News for 'Economic and Political Weekly'

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.

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

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.

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?

Iran's Consul-General: 'We Hold The Upper Hand'

Iran's Consul-General: 'We Hold The Upper Hand'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

'Despite the large number of missiles and drones we have already launched, we still possess reserves and missile cities whose doors have not yet been opened,' says Iran's Consul-General Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

'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.'

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.

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.'

'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.'

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.'

'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.'

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.

'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'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.

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.

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.

Bihar's Populist Promises Clash With Fragile Economy

Bihar's Populist Promises Clash With Fragile Economy

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

A string of welfare schemes and promises tests the state's budget, which is already heavily dependent on central support and spends little as capital outlay.

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.

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.