not concerned about rupee at all: Sanjeev Sanyal

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) member Sanjeev Sanyal on Thursday said he is not concerned about the rupee at all, arguing that even China and Japan witnessed exchange rate weaknesses during their high growth phases.

Why Regime Change Hasn't Happened In Iran

Why Regime Change Hasn't Happened In Iran

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Without ground troops the US will not be able to oust the Iranian Islamic regime. Political change does not happen just by using bombs or planes.'

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The people of Bangladesh have voted for a party that represents political interest.'
'It is a pro-Liberation party and it believes in the spirit of 1971, as opposed to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the Liberation struggle of Bangladesh in 1971.'

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Even if it is defeated and the Speaker remains, the Opposition parties that have lost faith in his impartiality will continue to have that feeling.' 'If the Speaker reflects on this and tries to be more neutral, more impartial, more objective in his conduct -- then one can say the resolution had a salutary effect. That would be the best outcome.'

Morkel Vs Morkel: Brothers In Rival Dugouts At T20 WC

Morkel Vs Morkel: Brothers In Rival Dugouts At T20 WC

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Albie and Morne Morkel find themselves in rival dugouts as South Africa face India in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash.

Sunil Chhetri-led Bengaluru FC players agree to pay cuts for ISL

Sunil Chhetri-led Bengaluru FC players agree to pay cuts for ISL

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Bengaluru FC players, including India legend Sunil Chhetri, have accepted pay cut for the truncated Indian Super League season, starting on February 14.

Unity first: Marijne's discipline reset for hockey team

Unity first: Marijne's discipline reset for hockey team

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Back as chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team after a four-year hiatus, Sjoerd Marijne is focussed on bringing back unity, discipline and culture in the side, with eyes firmly set on creating a group to qualify for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

'Bangladesh Remains Quiet On China's Influence'

'Bangladesh Remains Quiet On China's Influence'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'The BNP's election manifesto lists grievances against India, mirroring the attitude of past BNP governments.' 'Political parties have been careful not to say bad things about China.'

Palki Sharma Steps Down as managing editor of Firstpost

Palki Sharma Steps Down as managing editor of Firstpost

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Senior journalist Palki Sharma has stepped down as managing editor of Firstpost. Here's what we know about her exit.

'Indian agent' tag on Tamim divides Bangladesh cricket

'Indian agent' tag on Tamim divides Bangladesh cricket

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

A senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official has found himself at the centre of a major controversy after branding former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal an 'Indian agent', triggering widespread backlash across the country's cricketing fraternity.

ICC not to sanction Bangladesh for refusal to play T20 World Cup in India

ICC not to sanction Bangladesh for refusal to play T20 World Cup in India

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The International Cricket Council on Monday said it would not be imposing any penalty on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for refusing to play its T20 World Cup matches in India.

Rajnath calls Coast Guard a 'wall of trust' after Operation Sindoor

Rajnath calls Coast Guard a 'wall of trust' after Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Coast Guard's role during Operation Sindoor and highlighted its importance in national security on the occasion of its 50th Raising Day.

Abuse of H-1B programme national security threat: Trump

Abuse of H-1B programme national security threat: Trump

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation restricting entry of certain non-immigrant workers and imposing a USD 100,000 fee on H-1B visas, citing abuse of the program and national security concerns.

Punjab AAP leader Lucky Oberoi shot 8-10 times in his car, dies

Punjab AAP leader Lucky Oberoi shot 8-10 times in his car, dies

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The incident took place in the morning, a senior police official from Jalandhar said over the phone.

How Ikkis Reimagines The War Hero

How Ikkis Reimagines The War Hero

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

How Ikkis Reimagines The War Hero

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar's most dangerous idea is that Director Aditya Dhar envisions an Indian state run by a deep state -- an intelligence machinery not accountable to Parliament, courts, or voters. A future political system where unelected officials decide when Indian democracy is 'fit' to function, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Lancet Flags HbA1c Unreliability In Indians

Lancet Flags HbA1c Unreliability In Indians

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Lancet study revealed that the HbA1c test is erroneous in populations with anemia and other hemoglobin-related deficiencies in India.

India Boycott Could Hurt Bangladesh: Tamim Warns BCB

India Boycott Could Hurt Bangladesh: Tamim Warns BCB

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal has urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board to avoid being driven by "public emotion" while deciding the national team's participation in next month's T20 World Cup.

T20 World Cup: 31 wins and counting: Gambhir-SKY masterplan revealed

T20 World Cup: 31 wins and counting: Gambhir-SKY masterplan revealed

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

As India start their T20 World Cup title defence in less than 72 hours, one is tempted to look at Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir's working relationship which has been fantastic, at least so going by the results -- a whopping 31 wins in 39 games with a winning percentage of 79.48.

Najmul sacked as players' revolt puts BPL in limbo

Najmul sacked as players' revolt puts BPL in limbo

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

BCB removes its director Najmul Islam from key post after players revolt

Gandhi Talks Review: Underwhelming

Gandhi Talks Review: Underwhelming

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The fact that a major studio put out a silent film starring some of the biggest names in the industry in these concerning times for the film business is the one big takeaway from Gandhi Talks, notes Arjun Menon.