News for 'Regional Powers'

Strict curbs in Kashmir as protests over Iran continue

Strict curbs in Kashmir as protests over Iran continue

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Protests erupted in Jammu and Kashmir following events in Iran, leading to heightened security measures and appeals for peace.

Hormuz Crisis Threatens Global Economy

Hormuz Crisis Threatens Global Economy

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

When missiles fly in this region, they are never just aimed at military targets.

Trump is a 'dictator' and Modi is his slave: Kharge

Trump is a 'dictator' and Modi is his slave: Kharge

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relationship with US President Donald Trump, alleging that Modi is acting as Trump's 'slave' and jeopardising India's interests on trade, oil and foreign policy.

Budget 2026 Treats Healthcare As Strategic National Capability

Budget 2026 Treats Healthcare As Strategic National Capability

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Budget reframes healthcare as a strategic national capability, backing biopharma innovation, workforce expansion and technology-led governance to power India's next growth phase.

Attack that killed Indian crew member was deliberate: Safesea chief

Attack that killed Indian crew member was deliberate: Safesea chief

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The chairman of maritime company Safesea Group has described the attack on the US-owned crude oil tanker Safesea Vishnu, which resulted in the death of an Indian crew member, as "deliberate and calculated". He emphasised the need for governments to ensure the safety of commercial shipping lanes and seafarers.

India to meet New Zealand in T20 World Cup final

India to meet New Zealand in T20 World Cup final

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Samson, Bumrah help India tide over England challenge to reach second successive T20 WC final

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

India's Clean Energy Sector Sees Recruitment Surge

India's Clean Energy Sector Sees Recruitment Surge

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India's clean energy technology industry is experiencing rapid growth, with recruitment increasing significantly due to policy support and investments in green energy. However, challenges remain in talent availability, skills alignment, and gender diversity.

'More India Aligns With US, More China Aligns With Pak'

'More India Aligns With US, More China Aligns With Pak'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'China continues to perceive its relations with India through the prism of India-US relations, with the US using India to counter balance against China in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.'

India's mindset must change; Awami League era over in B'adesh: Tarique aide

India's mindset must change; Awami League era over in B'adesh: Tarique aide

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Following the BNP's victory in recent elections, Bangladesh is seeking to reset its relationship with India, emphasizing mutual benefit and a recognition of the changed political landscape.

Why Dhurandhar 2 Trailer Signals A Potential Blockbuster

Why Dhurandhar 2 Trailer Signals A Potential Blockbuster

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The electrifying Dhurandhar 2 trailer promises a high-octane thriller set in Pakistan, blending intense action with a compelling spy narrative and hinting at major box office potential.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

Gulf War: How To Manage Investments, Household Budget

Gulf War: How To Manage Investments, Household Budget

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Households should moderate large discretionary expenses for the time being.
'They should prioritise essential spending. They should maintain an emergency fund covering 6 to 12 months of expenses.'

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The BJP has criticised the Congress party for allegedly prioritising its vote bank and outdated ideologies over India's national interest and citizen safety in its foreign policy approach towards Iran.

Football games postponed in Mexico after cartel leader's death sparks violence

Football games postponed in Mexico after cartel leader's death sparks violence

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Several soccer games in Mexico were postponed due to violence following a military operation and the reported death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho."

Iran Crisis: 'No Nation More Exposed Than India'

Iran Crisis: 'No Nation More Exposed Than India'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'We are profoundly energy-dependent on the Gulf. That dependency must now be redirected towards the United States, because we require American permission to procure oil.' 'We additionally require Iranian permission to acquire oil from that source. So India now has to seek two separate permissions merely to secure its energy supply.' 'Should we be compelled to source from America, or from Venezuela -- which is, in effect, American-controlled supply -- that will inevitably carry a price premium, an elevated shipping cost, and a considerably extended delivery timeline, given the distances involved.'

'Enemy of my enemy': How Saudi, Israel helped trigger Iran strike

'Enemy of my enemy': How Saudi, Israel helped trigger Iran strike

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

For years, these two powers operated as "frenemies" in the shadow of Iran's regional influence. The frame here is "The Enemy of My Enemy."

Cooling hub Sri City gets a Carrier legacy stamp

Cooling hub Sri City gets a Carrier legacy stamp

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Sri City in Andhra Pradesh is dubbed the "Cooling City" of India, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the air conditioners (ACs) manufactured in the country. On Tuesday, this industrial hub added one more feather to its cooling credentials. Carrier Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Ltd, the Indian arm of the oldest AC company in the world, Carrier Global, signed a deal to invest around ~1,000 crore for a new manufacturing unit at Sri City.

Pakistan denies halting military operation against Afghan Taliban

Pakistan denies halting military operation against Afghan Taliban

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Pakistan minister refuted social media reports about the conclusion of the operation against Afghan Taliban, stating that the operation is continuing with full intensity.

AI Could Widen Inequalities if Not Used for People's Benefit: Amitabh Kant

AI Could Widen Inequalities if Not Used for People's Benefit: Amitabh Kant

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant warns that artificial intelligence (AI) could exacerbate global inequalities if not used for the benefit of people, highlighting its immense energy requirements and the need for renewable energy solutions.

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

When everyone has footage and no one can verify it, the loudest voice wins, notes Prem Panicker who begins a daily blog on the War in the Middle East.

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In the Indo-Pacific's new era -- where perception shapes reality faster than treaties -- the real entrapment is not of China or the United States. It is the test Japan has set for itself -- and whether partners like India, acting as balancers rather than accelerants, can help ensure that the story ends in stability, points out Varun Arya.

Ashwini Vaishnaw: BJP to End TMC's 15-Year Rule in West Bengal

Ashwini Vaishnaw: BJP to End TMC's 15-Year Rule in West Bengal

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw asserted that the BJP will form the government in West Bengal after the upcoming assembly elections, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule. He criticised the TMC for vote-bank politics, hindering development, and failing to protect women, while promising unprecedented development under a BJP government.

Markets bleed; Sensex tumbles 1,236 pts on selling in RIL, HDFC Bank

Markets bleed; Sensex tumbles 1,236 pts on selling in RIL, HDFC Bank

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Benchmark Sensex tumbled 1,236 points or 1.5 per cent while Nifty closed near 25,450 on Thursday following an across-the-board sell-off amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran.

World Sleep Day: 5 Relaxing Asanas For Good Sleep

World Sleep Day: 5 Relaxing Asanas For Good Sleep

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

On World Sleep Day, Sailendra Raane, yoga expert and founder of Mahati Wellness, explains how yoga and small lifestyle fixes can help you lay the groundwork for a good night's sleep.

VIDEO: Modi makes historic landing at Assam highway airstrip

VIDEO: Modi makes historic landing at Assam highway airstrip

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Northeast's first Emergency Landing Facility in Assam, boosting regional defense and disaster response capabilities.

Historic! Jammu and Kashmir overpower Karnataka to win first Ranji Trophy title

Historic! Jammu and Kashmir overpower Karnataka to win first Ranji Trophy title

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Jammu and Kashmir scripted an extraordinary tale of resilience in Indian domestic cricket to claim their maiden Ranji Trophy title by out-batting traditional heavyweights Karnataka in the final in Hubbali on Saturday.

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The BJP has released its first list of candidates for the West Bengal assembly polls, featuring Suvendu Adhikari against Mamata Banerjee in a high-stakes electoral battle. The Left Front has also announced its initial list of candidates, setting the stage for a crucial election.

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty50 React to Global Cues and Trump Tariff Concerns

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty50 React to Global Cues and Trump Tariff Concerns

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Indian equities on Dalal Street saw volatility as global market trends and fresh tariff concerns linked to Donald Trump impacted investor sentiment. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for Feb 24, 2026.

Sensex Plunges 1069 Points on IT Selloff, Global Trade Worries

Sensex Plunges 1069 Points on IT Selloff, Global Trade Worries

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant decline, primarily driven by a selloff in IT stocks due to concerns about AI disruption and renewed worries over global trade.

'Welcome, My Friend': Netanyahu rolls out red carpet for Modi

'Welcome, My Friend': Netanyahu rolls out red carpet for Modi

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations, focusing on cooperation in various sectors including defense, technology, and trade.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Sensitive issues remain. Water sharing of the Ganga and Teesta rivers. Treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus. Border management. Trade imbalances. Connectivity projects.What happens next will shape not just bilateral ties, but the balance of South Asia itself, points out Ramesh Menon.

Yunus rakes up India's 'Seven Sisters' in farewell speech

Yunus rakes up India's 'Seven Sisters' in farewell speech

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Relations with India experienced a downturn during Yunus's tenure, while ties with Pakistan saw positive developments.

'Indian Army Has Free Hand To Deal With China'

'Indian Army Has Free Hand To Deal With China'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'After the Galwan clash, the rules of engagement changed with the army commanders allowed to use any means at their disposal as they deem fit for tactical operations.'

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

'Nehru Believed India And China Should Be Brothers'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

'Nehru was an idealist, he was certainly a visionary in one way, but Mao Zedong was not. Mao Zedong was a very down-to-earth strategist. He wanted to take Tibet, to take the plateau, to take the rivers, to take the minerals.'

Ukrainian drones hit Russia's biggest nuclear power plant

Ukrainian drones hit Russia's biggest nuclear power plant

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

A fire erupted in Russia's Kursk Nuclear Power Plant on Sunday after Ukraine launched a drone attack at one of Russia's biggest nuclear power plants, damaging a transformer and causing a fall in the output of one of its reactors by 50 per cent, Anadolu Agency reported, citing the plant's press service.

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

China's latest defence budget surges to $275 billion, fueling its ambitious military modernisation program and intensifying geopolitical dynamics in the region.

The Kerala Story 2: Targetted Hate Ruins A Good Cautionary Tale

The Kerala Story 2: Targetted Hate Ruins A Good Cautionary Tale

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

It's not the clothes or the rebellion that invites violence, but the mindset that continues to police and condition girls and encourages the perpetrator, instead of punishing the criminals. This lack of empathy is what ultimately brings The Kerala Story 2 down, observes Divya Nair.

She Wore Purple! 9 Times Nirmala Sitharaman Wowed Us!

She Wore Purple! 9 Times Nirmala Sitharaman Wowed Us!

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is well-known for donning saris that speak as powerfully as her budget speech. Each Budget Day, she selects a drape that pays tribute to India's amazing textile heritage and the mastery of its artisans.