News for 'COLUMN'

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! :)

Meghalaya Curfew Eased Amid Garo Hills Election Unrest

Meghalaya Curfew Eased Amid Garo Hills Election Unrest

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Curfew imposed in Meghalaya's East and West Garo Hills districts has been relaxed to allow residents to procure essential items following violence related to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The big question is whether Trump is any longer in command of the situation. For all practical purposes, the war seems set to cascade as the US is preparing for a potential ground operation in Iran and threatens to destroy 'bridges next, then electric power plants', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- who died last week; his passing did not merit even an obituary in major print or electronic media in Pakistan! -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

It may now be time to question the price India is paying for Israel's disregard of the serious undermining of India's energy security, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

West Asia War Clouds RBI Outlook

West Asia War Clouds RBI Outlook

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Markets will look for clear guidance on how the MPC interprets the uncertainty and what it implies for the future course of monetary policy, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Hormuz Tensions Put India At Heart Of US Strategy

Hormuz Tensions Put India At Heart Of US Strategy

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Delhi should keep all its options open in what is essentially a transitional period in the geopolitics of energy rather than remain a gatekeeper serving Trump's 'America First', suggests Ambasssador M K Bhadrakumar.

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively pushing Trump to take the war to its bitter finish and 'erase' Iran's presence in the geopolitics of the region. Simply put, the two most powerful Sunni Arab oligarchies are on the same page as Israel. Such interference increases the risk of a breakdown in dialogue between the US and Iran, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

India's Global Image Crumbles At Trump's One Poke

India's Global Image Crumbles At Trump's One Poke

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

We know in our heart that speaking the truth on this stupid Iran war will anger Trump and so we look the other way because if we look him in the eye the bully will straighten us out, asserts Aakar Patel.

World Sleep Day: 5 Relaxing Asanas For Good Sleep

World Sleep Day: 5 Relaxing Asanas For Good Sleep

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

On World Sleep Day, Sailendra Raane, yoga expert and founder of Mahati Wellness, explains how yoga and small lifestyle fixes can help you lay the groundwork for a good night's sleep.

Gas Cylinder For Rs 10,000. Are You Joking?

Gas Cylinder For Rs 10,000. Are You Joking?

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

A disruption in the supply of LPG cylinders caused by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz is impacting Indian kitchens, leading to restaurant closures, price hikes and a surge in demand for electric cooktops.

Will Iran Have The Last Laugh In The Gulf War?

Will Iran Have The Last Laugh In The Gulf War?

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

16 days into the war, US forces were already running out of ground-attack missiles and Israel is about to expend its entire Arrow interceptor missiles by end March. To be sure, the Iranians are watching closely and that explains their defiant stance that 'Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its conditions are met', notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'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.'

Gulf War: Energy Shock Pushes India Towards Atmanirbharta

Gulf War: Energy Shock Pushes India Towards Atmanirbharta

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

We cannot simply have a 60-65 per cent import dependency in LPG, the bulk of which comes from just one volatile region -- West Asia, points out R Jagannathan.

Dhurandhar The Revenge Is Angrier, Bloodier, Messier

Dhurandhar The Revenge Is Angrier, Bloodier, Messier

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Despite all the bumps along the way, the finale of Dhurandhar The Revenge lands perfectly, giving the protagonist and the story a sense of closure. In the current landscape of stretching the narrative for blockbuster appeal, Aditya Dhar wisely opts for a proper ending. And that deserves respect, applauds Mayur Sanap.

Unscramble Kiara In The Toxic Jigsaw Puzzle

Unscramble Kiara In The Toxic Jigsaw Puzzle

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Here's your picture puzzle -- a fun way to test your memory!

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

On the 95th anniversary of Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, Utkarsh Mishra revisits the ideas and philosophy of the revolutionary giant.

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.

Neither Israel Nor Iran Wants A Quick End To The War

Neither Israel Nor Iran Wants A Quick End To The War

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Israel wishes to continue its bombing campaign until Iran's military and industrial infrastructure are degraded to a point where it ceases to pose a threat to Israel. Iran, for its part, has learnt from its experience in the 12-day war of last June. Any ceasefire, it believes, will only be a prelude to another attack on itself. It is determined to convey that any attack on Iran will impose heavy costs on Israel, the US, America's allies in the Gulf -- and on the world at large, points out T T Ram Mohan.

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.

Solve The Raja Saab Jigsaw Puzzle!

Solve The Raja Saab Jigsaw Puzzle!

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Solve this fun jigsaw puzzle, taken from a memorable scene in the film.

'War Is Brutal. At Sea, Even More Brutal'

'War Is Brutal. At Sea, Even More Brutal'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'India was not obliged to protect the Iranian ship.' 'Once the Iranian ship left Indian waters, she was on her own.' 'Guilt tripping India is wrong.'

Jitesh Sharma reveals how RCB belief transformed his career

Jitesh Sharma reveals how RCB belief transformed his career

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma discusses his journey in cricket, from aspiring to join the Air Force to becoming an IPL finisher, crediting mentors and the RCB franchise for his development.

India Is In The Doghouse At The Moment

India Is In The Doghouse At The Moment

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

There is record underperformance and under-ownership. Some of this is cyclical and will turn on its own. However, we also need to regain our growth credentials. For this, both the government and companies have a role to play, as do investors, points out Akash Prakash.

War Reveals Brutal Math Of Cheap Drones Vs Missiles

War Reveals Brutal Math Of Cheap Drones Vs Missiles

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The modern war is about quality over quantity, points out Mihir S Sharma.

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

If the Iranian regime needs to be punished for promoting quasi-terrorist outfits like Hezbollah and Hamas, then what about Pakistan which has spent decades exporting terror around the world, killing thousands, particularly in Afghanistan and India? asks M R Narayan Swamy.

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.

The Year Of Michael B Jordan

The Year Of Michael B Jordan

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

An awards season full of twists, upsets, and shifting narratives culminated in a night that defied early predictions. The Best Actor race delivered the biggest surprise, as momentum, controversy, and changing perceptions reshaped the field.

T20 World Cup: Ngidi reveals how IPL shaped his deadly slower ball

T20 World Cup: Ngidi reveals how IPL shaped his deadly slower ball

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

South African bowler Lungi Ngidi attributes his T20 bowling evolution to his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he honed his slower ball variations.

Stalin Sitting Pretty In Tamil Nadu, But...

Stalin Sitting Pretty In Tamil Nadu, But...

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Tamil Nadu will elect a new government on April 23.
Will the DMK retain power? Can the AIADMK spring a surprise? And what about Vijay's TVK? A Ganesh Nadar surveys the election landscape a day after the Election Commission announced the poll schedule.

Solve the Ikkis Jigsaw Puzzle

Solve the Ikkis Jigsaw Puzzle

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Here's your picture puzzle -- a fun way to test your memory!

Can Any Writer Capture a City Like Sankar Did?

Can Any Writer Capture a City Like Sankar Did?

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

'The city was not only a setting but also a major character in Sankar's stories, providing the readers insight into the ever-changing and complex nature of Calcutta,' observes Atanu Biswas.

What Can We Do To Minimise The LPG Misery?

What Can We Do To Minimise The LPG Misery?

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Let us start with ourselves. If we can reduce our LPG consumption by half, the problem is solved. Reduce wastage. Alter eating styles. Diversify methods of food preparation, suggests Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

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.

The Investor Trap Called Confirmation Bias

The Investor Trap Called Confirmation Bias

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'It is not a modern flaw created by markets or media, but a deep-seated human trait with evolutionary roots,' explains Harsh Roongta.

The Investor Trap Called Confirmation Bias

The Investor Trap Called Confirmation Bias

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'It is not a modern flaw created by markets or media, but a deep-seated human trait with evolutionary roots,' explains Harsh Roongta.

US Sinking IRIS Dena Doesn't Embarrass India

US Sinking IRIS Dena Doesn't Embarrass India

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The US torpedo attack on the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in international waters was a lawful act of war between belligerents, not a diplomatic or strategic embarrassment for India, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

T20 World Cup: Markram delighted as SA crush Canada

T20 World Cup: Markram delighted as SA crush Canada

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

South Africa captain Aiden Markram said his side clicked in all three departments of the game in their comfortable 57-run win over Canada in their opening Group D match of the T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad on Monday.

Lakshmi, Durga And The Quiet Irony of Women's Day

Lakshmi, Durga And The Quiet Irony of Women's Day

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Indian civilisation has long imagined wealth and power as feminine forces. And yet, when these qualities appear in real women, admiration sometimes gives way to discomfort, observes Vatsal Ramaiya.