News for 'Economic and Political Weekly'

Trump yet to decide as US mulls weekend strike on Iran

Trump yet to decide as US mulls weekend strike on Iran

Rediff.com2 days ago

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that progress has been made in the Geneva talks with Iranian authorities, but the two nations stand 'far apart' on certain issues.

Tarique Rahman's remarkable turnaround from 17-year self-exile

Tarique Rahman's remarkable turnaround from 17-year self-exile

Rediff.com4 days ago

Tarique Rahman, after 17 years in self-exile, has led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to a significant victory, becoming the country's Prime Minister. This marks a major turnaround for the BNP after years of being targeted by the Awami League government.

India, US to sign interim trade deal in March: Goyal

India, US to sign interim trade deal in March: Goyal

Rediff.com1 days ago

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that an interim trade agreement between India and the US is likely to be signed in March and operationalised in April, with chief negotiators meeting in Washington to finalize the details.

Europe 'funding war against itself': Scott Bessent on India-EU FTA

Europe 'funding war against itself': Scott Bessent on India-EU FTA

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's remarks come ahead of a high-level summit where India and the European Union are expected to formally announce the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement.

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The threat of wars hovers over the negotiations in Oman, but the good part is that Trump called the talks to be 'very good' and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian responded that they 'constitute a step forward', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

China announces support for Iran amid Trump's warning

China announces support for Iran amid Trump's warning

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Lin Jian, said on Wednesday that China supports Iran in maintaining its stability, adding that Beijing has always opposed the interference in other countries' internal affairs and the use of force in international relations.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Domestic PMI data, US Federal Reserve meeting minutes and the progress on India-US trade deal negotiations are likely to influence movement in the equity market in the week ahead, according to analysts. Moreover, the trading activity of foreign investors would also influence the equity market trends.

Iran's supreme leader accepts thousands killed in unrest

Iran's supreme leader accepts thousands killed in unrest

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly acknowledged for the first time that thousands of people were killed during recent nationwide protests, marking an unusual admission from the clerical leadership amid a fierce crackdown that has drawn international attention, reports Fox News.

Iran moves UNSC after Trump's appeal to protesters

Iran moves UNSC after Trump's appeal to protesters

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Iran has formally appealed to the United Nations Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, accusing the United States of inciting violence, interfering in Iran's internal affairs, and threatening military action, according to an official letter circulated by Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN.

'Very difficult time': Indians return from Iran amid deadly protests

'Very difficult time': Indians return from Iran amid deadly protests

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Several Indians, including students, have arrived in Delhi from Iran amid widespread protests and a government crackdown. The Indian government has issued advisories urging citizens to leave Iran.

US, Israel mulling operation in Iran: Report

US, Israel mulling operation in Iran: Report

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

United States and Israeli officials are assessing potential policy options in response to ongoing unrest in Iran, according to multiple indications received by Israeli media reports The Jerusalem Post.

What Mr Modi is trying to do...: Rahul targets govt from Berlin

What Mr Modi is trying to do...: Rahul targets govt from Berlin

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

In an hour-long video released by the Congress on Monday, Gandhi said India's largest and complex democracy is a global asset, and the "assault" on the Indian democratic system is also an attack on the global democratic system.

Maduro's Link to Sathya Sai Baba...

Maduro's Link to Sathya Sai Baba...

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Long before he became Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro's life intersected with India in a profound personal way.

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India is evaluating its involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran due to potential US tariffs. The US had granted India a waiver for the project, but it expires soon. India is exploring options to continue supporting the port's development while minimizing exposure to US sanctions.

Venezuela issues Maduro-signed order to arrest US backers

Venezuela issues Maduro-signed order to arrest US backers

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Venezuelan government on Monday published a decree declaring a State of External Commotion, granting sweeping powers to the presidency and instructing security forces to detain 'any person involved in the promotion or support' of a United States attack against the South American country, CNN reported.

Iran's FM dials Jaishankar, both leaders discuss Tehran situation

Iran's FM dials Jaishankar, both leaders discuss Tehran situation

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Earlier in the day, the ministry of external affairs "strongly advised" Indians to avoid travel to Iran until further notice, amid rising tensions and protests in the Islamic Republic.

'Save Indian football...' Chhetri & Co appeal to FIFA

'Save Indian football...' Chhetri & Co appeal to FIFA

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Staring at a permanent paralysis: Indian footballers urge FIFA intervention on ISL

Mamdani's success story to inspire generations

Mamdani's success story to inspire generations

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Indian-descent democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as the Mayor of New York City, marking a new era for the city with a focus on affordability and working-class New Yorkers.

Amid India protests, Yunus govt takes responsibility of Dipu Das' family

Amid India protests, Yunus govt takes responsibility of Dipu Das' family

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Yunus's office, meanwhile, reconfirmed that financial and welfare assistance would be provided to Das' family, and relevant authorities would remain in close contact with them in the coming period.

Left parties: US attack on Venezuela 'act of international terrorism'

Left parties: US attack on Venezuela 'act of international terrorism'

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Left parties on Saturday denounced the United States for attacking Venezuela and capturing its President Nicholas Maduro, with Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary M A Baby terming the nighttime military action an 'act of international terrorism by US-led imperialism'.

India Still Features In Trump's Security Plan

India Still Features In Trump's Security Plan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The new US national security strategy signals a retreat from global dominance while reaffirming continuity in India's role in Indo-Pacific security and Quad cooperation, points out former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

'Yunus Government Has Given Space To Pakistanis'

'Yunus Government Has Given Space To Pakistanis'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'There is no substantive basis for Bangladesh-Pakistan relations. The only real link they can have is mischief, with Pakistan's intelligence agency using Bangladesh to create trouble along our eastern borders.'

'Sreenivasan Was A Genius Of Cinema'

'Sreenivasan Was A Genius Of Cinema'

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'There will be no Malayali who does not recall, at least once a day, what Sreenivasan wrote, spoke or showed on screen.'

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This will split the Marathi and Shiv Sena vote.' 'The BJP has conducted 3 surveys indicating they shall secure 109 seats in the BMC.' 'They do not wish for the Shinde Sena to demonstrate excessive strength in the BMC.' 'If the Thackerays secure 60-70 seats, that will affect Shinde's seats.'

India-US Trade Deal: ' Not Much To Negotiate'

India-US Trade Deal: ' Not Much To Negotiate'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

'There are very few issues and a political call needs to be taken about some of them.'

Was US India's Ally Or Foe In The 1962 War?

Was US India's Ally Or Foe In The 1962 War?

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

What appeared to be a generous act of friendship was, in truth, a manoeuvre within a much larger strategic game. The United States used the 1962 war not just to aid India but to test how far it could be pulled into the Western fold, points out Dr Kumar.

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

Why This Film Sentenced Its Director To Prison

Why This Film Sentenced Its Director To Prison

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'One's country is the best place to live, no matter what problems, what difficulties.' 'My country is where I can breathe, where I can find the reason to live, and where I can find the strength to create.'

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Putin's State visit will centre on fixing the huge India-Russia trade imbalance, with both sides pushing to lower duties, ease non-tariff barriers, and seal a landmark mobility pact to send more Indian workers to Russia.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Plans for big bang reforms in the GST regime by Diwali, the Putin-Trump summit and S&P upgrading India's sovereign credit rating are likely to instil optimism in the domestic equity market in the week ahead, analysts said. Besides, trends in global markets and the trading activity of foreign investors would also impact domestic investors' sentiment.

What Gave Birth To Maoists In Bastar

What Gave Birth To Maoists In Bastar

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Maoists in Bastar went from one village to another with kits providing badly needed medical intervention. The medical help was one key reason why the tribals were attracted to the Maoists, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The current situation in Kerala politics is perhaps best described as a case of the state's traditional two front politics now seeing a third front (the BJP) muscling in with the potential outcome being either a messy three front affair or a renewed endorsement of the two front pattern but with one of the old fronts compromised or quashed, observes Shyam G Menon.

Sugar industry relieved as Centre allows 1.5 mt import

Sugar industry relieved as Centre allows 1.5 mt import

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Amid the political push and pull, the Centre's decision to allow sugar exports and remove the 50 per cent duty on molasses exports has rekindled hope in the industry that more relief may follow.

'Peace Is Fragile, Remains Vulnerable To Provocations'

'Peace Is Fragile, Remains Vulnerable To Provocations'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

'You cannot 'clear' your way to peace.' 'You need intelligence, calibrated force, impartial law enforcement, political neutrality, humanitarian returns and a sustained reconciliation plan.'

'Hidma's Death Is Death Of Maoist Insurgency'

'Hidma's Death Is Death Of Maoist Insurgency'

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

'The (Maoist) organisation is in visible decline. Their senior leaders are ageing. Forest life is unforgiving -- older leaders simply cannot cope physically.' 'Earlier, they attracted educated youth from cities. That stream has dried up. Today's recruits largely come from poor village backgrounds and lack ideological depth.'

India's Russian oil import rebounds in Oct after dip in Q2

India's Russian oil import rebounds in Oct after dip in Q2

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

India's crude oil imports from Russia strengthened in the first half of October, reversing a three-month slide in arrivals seen during July-September as refineries were back on full stream to meet festive demand, according to ship tracking data.

From state lawmaker to mayor of America's largest city

From state lawmaker to mayor of America's largest city

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, of Indian descent, has won the New York City mayoral election, becoming the first Muslim, first Indian-origin, first African-born, and youngest mayor in over a century. His victory is seen as a significant moment for the city and the Indian-American community.

NIA nabs Delhi bomber's Kashmir aide linked to drone, rocket plot

NIA nabs Delhi bomber's Kashmir aide linked to drone, rocket plot

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The National Investigation Agency has arrested Jasir Bilal Wani in Srinagar, who was an "active co-conspirator" of suicide bomber Umar un Nabi, in connection with the car blast near the Red Fort last week that claimed 13 lives.

'We Forced NDA To Talk About Jobs'

'We Forced NDA To Talk About Jobs'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'When the BJP wanted the election to focus on 'ghuspathiya' and promises that look like pies in the sky, we forced them to talk about jobs, giving free 125 units of power, and addressing women's indebtedness.'

China's leadership meet to discuss graft in military, US tariff war

China's leadership meet to discuss graft in military, US tariff war

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

China's ruling Communist Party is holding its annual leadership conclave to discuss the new five-year plan, the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariff war, and the ongoing anti-corruption crackdown in the military.