News for 'Sceptics'

Deal vs War: Trump-Netanyahu Clash on Iran in Tense Call

Deal vs War: Trump-Netanyahu Clash on Iran in Tense Call

Rediff.com3 days ago

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a tense phone call over the future course of the war on Iran, with Washington favouring a deal instead of resuming strikes, according to US media reports.

4 Reasons Why Market Recovered After March Crash

4 Reasons Why Market Recovered After March Crash

Rediff.com2 days ago

'Once the market decides it wants to go up, it goes up -- no amount of bad news can really hold it back.'

Iran to unveil new Hormuz traffic plan, says US-linked vessels may be barred

Iran to unveil new Hormuz traffic plan, says US-linked vessels may be barred

Rediff.com7 days ago

Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee Ebrahim Azizi on Saturday said that Iran has prepared a "professional mechanism" to regulate maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through a designated route, which will be unveiled soon.

'If they misbehave': Trump warns Iran of resuming strikes

'If they misbehave': Trump warns Iran of resuming strikes

Rediff.com3 May 2026

US President Donald Trump stated that military strikes against Iran could resume if they 'misbehave,' even as he reviews a new proposal from Tehran aimed at ending the paused conflict.

'Shorter matches, greater pressure': Players divided over new scoring system

'Shorter matches, greater pressure': Players divided over new scoring system

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Badminton's new 15-point scoring system, set for the 2028 Olympics, has divided players, with some welcoming shorter matches and others warning of increased pressure and tactical shifts.

Iran offers deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz to end US blockade: Report

Iran offers deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz to end US blockade: Report

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Iran has submitted a fresh proposal to regional intermediaries offering to cease its military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, contingent upon a complete cessation of hostilities and the removal of the US blockade on Iranian maritime hubs.

Sonam Bajwa: 'If You Only Play It Safe, I Don't Know How Exciting Your Journey Will Be'

Sonam Bajwa: 'If You Only Play It Safe, I Don't Know How Exciting Your Journey Will Be'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Sonam Bajwa shares her candid experience navigating the pressures of fan expectations and the initial scepticism from Bollywood producers regarding her Hindi film debut.

Iran delegation to reach Islamabad tonight for talks with US

Iran delegation to reach Islamabad tonight for talks with US

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Iran has confirmed its participation in peace talks hosted by Pakistan, aimed at resolving the conflict with the US and Israel, despite concerns over ceasefire violations.

When Love Turned Into Betrayal

When Love Turned Into Betrayal

Rediff.com16 May 2026

An electric current passed through me, and I couldn't figure out what hit me. Aarti David explores love and betrayal in this short story.

Is Pakistan's mediation stalling US-Iran peace deal?

Is Pakistan's mediation stalling US-Iran peace deal?

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Doubts are emerging about Pakistan's role in mediating peace negotiations between the US and Iran, with suggestions that Islamabad's efforts are stalling and failing to secure a definitive response from the United States.

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Doping Concerns Threaten India's 2036 Olympic Hopes

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has voiced concerns regarding the high rate of doping cases in India and the alleged practice of athletes receiving advance notice before testing, potentially jeopardising the nation's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'At the first sign of real trouble, that money will move. There will be a run.'

Iran files formal complaint with UN over ship seizures, accuses US of 'piracy'

Iran files formal complaint with UN over ship seizures, accuses US of 'piracy'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Iran has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations, accusing the US of engaging in 'piracy' following the seizure of Iranian vessels. The complaint was detailed in a letter sent by Iran's UN envoy to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council.

Iran offers 'new proposal' to US to end war, reopen Hormuz

Iran offers 'new proposal' to US to end war, reopen Hormuz

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

In a significant diplomatic manoeuvre aimed at de-escalating regional tensions, Iran has reportedly submitted a "new proposal" to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries.

The Only Indian Film Competing At Cannes

The Only Indian Film Competing At Cannes

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'Cinema is such a powerful medium. It is not just the emotional impact, but some of these films are so strong that your entire body cannot help but react.'

'Root Causes Of Infertility Remain Overlooked'

'Root Causes Of Infertility Remain Overlooked'

Rediff.com1 May 2026

'Infertility and reproductive health challenges, much like other chronic conditions, are rising globally.'

Vance to lead US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 10

Vance to lead US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 10

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The meeting follows a ceasefire agreement that was announced and welcomed by Shehbaz Sharif, who also extended invitations to both delegations for further negotiations.

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The question is whether the clocks allow enough time for two deeply mistrustful sides to get there, and whether the surface calm holds long enough for the paddling to produce something before the ceasefire ends on April 22, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

'Stone Cold Killer' Niemann takes aim at Carlsen, promises rise to World No.1

'Stone Cold Killer' Niemann takes aim at Carlsen, promises rise to World No.1

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Hans Niemann reignites his feud with Magnus Carlsen in a Netflix documentary, vowing to become world No.1 as the chess cheating controversy resurfaces.

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi smashes 15-ball 50 as RR crush RCB to extend winning streak

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi smashes 15-ball 50 as RR crush RCB to extend winning streak

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Rajat Patidar's aggressive innings helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru reach a total of 201 for 8 against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL match, after a shaky start.

Sheena Bora Trial: Do Skeletons Rise?

Sheena Bora Trial: Do Skeletons Rise?

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The investigation into Sheena Bora's murder, and, later, the case, leans heavily on the half-burnt body found in rural Maharashtra in 2012. Therefore, the very strange and notable differences -- like the Case Of The Rising Skeleton -- between both postmortems/their reports done on it have a critical bearing.

Uttarakhand HC Demands Status Reports in 'Mohammad Deepak' Case

Uttarakhand HC Demands Status Reports in 'Mohammad Deepak' Case

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Uttarakhand High Court has directed state authorities to provide status reports on FIRs related to the 'Mohammad Deepak' incident, where a gym operator confronted Bajrang Dal activists harassing a Muslim shopkeeper.

Vance leaves for peace talks in Pakistan, no word on Iranian delegation

Vance leaves for peace talks in Pakistan, no word on Iranian delegation

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

US Vice President JD Vance leads a delegation to Islamabad for talks with Iran, expressing optimism while warning against bad faith negotiations from Tehran.

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively pushing Trump to take the war to its bitter finish and 'erase' Iran's presence in the geopolitics of the region. Simply put, the two most powerful Sunni Arab oligarchies are on the same page as Israel. Such interference increases the risk of a breakdown in dialogue between the US and Iran, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

West Asia conflict: 'India can be a better mediator than Pakistan'

West Asia conflict: 'India can be a better mediator than Pakistan'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, special envoy, foreign ministry of Israel, has asserted that the situation has effectively been a "multi-front regional conflict" since its inception, while claiming significant military and strategic gains against adversarial forces.

The Drama: Robert Pattinson, Zendaya Are Superb

The Drama: Robert Pattinson, Zendaya Are Superb

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The Drama is what you can call a 'feel-bad' romance done right, notes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

IPL 2026: 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewrites IPL History

IPL 2026: 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewrites IPL History

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a record-breaking half-century, leading his team to victory against Chennai Super Kings.

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously. The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'The White House lunch that Trump hosted for Munir last year came just after Munir returned from a visit to Iran, at a moment when Israel and Iran were at war.' 'Trump said after that lunch that the Pakistanis know Iran very well. He likely views Munir as a useful interlocutor that can give helpful insights on Iran.'

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.

Iran-Israel Conflict Halts Dubai Weddings

Iran-Israel Conflict Halts Dubai Weddings

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

With Gulf countries emerging as popular destinations for Indian weddings and pre-wedding shoots, the March-April season had seen a flurry of bookings.

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Promises Enhanced Initiatives for Women's Education and Safety if Party Wins 2027

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Promises Enhanced Initiatives for Women's Education and Safety if Party Wins 2027

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has pledged to introduce more initiatives focused on women's education, safety, and welfare if his party regains power in 2027, highlighting the importance of women's status in assessing a society's condition.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

10 Recipes Celebrating March

10 Recipes Celebrating March

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Spring calls for newly-harvested glossy vegetables and fruits, fresh flavours, light bites and colourful plates that match the cheerful mood of the season.

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The next two to three weeks will not be decided in Washington.' 'They will be decided in Tehran, in whatever calculation Iran makes about the costs of continued resistance against the costs of appearing to have yielded.'

Sapna Bhavnani: 'Virat Was Everything Mahi Was Not But...'

Sapna Bhavnani: 'Virat Was Everything Mahi Was Not But...'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

From styling icons like M S Dhoni and Virat Kohli to launching India's first horror film festival, Sapna Bhavnani's journey stretches far beyond cricket and Bollywood -- into fearless self-expression, bold filmmaking and unapologetic reinvention.

The Investor Trap Called Confirmation Bias

The Investor Trap Called Confirmation Bias

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'It is not a modern flaw created by markets or media, but a deep-seated human trait with evolutionary roots,' explains Harsh Roongta.