News for 'South Asia Centre'

Who will partner Abhishek if Gill misses SA T20s?

Who will partner Abhishek if Gill misses SA T20s?

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Shubman's T20I series participation against South Africa doubtful; Samson, Jaiswal contenders for the slot

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.

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.

From British child to India's trusted voice: Mark Tully

From British child to India's trusted voice: Mark Tully

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Mark Tully, the renowned journalist, author, and Indophile, has passed away at the age of 90. He spent a lifetime in India as a journalist, mingling with its people and telling their stories.

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.

Fit-again Gill, Hardik back for SA T20Is

Fit-again Gill, Hardik back for SA T20Is

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Shubman Gill is set to make a comeback during the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting in Cuttack, on December 9.

US visa curbs, AI surge will shape Indian IT in 2026

US visa curbs, AI surge will shape Indian IT in 2026

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

India's $280-billion IT industry heads into 2026, balancing visa-related headwinds and global trade uncertainty against its biggest-ever push into artificial intelligence and the rapid expansion of global capability centres (GCCs). Heightened scrutiny of the US H-1B visa programme - including a proposed $100,000 fee for new visas and concerns over a potential 25 per cent outsourcing tax - has complicated cross-border delivery for Indian firms, even as companies accelerate efforts to reduce reliance on onsite staffing.

With focus on T20 WC, Hardik, Bumrah may sit out SA ODIs

With focus on T20 WC, Hardik, Bumrah may sit out SA ODIs

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

In keeping with workload management for frontline pacers, spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to be rested from the three-match ODI series, which carries little significance in the build-up to the T20 showpiece.

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.

ICG ship Sarthak makes historic visit to Iran's Chabahar Port

ICG ship Sarthak makes historic visit to Iran's Chabahar Port

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Indian Coast Guard ship Sarthak visited Chabahar port in Iran, marking the first such visit and underscoring India's growing maritime engagement in the region. The visit aims to strengthen institutional linkages and enhance mutual understanding in maritime safety and security.

'Technology alone won't help win customer's confidence'

'Technology alone won't help win customer's confidence'

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

The return on investment (RoI) from technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) will take time to materialise, and the immediate priority should be to increase spending on building governance frameworks around AI, top bank executives said.

How Operation Sindoor Changed Security Doctrine

How Operation Sindoor Changed Security Doctrine

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'Some success has been achieved in raising the costs of terrorism for Pakistan.'

'Pakistan's Nasr missile is the most dangerous development in South Asia'

'Pakistan's Nasr missile is the most dangerous development in South Asia'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2015

'If ever India loses its patience after repeated terror attacks and decides to retaliate against the terrorist camps, Pakistan may term that a conventional military attack and invoke the nuclear option. This is a way to continue with terrorism without retaliation.'

Can India Regain Foreign Tourists This Winter?

Can India Regain Foreign Tourists This Winter?

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

'We expect inbound numbers in 2025 to come close to pre-pandemic levels -- if not fully match them -- by early 2026.'

'Number Of Jobs Has Increased!'

'Number Of Jobs Has Increased!'

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

'There are new job roles that are emerging because of AI.'

What's in store for realty sector in 2026? A mixed bag

What's in store for realty sector in 2026? A mixed bag

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

After three post-pandemic years of an upcycle, it was a mixed bag for the realty sector in 2025, with sales volumes in the residential real estate moderating across top cities, and commercial real estate and institutional investments emerging as standout performers. Residential: Volumes soften, value holds firm.

Will India continue to remain an attractive FDI destination in 2026?

Will India continue to remain an attractive FDI destination in 2026?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

FDI inflows into India are expected to register robust growth in 2026, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, big-ticket investment announcements, sustained efforts to improve the ease of doing business, and a new generation of investment-linked trade pacts.

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The real story of 2025 is that India officially stopped being a 'market of the future' and started acting as the world's primary economic engine.'

Is it end of the line for South Asia's ship graveyards?

Is it end of the line for South Asia's ship graveyards?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2015

With a plunge in steel prices, ship owners are getting about $3.6 million less for the 25,000 tonnes of recoverable metal.

Russia-China Gas Pact Poses New Challenges For India

Russia-China Gas Pact Poses New Challenges For India

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

India should simultaneously prioritise domestic exploration and production of more oil and gas in the country, and ensure we retain diversified suppliers for imports, points out former foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.

Pakistan using terrorism as state policy against India since 1947: Report

Pakistan using terrorism as state policy against India since 1947: Report

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Records stretching back to 1947 suggest a consistent strategy by Pakistan's military and intelligence apparatus, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), of using terrorism as a state policy against India.

Can't fulfil assurances like scrapping NEET: Stalin

Can't fulfil assurances like scrapping NEET: Stalin

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday admitted that 'as of now, some assurances such as getting NEET scrapped', could not be fulfilled.

Historic! Ankita, Dhiraj shine! India sweep golds at Asian C'ships

Historic! Ankita, Dhiraj shine! India sweep golds at Asian C'ships

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Indian men's recurve team produced its most stirring performance in recent memory to stun heavyweights South Korea in a nerve-wracking shoot-off to clinch its first Asian Archery Championships gold in 18 years, in Dhaka, on Friday.

Aware of people's pain due to violence: Prez in Manipur

Aware of people's pain due to violence: Prez in Manipur

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the people of Manipur, assuring them of the government's commitment to strengthening harmony and ensuring security in the wake of ethnic violence. She highlighted the state's resilience, contributions to the nation, and the government's initiatives for development and inclusivity.

Duleep Trophy: Shreyas Iyer's big shot at India comeback!

Duleep Trophy: Shreyas Iyer's big shot at India comeback!

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

Shreyas Iyer's 604 runs across 17 matches for Punjab Kings at a strike-rate in excess of 175 did not resonate with the selectors during the Asia Cup selection.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

South East Asia-based gangs behind surge in cybercrimes in India: Govt

South East Asia-based gangs behind surge in cybercrimes in India: Govt

Rediff.com23 May 2024

The senior IPS officer said that 45 percent of cyber financial frauds taking place in the country are originating from the South East Asia.

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

If they act now, they can reshape the strategic map of Asia without firing a shot. If they wait, the next opportunity will come only after a serious Taiwan Strait incident -- by which time the price will be far higher, and the room for boldness far smaller -- the opportunity may well be lost by then. The question is no longer whether this can or should be done, points out Varun Arya.

Gill, Rohit, Bumrah to undergo fitness test

Gill, Rohit, Bumrah to undergo fitness test

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

India Test skipper and T20 vice-captain Shubman Gill reached the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) for fitness assessment ahead of travelling to Dubai for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Agniveers Ready To Fight Cyber Wars

Agniveers Ready To Fight Cyber Wars

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

As pipes played and ceremonial commands echoed across the parade ground, a subtle but sharp undertone ran beneath the pride -- the knowledge that these young men may soon be called to act in a world where real-time threats blur the lines between battlefield and cyberspace.

SKY's Slump: Worry For Team India?

SKY's Slump: Worry For Team India?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Suryakumar Yadav has struggled for runs recently in T20 Internationals, having tallied just 54 runs in his last eight innings without a single half-century.

Eko Review: The Writing Is The Star

Eko Review: The Writing Is The Star

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

Eko, a smartly written film, loses steam midway but somehow stays afloat and deliver the goods, notes Arjun Menon.

South Asia expert Ashley Tellis on Obama's India visit

South Asia expert Ashley Tellis on Obama's India visit

Rediff.com4 Nov 2010

'In the struggle India is going through, the US must be seen very clearly as being in India's corner. Pakistani-based terrorism is not a problem that India faces alone. It's part of a common problem that the US faces as well,' says India expert Ashley Tellis.

Beware Of China Threat In North East

Beware Of China Threat In North East

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

By ensuring Myanmar remains dependent on Chinese economic and military assistance, Beijing indirectly exerts pressure on India's North Eastern states, making New Delhi's regional security strategy even more complex.

'Indians Are Better Suited Than Most Other Countries'

'Indians Are Better Suited Than Most Other Countries'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

'Because of the size and complexity of the economy, we can address almost every job that is there, from agriculture farming to healthcare.'

'We May Have Hiccups Now, On Track To Solving It'

'We May Have Hiccups Now, On Track To Solving It'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

'While the President has been critical of India, he has gone out of his way to compliment PM Modi. They have an incredible relationship.'

Indian embassy repatriates 549 citizens from scam centers in Myanmar

Indian embassy repatriates 549 citizens from scam centers in Myanmar

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The Indian Embassy in Thailand, in coordination with its counterpart in Yangon, Myanmar, has repatriated 549 Indians after rescuing them from scam centers operating near the Myanmar-Thailand border. The nationals were lured with fake job offers and forced to work in scam centers. The Indian Embassy has advised citizens to verify credentials of foreign employers and check the antecedents of recruiting agents before accepting job offers.

BJP Invites World Parties To Witness Festival Of Democracy

BJP Invites World Parties To Witness Festival Of Democracy

Rediff.com15 Apr 2024

In the first such initiative, the Bharatiya Janata Party has invited the ruling and Opposition parties from around the world to witness the Lok Sabha elections in India first-hand.

Amazon to invest Rs 2,000 cr in India to expand logistics, improve safety

Amazon to invest Rs 2,000 cr in India to expand logistics, improve safety

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Amazon will invest more than Rs 2,000 crore (about $233 million) in India in 2025 as it strengthens its logistics and safety standards, said the ecommerce company on Thursday.

'Drones And Missiles Can't Deliver A Decisive Military Victory'

'Drones And Missiles Can't Deliver A Decisive Military Victory'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'Unfortunately, India and Pakistan could learn a 'lesson' from this conflict that will make them more likely to use these weapons against each other in the future.' 'Rounds of missile and drone attacks could be more routine features of their hostility, just like artillery fire has become a familiar fact of life along the Line of Control.'