News for 'Regional Conditions'

Adani opts out of US funding for Colombo Port project

Adani opts out of US funding for Colombo Port project

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Billionaire Gautam Adani's group has pulled out of a loan deal with a US agency to fund a port terminal in Sri Lanka, saying it will use its own resources for the project. In an exchange filing late on Tuesday, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) said the project "is on track for commissioning by early next year". "The project will be financed through the company's internal accruals and capital management plan," the firm said.

Need to probe if driver used BEST bus as 'weapon': Cops tell court

Need to probe if driver used BEST bus as 'weapon': Cops tell court

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Police have registered a case on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against the driver of a BEST bus involved in an accident in Mumbai which claimed six lives and left 43 others injured, officials said on Tuesday.

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

'The message that we intend to leave with at the end of this trip is one of real gratitude for the friendship and the close partnership that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have enjoyed over the last four years, but also one of tremendous optimism because we see a lot of opportunity in the future.'

South Asia: It Is Climate Change, Stupid

South Asia: It Is Climate Change, Stupid

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

India should encourage the second coming of SAARC with climate change as an urgent agenda and keeping Indian security concerns in mind as the subtext, suggest Lieutenant General Ashok Joshi (retd) and Colonel Anil Athale (retd).

Cyclone Asna leaves no major impact on Gujarat

Cyclone Asna leaves no major impact on Gujarat

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

Cyclone Asna, formed over the coast of Kutch in Gujarat earlier during the day, has moved into the Arabian sea towards Oman without leaving any major impact on the region, officials said on Friday evening.

India gets 16% higher rainfall, more to come in September

India gets 16% higher rainfall, more to come in September

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

India recorded around 16 per cent more rainfall than normal in August, with rainfall over Northwest India recorded at 253.9 mm, the second highest in August since 2001, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

'Quad is here to stay': Modi's message to China at Leaders' Summit

'Quad is here to stay': Modi's message to China at Leaders' Summit

Rediff.com22 Sep 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Quad is not against anyone, but for a rules-based international order and respect for sovereignty, in a veiled reference to China.

'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.'

Manipur unrest: Curfew relaxed in 3 districts, Internet restored

Manipur unrest: Curfew relaxed in 3 districts, Internet restored

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Curfew was relaxed in three Imphal Valley districts on Tuesday and the suspension on broadband internet lifted with conditions, even as Chief Minister N Biren Singh blamed the Congress for the present crisis in Manipur and NDA MLAs called for a "mass operation" against militants responsible for the killing of six women and children. Peaceful rallies were also staged across the state, with hundreds taking to the streets with empty coffins in Churachandpur district, demanding justice for those killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Jiribam, and members of various civil society organisations bringing out a procession in Imphal West district to protest the reimposition of AFSPA in parts of the state.

IMD Predicts Highest Rainfall This Year

IMD Predicts Highest Rainfall This Year

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

It expects rainfall to be about 106 per cent of the long period average, aided by La Nia conditions anticipated to play a role in the second half of the monsoon season.

Delhi's outskirts sizzle, Najafgarh inches to 50 deg C

Delhi's outskirts sizzle, Najafgarh inches to 50 deg C

Rediff.com29 May 2024

The Mungeshpur weather station recorded a high of 48.8 degrees Celsius, eight notches above the normal. It recorded a minimum temperature of 27.6 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average.

Full text: President Murmu's R-Day eve address to the nation

Full text: President Murmu's R-Day eve address to the nation

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

'Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strive to realise Gandhiji's dreams. His watchwords, truth and nonviolence, will continue to remain relevant for the whole world. He also taught us that rights and duties are but the two sides of the coin - indeed, the true source of rights is duty. Today we recall his lessons in compassion too - compassion not only for our human neighbours but also for our other neighbours, namely, flora and fauna, rivers and mountains.'

Israel targets weapons depots in Beirut; Iran cancels all flights

Israel targets weapons depots in Beirut; Iran cancels all flights

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) intensified its campaign in Lebanon with targeted airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut, hitting key weapons depots and terror infrastructure overnight, according to a report by Times of Israel.

IMF says India's GDP to moderate to 7% in 2024 and 6.5% in 2025

IMF says India's GDP to moderate to 7% in 2024 and 6.5% in 2025

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

India's GDP growth is likely to moderate from 8.2 per cent in 2023 to 7 per cent in 2024 and 6.5 per cent in 2025 because the pent-up demand accumulated during Covid has exhausted, as the economy reconnects with its potential, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday. About the global economy, the IMF said the battle against inflation has largely been won, even though price pressures persist in some countries.

'What Is The Cost Of An MBBS Seat In The NRI Quota?'

'What Is The Cost Of An MBBS Seat In The NRI Quota?'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

rediffGURU Radheshyam Zanwar counsels students about how to pursue a career in science, medicine and technology.

Antarctica turning green 'dramatically', says study

Antarctica turning green 'dramatically', says study

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

Researchers found that vegetation cover across the Antarctic Peninsula increased more than tenfold -- from less than a square kilometre to almost 12 square kilometres -- between 1986 and 2021.

Small Town India Falls In Love With MFs

Small Town India Falls In Love With MFs

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

More than 50 per cent of SIP accounts come from semi-urban and rural areas.

Will turnout in J-K polls' final phase surpass first two?

Will turnout in J-K polls' final phase surpass first two?

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

Voting for this crucial phase, covering 40 assembly segments across seven districts -- Jammu, Udhampur, Samba and Kathua in the Jammu region and Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara in north Kashmir -- is scheduled for October 1.

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The United Kingdom extracted USD 64.82 trillion from India over a century of colonialism between 1765 and 1900 and USD 33.8 trillion of this went to the richest 10 per cent -- enough money to carpet London in notes of 50 British pound almost four times over.

'Congress' Biggest Mistake Was...'

'Congress' Biggest Mistake Was...'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

'...to think apna time aa gaya after the 2024 election.'

Why did India plan to pick cheetahs from Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan?

Why did India plan to pick cheetahs from Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2024

Due to the differences in circadian rhythms between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, some cheetahs developed thick winter coats during the Indian summer and monsoon last year, anticipating the African winter (June to September).

SC orders govt to grant permanent commission to woman Army officer

SC orders govt to grant permanent commission to woman Army officer

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Union government to grant a permanent commission to a woman officer in the Army Dental Corps who was denied benefits given to similarly placed officers. The court ruled that the woman officer was wrongly excluded from consideration and that the principle of "what is sauce for the goose ought to be sauce for the gander" applies in this case. The court directed the government to implement the order within four weeks and to extend all consequential benefits, including seniority, promotion, and monetary benefits, to the officer.

36 killed as overcrowded bus falls into gorge in Almora

36 killed as overcrowded bus falls into gorge in Almora

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

A packed beyond capacity bus carrying passengers returning to work after Diwali fell into a deep gorge in Uttarakhand's Almora district on Monday, killing at least 36 of the over 60 people on board.

Tomato price volatility exposes gaps in India's agriculture supply chain

Tomato price volatility exposes gaps in India's agriculture supply chain

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

Tomato prices have been on the boil for more than a month. Data from major cities show that the spike has been between 125 and 150 per cent at the wholesale level. Soaring vegetable prices, including tomatoes, pushed the retail inflation rate to a nine-month high of 5.49 per cent in September, according to government data. Though reports say prices are expected to come down in the next few weeks after supplies improve from Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, how long will the respite last is anybody's guess.

28 Maoists killed in Bastar; AK-47, SLR recovered: ANI

28 Maoists killed in Bastar; AK-47, SLR recovered: ANI

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

As many as 14 Maoists were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region on Friday, a senior police official said. However, ANI has put the toll at 30.

IMD predicts above-normal rainfall in Aug-Sep; warns of landslides, floods

IMD predicts above-normal rainfall in Aug-Sep; warns of landslides, floods

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

The IMD said that rainfall over India in August and September would be around 106 percent of the long-period average of 422.8 mm.

'Kerala needs mechanism for landslide prediction'

'Kerala needs mechanism for landslide prediction'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2024

The conditions that lead to landslides, including soil texture, soil moisture and slope are known, and it is important to put all this knowledge into an operational system, he said.

Intense heatwave sweeps eastern states, spreads to south India: IMD

Intense heatwave sweeps eastern states, spreads to south India: IMD

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

Heatwave conditions have been prevailing in Odisha since April 15 and the Gangetic West Bengal since April 17, according to the MeT department.

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

Her comments come a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Geneva that roughly 75 percent of the "disengagement problems" with China are sorted out but the bigger issue has been the increasing militarisation of the frontier.

10 children killed in fire at Jhansi hospital NICU

10 children killed in fire at Jhansi hospital NICU

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

At least 10 children died in a fire that engulfed the children's ward of a medical college in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi district, officials said, as 16 others injured battled for life on Saturday.

Heat wave comes under Modi's gaze, reviews steps

Heat wave comes under Modi's gaze, reviews steps

Rediff.com11 Apr 2024

An official statement said Modi chaired a meeting where he was briefed about the likelihood of above-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country during April-June, with high probability of such conditions in central western peninsular India.

Severe heat wave predicted in many states during Phase 2 of polling

Severe heat wave predicted in many states during Phase 2 of polling

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

Lakhs of voters will have to bear the searing heat when they step out to exercise their franchise in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday.

At 120 kmph, cyclonic storm may hit Odisha-WB coasts by Oct 24: IMD

At 120 kmph, cyclonic storm may hit Odisha-WB coasts by Oct 24: IMD

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

According to weather officials, wind speeds along and off the Odisha-West Bengal coasts are anticipated to reach 60 km/h from October 23, increasing to 120 km/h from October 24 night to October 25 morning.

June rainfall 11% below-normal, highest deficit in 5 years: IMD

June rainfall 11% below-normal, highest deficit in 5 years: IMD

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

June rainfall accounts for 15 percent of the total precipitation of 87 cm recorded during the four-month monsoon season in the country.

Toxic haze envelops Delhi, doctors warn of health risks

Toxic haze envelops Delhi, doctors warn of health risks

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

Delhi's air quality deteriorated significantly on Monday, with areas like Dwarka, Mundka and Najafgarh recording an AQI of 500, the worst this season. The city's overall AQI reached 491, triggering the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV restrictions in Delhi-NCR. Doctors warned of health risks, urging people to wear N95 masks and avoid outdoor activities. The Supreme Court questioned the Delhi government on its anti-pollution measures and warned against scaling down preventive measures without its permission. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP-led central government of political maneuvering while neglecting stubble burning in states it governs. Meanwhile, the city enforced stricter pollution control measures, including a ban on truck entry and suspension of construction activities. Air purifier sales surged, reflecting the public's concern over the severe air pollution.

Kuldeep's 'turn' likely for Afghanistan Super 8 tie

Kuldeep's 'turn' likely for Afghanistan Super 8 tie

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

Without giving too much away, India head coach Rahul Dravid hinted at the possibility of playing wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the Caribbean leg of the T20 World Cup, starting with the Super 8 opener against Afghanistan.

World Bank ups India growth forecast to 7% for FY25

World Bank ups India growth forecast to 7% for FY25

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

The World Bank on Tuesday raised the growth forecast for the Indian economy to 7 per cent for the current fiscal year on the back of recovery in agri sector and rural demand. World Bank had in June projected India to grow at 6.6 per cent for FY24. According to the World Bank Report released on Tuesday, India's growth continues to be strong despite a challenging global environment.

People found their voice after passage of Art 370 resolution: Omar

People found their voice after passage of Art 370 resolution: Omar

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

Notwithstanding protests by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, he said the first session of the newly elected Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is "short in duration but historic in terms of agenda".

Woman with US passport found chained to tree in Maharashtra forest

Woman with US passport found chained to tree in Maharashtra forest

Rediff.com29 Jul 2024

A 50-year-old American woman was found tied to a tree with an iron chain in a forest in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, and a set of documents, including an Aadhaar card with a Tamil Nadu address, were recovered from her possession, a police official said on Monday.

Is total disengagement in eastern Ladakh on the cards?

Is total disengagement in eastern Ladakh on the cards?

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

In the meeting, Doval conveyed to Wang that peace and tranquillity in border areas and respect for the Line of Actual Control are essential for return of normalcy in bilateral ties, according to the ministry of external affairs.