News for 'Southern Asia'

Is India Heading For A Food Crisis?

Is India Heading For A Food Crisis?

Rediff.com2 days ago

'If the temperature remains very high, which is likely to be the case because of El Nino, it may lead to a shortfall in wheat production.' 'If that happens, we will be in a very, very difficult situation as far as food security is concerned.'

'War can never be answer to war': Rajnath Singh at SCO meet

'War can never be answer to war': Rajnath Singh at SCO meet

Rediff.com4 days ago

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve global conflicts, stating, "war can never be the answer to war," while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Delhi-Guangzhou direct flights to resume after 6 years as Modi-Xi meet

Delhi-Guangzhou direct flights to resume after 6 years as Modi-Xi meet

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

China Southern Airlines is set to resume its Guangzhou-New Delhi passenger service from September 21, ending a six-year suspension. This move is part of a broader normalisation of India-China relations, following recent high-level diplomatic meetings and previous flight resumptions by other carriers.

Junior Indian Hockey Team Gears Up For Asia Cup With Malaysia Series

Junior Indian Hockey Team Gears Up For Asia Cup With Malaysia Series

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

India's U-21 men's hockey team will host Malaysia for an eight-match exposure series in Bengaluru from August 7-13, serving as crucial preparation for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup and strengthening bilateral sporting ties.

Hamstring Injury Sidelines Jemimah Rodrigues From The Hundred

Hamstring Injury Sidelines Jemimah Rodrigues From The Hundred

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been ruled out of The Hundred tournament due to a hamstring injury. This injury puts her participation in the upcoming Women's T20 Asia Cup in doubt, as she has less than three weeks to recover.

Exports to Asia, Africa bolster India's trade balance

Exports to Asia, Africa bolster India's trade balance

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India's latest trade data reveals a significant geographical realignment, with trade surpluses growing decisively with Asian and African nations, even as surpluses with traditional partners like the US and Netherlands narrow.

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

New Delhi was told it had given something up; in reality it had stopped talking about it, notes Dr Abhishek Puri.

Gangster Goldy Brar in FBI's 10 most wanted list with $1mn bounty

Gangster Goldy Brar in FBI's 10 most wanted list with $1mn bounty

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The FBI has placed gangster Satinderjeet Singh, known as Goldy Brar, on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, offering a USD 1 million reward for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group's violent activities across North America.

Iran won't bow to 'bullying': Pezeshkian's message to US, Israel from Delhi

Iran won't bow to 'bullying': Pezeshkian's message to US, Israel from Delhi

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran will not succumb to "bullying" from the US and Israel, vowing to protect national interests amidst escalating West Asian hostilities. During his visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, Pezeshkian also discussed strengthening bilateral ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advocated for local currencies in BRICS trade, positioning Iran as a strategic energy and transport partner.

Why Is Colombo Still Biased Against Jaffna?

Why Is Colombo Still Biased Against Jaffna?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'The way the government behaves, sometimes I ask myself: Are not Tamils Sri Lankans too? Why do you discriminate so much?'

32 dead as as 7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Philippines; triggers tsunami warnings across Southeast Asia

32 dead as as 7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Philippines; triggers tsunami warnings across Southeast Asia

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A powerful 7.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines, killing at least four people, injuring over 200, damaging buildings, and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia.

Pakistan-Turkiye-Saudi Pact: Should India Be Concerned?

Pakistan-Turkiye-Saudi Pact: Should India Be Concerned?

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Any military response to a cross-border terror attack from Pakistan will have to take into account the new alignments beginning to take shape in the region, points out former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Indian nationals urged to put off Iran travel amid tensions

Indian nationals urged to put off Iran travel amid tensions

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

India has advised its nationals to postpone travel to Iran and urged those already there to consider leaving due to increasing instability and conflict in the region. The advisory from the Indian Embassy in Tehran highlights heightened caution and the need to monitor the security situation.

Iran nears control of Hormuz under proposed Oman deal

Iran nears control of Hormuz under proposed Oman deal

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

A proposed deal between Iran and Oman could grant Tehran control over vessels entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a senior Iranian source and two regional officials who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday, in what represents one of the most significant concessions made to Iran to date.

Allowed 'friend' India to take oil already on ships: US

Allowed 'friend' India to take oil already on ships: US

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that long-term oil supplies are 'abundant' and there are no worries regarding that, but in the short term, there is a need to get oil on the market.

Indian crew member killed, 6 injured in Iranian missile strike on UAE tankers

Indian crew member killed, 6 injured in Iranian missile strike on UAE tankers

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

An Indian crew member was killed and six other Indian nationals were among eight injured when Iranian cruise missiles struck two UAE tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating regional tensions and drawing strong condemnation from the UAE.

Monsoon Getaways Drive Travel Bookings

Monsoon Getaways Drive Travel Bookings

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Popular monsoon destinations include Kerala, Goa, Wayanad, Munnar, Mussoorie, Nainital, Bali, Thailand and the Maldives.

Iran urges Pak to continue efforts to de-escalate tensions in West Asia

Iran urges Pak to continue efforts to de-escalate tensions in West Asia

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged Pakistan to use its diplomatic influence to help de-escalate the current regional situation and support efforts to maintain the ceasefire.

Omicron RF.5 variant detected in Andhra, health minister urges calm

Omicron RF.5 variant detected in Andhra, health minister urges calm

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced the detection of the Omicron RF.5 variant in four COVID-19 samples from Kadapa district, confirmed by genome sequencing in Pune. While the variant is being monitored by WHO and health officials, there is currently no indication it is more dangerous than other Omicron strains, and public vigilance is advised over panic.

IRGC says it hit US air base in Jordan with 10 missiles after Tehran attack

IRGC says it hit US air base in Jordan with 10 missiles after Tehran attack

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday claimed it had struck the US Al-Azraq air base in northern Jordan with 10 ballistic missiles on what it described as an "enemy command and control centre in West Asia" in retaliatory strikes in response to a recent attack on Tehran by Washington.

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has affirmed India's commitment to ensuring issues like a free, open, and rule-based maritime order, seafarer safety, and countering terror financing receive due attention at the UN Security Council during its 2028-29 term.

Government Skips Women's Quota, Delimitation In 5-Bill Slate

Government Skips Women's Quota, Delimitation In 5-Bill Slate

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

BJP sources said the government would introduce a fresh Bill on the issue and has reached out to parties that opposed the earlier legislation.

How Franchise Leagues Will Elevate Indian Volleyball Standards

How Franchise Leagues Will Elevate Indian Volleyball Standards

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Indian women's assistant volleyball coach Radhika Paruchuri believes that franchise-based leagues, like the upcoming Volleyball Champions League, are crucial for transforming Indian volleyball. She highlights their potential to provide much-needed match exposure for young players, strengthen the talent pipeline, and help identify and nurture new talent, ultimately raising the standard of the sport in India. Paruchuri also notes the decline in Indian women's volleyball due to a lack of international exposure and domestic competition, which these leagues aim to address.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty opens red on geopolitical tensions, FII outflows

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty opens red on geopolitical tensions, FII outflows

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty traded lower amid volatile trends, influenced by escalating geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia and fresh outflows from Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs).

US 7th fleet's USS Tripoli strike group heads to West Asia as tensions soar

US 7th fleet's USS Tripoli strike group heads to West Asia as tensions soar

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

According to the report, the Pentagon is deploying the USS Tripoli ARG, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), part of its own strike group.

Iran targets 21 US bases, F-35 hangars after strikes over Apache downing

Iran targets 21 US bases, F-35 hangars after strikes over Apache downing

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed to have targeted and destroyed hangars of F-35 fighter jets and struck 21 American air and naval bases across West Asia and the Gulf region, including the US Army's command and control centre at the Al-Azraq base in Jordan and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

Stock markets end lower amid spike in oil prices; Sensex drops 480 pts

Stock markets end lower amid spike in oil prices; Sensex drops 480 pts

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower, snapping a two-day rally, as a spike in crude oil prices, triggered by reports of fresh US military operations in southern Iran, dampened investor sentiment and reignited fears of renewed energy supply disruptions.

Don't jeopardise Iran peace deal, Trump tells Israel after Beirut strikes

Don't jeopardise Iran peace deal, Trump tells Israel after Beirut strikes

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that the Israeli strikes on Lebanon's capital of Beirut "should not have happened", warning that such escalation could jeopardise the peace agreement with Iran to achieve a complete solution to the West Asia conflict, which, according to him, is within reach.

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'

Israel strikes in Beirut delays US-Iran peace deal by a few hours

Israel strikes in Beirut delays US-Iran peace deal by a few hours

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The signing of the US-Iran deal to end the conflict in West Asia has been delayed by a few hours due to Israel's strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, US President Donald Trump told local media in Washington, DC.

'Hit them hard again tonight': Trump warns of more strikes on Iran

'Hit them hard again tonight': Trump warns of more strikes on Iran

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Hours after US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the ceasefire deal with Iran was "over", the US President indicated that Washington could launch another round of strikes against the Islamic Republic, following strikes on Tuesday, saying it had already hit Tehran "very hard" and warning of further attacks.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty turn flat after falling in early trade

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty turn flat after falling in early trade

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The BSE benchmark traded 44.43 points up at 76,521.93, and the Nifty quoted 17.20 points higher at 24,048.85. Track Stock markets on May 26.

Not PM, here's who will be attending Khamenei funeral

Not PM, here's who will be attending Khamenei funeral

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

Tension escalates as US shoots down two Iranian attack drones in Hormuz

Tension escalates as US shoots down two Iranian attack drones in Hormuz

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The United States military has intercepted and destroyed two Iranian attack drones that posed an immediate hazard to commercial shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, according to an official statement by the US Central Command late Saturday.

Iran, Israel trade strikes for 1st time since truce; raising war fears

Iran, Israel trade strikes for 1st time since truce; raising war fears

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Tensions in West Asia have dramatically escalated as Israel launched targeted military operations against Iran, triggering widespread blasts across strategic cities, following earlier Iranian projectile attacks on Israel.

Allies in India have been good actors: White House

Allies in India have been good actors: White House

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The US has temporarily permitted India to accept Russian oil already on ships to ensure energy supplies amid the conflict with Iran. This short-term measure is not expected to significantly benefit Russia financially.

'Indians have been good actors': Trump aide on Russian oil waiver

'Indians have been good actors': Trump aide on Russian oil waiver

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The US has granted India permission to buy Russian oil already in transit to ease global supply pressures amidst the West Asia conflict. This decision comes after India agreed to halt sanctioned Russian oil purchases and substitute them with US oil.

8 Best Hotels And Resorts In Asia

8 Best Hotels And Resorts In Asia

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Cond Nast's editors have sat down, like they do yearly and listed their favourite stays in Asia.

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

Rediff.com23 May 2026

South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.

India expresses concern over civilian deaths in Israeli strikes

India expresses concern over civilian deaths in Israeli strikes

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India has voiced its deep concern over reports of increasing civilian casualties in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, emphasising the protection of civilians and the importance of international law.