News for 'Economic and Political Weekly'

Mamata Banerjee to Hold Dharna Against Electoral Roll Deletions

Mamata Banerjee to Hold Dharna Against Electoral Roll Deletions

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to hold a dharna in Kolkata against alleged arbitrary deletions in the state's electoral rolls, marking a return to her roots as a street fighter and signalling a key political battle ahead of Assembly elections.

Iran's War: 'Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Hunted By Foreign Powers And Internal Foes'

Iran's War: 'Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Hunted By Foreign Powers And Internal Foes'

Rediff.com3 days ago

'Mojtaba Khamenei supervised the most recent repression in December 2025 and January 2026 which remains ongoing.'

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Eighteen months of preparation hang in the balance at a Tucson-based multi-use sports facility, where organisers say they remain in daily contact with FIFA about hosting Iran's national soccer team, even as geopolitical turmoil threatens to upend their World Cup plans.

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Sensitive issues remain. Water sharing of the Ganga and Teesta rivers. Treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus. Border management. Trade imbalances. Connectivity projects.What happens next will shape not just bilateral ties, but the balance of South Asia itself, points out Ramesh Menon.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com4 days ago

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Why Regime Change Hasn't Happened In Iran

Why Regime Change Hasn't Happened In Iran

Rediff.com5 days ago

'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.'

Hormuz Crisis Threatens Global Economy

Hormuz Crisis Threatens Global Economy

Rediff.com3 days ago

When missiles fly in this region, they are never just aimed at military targets.

Just Who Is Allu Sirish's Bride Nayanika Reddy?

Just Who Is Allu Sirish's Bride Nayanika Reddy?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Telugu actor star Allu Sirish's wedding celebrations is on full swing in Hyderabad. His bride Nayanika Reddy is not from the film industry, so just who is she? Namrata Thakker finds out.

Iran renews threat to Gulf neighbours hours after 'apology'

Iran renews threat to Gulf neighbours hours after 'apology'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amidst ongoing conflict, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signals a potential de-escalation by apologising to neighbouring countries while firmly rejecting US President Donald Trump's demand for unconditional surrender.

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

China's latest defence budget surges to $275 billion, fueling its ambitious military modernisation program and intensifying geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com3 days ago

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Trump yet to decide as US mulls weekend strike on Iran

Trump yet to decide as US mulls weekend strike on Iran

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

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.com17 Feb 2026

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.

Will India Face Oil Shock from Iran Crisis?

Will India Face Oil Shock from Iran Crisis?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Will rising tensions between US-Israel and Iran threaten crude oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, putting India's fuel prices, imports, and economic stability at risk?

Ahead of Carney visit, Canada says India no longer linked to violent crimes

Ahead of Carney visit, Canada says India no longer linked to violent crimes

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The statement suggests that Canadian authorities do not see ongoing foreign interference or violent activity tied to India at present.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

'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.'

'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.'

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.

'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.