News for 'South Asia Hand'

Smoking increases your coronavirus risk

Smoking increases your coronavirus risk

Rediff.com30 May 2020

'Smokers are a highly susceptible population during this pandemic.' 'Health benefits from quitting smoking can start as early as within an hour.'

How India's young innovators do well by doing good

How India's young innovators do well by doing good

Rediff.com25 May 2018

'Let me talk about young Indian startups with their hearts in the right place and how they are proving that innovations that represent 'affordable excellence' -- breaking the myth that 'affordability' and 'excellence' cannot go together -- is indeed possible!' says Dr R A Mashelkar, the eminent scientist, in this fascinating feature.

'Obama won't promise Modi $100 billion'

'Obama won't promise Modi $100 billion'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2014

'India is going to maintain its ties to China, India is going to develop a strong relationship with the United States. It means that India is going to have the flexibility to pick and choose its friends.' 'That's traditional Indian foreign policy, and it's smart.' Former US ambassador to India Frank Wisner, one of America's sharpest minds on South Asia, tells Aziz Haniffa/Rediff.com what Washington can expect from Narendra Modi's visit.

'Regretful' Sarita Devi offers 'unconditional apology' for medal ceremony row

'Regretful' Sarita Devi offers 'unconditional apology' for medal ceremony row

Rediff.com3 Oct 2014

Facing the prospect of a ban, Indian boxer L Sarita Devi offered an "unconditional apology" for refusing to accept her bronze medal during the Asian Games presentation ceremony, the International Boxing Association said on Friday.

Xi and China are testing Modi

Xi and China are testing Modi

Rediff.com24 Sep 2014

'The intrusion in Chumar, during and beyond the Chinese president's visit, is unprecedented and has qualitatively changed the tone of the India-China relationship,' says Jayadeva Ranade, a member of the National Security Advisory Board.

Delhi Belly, Nirbhaya, The Night Of: Poorna's awesome journey

Delhi Belly, Nirbhaya, The Night Of: Poorna's awesome journey

Rediff.com13 Jul 2016

'There are a lot of things to make the series The Night Of relevant.' 'The decision to make it -- not only South Asian, but Pakistani Muslim -- is intensively relevant with what's going on today.'

So much for Modi's Acche Din. India is no more most favoured emerging market

So much for Modi's Acche Din. India is no more most favoured emerging market

Rediff.com30 Apr 2015

Market experts believe the retreat is because of uncertainty.

Four reasons why Modi's Vietnam visit is important

Four reasons why Modi's Vietnam visit is important

Rediff.com2 Sep 2016

Modi's Vietnam visit is timely and crucial for several reasons. First, Vietnam lies at the heart of India's vision for Southeast Asia as also its 'Act East' policy. India also wants to boost its defence exports to friendly countries. And it is looking to increase trade between the two countries will now is only $7.83 billion, says Dr Rahul Mishra.

As India remembers 26/11, jihadist threats multiply

As India remembers 26/11, jihadist threats multiply

Rediff.com26 Nov 2014

Through its early days to the 1980s, Pakistan sought to expand its sphere of Islamic influence through Afghanistan to Central Asia and got Pakistani citizens recruited in the Afghan government institutions in the 1990s when the Taliban were power. Now, it is looking eastward through India to Bangladesh and Myanmar to establish an imaginary caliphate.

Will Wuhan spirit survive November?

Will Wuhan spirit survive November?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2018

'The Dalai Lama is in a tearing hurry.' 'The 'reincarnation' card remains unplayed, and time is running out.' 'Is something big being planned for the event of Tibetan Buddhist leaders in Leh in November?' asks Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Davis Cup: Grass gamble fails as Italy thrash India to enter World Finals

Davis Cup: Grass gamble fails as Italy thrash India to enter World Finals

Rediff.com2 Feb 2019

World No 15 India will now compete in the Zone Group action later this year.

Sarita gets back the bronze medal she refused

Sarita gets back the bronze medal she refused

Rediff.com2 Oct 2014

Putting an end to the status of the bronze medal won by Indian woman boxer L Sarita Devi, the Olympic Council of Asia on Thursday re-instated her medal in the 60kg category after a hearing with the India's Asian Games contingent officials in Incheon.

After loss of Rs 400 crore...

After loss of Rs 400 crore...

Rediff.com17 Jan 2017

Vistara is trying to be leaner and meaner, while staying focused on the original brand promise; it aims to be profitable by FY21. Arindam Majumder reports.

The power game needs nimble diplomacy

The power game needs nimble diplomacy

Rediff.com3 Feb 2015

PM Modi seems to be gradually ending India's strategic ambiguity

Chinese foreign minister to attend trilateral meeting in India

Chinese foreign minister to attend trilateral meeting in India

Rediff.com7 Nov 2013

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend a two-day trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Russia, India and China in New Delhi from November 10 to discuss regional and international issues.

Caught in the act! 10 cricketers banned for doping

Caught in the act! 10 cricketers banned for doping

Rediff.com2 Aug 2019

A look at the 10 cricketers who were punished for drug related offences.

'Risk of India-Pak military confrontation has increased'

'Risk of India-Pak military confrontation has increased'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2019

'The general perspective -- certainly on Capitol Hill and Congress -- the love for India, the positive feeling for India still focuses on India as a democracy.' 'The more that Indian democracy and its pluralistic features is called into question by Indians, the more that same debate will replay back here.'

'We want to see an open debate about Modi's record'

'We want to see an open debate about Modi's record'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2015

'We are calling for democratic accountability even as we talk about Digital India.' 'We are not against Digital India and it is important for India, but the government should not see what is applicable just to entrepreneurs but also to the vast majority of Indians who do not have the kind of advantages that many Silicon Valley entrepreneurs have.'

Mr Modi, why this change of heart about Pakistan?

Mr Modi, why this change of heart about Pakistan?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2015

'There is nothing that Pakistan has done which deserves a resumption of dialogue. The assurances made in Ufa contain no commitment except a whole range of talks, which could take place without the paraphernalia associated with a joint statement of prime ministers.'

World Cup qualifiers: Messi penalty lifts Argentina; Brazil, Japan on track

World Cup qualifiers: Messi penalty lifts Argentina; Brazil, Japan on track

Rediff.com24 Mar 2017

A round-up of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers played on Thursday

I refuse to agree Indians are intolerant: President

I refuse to agree Indians are intolerant: President

Rediff.com31 Mar 2017

"If it is said Indians are argumentative, I will agree. But if it is said Indians are intolerant, I refuse to agree," said the president at the inaugural ceremony of the 'Namami Brahmaputra' festival in Guwahati.

'Pakistani army officers don't want to join the ISI'

'Pakistani army officers don't want to join the ISI'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2017

'The military in Pakistan is capable and self critical, but intelligence is stuffed full of lifers who resist change, which is why career soldiers in Pakistan try with all their might not to be transferred into the ISI.'

Is environment paying the price for development?

Is environment paying the price for development?

Rediff.com20 Apr 2015

Rediff Labs investigates the link between environment and economy in countries around the world.

Focus on Yuvraj as confident Punjab take on Mumbai in Ranji

Focus on Yuvraj as confident Punjab take on Mumbai in Ranji

Rediff.com7 Oct 2015

Yuvraj Singh-led Punjab go into the game after an innings victory at home over Railways that came about after a strong all round show with their batsmen mustering over 600 runs and their bowlers backing up well.

World Bank cuts India's 2013-14 GDP growth projection to 4.7%

World Bank cuts India's 2013-14 GDP growth projection to 4.7%

Rediff.com16 Oct 2013

In April, the World Bank had projected India's GDP would grow at 6.1 per cent in the current financial year and at 6.7 per cent the following year.

Guardian drones for India? Why not, says top US senator

Guardian drones for India? Why not, says top US senator

Rediff.com3 Mar 2017

Democrat Senator Mark Warner and his Republican colleague in the Senate Dan Sullivan, during a programme in Washington asserted that the erstwhile Obama administration and the US Congress designating India as a major defence partner is a significant step forward in taking the India-US relationship to the next level.

SEE: India to Nepal: Awesome Road Trip!

SEE: India to Nepal: Awesome Road Trip!

Rediff.com4 Feb 2020

Rediff.com's Rajesh Karkera made an 11-day road voyage across some of South Asia's most deserted, challenging, terrain, always under the gaze of the sacred, dazzling Himalaya.

India stands united as a nation today

India stands united as a nation today

Rediff.com30 Sep 2016

'The government has sent a clear message to Pakistan: It is no longer business as usual.' 'The rules of the game have changed and a new game is at play,' says Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (retd).

MH370 and three worrying 'ifs'

MH370 and three worrying 'ifs'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2014

Kuala Lumpur's delay in roping in India to help track the missing aircraft is an indicator that New Delhi must redouble its diplomacy and capacity demonstration in East Asia, feels Nitin Pai

How COVID-19 could change India's political economy

How COVID-19 could change India's political economy

Rediff.com3 Apr 2020

'While the poor have little say in shaping India's intellectual or public discourse, they do have a significant role in deciding political outcomes,' points out Roshan Kishore.

Taliban Treaty: Pakistan's biggest victory since 1947

Taliban Treaty: Pakistan's biggest victory since 1947

Rediff.com3 Mar 2020

'Pakistan's trump card is that it is the only credible guarantor on the horizon who can reasonably assure the Western world that Afghanistan will not again become the revolving door for international terrorism.' 'Trust Pakistan to play this card optimally,' explains Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Don't be fooled by the hug!

Don't be fooled by the hug!

Rediff.com25 Jan 2015

'A three generation US-Pakistan relationship is not likely to be snapped any time soon. All this presents an irritant to an India that wishes to concentrate on economic development,' says Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

The US Nexus: India Must be Careful

The US Nexus: India Must be Careful

Rediff.com27 Oct 2020

Indians at large harbour a notion that their country is cherrypicking out of the American basket of goodies, but the policymakers in Delhi and the political leadership are well aware that it can only be a pipe dream since a military alliance with a superpower is a profound irrevocable commitment, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Welcome to India's biggest junkyard mela

Welcome to India's biggest junkyard mela

Rediff.com8 Feb 2016

Images from the Bhanga Mela, India's only e-waste market.

Creating history for its own sake

Creating history for its own sake

Rediff.com26 Dec 2015

'In a relationship that does not permit cricket, how can the prime ministers embrace and send a false message,' asks Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Why India is getting hotter by the year

Why India is getting hotter by the year

Rediff.com27 May 2015

Scientists at the India Meteorological Department warn that not only has India turned hotter in the last two decades, but that heat waves are projected to become more intense, have longer durations and greater frequency, thereby resulting in more deaths.

PM Modi cautions international community on growing 'arc of violence'

PM Modi cautions international community on growing 'arc of violence'

Rediff.com12 May 2017

Speaking as the chief guest at the International Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo, the prime minister said that the themes of social justice and sustainable world peace, chosen for the Vesak day, resonate deeply with Buddha's teachings.

Time to end tax havens: Richest 1% own 58% of India's total wealth

Time to end tax havens: Richest 1% own 58% of India's total wealth

Rediff.com16 Jan 2017

Globally, just 8 billionaires have same amount of wealth as the poorest 50% of the world population.

The visionary who made Indian IT industry global

The visionary who made Indian IT industry global

Rediff.com7 Dec 2020

One should appreciate the sagacity and audacity of JRD and Nani Palkhivala in founding TCS on April 1, 1968. At that time there was no Microsoft or Intel, SAP or Accenture, much less Google.
They needed a person who could build and execute their vision: A frontiersman; a problem solver and an institution builder. It was their and India's good fortune that Faqir Chand Kohli more than measured up to their requirements and indeed laid the foundation to take TCS to unimaginable heights and to the giant success that it is today. Shivanand Kanavi salutes the incomparable F C Kohli, who passed into the ages last week.

Why Xiaomi's India head hires people who are smarter than him

Why Xiaomi's India head hires people who are smarter than him

Rediff.com22 Dec 2016

Manu Kumar Jain, India head, Xiaomi, tells Sangeeta Tanwar how the Chinese smartphone maker won over the Indian market.