News for 'South Asia'

Iran Attack: Netanyahu Gambles Big

Iran Attack: Netanyahu Gambles Big

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Israel's aerial assault on Iran is widely viewed as an act of naked aggression with no basis in international law, carried out unilaterally despite US opposition and aimed at derailing ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Aaqib Javed to continue as Pakistan's head coach despite CT debacle

Aaqib Javed to continue as Pakistan's head coach despite CT debacle

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

A PCB official said due to time constraints between the ICC Champions Trophy and New Zealand tour, Aaqib Javed will continue as interim head coach.

4 dead, 500 injured in 'massive explosion' at Iranian port city

4 dead, 500 injured in 'massive explosion' at Iranian port city

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

At least four people were killed and 516 others were injured on Saturday in a massive explosion and fire at the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, more than 1,000km south of capital Tehran, according to officials and state media, Al Jazeera reported.

Piyush Goyal to lead team to Washington for trade talks

Piyush Goyal to lead team to Washington for trade talks

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead a team of senior Indian officials to Washington starting May 16 for discussions with their US counterparts on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), an official said on Tuesday. Goyal is expected to hold meetings with US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during his visit.

'Trump Doesn't Mean Any Harm To India'

'Trump Doesn't Mean Any Harm To India'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'He is intrigued by the intractability of Kashmir issue. With his interest in dealmaking and peacebrokering, he sees it as an exciting challenge to tackle.'

MX Player Is The Horse To Bet On In OTT Biz

MX Player Is The Horse To Bet On In OTT Biz

Rediff.com12 May 2025

At 250 million unique visitors a month, MX Player has for long been in the same bracket as YouTube (454 million) and Meta (324 million) in reach.

'Trump Deep Down Admires Modi'

'Trump Deep Down Admires Modi'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'When compared to many of America's treaty allies in Asia, Modi 3.0 is on a much stronger footing.'

Brazil's Embraer in talks with IndiGo, A-I to strengthen foot print in India

Brazil's Embraer in talks with IndiGo, A-I to strengthen foot print in India

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

Embraer sees a lot of opportunities in India in the commercial and business jets as well as military aircraft and eVTOL segments, its CEO Francisco Gomes Neto has said as the Brazilian seeks to strengthen its foot print in the fast growing Indian market. Besides, the company is in talks with IndiGo and Air India to explore the possibility of selling its E-2 aircraft, which can have up to 146 seats.

US trade official begins India visit days before Trump's reciprocal tariff kicks in

US trade official begins India visit days before Trump's reciprocal tariff kicks in

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Brendan Lynch, the assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia, will pay a five-day visit to India beginning Tuesday, days before US President Donald Trump's tit-for-tat tariff kicks in. The senior US trade official is expected to hold talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal besides meeting a number of senior Indian officials.

Another team from India will visit Washington this month for trade talks

Another team from India will visit Washington this month for trade talks

Rediff.com8 May 2025

A team of senior officials from India will again visit Washington this month to hold discussions with their US counterparts on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), government sources said on Thursday. To give impetus to the talks, India's chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, special secretary in the Department of Commerce, and Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch had last month held three-day talks in Washington.

Why Did Rohit Sharma Abruptly End Test Career?

Why Did Rohit Sharma Abruptly End Test Career?

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Was it a lack of confidence about whether he would perform in England that influenced his decision? asks K R Nayar.

'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.'

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.

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha heads a diplomatic mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore, to seek international cooperation after the Pahalgam attack while highlighting Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism.

E-commerce spend driving use of credit cards in non-metros, says Visa

E-commerce spend driving use of credit cards in non-metros, says Visa

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

With rising disposable incomes in cities beyond metros, the penetration of credit cards - and consequently, credit card spending - is growing at a much faster pace than in traditional metro cities, primarily driven by e-commerce spending.

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Covid is growing milder with time but an occasional surge in cases is expected because the virus that causes it is now endemic and constantly evolving, say scientists while assuring that there is no cause for concern.

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The ISI strategy has been to use its proxies to target Hindus in India. They want an outrage and counter-targeting of India's minorities. Further, even the whiff of it restores the Pakistan army's popularity, especially when it's in the dumps, like now, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Pak envoy urges Trump to help ease tensions with India

Pak envoy urges Trump to help ease tensions with India

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has urged President Donald Trump to help ease tensions with India, highlighting the Kashmir issue as a "flash point" in nuclear terms. He believes that the US should take a more comprehensive and sustained approach to address the situation rather than just immediate de-escalatory measures.

Uber Reaches Out To Women

Uber Reaches Out To Women

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

Uber has rolled out the 'women rider preference' feature, an industry-first initiative that allows women drivers to choose to accept only women riders.

Russia warns of new wave of terror in South Asia

Russia warns of new wave of terror in South Asia

Rediff.com15 Oct 2012

As North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's forces prepare to exit Afghanistan in 2014, Russia has warned of a "new wave" of terrorism in the region, including against India, and sought cooperation from New Delhi to stop this "invasion".

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).

China lauds India's 'great efforts' to help Lanka, says S Asia its priority

China lauds India's 'great efforts' to help Lanka, says S Asia its priority

Rediff.com8 Jun 2022

Rajapaksa said China indicated that it would help Sri Lanka, while adding that "usually they don't like" lending out more money to cover earlier debt payments.

Why McDonalds, KFC Have Gone Korean

Why McDonalds, KFC Have Gone Korean

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The restaurant chains are riding the Hallyu wave -- a phenomenon about the growing global prominence of South Korean pop culture.

History in Minutes: When Nehru's Kerchief Became Sudan's Flag

History in Minutes: When Nehru's Kerchief Became Sudan's Flag

Rediff.com27 May 2025

On Jawaharlal Nehru's 61st death anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra recalls how India's first prime minister cultivated a unique role for the newly independent country on the world stage.

'Global Warming Isn't Going To Come Down'

'Global Warming Isn't Going To Come Down'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'The global climate system doesn't look at where the carbon dioxide is coming from. 'It may be emitted by the US, but it will not remain above the US alone but covers the whole world.'

Royal Enfield announces 1st assembly unit in Bangladesh

Royal Enfield announces 1st assembly unit in Bangladesh

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

Indian motorcycle maker Royal Enfield on Tuesday announced starting a manufacturing unit and a showroom in Bangladesh, marking a major industrial development in the neighbouring country where the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled in August after weeks-long protests against her. The manufacturing facility in Chauddagram in Cumilla district is Royal Enfield's sixth outside India and besides the one in Tamil Nadu. Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment, has set up the facility in collaboration with IFAD Motors.

'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.'

Will Trump 2.0 continue pro-India policies?

Will Trump 2.0 continue pro-India policies?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

A leading expert predicts that the incoming Trump administration will likely continue its pro-India policies, including the Indo-Pacific strategy and Quad, but highlights potential challenges such as trade disagreements, immigration issues, and a possible quid pro quo for technology sharing. The expert also notes that the Trump 2.0 administration may prioritize great power politics over strategic altruism, potentially impacting human rights and religious freedom concerns.

India moved fewer people to non-agri jobs than most neighbouring nations

India moved fewer people to non-agri jobs than most neighbouring nations

Rediff.com13 Apr 2024

India has managed to move a smaller share of its working-age population away from farm-related work than many of its neighbours. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal managed to shift a bigger share of jobs to non-agricultural work than India, shows data from the year 2000 to 2023 the compiled from the World Bank's April South Asia Development Update report. Only Pakistan and the Maldives show a lower shift among South Asian peers.

India asked to join South Asia gas pipeline: ADB

India asked to join South Asia gas pipeline: ADB

Rediff.com9 Apr 2003

Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan signed a joint letter formally inviting India to join a 1,600-km natural gas pipeline project, the Asian Development Bank said on Wednesday.

Resolving Kashmir imbroglio is path to peace South Asia: Mullen

Resolving Kashmir imbroglio is path to peace South Asia: Mullen

Rediff.com22 Sep 2011

Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the United States joint chiefs of staff, just days before his retirement, has made yet another scathing indictment of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence's perfidy. The spy agency maintains proxies like the Haqqani network for its own strategic depth in Afghanistan, he said.

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.

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'This was a decision taken and executed by Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottu Amman. Both were convinced that the assassination would not be linked to them.'

Op Sindoor: Diplomatic missions push for decisive anti-terror action

Op Sindoor: Diplomatic missions push for decisive anti-terror action

Rediff.com30 May 2025

All-party parliamentary delegations on Friday met leaders and diplomats from several countries to galvanise international action against terrorists and decisively counter the tactics of those who perpetrate, support and sponsor cross-border terror activities against India.

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Rajbaris are a link to Bengal's rich past, of grand mansions, classical fine dining, and allow guests to be pretend zamindars for those few hours or days that they stay.

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.

India can speak...: US on Australian journalist's visa row

India can speak...: US on Australian journalist's visa row

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

The row was erupted after Australian journalist Avani Dias claimed she was forced to leave India.

Saina Nehwal's unstoppable journey to Asian Games Athletes' Committee

Saina Nehwal's unstoppable journey to Asian Games Athletes' Committee

Rediff.com16 Sep 2023

Asian Games Athletes' Committee poll: Saina set to win uncontested

Govt to set up private textile parks to curb China imports

Govt to set up private textile parks to curb China imports

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

To curb raw material imports from China and promote textiles, the Uttar Pradesh government is looking to set up nearly a dozen private textile parks in the state. The textile parks would be established under the UP Textile and Garmenting Policy 2022.

India's next big business op: Hub for undersea cables?

India's next big business op: Hub for undersea cables?

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

While India has become the largest data generating nation, and hosts more than 152 data centres, it is fed by only 18 undersea cables.