News for 'COLUMN'

Unscramble The Peddi Jigsaw Puzzle

Unscramble The Peddi Jigsaw Puzzle

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, is a Telugu-language sports action drama, written and directed by Buchi Babu Sana.

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The US blockade on Iranian ports is aimed to curb Iranian energy exports, thereby crippling its economy to force Iran back to the negotiating table, points out Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

IPL 2026: KKR's Million-Dollar Problem

IPL 2026: KKR's Million-Dollar Problem

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2026 campaign is faltering due to constant tactical changes, lack of role clarity, and underperforming stars, leaving them winless after five games.

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

If Trump wants peace with Iran, Pakistan will offer to help. If Trump seeks Pakistan's aid to spy on Iran, then too Munir will not hesitate to chip in. At the same time, the ISI will not hesitate to tip off Iran now and then, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

'World Is Out There To Stop Us From Saying What We Want To Say'

'World Is Out There To Stop Us From Saying What We Want To Say'

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

'The people who are outraging, they don't have any substantial argument. They are enraging over manufactured memes and manufactured figures.'

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-2027 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Iran: Why Trump Must Take A Leap Of Faith

Iran: Why Trump Must Take A Leap Of Faith

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

There are enough people at the top decision-making level in Tehran who are still willing to negotiate, provided Trump can create the right setting for the negotiation to acquire a dynamic of its own, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

Jigsaw Puzzle: Unscramble Akshay's Bhoot Bangla

Jigsaw Puzzle: Unscramble Akshay's Bhoot Bangla

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Before you watch Bhooth Bangla on the big screen on April 10, unscramble this puzzle.

Has Baazigar Modi Fired His Best Shot?

Has Baazigar Modi Fired His Best Shot?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

What is missing in the BJP's armour is dominance over 50 percent of the electorate: Women. And this is a gamble Modi-Shah have indicated that they are willing to take, explains Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Kerala Elections: 'Some CPM Leaders Are Islamophobic'

Kerala Elections: 'Some CPM Leaders Are Islamophobic'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'The BJP and its allies can decide the fate of many candidates.'

Trump, Iran Inch Closer And Closer To A Deal

Trump, Iran Inch Closer And Closer To A Deal

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trump has said he would be present at the signing ceremony in Islamabad. Don't be surprised if the Pakistani hosts make it a grand event in the geopolitics of the region. Trump would love that, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Jigsaw Puzzle: Unscramble Salman, Chitrangada

Jigsaw Puzzle: Unscramble Salman, Chitrangada

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Before you watch the war drama Battle of Galwan on the big screen on April 17, unscramble this puzzle.

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Is Bhutan merely experimenting with digital finance -- or is the Himalayan kingdom punching far above its weight, quietly playing one of the most sophisticated strategic games in Asia today? asks Varun Arya.

India Missed Diplomatic Edge Against Pakistan

India Missed Diplomatic Edge Against Pakistan

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Iran was the chance to arrange a concert of nations, to actually be a Vishwaguru. Instead, we are watching from the sidelines as Pakistan, the same country that is apparently still at war with Afghanistan, hosts talks between US-Israel and Iran. The irony is hard to miss, points out Amberish K Diwanji.

Will Trump Attack Yemen Next To Secure Oil Route?

Will Trump Attack Yemen Next To Secure Oil Route?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Americans can occupy Bab el Mandeb, claim to have 'solved' the Strait of Hormuz crisis, declare victory that President Trump so desperately needs, points out Colonel Anil A Athale, former head of the history division, ministry of defence.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

One of the most uncivilised characteristics of this war has been the total disregard for international law and the laws of armed conflict, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Chaffing under public ridicule in the US as well as internationally for having 'lost' the war, Trump is under immense pressure to do something, cautions Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why I Want Iran To Win

Why I Want Iran To Win

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

For that to happen America does not have to lose. It only has to do the right thing, asserts Aakar Patel.

'Call Me': Lalit Modi Slams SRH Over Pakistan Signing

'Call Me': Lalit Modi Slams SRH Over Pakistan Signing

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The signing of Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed by Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred auction has ignited controversy, drawing criticism from figures like Lalit Modi and Sunil Gavaskar due to the historical exclusion of Pakistani players from the IPL and concerns over financial contributions to Pakistan.

Falling Markets: Panic Or Perfect Time To Invest?

Falling Markets: Panic Or Perfect Time To Invest?

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Do not get trapped in the fear-and-greed cycle. Let time and discipline do the heavy lifting, points out Harsh Roongta.

Gulf War: Bombing Won't Make Iran Surrender

Gulf War: Bombing Won't Make Iran Surrender

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

It is time for India to step up and get Russia, China and Europe to agree to a joint appeal to all combatants. Time is of essence, tomorrow may be too late, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale, former head of the history division, ministry of defence.

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.

Oscars 2026: Desi Designers Who Took Over The Red Carpet

Oscars 2026: Desi Designers Who Took Over The Red Carpet

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Indian craftsmanship had a strong showing at the 2026 Oscars red carpet, with global celebrities turning to homegrown designers and jewellery houses for couture gowns, zardozi embroidery, and heritage gemstones.

Is cricket moving beyond India? ICC CEO says ...

Is cricket moving beyond India? ICC CEO says ...

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta discusses the globalisation of cricket, highlighting India's crucial role and the impressive performances of Associate nations in the T20 World Cup.

Unscramble Priyanka Chopra In This Jigsaw Puzzle

Unscramble Priyanka Chopra In This Jigsaw Puzzle

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

While Priyanka Chopra indulges in a fair share of action in her upcoming film, The Bluff, you get to piece her together!

Iran War: Truce Is A Bitter Pill For Trump To Swallow

Iran War: Truce Is A Bitter Pill For Trump To Swallow

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The logic of war plus the gathering storms in US politics as the midterms loom large leave him with no real alternative but to negotiate, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

The Drama Asks A Brutal Question About Love

The Drama Asks A Brutal Question About Love

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Drama delves into the unsettling complexities of relationships, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about love, observes Rishika Shah.

How Small Parties Could Swing Puducherry Election Results

How Small Parties Could Swing Puducherry Election Results

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Small parties have the capacity to play both ends against the middle. Puducherry could be heading that way, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Nobody takes Pakistan seriously and therefore Pakistan's sudden mediating with almost immediate results of a ceasefire seems more contrived than real, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Dhurandhar: Storytelling In The Age Of Restless Viewers

Dhurandhar: Storytelling In The Age Of Restless Viewers

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

If the stories are food for the mind then our digestive system has changed. If they are a piece of art, our gaze has altered. This calls for a change not in stories, but in the grammar of storytelling so that it can cut through the deluge and gluttony and force people to savour, appreciate and re-visit it. That is what the creators of Taskaree or Dhurandhar are trying, points out Vanita Kohli-Khandekar.

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

To be sure, Trump is furious, as the trajectory of the war is in a state of Zugzwang, as chess players call it. Trump and Netanyahu stare at two choices -- retreat in humiliation and concede Tehran's demands -- recognition of its rights, reparations, and binding security guarantees -- or perish in a quagmire, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Far from it; the country's resistance to the US, its nuclear ambitions, and its pursuit of influence and proxies across the Middle East are driven by a constant search for independence and security. Thus, Iran will never capitulate. Trump will learn this home truth ultimately, and it is going to be a humbling personal experience that may even destroy his presidency, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Is Winning A Tournament More Important Than Indian Lives?'

'Is Winning A Tournament More Important Than Indian Lives?'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Whether it is an Indian entity or an overseas subsidiary of the entity that is making the payment, if the owner is Indian, then he or she is contributing to the Indian casualties.'

Curfew imposed in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills after poll violence

Curfew imposed in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills after poll violence

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Curfew has been imposed in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills district as a precautionary measure following violent protests and police firing in the neighbouring West Garo Hills district during district council elections.

US Eyes Iran Assault: High Risks Ahead

US Eyes Iran Assault: High Risks Ahead

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Although extensive air attacks have been carried out to destroy most of Iran's defence capabilities, the latter's resilience and sustenance during the war clearly indicate that the US landing force would encounter severe resistance in the operation, explains Commodore Venugopal Vengalil (retd).

Solve The Jana Nayagan Jigsaw Puzzle

Solve The Jana Nayagan Jigsaw Puzzle

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Vijay's Jana Nayagan has not got the clearance to release in theatres yet. But you can still enjoy a, well, jigsaw 'piece' of it! :)