News for 'Regional Powers'

Modi Unveils 'Six Guarantees' for West Bengal, Criticises TMC's Governance

Modi Unveils 'Six Guarantees' for West Bengal, Criticises TMC's Governance

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced six guarantees for West Bengal if the BJP wins the Assembly polls, promising to end the 'reign of fear' and address corruption, while criticising the TMC government's performance.

Rupee on March 24, 2026: Rupee Declines as Dollar Strengthens and Crude Prices Rise

Rupee on March 24, 2026: Rupee Declines as Dollar Strengthens and Crude Prices Rise

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar due to a strengthening dollar, high crude oil prices, and foreign fund outflows amid geopolitical uncertainties.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

IPL 2026: Heartbreaker for DC as GT snatch 1-run thriller

IPL 2026: Heartbreaker for DC as GT snatch 1-run thriller

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

IMAGES from the IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday

Reality check gets India on investors' realty list

Reality check gets India on investors' realty list

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia are prompting investors with exposure to Dubai's real estate market to reassess their portfolios. And, in this rejig, India is emerging as a stable destination for capital investment and long-term growth.

How a single diplomatic headline triggers a 1,000-point swing?

How a single diplomatic headline triggers a 1,000-point swing?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

In the present hyper-connected world, there are many domestic and global factors that affect financial markets. Of them, the most powerful and often least predictable are geopolitical events, which often boil down to one diplomatic headline.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Modi government's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, arguing it raises doubts about India's foreign policy direction and credibility.

SC orders CBI probe into Arunachal contracts linked to CM's kin

SC orders CBI probe into Arunachal contracts linked to CM's kin

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary enquiry into the awarding of public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh to companies allegedly owned by family members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Russia shared intelligence with Iran on US assets: Report

Russia shared intelligence with Iran on US assets: Report

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Russia has shared intelligence with Iran that could help Tehran target American warships, aircraft and other military assets in the region, according to United States intelligence assessments cited by media reports, marking the first indication of Moscow's possible involvement in the ongoing conflict. Officials familiar with US intelligence findings said a significant portion of the shared information reportedly includes imagery from Russia's network of surveillance satellites.

CIA station in Saudi Arabia hit in drone attack

CIA station in Saudi Arabia hit in drone attack

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The US embassy in Saudi Arabia and the US consulate in Dubai were reportedly targeted by suspected Iranian drone attacks amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

India's Economic Outlook: S&P ups India's FY27 growth forecast to 7.1%

India's Economic Outlook: S&P ups India's FY27 growth forecast to 7.1%

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

S&P Global Ratings has increased India's GDP growth forecast for the next fiscal year to 7.1 per cent, citing private consumption, investment, and exports as key drivers. However, the agency also cautioned that the conflict in the Middle East could strain India's fiscal position due to higher energy prices.

Vijayan Rebuts Rahul Gandhi's LDF-BJP Collusion Allegations in Kerala

Vijayan Rebuts Rahul Gandhi's LDF-BJP Collusion Allegations in Kerala

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of collusion between the LDF and BJP in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, accusing the Congress leader and his party of being the BJP's 'B-team'. The Congress has retaliated, alleging that Vijayan is trying to appease Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah.

Gaurav Gogoi: 'There's A Growing Fatigue With Divisive Politics'

Gaurav Gogoi: 'There's A Growing Fatigue With Divisive Politics'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

'Never before has the Congress been part of a rainbow coalition, and the response from the people has been overwhelming.' 'Assam's diversity cannot be represented by a single voice -- it requires a collective effort, and that is what we are building.'

Why Regime Change Hasn't Happened In Iran

Why Regime Change Hasn't Happened In Iran

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Without ground troops the US will not be able to oust the Iranian Islamic regime. Political change does not happen just by using bombs or planes.'

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'Our government is committed to addressing it firmly while protecting the rights of genuine citizens.'

Ali Larijani is dead, confirms Iran; top leaders vow 'severe' revenge

Ali Larijani is dead, confirms Iran; top leaders vow 'severe' revenge

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The assassination of Ali Larijani, Iran's top security official, in an alleged Israeli strike has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting vows of revenge and raising concerns about escalating tensions.

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

R Praggnanandhaa Headlines Youth Surge in Candidates Tournament

R Praggnanandhaa Headlines Youth Surge in Candidates Tournament

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

R Praggnanandhaa leads a fearless new generation at the Candidates 2026 as veterans face a shifting chess landscape ahead of a world title clash.

Claude AI Experiences Another Outage

Claude AI Experiences Another Outage

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Anthropic's Claude AI chatbot experienced a second outage within 24 hours, impacting users in various regions. The disruption follows a previous outage and comes amid scrutiny over the AI's capabilities and potential uses.

Sonam Wangchuk seeks 'meaningful dialogue' with Centre

Sonam Wangchuk seeks 'meaningful dialogue' with Centre

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, recently released from detention, calls for constructive dialogue between the government and the people of Ladakh, viewing his release as a positive step towards building trust.

US warns of 'largest strike package' against Iran, says...

US warns of 'largest strike package' against Iran, says...

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Hegseth said the military campaign, code-named Operation Epic Fury, against Iran is "laser focused" and "decisive," with objectives set directly by the US administration remaining unchanged since the start of operations.

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15Es by mistake; drone hits Qatari sites

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15Es by mistake; drone hits Qatari sites

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The military command clarified in a statement published on X that the aircraft were engaged in error during active combat operations on Sunday.

Centre Cracks Down on GLP-1 Drug Misuse

Centre Cracks Down on GLP-1 Drug Misuse

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Inspections conducted across 49 entities including pharmacies, wholesalers, and clinics to detect violations and misleading marketing practices.

UK submarine with Tomahawk missiles arrives near Hormuz

UK submarine with Tomahawk missiles arrives near Hormuz

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Equipped with advanced weaponry, the HMS Anson is fitted with "Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missiles" with a range of 1,600 km and "Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes," providing formidable offensive capabilities.

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Kerala CM Vijayan Slams Rahul Gandhi, Alleges Congress is BJP's 'B-Team'

Kerala CM Vijayan Slams Rahul Gandhi, Alleges Congress is BJP's 'B-Team'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him and his party of acting as the BJP's 'B-team'. Vijayan's remarks follow Rahul Gandhi's claims of collusion between the LDF and BJP due to alleged inaction in corruption cases against Vijayan.

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The core issues to be settled -- access to Hormuz, Israel's aggression in Lebanon, the question of Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and compensation -- are thorny enough to require weeks of patient negotiation. The most likely outcome of the opening sessions is that both sides take the measure of each other, establish what is and is not negotiable, and return home without having broken anything. That would count as progress.

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

'Taliban Has Been Giving Pakistan Army Hell'

'Taliban Has Been Giving Pakistan Army Hell'

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

'We need to give Pakistan something serious to think about on its eastern front -- that is the only way to actually help Afghanistan right now.'

How Long Can India Absorb Rising Fuel Costs?

How Long Can India Absorb Rising Fuel Costs?

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's net oil import bill could rise by $56 billion to $64 billion annually assuming global crude averages $110 to $115 per barrel in FY27.

2 kids among 4 injured as Pak intercepts Taliban drones

2 kids among 4 injured as Pak intercepts Taliban drones

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Army intercepted and destroyed Afghan Taliban drones targeting civilian areas, resulting in injuries. This incident has further strained relations between the two countries, with Pakistan reiterating its commitment to combating terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.

My Mother, Asha Bhosle

My Mother, Asha Bhosle

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Asha Bhosle's only daughter Varsha Bhosle, who died in 2012, had penned this beautiful ode to her mother.

India's Global Image Crumbles At Trump's One Poke

India's Global Image Crumbles At Trump's One Poke

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

We know in our heart that speaking the truth on this stupid Iran war will anger Trump and so we look the other way because if we look him in the eye the bully will straighten us out, asserts Aakar Patel.

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

For weeks, the war skirted the edge of catastrophe without tipping over. Missiles flew, there was much destruction, commanders were assassinated, cities across the Gulf and even in Israel struggled to absorb the shock. But one line held: Energy infrastructure, the arteries of the global economy, remained largely untouched. That is no longer true. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Is The Dubai Dream Over?

Is The Dubai Dream Over?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Dubai's core promise -- that it is an oasis untouched by regional storms -- has been tested in full public view. The coming months will show whether investors view the attacks as a short-lived disruption or a deeper signal of lasting risk, points out Asif Ullah Khan.

Why Former IAS Officer Cheema's Move Strengthens Shiromani Akali Dal

Why Former IAS Officer Cheema's Move Strengthens Shiromani Akali Dal

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Former IAS officer Kanwaljeet Singh Cheema joins the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), with party president Sukhbir Singh Badal highlighting his administrative experience and criticising the AAP government's performance in Punjab.

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'The BJP is keeping its options open and that the final decision is still tightly held.' 'That is consistent with the party's tendency to preserve suspense, avoid premature factional conflict, and use leadership selection as a way of resetting internal hierarchies.'

Graphene: The 'Wonder Material' Poised to Revolutionise Water Purification

Graphene: The 'Wonder Material' Poised to Revolutionise Water Purification

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Scientists at the GraphIN 2026 conference in Kochi highlighted graphene's potential in water purification, discussing graphene-based membranes and nanocomposites for removing pollutants and improving desalination.