News for 'National Geographic'

Can Modi Halt The Brutal Ukraine War?

Can Modi Halt The Brutal Ukraine War?

Rediff.com2 Nov 2022

India has maintained communication with both Russia and Ukraine. It is time Narendra Modi steps up on the world stage and plays the role of peacemaker, suggests military historian Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Savarkar wrote mercy petitions on Gandhi's request: Rajnath

Savarkar wrote mercy petitions on Gandhi's request: Rajnath

Rediff.com12 Oct 2021

"He was an icon of the Indian history and will remain so. There can be a difference of opinion about him, but to look down on him as inferior is not appropriate and justifiable. He was a freedom fighter and a staunch nationalist, but people who follow the Marxist and Leninist ideology are the ones who accuse Savarkar of being a fascist...," Singh said, adding that the hatred towards Savarkar is illogical and unplaced.

Renaming places doesn't alter status, AP is our integral part: India to China

Renaming places doesn't alter status, AP is our integral part: India to China

Rediff.com31 Dec 2021

India's reaction came in response to Beijing announcing Chinese names for 15 more places in Arunachal Pradesh which the neighbouring country claims as South Tibet.

Delimitation panel proposes massive changes in Kashmir division

Delimitation panel proposes massive changes in Kashmir division

Rediff.com5 Feb 2022

The voluminous report has proposed redrawing of the Anantnag Parliamentary seat by including Rajouri and Poonch from the Jammu region, besides carrying out massive changes in the Kashmir division, they said.

Modi, WHO chief lay the ground for traditional medicine centre in Jamnagar

Modi, WHO chief lay the ground for traditional medicine centre in Jamnagar

Rediff.com19 Apr 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO GCTM) in Jamnagar will usher in a new era of traditional medicine globally.

Full text: President Murmu's address to Parliament's Budget Session

Full text: President Murmu's address to Parliament's Budget Session

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

'Wherever in the world there is political instability, those countries are beset with severe crises today. But India is in a much better position than the rest of the world due to the decisions taken by my government in the national interest,' President Droupadi Murmu said in her address to both Houses of Parliament.

'They wanted to strike terror in India'

'They wanted to strike terror in India'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2023

'The entire idea behind the serial bomb blasts was to strike fear in the minds of Indians.' 'I don't think the blasts were targeted to derail the Indian economy; the idea behind the blasts was retribution.'

China releases 'Galwan video', Cong questions PM

China releases 'Galwan video', Cong questions PM

Rediff.com15 Oct 2021

The Congress on Friday questioned the silence of the government on the veracity of a video which purportedly shows injured Indian soldiers in captivity of the Chinese and said if it is genuine, then Prime Minister Narendra Modi must ensure that China is held globally accountable for indulging in war crimes.

Is Biden Favouring Pakistan?

Is Biden Favouring Pakistan?

Rediff.com16 Sep 2022

The US actions can be seen as a riposte to India's neutral position on the Ukraine crisis, its continuing import of Russian arms and oil thus undermining Western sanctions, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

At halfway point states mull phased easing of lockdown

At halfway point states mull phased easing of lockdown

Rediff.com4 Apr 2020

As India reached the halfway point in the 21-day coronavirus lockdown on Saturday, some states and rail and airline operators were considering measures to relax restrictions in phases from April 15. Simultaneously, the Centre has drawn up a cluster containment strategy to contain the coronavirus pandemic within a defined geographic area by early detection of cases, breaking the chain of transmission and thus preventing its spread to new areas.

Armed forces show collective spirit of 130 crore Indians: Modi

Armed forces show collective spirit of 130 crore Indians: Modi

Rediff.com4 Nov 2021

"Our armed forces represent India's diversity and the collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Our forces are not only known for their utmost professionalism but also they are at the forefront helping people in times of crisis. Our forces are synonymous with trust," Modi said.

Modi, CJI bat for use of local languages in courts

Modi, CJI bat for use of local languages in courts

Rediff.com30 Apr 2022

Modi asserted that judicial reform is not merely a policy matter.

IMA cautions Centre on 'end of pandemic' remark

IMA cautions Centre on 'end of pandemic' remark

Rediff.com8 Mar 2021

The association's reaction came after Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that the country is "in the end game of the COVID-19 pandemic" and Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said the coronavirus is nearing an "endemic" phase in the national capital.

Over 200 crore anti-Covid jabs administered in India

Over 200 crore anti-Covid jabs administered in India

Rediff.com17 Jul 2022

India achieved a major milestone in its vaccination programme against COVID-19 as the cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country surpassed the 200-crore mark on Sunday.

More testing, check hotspots: Centre to states on 'Omicron'

More testing, check hotspots: Centre to states on 'Omicron'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2021

As a proactive step, the government has already placed nations, where this VoC has been found, in the category of 'at risk' countries for additional follow-up measures of international travellers coming into lndia from these destinations, he said in a letter dated November 27.

ERCP: Gehlot's Quiet War With Modi

ERCP: Gehlot's Quiet War With Modi

Rediff.com20 Mar 2022

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is determined to implement the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project despite the Centre's indifference.

Australia have what it takes to win T20 World Cup: Lee

Australia have what it takes to win T20 World Cup: Lee

Rediff.com21 Oct 2021

I'm confident Australia can do it and it all starts against South Africa -- a brilliant match to start what will hopefully be a brilliant tournament for the Baggy Greens, says Brett Lee.

5 hybrid smartwatches for all budgets

5 hybrid smartwatches for all budgets

Rediff.com30 Aug 2017

Abhik Sen picks out his 5 favourites, ranging from 14,000 to 50,000.

Borders are derived realities, not autonomous facts

Borders are derived realities, not autonomous facts

Rediff.com8 Jul 2020

'Manmohan Singh's fond hope of avoiding conflict over territory by 'making borders irrelevant' is increasingly difficult to realise in a world where institutional restraints on aggression are weakening and the new game in town is unalloyed power play,' notes T N Ninan.

CSR spends up 3%, PM-CARES not favourite in 2nd wave

CSR spends up 3%, PM-CARES not favourite in 2nd wave

Rediff.com24 Aug 2021

India Inc's philanthropic spends have grown by 3.62 per cent to Rs 22,000 crore in FY21 as profits expanded, and a majority of the allocations have been done to pandemic-linked causes, a report said on Tuesday. The report by rating agency Crisil said that while the first wave saw greater spending in cash largely through the PM-CARES Fund, the preference shifted to more direct support through in-kind spends in the second wave. Corporate contributed only Rs 85 crore to the PM-CARES Fund during the second wave between March and June 2021, as against Rs 831 crore to what was classified as 'others'.

'Entrepreneurship Is Exploding'

'Entrepreneurship Is Exploding'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2022

'Yesterday, I was at a seed meeting where we gave outright grants up to Rs 20 lakhs or loans up to Rs 50 lakhs for new start-ups under 2 years.'

The rise & fall & rise again of statistics

The rise & fall & rise again of statistics

Rediff.com22 Apr 2021

Ajit Balakrishnan on the surprising drivers of mathematical innovation.

Army claims to have spotted footprints of 'Yeti'

Army claims to have spotted footprints of 'Yeti'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2019

Taking to Twitter, the army said its mountaineering expedition team spotted the 'mysterious' footprints on April 9 close to Makalu Base Camp.

New Navy chief backs Maritime Theatre Command

New Navy chief backs Maritime Theatre Command

Rediff.com3 Dec 2021

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar said on Friday that his force is fully capable of confronting any security threat and fully backed the ambitious tri-services reforms that included setting up of a maritime theatre command.

Covaxin has tolerable safety: Lancet

Covaxin has tolerable safety: Lancet

Rediff.com23 Jan 2021

The vaccine was well tolerated in all dose groups with no vaccine-related adverse events.

Covaxin: No serious adverse events in phase 1 trials

Covaxin: No serious adverse events in phase 1 trials

Rediff.com16 Dec 2020

The vaccine induced robust binding and neutralising antibody responses which were comparable to those observed in the convalescent serum collected from patients who had recovered from COVID-19, according to the findings which have appeared on medRxiv, a preprint server.

India to show military might, cultural heritage at R-Day parade

India to show military might, cultural heritage at R-Day parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2021

The Indian Army will showcase the main battle tank T-90 Bhishma, infantry combat vehicle BMP-II-Sarath, mobile autonomous launcher of the Brahmos missile system, multi-launcher rocket system Pinaka, electronic warfare system Samvijay among others during the parade on Tuesday, the Defence ministry noted.

Omicron thrice more contagious, activate war rooms: Centre to states

Omicron thrice more contagious, activate war rooms: Centre to states

Rediff.com21 Dec 2021

In a letter to the states and union territories, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan advised implementing strategic interventions for containment like imposition of night curfew, strict regulation of large gatherings, curtailing numbers in marriages and funerals besides increasing testing and surveillance.

Time for India to EMBRACE Russia

Time for India to EMBRACE Russia

Rediff.com6 Dec 2021

We can make a beginning by openly acknowledging the Russian help in 1971 victory when President Putin visits India on 6 December 2021. Showing gratitude to a friend is part of our DNA, notes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

As Cases Rise, Questions About Kerala's Covid Strategy

As Cases Rise, Questions About Kerala's Covid Strategy

Rediff.com6 Sep 2021

The Indian Medical Association states that cases are likely to rise further before coming down in Kerala as about 50 per cent of its population is still susceptible to the virus.

Delimitation panel proposes 6 more assembly seats for Jammu, 1 for Kashmir

Delimitation panel proposes 6 more assembly seats for Jammu, 1 for Kashmir

Rediff.com20 Dec 2021

Nine seats have been proposed for STs and seven for SCs in Jammu and Kashmir, sources said. This is the first time that seats have been proposed for STs in Jammu and Kashmir, they said.

'Mumbai air is more toxic than Delhi's'

'Mumbai air is more toxic than Delhi's'

Rediff.com4 Jan 2023

'When you are travelling in Mumbai when the air quality is bad, you feel suffocated.' 'You may feel uncomfortable breathing Delhi air, but the level of discomfort is higher in Mumbai.'

Covid lockdowns to cost India $1.25 bn a week: Barclays

Covid lockdowns to cost India $1.25 bn a week: Barclays

Rediff.com13 Apr 2021

If the current restrictions remain in place until the end of May, we estimate that the cumulative loss of activity could amount to around $10.5 billion, or around 0.34 percentage point (pp) of annual nominal gross domestic product, say Barclays economists.

Ukraine Crisis: India On A Safe Wicket

Ukraine Crisis: India On A Safe Wicket

Rediff.com22 Feb 2022

American analysts and their camp followers in India are talking absolute rubbish when they try to establish that India is facing a Hobson's choice in regard of Donbass, called upon to take sides between Russia and the West, asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

JK delimitation panel proposals made public; objections invited till Mar 21

JK delimitation panel proposals made public; objections invited till Mar 21

Rediff.com15 Mar 2022

The report published in the gazettes of India appeared in local newspapers on Monday and showed that Habba Kadal seat in Kashmir division and Suchetgarh seat in Jammu province had been restored.

India to buy one-third less oil from Saudi Arabia

India to buy one-third less oil from Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com6 Apr 2021

Indian refiners will buy less oil from Saudi Arabia next month as they snap up supplies outside of the Middle East as part of diversification drive amid weakening domestic fuel demand on the resurgence of COVID-19. State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and three other refiners have sought just 65 per cent of the monthly average of about 15 million barrels from Saudi Arabia in May, three sources with knowledge of the matter said. The move follows tensions between India and Saudi Arabia over the Kingdom's hawkish stance on boosting production to cool prices.

Is Doval the reason there's no CDS?

Is Doval the reason there's no CDS?

Rediff.com13 May 2022

Gen Bipin Rawat's appointment, first as army chief superseding two other army commanders, and then as CDS, was the consequence of his close personal rapport with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Now, with General Rawat gone and nobody named to replace him as CDS, it is evident that no other top military officer enjoys that relationship with Doval, observes Ajai Shukla.

How India Can Tackle Security Challenges

How India Can Tackle Security Challenges

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

India has the ability in all respects to be a great power and address our security challenges in the best national interests, says Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

AAP's national spread can damage Cong's Muslim vote base

AAP's national spread can damage Cong's Muslim vote base

Rediff.com29 Dec 2013

The Congress has already been deserted by the urban middle classes and the youth, but by outsourcing its battle against the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi to the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Admi Party, the grand old party could end up inflicting more damage on itself.

China's posturing in Indian Ocean to disturb stability: Experts

China's posturing in Indian Ocean to disturb stability: Experts

Rediff.com3 Aug 2020

Defence and strategic experts on Monday said that China's posturing in the Indian Ocean will disturb stability and peace in the region.