News for 'II -'

India enters elite group with Star Wars-style laser weapon for drones

India enters elite group with Star Wars-style laser weapon for drones

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Success has put India in the exclusive and limited club of nations that possess the high-power Laser-DEW.

Israel launches airstrikes on Iran, targets nuclear facilities

Israel launches airstrikes on Iran, targets nuclear facilities

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israel launched airstrikes early Friday targeting key nuclear facilities in and around Iran's capital Tehran.

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

...the DMK chief minister's campaign -- which includes criticism of the BJP's 'pro-Hindutva, anti-Tamil, anti-federal' policies and building on his own government's social welfare programmes targeting especially women and youth -- appeals to Tamil Nadu's voters in next year's assembly election, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

'In a one-on-one with F-22 it will be tough for Rafale'

'In a one-on-one with F-22 it will be tough for Rafale'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

'We will see whether there were losses or not, and whether the war aims were achieved. When the truth comes out, some may well be surprised,' says Dassault CEO.

Pak put in abeyance goodwill and friendship: India on Indus water treaty

Pak put in abeyance goodwill and friendship: India on Indus water treaty

Rediff.com24 May 2025

The MEA said that Pakistan had been stonewalling India's requests for a government-to-government negotiation over the treaty due to changes in the ground situation since it was signed.

Kashmir 'invasion' was made into dispute: Jaishankar bats for fair UN

Kashmir 'invasion' was made into dispute: Jaishankar bats for fair UN

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The external affairs minister said global norms and rules must be applied uniformly.

Putin declares three-day ceasefire in Ukraine

Putin declares three-day ceasefire in Ukraine

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting from midnight of May 7-8 to mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II. Putin urged the Kiev regime to follow suit, stating that the ceasefire will be in effect until midnight of May 10-11. Russia also reiterated its readiness for peace talks without preconditions and called for constructive interaction with international partners. The announcement comes as Russia prepares for its Victory Day celebrations on May 9, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

When The Nazis Surrendered...

When The Nazis Surrendered...

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Victory in Europe Day is celebrated on May 8 each year to mark the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces in World War II in 1945.

History In 2 Minutes: Russia's V-Day

History In 2 Minutes: Russia's V-Day

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Victory Day marks the end of World War II when the Soviet Army defeated Nazi Germany and captured Berlin.

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox.' 'Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Ex-CJI Khehar, dancer Shobana among 68 conferred Padma awards

Ex-CJI Khehar, dancer Shobana among 68 conferred Padma awards

Rediff.com27 May 2025

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the coveted Padma awards on 68 eminent personalities, including former Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar, dancer Shobana Chandrakumar, actor Anant Nag, and Vice Chancellor of King George's Medical University Soniya Nityanand. The awards were given in various disciplines and fields, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The Padma Vibhushan was awarded to Justice (retd) Khehar for public affairs, while nine individuals received the Padma Bhushan. The Padma Shri was awarded to leading immunologist and KGMU VC Nityanand, footballer Inivalappil Mani Vijayan, singer Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, actor Ashok Laxman Saraf, mask maker Reba Kanta Mahanta, and musician Ricky Gyan Kej, among others.

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

'Indian Cricket Changed My Life'

'Indian Cricket Changed My Life'

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'I have a deep affection for Indian cricket. If someone asked me to come back, I wouldn't say no.'

Public-promoter confusion deepens with switches across companies

Public-promoter confusion deepens with switches across companies

Rediff.com24 May 2025

There have been multiple instances of the same entity appearing as both a public shareholder as well as under the promoter classification in some listed companies. And this dual-classification happened in the same quarter, according to data compiled by primedatabase.com.

On Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Telangana implements SC categorisation

On Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Telangana implements SC categorisation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Telangana government has become the first state in India to implement Scheduled Castes (SC) categorisation, dividing the 59 SC communities into three groups with varying reservation quotas. The decision was made after a commission headed by retired High Court judge Justice Shameem Akther recommended the categorisation. The implementation of SC categorisation in Telangana coincides with the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, architect of the Indian Constitution.

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Kamal has a crisp pen when it comes to writing short and yet powerful film dialogues. But while speaking ex tempore -- and that has been his style -- he looks every bit a confused man, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

He should be king, not field marshal: Imran mocks Gen Munir; calls for talks

He should be king, not field marshal: Imran mocks Gen Munir; calls for talks

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for a dialogue with the military establishment, saying the country is currently governed by "jungle law." Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023, also said that rumors of a deal being made with him are entirely false. He criticized the government's handling of the economy, terrorism, and India's alleged attacks, and warned that Pakistan's moral and constitutional framework has been destroyed.

Boardroom gaps: Public-sector undertakings' governance under lens

Boardroom gaps: Public-sector undertakings' governance under lens

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Stock exchanges' levy of penalties, ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 12 lakh, on public-sector undertakings (PSUs) for lapses in board composition for the 2024-25 October-December quarter has brought forth issues of governance. Last month, 16 PSUs requested bourses to waive these penalties, arguing that these lapses were neither due to negligence nor within their control, as the appointment of directors is managed by the government.

'We Want World-Class Innovation, But...'

'We Want World-Class Innovation, But...'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

'...hesitate to support the risk-taking it requires.'

What China said after India's strike on terror camps in Pak

What China said after India's strike on terror camps in Pak

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Since the Pahalgam terrorist attack, China, Pakistan's "ironclad ally", while condemning it, has called for restraint, besides a fair and swift investigation into the attack.

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'What does Indira Gandhi want from me? At this age, what will I do to her?'

Life insurers ramp up presence in Tier-II, Tier-III cities

Life insurers ramp up presence in Tier-II, Tier-III cities

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

The overall physical presence of life insurance companies in Tier-II and Tier-III cities increased in FY23 compared to a year ago period on account of the higher impetus given to financial inclusion by the government and insurance regulator, as well as recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the latest data released by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai). It is the first time that there has been growth in the number of offices since the financial year 2019-20.

New e-Zero FIR to speed up cyber crime crackdown: Amit Shah

New e-Zero FIR to speed up cyber crime crackdown: Amit Shah

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Started as a pilot project for Delhi, the new system will automatically convert into FIRs cyber financial crimes filed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and helpline number 1930, initially above the threshold limit of Rs 10 lakh, he said.

'Whole World Is Under A Cloud Of Uncertainty'

'Whole World Is Under A Cloud Of Uncertainty'

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The CII Business Summit 2025's inaugural session witnessed a rousing standing ovation and a felicitation ceremony for the defence top brass sending a strong message about India's rising military industrial complex and hghlghting that security is a top-of-the-mind issue for India Inc.

Iran Attack: Netanyahu Gambles Big

Iran Attack: Netanyahu Gambles Big

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Israel's aerial assault on Iran is widely viewed as an act of naked aggression with no basis in international law, carried out unilaterally despite US opposition and aimed at derailing ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'We Will Make Kunal Kamra Regret His Words'

'We Will Make Kunal Kamra Regret His Words'

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

'We don't believe in violence. Shiv Sena doesn't believe in violence. But...'

How Tamil Nadu Is Becoming A Global Hub

How Tamil Nadu Is Becoming A Global Hub

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

After Chennai, it is Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli, that are emerging as manufacturing hubs. Coimbatore is India's top Tier-II city in terms of the number of GCCs, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

WC Qualifiers: Aus seal spot; Uruguay close in

WC Qualifiers: Aus seal spot; Uruguay close in

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Saudi Arabia took third place in Group C and will feature in a fourth phase of qualifiers in October alongside Indonesia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Oman.

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Census exercise with caste enumeration will be carried out with the reference date of October 1, 2026, in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and of March 1, 2027, in the rest of the country, the Home Ministry announced on Wednesday.

Govt revokes nod for Turkish firm Celebi's airport services; DIAL ends ties

Govt revokes nod for Turkish firm Celebi's airport services; DIAL ends ties

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Turkiye and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned India's recent strikes on terror camps in that country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.

Bangladeshi man's links to Nagpur violence being probed

Bangladeshi man's links to Nagpur violence being probed

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

A Bangladeshi national, Azizul Nizanul Rahman, was arrested in Mumbai for staying illegally in India. Police are investigating if he was involved in the March 17 violence in Nagpur. Rahman, a daily wage labourer, admitted to obtaining an Aadhaar card using forged documents. Police are analyzing his mobile phone location and have shared information with Nagpur authorities.

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Rediff.com22 May 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has underscored the importance of not equating the victims and perpetrators of terror attacks, highlighting the need for global unity in combating terrorism. Speaking at Raisina Tokyo 2025, Misri expressed appreciation for Japan's support following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He also cautioned against the trend of some Western countries hyphenating India and Pakistan in the context of their recent military confrontation. Misri further outlined India's economic aspirations and its commitment to becoming a factor of stability in a turbulent world.

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Who Says India Is Friendless?

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

The reality is that far from being friendless, India is better positioned in the world than at any point post-Cold War, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Sun Pharma Q4 profit down 19% at Rs 2,149.8 cr, revenue up 8%

Sun Pharma Q4 profit down 19% at Rs 2,149.8 cr, revenue up 8%

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India's largest drug maker Sun Pharmaceutical on Thursday posted a decline of 19 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) for its consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2025 (Q4FY25) at Rs 2,149.8 crore. Meanwhile, its revenue from operations rose by 8 per cent at Rs 12,958.8 crore.

Aero India 2025: US F-35 and Russian Su-57 to debut

Aero India 2025: US F-35 and Russian Su-57 to debut

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

In a first, the 'Aero India' mega event will witness participation of two of the world's most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft equipped with stealth capabilities -- the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday.

Tech firms to ramp up talent hunt from Tier-II, III cities

Tech firms to ramp up talent hunt from Tier-II, III cities

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

Several technology companies are seeking to step up hiring from Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India in 2024 to tap into a vast talent pool of skilled professionals churned out by educational institutions and training centres in these regions. Tier-II and Tier-III cities such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Coimbatore, Jaipur, Mohali, Vadodara, Chandigarh, and Indore contribute around 12-15 per cent of the country's tech talent, hinting towards the strong talent availability in these regions, according to Randstad India, a talent management firm.

On day 2 of India visit Vances tour Jaipur's Amber Fort

On day 2 of India visit Vances tour Jaipur's Amber Fort

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

US Vice President J D Vance and his family visited the Amber Fort in Jaipur, India, on Tuesday. The family received a red carpet welcome and enjoyed a cultural performance featuring folk dances. The Amber Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. The fort is known for its impressive architecture, including the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) and the Sukh Niwas (cooling palace).

Pahalgam attack: India reaches out to non-permanent UNSC members

Pahalgam attack: India reaches out to non-permanent UNSC members

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

India has reached out to Denmark and other non-permanent members of the UN Security Council to apprise them of the Pahalgam terror attack and its cross-border linkages. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken to his counterparts from several nations, conveying India's resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice. The outreach comes as India mulls options for responding to the attack, with Prime Minister Modi assuring the harshest response for the "perpetrators and conspirators." India has also received condolences and condemnations from world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.

As Election Nears, Patna Gets Metro Boost

As Election Nears, Patna Gets Metro Boost

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The metro, it seems, is politics-proof -- even if it comes at a high cost.