News for 'South Asia Centre'

Diplomatic win for India, Colombia withdraws pro-Pak statement

Diplomatic win for India, Colombia withdraws pro-Pak statement

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Tharoor, who is leading the all-party delegation to the Americas during his Bogota visit, had expressed dismay over the South American country's stance during a press conference on Thursday.

IBM launches Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

IBM launches Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

Rediff.com9 Feb 2012

The new Centre of Excellence at the India Software Lab will offer solutions to organisations across India, South Asia and Asia Pacific.

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, is facing deportation after US authorities accused him of "spreading Hamas propaganda" and having "close connections to a suspected terrorist." The Department of Homeland Security claims Suri has been actively promoting antisemitism on social media and is connected to a senior Hamas advisor. Suri's lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, argues that his client is being targeted due to his wife's Palestinian heritage and their opposition to US foreign policy towards Israel. The incident follows the self-deportation of another Indian student from Columbia University who was also accused of supporting Hamas.

Japan first nation to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Japan first nation to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

The win guarantees Japan a top-two finish in the standings and sees them qualify for an eighth straight World Cup.

India's First Emperor

India's First Emperor

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Chandragupta Maurya was the first king to establish an empire in India. He died a monk.

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'I am worried that Pakistan will still feel compelled to take substantive military action beyond this apparent drone activity.' 'If so, the crisis could persist for a while more and dangerous days are still ahead.'

'India Missed Opportunity To Take Back Parts Of PoK'

'India Missed Opportunity To Take Back Parts Of PoK'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'Had Haji Pir and/or Skardu been taken, the message would have gone out not just to General Asim Munir and his cohort in the Pakistan army but to the Pakistani people that every terrorist incident in India would lead to substantial loss of territory in PoK.'

Natural Disasters Displaced 2.5 Million Indians in 2022

Natural Disasters Displaced 2.5 Million Indians in 2022

Rediff.com25 May 2023

Extreme weather events and disasters have been on the rise in the region.

Warning! Trump 2.0 Will Be Very Different

Warning! Trump 2.0 Will Be Very Different

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

'Trump has no more elections to fight and his soaring ambition, which is no secret, will be to carve out a presidential legacy that outshines by far all his mediocre predecessors.' 'Trump's turnaround on the H-1B visa debate shows that he can take tough decisions and there are no holy cows in his domain,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Land deals for housing, warehousing rise to over 2,200 acres

Land deals for housing, warehousing rise to over 2,200 acres

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Indian real estate sector saw more land deals in 2024 at over 2,200 acres as developers were looking to expand the business, according to CBRE. Real estate consultant CBRE data showed that land deals of more than 2,200 acres last year as against about 1,900 acres in the preceding year. Out of the total land transactions in 2024, around 2,000 acres were located in the eight major cities -- Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

Why I Will Be Going Back To Vietnam

Why I Will Be Going Back To Vietnam

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Vietnam was wonderful and the people warm and hospitable, Radhika Mittal discovered over a 11-day stay.

Dalai Lama successor must be from within China, needs govt nod: Beijing

Dalai Lama successor must be from within China, needs govt nod: Beijing

Rediff.com10 Nov 2023

Though Beijing asserts the Dalai Lama's successor needs its approval, observers say it remains concerned as the present Panchen Lama, the number two spiritual leader who was appointed by it after unseating the boy nominated by the Dalai Lama, has not gained much traction in Tibet.

Former spy chiefs want Indo-Pak cricketing ties resumed. Do you agree?

Former spy chiefs want Indo-Pak cricketing ties resumed. Do you agree?

Rediff.com9 Oct 2017

At a talk organised by South Asia Centre, London School of Economics' (LSE) Pakistan Development Society and the South Asia Future Forum in London, the two former spy chiefs agreed that cricket can serve as a peacemaker and can be helpful for the national interest of both countries.

Gadkari's recipe for reducing vehicle pollution

Gadkari's recipe for reducing vehicle pollution

Rediff.com18 Dec 2023

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said the country needs 1,000 vehicle scrapping centres and 400 automated fitness test centres. Launching 'DigiELV', Gadkari said the road ministry has so far approved 85 vehicle scrapping facilities across the country. "We need 1,000 vehicle scrapping centres in the country and at least 400 automated fitness test centres," he said.

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'By his words, actions, and body language during their joint press appearance wanted to convey his personal respect and, more broadly, his desire to work closely with India.'

Samsung to manufacture Galaxy S25 smartphone at Noida plant

Samsung to manufacture Galaxy S25 smartphone at Noida plant

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

South Korean consumer electronics major Samsung, which on Wednesday launched its latest smartphone Galaxy S25 in San Jose, US, will also be manufacturing it at its Noida plant in India, J B Park, president & CEO of Samsung Southwest Asia, said. Moreover, the Bengaluru-based R&D centre of Samsung, the biggest outside South Korea, has "contributed significantly" for developing the S25 series of Galaxy AI.

Pakistan expert Shuja Nawaz on the US-Pak strategic talks

Pakistan expert Shuja Nawaz on the US-Pak strategic talks

Rediff.com26 Mar 2010

Shuja Nawaz, arguably the most authoritative expert on the Pakistani military, assesses the US-Pakistan strategic dialogue.

Farm laws: Centre to take states route

Farm laws: Centre to take states route

Rediff.com29 Nov 2021

'As far as contract farming is concerned, we already have a model Act and states will be encouraged to adopt them.'

Hotel Rates Hit Record High In '24

Hotel Rates Hit Record High In '24

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Driven by a boom in domestic tourism, a record number of weddings in November and December, and a surge in extended weekend vacations.

India, Don't Spurn Bangladesh

India, Don't Spurn Bangladesh

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Our visa operations in Bangladesh constitute the largest visa operations India conducts worldwide. This has taken a hit after Sheikh Hasina's government was overthrown and India reduced its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh, notes Aakar Patel.

China's World Cup dream collapses, Iran qualifies

China's World Cup dream collapses, Iran qualifies

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Coach Branko Ivankovic insisted China's World Cup qualifying campaign was still alive despite back-to-back losses to Saudi Arabia and Australia over the last five days leaving them bottom of Asian qualifying Group C.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

Leaning in: Isha Ambani beyond Reliance Retail

Leaning in: Isha Ambani beyond Reliance Retail

Rediff.com16 May 2024

Isha Ambani means business. Not only when she is doing business - she leads Reliance Retail - but also when she is not. The latter was unmistakable on Wednesday, during her eight-minute 49-second video address on the occasion of "Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day India 2024".

Despite odds, economists confident of India growth story: WEF study

Despite odds, economists confident of India growth story: WEF study

Rediff.com15 Sep 2023

Most economists expect the global economy to weaken in the coming year amid political and financial volatility, but a large majority of over 90 per cent are confident of moderate or strong growth in South Asia, notably India, a survey showed on Friday. At the same time, the outlook for China has dimmed following signs of deflationary pressures and fragility in the country's real estate market, the World Economic Forum's latest 'Chief Economists Outlook' report said. As the world grapples with political and financial volatility, almost six in 10 believe the global economic outlook will undermine progress towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with 74 per cent saying geopolitical tensions will have the same effect.

Visa applications to beat pre-Covid levels in 2024

Visa applications to beat pre-Covid levels in 2024

Rediff.com21 Feb 2024

VFS Global expects visa applications from India to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024 with the easing of appointment availability. Vishal Jairath, head-South Asia, VFS Global, said during a media interaction that based on indications from the client governments in terms of appointment availability and the resources deployed by them, visa applications would surpass the pre-Covid levels by a healthy margin. "We have geared up. We have looked at our infrastructure and increased capacity in many locations," he added.

Where In The World Are These Stars?!

Where In The World Are These Stars?!

Rediff.com7 Apr 2022

Bollywood stars travel all the time on work or for a much-needed vacation.

Amit Shah to attend Ratan Tata's funeral in Mumbai

Amit Shah to attend Ratan Tata's funeral in Mumbai

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the funeral of industrialist Ratan Tata in Mumbai on Thursday, sources said on Thursday.

Companies Plan Yoga Day Celebration

Companies Plan Yoga Day Celebration

Rediff.com21 Jun 2024

'An in-house contest encourages employees to share yoga and well-being practices with their families.'

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'Everyone with a low BMI will not get Type 5 diabetes.'

Amazon arm to set up data centre in Hyderabad

Amazon arm to set up data centre in Hyderabad

Rediff.com6 Nov 2020

Amazon Web Services (AWS) on Friday announced setting up of its second data centre region in India in Telangana that will be operational by mid-2022, and will see the tech giant investing about Rs 20,761 crore. While AWS did not comment on the investment detail, Telangana IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao tweeted that AWS will invest Rs 20,761 crore ($2.77 billion) to set up multiple data centres in the state.

India Needs A National Security Strategy

India Needs A National Security Strategy

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

The National Security Strategy document should flag all major issues concerning security strategy and provide guidelines to concerned departments to work out suitable action plans. Since the global and regional geopolitical canvas is dynamic, the NSS document should be deliberated at length before formulation and should be reviewed periodically, recommends Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

'No Intention Of A Takeover in British Telecom'

'No Intention Of A Takeover in British Telecom'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

'We operate in 16 countries already, and therefore adding the UK to it, and beginning a chapter in the European continent is the next step.'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.'

VinFast kicks off Tamil Nadu unit construction, seeks cut in import duty

VinFast kicks off Tamil Nadu unit construction, seeks cut in import duty

Rediff.com26 Feb 2024

Vietnam-based electric vehicle maker VinFast, a rival of Tesla in the global market, has set foot in India and began work on building its Rs 16,000 crore EV manufacturing facility at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. The company has already sought a reduction in import duties on its cars for about two years until customers get familiar with the brand and its unit in the state. The global major kicked off the construction of the first phase of its integrated EV hub, which may see Rs 4,000 crore of investment initially and will create more than 10,000 jobs.

Congress criticises Centre over China's Kashmir remark

Congress criticises Centre over China's Kashmir remark

Rediff.com10 Oct 2019

Following the Chinese president's comments on Kashmir, India in a quick response asserted that it is not for other countries to comment on "internal affairs of India".

Ratan Tata-promoted Electra EV raises $25 mn

Ratan Tata-promoted Electra EV raises $25 mn

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

Ratan Tata-promoted Electrodrive Powertrain Solutions or Electra EV has raised USD 25 million in equity capital from GEF Capital for a minority stake. The Tata Group patriarch set up Electra EV in 2017 and the company designs, manufactures and supplies EV powertrains systems across passenger and commercial vehicle segments. It also has products for the agriculture and off-highway segments.

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'A government whose policies are focused around making the life of ordinary citizens, specially the most deprived sections, richer; a government that prioritises education, health and transport, that doesn't treat its citizens as subjects who must come to it for everything, is rare in our country.' 'When such a government is thrown out, one is left stunned,' notes Jyoti Punwani.

Guess which was India's most polluted city in 2023? Hint: It's not Delhi

Guess which was India's most polluted city in 2023? Hint: It's not Delhi

Rediff.com10 Jan 2024

Byrnihat in Meghalaya topped the list of most polluted cities in India in 2023, closely followed by Begusarai in Bihar and Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, according to a report released on Wednesday.

US experts question decision to execute Jadhav

US experts question decision to execute Jadhav

Rediff.com12 Apr 2017

They warned that Islamabad wants to send a 'strong message' to India against isolating it on the world stage.