News for 'Department of South Asia Studies'

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

CALM-Brain: India's First Psychiatric Data Repository Launched

CALM-Brain: India's First Psychiatric Data Repository Launched

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

India has launched its first repository of data on major psychiatric disorders, CALM-Brain, in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to systematically document details of patients with mental illness to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Why Mass Fish Deaths In Najafgarh Drain Are A Concern

Why Mass Fish Deaths In Najafgarh Drain Are A Concern

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Thousands of dead fish have been found floating in the Najafgarh drain near the Dhansa regulator, raising concerns about pollution levels. Activists attribute the deaths to the inflow of untreated residential effluents and industrial wastes, exacerbated by rising temperatures.

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Rediff.com20 hours ago

'General Subramani's appointment as military adviser in the NSCS has given him insight into decision-making at the apex level prior to formally taking over as CDS.'

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.

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

China has welcomed the appointment of Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing optimism for improved Sino-India relations. Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat with experience in China, is expected to play a key role in managing complex bilateral issues and fostering cooperation.

Iran confirms killing of intelligence minister Khatib in Israeli strike

Iran confirms killing of intelligence minister Khatib in Israeli strike

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The West Asia conflict escalated sharply as Iran launched missiles towards Israel, while Tehran confirmed the killing of its intelligence minister in Israeli strikes, marking the third assassination of a senior Iranian official in two days.

'China Is Competing In A Space Where India Was Dominant'

'China Is Competing In A Space Where India Was Dominant'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'These efforts by Beijing can be weaponised one day with economic, security and political implications for India.'

The 25 Books Banned In Kashmir

The 25 Books Banned In Kashmir

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Bookstore owners were cautioned against keeping or distributing the books. Police personnel briefed the bookstore owners about the legal consequences of violating the ban.

'Munir's US Visits: Something Else Is Afoot'

'Munir's US Visits: Something Else Is Afoot'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'Trump has personally weighed in to overcome doubts and reservations about Pakistan among his top advisors.'

FULL TEXT of Trump's address on South Asia policy

FULL TEXT of Trump's address on South Asia policy

Rediff.com22 Aug 2017

'For its part, Pakistan often gives safe haven to agents of chaos, violence, and terror.'

'Have Modi And Trump Fallen Out?'

'Have Modi And Trump Fallen Out?'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'We should watch -- in the near term -- for signs that the two have totally fallen out at a personal, political level.' 'Trump and Modi know how to be dealmakers, but they also know how to hold a grudge.'

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'Every decision India makes along the LoC, it must also consider implications along the LAC.'

AdFalciVax Is India's Malaria Vaccine

AdFalciVax Is India's Malaria Vaccine

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'AdFalciVax may offer advantages such as broader protection and a lower risk of immune evasion compared to existing single-stage malaria vaccines.'

US Wants To Undermine India Militarily, Economically

US Wants To Undermine India Militarily, Economically

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

If the US' renewed closeness with Pakistan ends up strengthening Pakistan's military, it will clearly show that Washington no longer wants a strong India and could be ready to let China dominate Asia, notes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

'Drones And Missiles Can't Deliver A Decisive Military Victory'

'Drones And Missiles Can't Deliver A Decisive Military Victory'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'Unfortunately, India and Pakistan could learn a 'lesson' from this conflict that will make them more likely to use these weapons against each other in the future.' 'Rounds of missile and drone attacks could be more routine features of their hostility, just like artillery fire has become a familiar fact of life along the Line of Control.'

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, is facing deportation after US authorities accused him of "spreading Hamas propaganda" and having "close connections to a suspected terrorist." The Department of Homeland Security claims Suri has been actively promoting antisemitism on social media and is connected to a senior Hamas advisor. Suri's lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, argues that his client is being targeted due to his wife's Palestinian heritage and their opposition to US foreign policy towards Israel. The incident follows the self-deportation of another Indian student from Columbia University who was also accused of supporting Hamas.

34% Indians Face Job Stress; 49% Want To Change Jobs

34% Indians Face Job Stress; 49% Want To Change Jobs

Rediff.com5 May 2025

30% of Indian employees report experiencing daily stress in their workplace. This high stress level is compounded by anger, with 34% of Indian employees experiencing daily anger at work -- a figure significantly higher than many other countries.

Trump slaps 25% tariff on India from Aug 1

Trump slaps 25% tariff on India from Aug 1

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 per cent plus tariff on India from Aug 1. Trump, describing India as a "friend", said the US has done relatively "little business" with the country because of its high tariffs.

Why Are Indians Migrating Illegally To US?

Why Are Indians Migrating Illegally To US?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Many unauthorised migrants originate from Punjab and Gujarat, states known for high migration aspirations rather than political instability.

'India, China are locked in a boxing match'

'India, China are locked in a boxing match'

Rediff.com9 Jun 2023

'The 2017 Doklam stand-off in Bhutan, the 2018 Maldives crisis, and the 2020 Nepal Kalapani border dispute shows how Beijing has shot off these countries' shoulders to target India.'

Ramesh's apology understandable: Chinese analyst

Ramesh's apology understandable: Chinese analyst

Rediff.com12 May 2010

Amid a row over Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh's remark describing Home Ministry's approach towards Chinese investments in India as "alarmist", a top analyst in Beijing has said his "apology" was "understandable".

Chinese expert lauds Jairam Ramesh

Chinese expert lauds Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com12 May 2010

Amid a row over Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh's remark describing home ministry's approach towards Chinese investments in India as "alarmist", a top analyst in China has said his "apology" was "understandable".

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'By his words, actions, and body language during their joint press appearance wanted to convey his personal respect and, more broadly, his desire to work closely with India.'

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Whether it's navigating the labyrinthine Cu Chi Tunnels, boating on the Mekong, marveling at ancient Champa temples, or the Mekong Bay, Vietnam promises a journey like no other.

Delhi Police asks Uber to verify drivers before ride

Delhi Police asks Uber to verify drivers before ride

Rediff.com29 Nov 2022

The Delhi Police on Tuesday asked ride hailing firm Uber to verify past records of drivers before onboarding them and suggested that the company put a mechanism in the cab to check their alcohol consumption levels. While speaking at the safety feature launch event of Uber, Delhi Police additional commissioner Mahesh Chandra Bharadwaj said that drunken driving has been a major factor in case of rule violations. "If a driver is drunk then you should have some kind of mechanism to know that your driver is drunk. We test drunk and drive through the alcohol meter.

Decades of warnings preceded Sikkim disaster

Decades of warnings preceded Sikkim disaster

Rediff.com5 Oct 2023

A GLOF occurred in parts of Lhonak Lake, leading to a rapid rise in water levels with very high velocities downstream along the Teesta River Basin in the early hours of October 4. This resulted in severe damage in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi districts.

India Needs A National Security Strategy

India Needs A National Security Strategy

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

The National Security Strategy document should flag all major issues concerning security strategy and provide guidelines to concerned departments to work out suitable action plans. Since the global and regional geopolitical canvas is dynamic, the NSS document should be deliberated at length before formulation and should be reviewed periodically, recommends Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

US Hindu group files complaint against university over 'anti-Hindu' conference

US Hindu group files complaint against university over 'anti-Hindu' conference

Rediff.com7 Oct 2021

In a complaint to the Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Suzanne Goldberg and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement Randolph Wills, the Hindu American Foundation has asked the Office of Civil Rights to investigate and determine whether the University of Pennsylvania and its Department of South Asia Studies, South Asia Center created a hostile environment for students and faculty of Indian and Hindu descent, and whether the same entities and individuals misused any federal funds.

'China not too far ahead of India: LSE don

'China not too far ahead of India: LSE don

Rediff.com1 Apr 2005

Prof. John Harriss of the London School of Economics says the huge investments in China have been mostly done by overseas Chinese rather than by international companies.

Belgian teen youngest to fly solo around the world

Belgian teen youngest to fly solo around the world

Rediff.com25 Aug 2022

17-year-old Mack Rutherford landed at an airfield near the Bulgarian capital Sofia after flying 54,124 km (33,631 miles) and visiting more than 30 countries since he departed from the same site in his Shark Aero microlight airplane on March 23.

There Is More To India Than Delhi Or Gujarat!

There Is More To India Than Delhi Or Gujarat!

Rediff.com2 Jun 2022

The Modi government has to embrace the history of Tamil conquests in South East Asia and stop obsessing about Babar/Humayun, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

'BJP Has Several Big Ideas For 2024 Election'

'BJP Has Several Big Ideas For 2024 Election'

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

'The allegations of government involvement in targeted assassinations abroad are likely to help, not hurt, the ruling party.' 'True or false, they convey a sense of muscularity and, in some quarters, are celebrated as a harbinger of 'great power' status.'

Why we are poorer with Steve Cohen's passing

Why we are poorer with Steve Cohen's passing

Rediff.com4 Nov 2019

'Steve was the foremost strategic analyst on South Asia,' remembers Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Yamuna recedes but still flowing two metres above danger level

Yamuna recedes but still flowing two metres above danger level

Rediff.com15 Jul 2023

The situation could worsen if weather predictions of more rain in the capital and upper catchment areas come true.

Prescription from Pakistan: How one hospital is a model for Asia

Prescription from Pakistan: How one hospital is a model for Asia

Rediff.com24 Dec 2015

Pakistan's dismal public health system is rife with mismanagement and a paucity of resources. Amidst this shambolic system, one hospital in Karachi has been providing specialised healthcare to millions. Free of charge. As the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation celebrated 40 years of successful service, Dr Sanjay Nagral visited the facility and met the man who helms it, armed with the simple philosophy that 'No person should die only because they are unable to afford medical expenses.'

Pannun 'Plot': 'US and India have bent backward...'

Pannun 'Plot': 'US and India have bent backward...'

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

'...to prevent this episode from disrupting ongoing cooperation.' 'The discovery of this plot had the potential to derail much of what has been achieved in the relationship during this administration's tenure -- I don't think that fact has been sufficiently appreciated in India.'

'Red Austin knew more about the Constitution than most Indians'

'Red Austin knew more about the Constitution than most Indians'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2014

Friends and colleagues pay rich tributes to the "charming, approachable, and very accessible" Indian Constitution scholar Granville 'Red' Austin.

Pilot study in 3 UTs shows why cash in lieu of PDS won't work

Pilot study in 3 UTs shows why cash in lieu of PDS won't work

Rediff.com3 Feb 2017

The research found that 50% of the people were receiving either nothing or less cash than they were entitled in lieu of the subsidised grains that were stopped under the pilots starting from September 2015 till May 2016.