News for 'Southern'

Shame if Pakistan players are kept out of The Hundred: Brook

Shame if Pakistan players are kept out of The Hundred: Brook

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

England's Harry Brook expresses concern over reports that Indian-owned franchises in The Hundred may refrain from picking Pakistan players due to political tensions, emphasizing the value and excitement they bring to the competition.

Satellite images suggest US airstrike hit Iran school

Satellite images suggest US airstrike hit Iran school

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Satellite imagery and expert analysis suggest that a deadly explosion at a school in southern Iran last week was likely caused by a United States airstrike that also targeted a nearby compound linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to media reports.

Pakistan's players hope to play in The Hundred despite IPL links

Pakistan's players hope to play in The Hundred despite IPL links

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Manchester Super Giants (RPSG Group), MI London (Reliance), Southern Brave (GMR) and Sunrisers Leeds (Sun Group) all of whom are linked to team owners in the IPL are likely to avoid picking Pakistan's players in next month's players' auction for The Hundred.

Director Claims Actress's Marriage is 'Love Jihad', Seeks Intervention

Director Claims Actress's Marriage is 'Love Jihad', Seeks Intervention

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Film director Sanoj Mishra has alleged that the marriage of actress Monalisa Bhonsle to a Muslim man is a case of 'love jihad' and plans to take the matter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.

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.

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions in West Asia following a series of strikes and counter-strikes, the United States Embassy in Muscat on Tuesday instructed its staff to shelter in place.

Director to Take 'Love Jihad' Claim in Viral Kumbh Girl's Marriage to MP Chief Minister

Director to Take 'Love Jihad' Claim in Viral Kumbh Girl's Marriage to MP Chief Minister

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Film director Sanoj Mishra met the family of Monalisa Bhonsle, the viral Kumbh girl who recently married a Muslim man, alleging 'love jihad' and promising to take the matter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.

Hezbollah drones target Israeli air base

Hezbollah drones target Israeli air base

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

According to Hezbollah, it fired a swarm of drones at radar sites and control rooms at the base on Tuesday, describing the move as retaliation for Israeli strikes.

'Kumbh Mela girl' Monalisa marries boyfriend in Kerala; seeks police help

'Kumbh Mela girl' Monalisa marries boyfriend in Kerala; seeks police help

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, sought police protection in Thiruvananthapuram to stay with her boyfriend and marry him, alleging her father was trying to forcibly take her back home.

Social Media Star Monalisa Bhonsle Marries in Kerala After Seeking Police Protection

Social Media Star Monalisa Bhonsle Marries in Kerala After Seeking Police Protection

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, married her Muslim friend in Kerala after seeking police protection from family pressure. The couple cited Kerala's support for interfaith relationships as their reason for choosing the state.

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

This weekend, Donald Trump has begun to say the quiet part out loud -- that he wants to take control of Iran's oil, a formulation more in line with his robber-baron style of international relations.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Sri Lanka Completes Post-Mortem on Iranian Sailors After Frigate Sinking

Sri Lanka Completes Post-Mortem on Iranian Sailors After Frigate Sinking

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka has completed the post-mortem examination of Iranian sailors recovered from the frigate IRIS Dena, which allegedly sank after a US submarine attack. Eighty of the 84 bodies have been identified by survivors, and an opposition protest was held against military aggression against Iran.

Neither Israel Nor Iran Wants A Quick End To The War

Neither Israel Nor Iran Wants A Quick End To The War

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Israel wishes to continue its bombing campaign until Iran's military and industrial infrastructure are degraded to a point where it ceases to pose a threat to Israel. Iran, for its part, has learnt from its experience in the 12-day war of last June. Any ceasefire, it believes, will only be a prelude to another attack on itself. It is determined to convey that any attack on Iran will impose heavy costs on Israel, the US, America's allies in the Gulf -- and on the world at large, points out T T Ram Mohan.

Venus Williams fights hard but falls at Indian Wells

Venus Williams fights hard but falls at Indian Wells

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Venus Williams lost in the first round of Indian Wells but expressed gratitude for the home crowd support. She also addressed speculation about a possible comeback for her sister, Serena Williams.

'It's a real thing': Netanyahu hails 'Modi hug'

'It's a real thing': Netanyahu hails 'Modi hug'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Netanyahu also expressed profound gratitude for the Indian government's steadfast support following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in southern Israel. Addressing PM Modi, he stated, 'You stood next to Israel, you stood by Israel, you stood for Israel, you stood for the truth. Thank you, my friend.'

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'The White House lunch that Trump hosted for Munir last year came just after Munir returned from a visit to Iran, at a moment when Israel and Iran were at war.' 'Trump said after that lunch that the Pakistanis know Iran very well. He likely views Munir as a useful interlocutor that can give helpful insights on Iran.'

'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.

Lokesh Sathyanathan Wins Long Jump Gold At NCAA Indoor Championships

Lokesh Sathyanathan Wins Long Jump Gold At NCAA Indoor Championships

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Young Indian athlete Lokesh Sathyanathan won the gold medal in the men's long jump at the NCAA Indoor Championships, setting a new indoor national record.

IPL Shadow Looms As Pakistan Stars Face Hundred Snub

IPL Shadow Looms As Pakistan Stars Face Hundred Snub

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Pakistan cricketers may be overlooked by IPL-linked franchises in The Hundred auction, a report claims, raising fresh questions over fairness and politics in global T20 leagues.

The Hundred: Fans Rage After SRH Sign Pak's Abrar

The Hundred: Fans Rage After SRH Sign Pak's Abrar

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The auction of The Hundred on Thursday was meant to be a celebratory milestone for the England and Wales Cricket Board. Instead, it has triggered a controversy in India.

Actress Monalisa Bhonsle Defies Family, Marries Muslim Man in Kerala

Actress Monalisa Bhonsle Defies Family, Marries Muslim Man in Kerala

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Monalisa Bhonsle, an Indian actress, has married a Muslim man in Kerala against her family's wishes, leading to controversy and allegations of 'love jihad'.

Eid celebrated in India with prayers, protests

Eid celebrated in India with prayers, protests

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Eid al-Fitr was celebrated across India with prayers for peace and brotherhood, alongside protests condemning US-Israel actions in West Asia.

Bill Gates lauds Andhra's AI-driven growth

Bill Gates lauds Andhra's AI-driven growth

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Microsoft founder and Gates Foundation chairman Bill Gates on Tuesday hailed Andhra Pradesh's rapid development, saying it was exciting to see the state's growth being accelerated through AI and technology.

Nepal votes in 1st general election since Gen Z protests

Nepal votes in 1st general election since Gen Z protests

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nepalese citizens are voting in the general election, the first since protests toppled the previous government. Over 18.9 million are eligible to vote for the 275-member House of Representatives.

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

If the Iranian regime needs to be punished for promoting quasi-terrorist outfits like Hezbollah and Hamas, then what about Pakistan which has spent decades exporting terror around the world, killing thousands, particularly in Afghanistan and India? asks M R Narayan Swamy.

Mayhem Continues In The Middle East

Mayhem Continues In The Middle East

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Tensions escalated dramatically on March 5, 2026, as the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory explosions across Tehran, Sanandaj, and beyond.

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

When will US-Israel vs Iran war end? Trump says...

When will US-Israel vs Iran war end? Trump says...

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump stated that the decision regarding the conclusion of the conflict with Iran will be a 'mutual' decision made in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the barrage targeted several US military facilities in the region, including bases at Sheikh Isa in Bahrain, Juffair in Bahrain, Ali al-Salem in Kuwait and Al Azraq in Jordan.

'Players Will Speak Up': Moeen Ali Threatens Action Over Pakistan Boycott In The Hundred

'Players Will Speak Up': Moeen Ali Threatens Action Over Pakistan Boycott In The Hundred

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Media reports in the UK claim that Indian-owned franchises plan to avoid signing Pakistan's player in the auction next month, fearing severe backlash by fans back home in India.

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Israel's Defence Minister has issued a stark warning that any leader succeeding Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be considered a target, as reports suggest his son Mojtaba may be next in line.

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

'Was the five-day pause ever meant to hold, or was it simply another instrument of signaling, of positioning, of buying time in a war where even the pauses are tactical?' asks Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

FMCG growth slows in Q3 as GST transition impacts pricing

FMCG growth slows in Q3 as GST transition impacts pricing

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

A NielsenIQ report indicates that the FMCG industry's sales growth moderated to 7.8% in the December quarter of 2025, with volume growth also dipping due to GST rationalisation and a high base from the previous year's festival season.

Sri Lanka lets second Iranian ship dock in Trincomalee, evacuates 208

Sri Lanka lets second Iranian ship dock in Trincomalee, evacuates 208

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka is deliberating appropriate action after a second Iranian ship sought entry to its territorial waters, following an attack on an Iranian frigate near the island nation. The government is focused on safeguarding lives and regional peace.

Sri Lanka Permits Second Iranian Ship Entry After Frigate Incident

Sri Lanka Permits Second Iranian Ship Entry After Frigate Incident

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka has allowed a second Iranian ship, IRINS Bushehr, to dock at Trincomalee port after it reported engine failure, following the sinking of an Iranian frigate. The move comes amidst heightened regional tensions and a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran.

Delhi Borders to See Increased Security for Holi

Delhi Borders to See Increased Security for Holi

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Delhi Police are increasing security measures, including intensified border checks and crackdowns on traffic violations, to ensure peaceful Holi celebrations.

War Fallout: UAE Challenger Halted; Medvedev, Rublev Delayed

War Fallout: UAE Challenger Halted; Medvedev, Rublev Delayed

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Travel disruptions following airspace closures in the Gulf have forced Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev to miss an Indian Wells exhibition, while an ATP Challenger in Fujairah was cancelled amid security concerns.

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Eighteen months of preparation hang in the balance at a Tucson-based multi-use sports facility, where organisers say they remain in daily contact with FIFA about hosting Iran's national soccer team, even as geopolitical turmoil threatens to upend their World Cup plans.

Google has full-stack connectivity in India: Sundar Pichai

Google has full-stack connectivity in India: Sundar Pichai

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Wednesday said India is poised for an "extraordinary trajectory" in artificial intelligence and emphasised the company's commitment to partnering in the country's AI transformation.