News for 'Region Head'

Pakistan to Buy 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters

Pakistan to Buy 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Pakistan plans to procure 40 jets of advanced Chinese stealth fighter J-35, which, if materialised, will mark the first export of China's latest jet. The sale would mark Beijing's first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally and is expected to recalibrate regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Pakistan's rival India. The acquisition of new aircraft was pursued despite the serious economic crisis faced by Pakistan. China has helped Pakistan to jointly develop and operate the J-17 Thunder fighter jet, the mainstay of the PAF. China has delivered four advanced naval frigates to the Pakistan Navy in the last few years to enable it to play a bigger role along with its navy in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Gold Prices Surge. What Should You Do?

Gold Prices Surge. What Should You Do?

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

'If gold's recent surge has increased its allocation beyond 15 per cent in your portfolio, now may be a good time to rebalance.'

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

India, China should meet halfway: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

India, China should meet halfway: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday called on Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed issues of bilateral interest.

Modi to visit France, US; meet Trump on Feb 12 amid deportation row

Modi to visit France, US; meet Trump on Feb 12 amid deportation row

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day working visit to the US from February 12 during which he will meet President Donald Trump, the external affairs ministry announced. The visit will give further impetus and direction to India-US bilateral relationship. Prior to his US visit, Modi will be in France from February 10-12 to co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. He will also visit Cadarache, the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor of which India is a partner. During his visit to France from February 10-12, Modi and Macron will also address the India-France CEOs forum. The prime minister and Macron will travel to Marseille where they will inaugurate the Consulate General of India. The leaders will also visit the war cemetery and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers in World War 1. Modi and Macron will visit Cadarache, the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). There has been a very close rapport between Trump and Modi, dating back to the US leader's first term. There is a clear convergence of interests between the two countries in several areas, including trade, investment, technology, defense cooperation, counterterrorism, Indo-Pacific security, and people-to-people relations.

The Man Who Booted Assad Out Of Syria

The Man Who Booted Assad Out Of Syria

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani addressed Syrians at the Ummayad mosque in Damascus after Bashar al-Assad resigned as president and fled Syria, December 8, 2024.

Will legal battle against LG continue after BJP win in Delhi?

Will legal battle against LG continue after BJP win in Delhi?

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The Delhi government is embroiled in multiple litigations with the Lieutenant Governor in the Supreme Court including its plea challenging the Centre's law establishing pre-eminence of the LG over the elected dispensation in controlling services in the national capital.

Fadnavis-Shinde 'cold war' talks hot up in Maharashtra

Fadnavis-Shinde 'cold war' talks hot up in Maharashtra

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

From disagreement over guardian minister's post to taking separate review meetings to separate medical cells and 'war rooms' for monitoring projects, the unease between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Eknath Shinde seems to be growing.

'Mayawati Is Afraid Of The BJP'

'Mayawati Is Afraid Of The BJP'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'She feels it will send her to jail.'

Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs Bite Into Apple's India Growth Plans

Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs Bite Into Apple's India Growth Plans

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Apple's ambitious strategy to expand iPhone exports, shift more production from China to India at a faster pace, and grow its domestic market hits a Trump-sized roadblock.

Rural markets drive FMCG sector; outpace urban areas

Rural markets drive FMCG sector; outpace urban areas

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The FMCG industry in India achieved a 10.6% growth in value terms in the December quarter of 2024, driven largely by rural markets, which have surpassed the large urban markets in growth for the fourth consecutive quarter. Festive demand and consumption-driven growth played a key role, with overall volume up 7.1% despite inflationary pressures. However, the industry also saw a "preference shift of consumers towards smaller packs" due to high food inflation. Local manufacturers continue to outperform larger FMCG companies, fueled by consistent volume growth.

14-yr-old, out on morning run, hit by speeding Jaguar in Noida

14-yr-old, out on morning run, hit by speeding Jaguar in Noida

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

The incident took place around 6 am on January 9 near Stellar Jeevan Society in the Bisrakh police station area when the Jaguar car allegedly struck the boy from behind, as per a complaint lodged by the victim's father, Murari Singh.

'Jingle Bellwa' to Bhangra Santa: Christmas carols go desi

'Jingle Bellwa' to Bhangra Santa: Christmas carols go desi

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Santa Claus grooving to a bhangra beat or lip-syncing to a Bhojpuri rendition of 'Jingle Bells', adding in some ha-ha-ha to the classic ho-ho-ho this festive season, are the many amusing, desi versions of Christmas carols.

Initial probe says Russian missile caused Kazakhstan crash

Initial probe says Russian missile caused Kazakhstan crash

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Following the preliminary investigations into the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 in which 38 passengers were killed near Aktau in Kazakhstan, it was revealed that a Russian missile was responsible for the crash, Euronews reported on Thursday, citing sources from the Azerbaijani government.

GBS situation in Pune linked to...: Health minister

GBS situation in Pune linked to...: Health minister

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has linked 80% of suspected Guillain-Barr Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune to water contamination around a well in Nanded village. The state health department and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are taking measures to address the issue. The well is a source of water for surrounding villages, and officials suspect contamination is leading to the spike in GBS cases. The minister emphasized that GBS affects individuals with weak immunity, and campylobacter jejuni bacteria, usually causing stomach infection, can trigger the disease. The PMC has conducted water sample tests, with some showing evidence of norovirus and campylobacter jejuni. Clean drinking water is being provided through tankers to affected areas.

8 DRG jawans among 9 killed as Maoists blow up vehicle in Chhattisgarh

8 DRG jawans among 9 killed as Maoists blow up vehicle in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Eight District Reserve Guards (DRG) jawans and a civilian driver were killed in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district when Naxals detonated an improvised explosive device targeting their vehicle. The incident occurred near Ambeli village while the security personnel were returning from an anti-Naxalite operation. This is the biggest Naxal attack on security forces in the region in the past two years.

J-K cop shoots dead colleague before ending his life

J-K cop shoots dead colleague before ending his life

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The bullet-riddled bodies of the cops were seen lying inside a police van near the Kali Mata temple in Rehembal area of Udhampur around 6.30 am, the officials said.

World's 'Oldest Saint' At Kumbh Mela

World's 'Oldest Saint' At Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Swami Shivanand Saraswati, known as the world's 'oldest saint', claims to be 129 years old and has been attending the Kumbh Mela for 100 years.

TMC MLAs protest against Moitra for exclusion from party events

TMC MLAs protest against Moitra for exclusion from party events

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Seven TMC MLAs within the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency of party MP Mahua Moitra have written to Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee demanding her removal as Nadia Uttar organisational district president. The lawmakers allege that Moitra has been ignoring Assembly representatives while undertaking party programmes and indulging anti-social elements, causing significant damage to the party's image. The MP has responded by dismissing the complaint as "district-level rubbish."

Maoist Tarakka, 'veteran' of 35 encounters, surrenders

Maoist Tarakka, 'veteran' of 35 encounters, surrenders

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

Vimala Chandra Sidam alias Tarakka, a top Naxal leader with a Rs 25 lakh reward on her head, surrendered before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Gadchiroli along with ten other senior Maoists. Tarakka, who joined the Naxal movement in 1986, rose through the ranks over 38 years to become a Dandkaranya Special Zonal Committee member. She is the wife of Central Committee Member Sonu alias Bhupati. The surrendered Naxals, eight women and three men, were collectively carrying a bounty of Rs 1.03 crore. Fadnavis also felicitated C 60 personnel for the July 17, 2024 encounter wherein 12 hardcore Maoists were killed in a forested area bordering Chhattisgarh.

Beed sarpanch murder: Rift in Mahayuti widens, NCP hits back at BJP MLA

Beed sarpanch murder: Rift in Mahayuti widens, NCP hits back at BJP MLA

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Suraj Chavan on Sunday took objection to Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Suresh Dhas targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar over the probe into the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district.

BJP Hands 'Tamil Pride' On A Platter To DMK

BJP Hands 'Tamil Pride' On A Platter To DMK

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

If the DMK is able to sustain the momentum until the assembly polls, the AIADMK especially and the PMK and possibly the infant TVK too would find it hard to sign up with the BJP, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

99 And Seven Decimal Points

99 And Seven Decimal Points

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'Does 99 percent guarantee character and capacity for an independent awareness of life or does it make you -- barring exceptions -- a compliant careerist beholden to governments and corporations?' 'What kind of political and social choices would such minds make?' asks Shyam G Menon.

'EVs are the only way to decarbonise'

'EVs are the only way to decarbonise'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

About 99,165 electric cars were sold in India in 2024, but electric car penetration -- share of electric car sales in total sales -- was just about 2.5 per cent.

Ploughing his field, UP farmer finds swords, rifles used in 1857 rebellion

Ploughing his field, UP farmer finds swords, rifles used in 1857 rebellion

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

A host of weapons, possibly used during the rebellion of 1857, was found by a farmer while working in his field in the district, an official said on Friday.

Property at core of Mewar royal family dispute

Property at core of Mewar royal family dispute

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

A dispute over property and the right to succeed the titular head of the Mewar royal family in Udaipur, Rajasthan, has escalated into a major controversy. Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, a BJP MLA and the newly appointed titular head, was denied entry to the city palace and Eklingnathji temple by his uncle Arvind Singh Mewar and his son Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar. The incident sparked violent protests and the district administration has appointed a receiver to manage the controversial portion of the city palace where the 'Dhuni' (sacred fire) is located. This dispute raises questions about the future of the Mewar family's legacy and its historical traditions.

Chinese research vessel heading to Maldives, India closely monitors move

Chinese research vessel heading to Maldives, India closely monitors move

Rediff.com23 Jan 2024

The timing coincides with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's recent state visit to China, aimed at strengthening ties.

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.

13-YO Suryavanshi powers India into Asia Cup semis

13-YO Suryavanshi powers India into Asia Cup semis

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Vaibhav Suryavanshi lived up to the hype around his rare talent as India outclassed United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 10 wickets

'Disgusting To See Bangladeshis Turning Backs On India'

'Disgusting To See Bangladeshis Turning Backs On India'

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'The present generation, either due to historical amnesia or political propaganda, has been fed a narrative that paints India as an adversary rather than an ally.'

It's do-or-die battle for key satraps Pawar, Shinde, Ajit in Maha polls

It's do-or-die battle for key satraps Pawar, Shinde, Ajit in Maha polls

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly elections are set to be a defining moment for several regional heavyweights, including Sharad Pawar, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his predecessor Uddhav Thackeray, and deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The two Pawars, Shinde, and Thackeray are engaged in a fierce battle for political dominance, with the outcome potentially deciding the fate of their respective parties. The BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies. In the opposition alliance, the Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and the NCP (SP) 86. The election is also marked by intense factional fights, with the two claimants of Shiv Sena's legacy competing in over 50 seats and the two Pawars facing each other in nearly 37 constituencies.

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'After his warm and affectionate farewell speech, the Chief of Staff of the formation asked me, "So, now you are off to Coorg to look after your coffee estates?"' For the last time, in Army uniform and much to his surprise, I replied, "Sir, I am not from Kodagu.".'

'Women Want To Remain Invisible'

'Women Want To Remain Invisible'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

'It is, in a way, my mother's story.'

Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala dead

Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala dead

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Indian National Lok Dal president and five-time Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala died in Gurugram on Friday at the age of 89.

Recession unlikely in APAC region in 2023: Moody's

Recession unlikely in APAC region in 2023: Moody's

Rediff.com24 Nov 2022

A recession is unlikely in the APAC region in the coming year, although the area will face headwinds from higher interest rates and slower global trade growth, Moody's Analytics said on Thursday. In its analysis titled 'APAC Outlook: A Coming Downshift', Moody's said India is headed for slower growth next year more in line with its long-term potential. On the upside, inward investment and productivity gains in technology as well as in agriculture could accelerate growth.

Thousands flee as rebels reach near Syrian capital

Thousands flee as rebels reach near Syrian capital

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

More than 2,80,000 people have been uprooted in northwest Syria following the sudden and massive offensive into government-controlled areas led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is sanctioned by the Security Council as a terrorist group, the United Nations said on Friday.

'India Not tougher Than Other Markets'

'India Not tougher Than Other Markets'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

'Regulatory challenges exist everywhere. What we look for is regulatory stability over time.'

Jaishankar, not Modi, will attend SCO summit in Pakistan

Jaishankar, not Modi, will attend SCO summit in Pakistan

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

The last Indian external affairs minister to visit Pakistan was Sushma Swaraj. She had travelled to Islamabad in December 2015 to attend a conference on Afghanistan.

Suryansh Shedge: Mumbai cricket's new match-winning star!

Suryansh Shedge: Mumbai cricket's new match-winning star!

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Being a finisher in T20s can be a nerve-jangling job even for the seasoned names, but 21-year-old Suryansh Shedge has pulled it off twice under pressure situations.