News for 'South Asia Centre'

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, and defense, while also addressing regional peace initiatives.

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.

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.

Making the northeast a business hub of South Asia

Making the northeast a business hub of South Asia

Rediff.com30 Nov 2014

For the region to realise its full potential, New Delhi needs to start looking at the land-locked northeast as an important starting point in India's 'Act East' policy, says Nitin Gokhale

Proposed Nuclear Bill Caps Liability At 3,000 Cr

Proposed Nuclear Bill Caps Liability At 3,000 Cr

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

The operator's liability in the case of an incident is limited to 3,000 crore for reactors with thermal power above 3,600 Megawatt; 1,500 crore for reactors with thermal power between 1,500 Mw and 3,600 Mw; 750 crore for reactors with thermal power between 750 Mw and 1,500 Mw; 300 crore for reactors with thermal power between 150 Mw and 750 Mw; and 100 crore for reactors having thermal power up to 150 Mw, fuel cycle facilities other than spent fuel reprocessing plants and transportation of nuclear materials.

Gill Cleared! Gambhir Says He's Ready to Go

Gill Cleared! Gambhir Says He's Ready to Go

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill is "ready to start" ahead of the first T20I against South Africa of the five-match series, which will take place on December 9.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

'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.

'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.'

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.'

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

How Trump's Tariffs Hurts Dollar Town Of Garments

How Trump's Tariffs Hurts Dollar Town Of Garments

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

'The US slump could hit our hosiery market hard since 40 per cent of our exports go there.' 'Job losses could be severe if the government doesn't step in fast.'

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.