News for 'Strategic India'

AIFF Seeks Indian Coach for Women's National Team After Valverde's Exit

AIFF Seeks Indian Coach for Women's National Team After Valverde's Exit

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided not to renew the contract of women's team head coach Amelia Valverde, opting to consider Indian coaches for the role following recommendations from its technical committee.

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss West Asia conflict's impact on energy security

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss West Asia conflict's impact on energy security

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the West Asia conflict's impact on the global economy, particularly energy security, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He also engaged with GCC ambassadors and his Sri Lankan and German counterparts on the same issue.

Modi didn't say India will stop buying Russian oil: Lavrov

Modi didn't say India will stop buying Russian oil: Lavrov

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Lavrov's comments came two days after Russia accused the US of attempting to prevent India and other countries from buying Russian oil, saying Washington was using a wide range of 'coercive' measures, including tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions.

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Indian government is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination program targeting 14-year-old girls to prevent cervical cancer, utilizing a single-dose vaccine and aiming for equitable access across socio-economic groups.

RBI Unveils 'Payments Vision 2028' with Focus on Digital Security and Innovation

RBI Unveils 'Payments Vision 2028' with Focus on Digital Security and Innovation

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced its 'Payments Vision 2028' document, outlining initiatives to enhance digital payment security, introduce electronic cheques, and expand regulatory oversight to include e-commerce entities.

Rising Crude Prices Threaten Profit Margins of Indian OMCs -- IOC, BPCL, HPCL

Rising Crude Prices Threaten Profit Margins of Indian OMCs -- IOC, BPCL, HPCL

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

S&P Global Ratings warns that Indian oil marketing companies like IOC, BPCL, and HPCL may face reduced profit margins due to rising crude oil prices and government pressure to maintain stable retail prices.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

IPL 2026: Punjab Kings new star Connolly attributes debut performance to Ponting's advice

IPL 2026: Punjab Kings new star Connolly attributes debut performance to Ponting's advice

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Punjab Kings batter Cooper Connolly credits head coach Ricky Ponting for his successful IPL debut, while Anil Kumble questions Gujarat Titans' bowling strategy.

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

India in race to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

India in race to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Wednesday confirmed India's bid to host the Asian Cup in 2031

Tata Sons' Unlisted Ventures See Mounting Losses, Raising Capital Allocation Concerns

Tata Sons' Unlisted Ventures See Mounting Losses, Raising Capital Allocation Concerns

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Tata Sons' unlisted ventures, including Air India, Tata Digital, and Tata Electronics, reported combined net losses of approximately 25,568.8 crore in FY25, a 58.3 per cent increase from the previous year, despite Tata Sons itself remaining profitable for over a decade.

'More India Aligns With US, More China Aligns With Pak'

'More India Aligns With US, More China Aligns With Pak'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'China continues to perceive its relations with India through the prism of India-US relations, with the US using India to counter balance against China in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.'

There's a 'special person' behind Nitish Kumar Reddy's bowling turnaround

There's a 'special person' behind Nitish Kumar Reddy's bowling turnaround

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy attributes his improved bowling performance to a 'special person' who helped him overcome injury setbacks. He also discusses his match-winning performance against Kolkata Knight Riders and the team's strategy.

CJI Emphasises Human Oversight as AI Integrates into Judicial System

CJI Emphasises Human Oversight as AI Integrates into Judicial System

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, advocates for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the judicial system, emphasising that it should enhance efficiency without compromising core judicial functions and human oversight.

Iran fires missiles at US-UK base 4,000 km away in Indian Ocean Region

Iran fires missiles at US-UK base 4,000 km away in Indian Ocean Region

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Iran reportedly launched ballistic missiles toward a US-UK military base, prompting concerns about regional stability and the potential for escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel to enhance defence and trade cooperation amid Middle East tensions. Discussions will include defence, security, and the situation in Gaza.

T20 WC Semi-final: India Eye Complete Game as England Loom

T20 WC Semi-final: India Eye Complete Game as England Loom

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

India face a tough spin challenge from England in the T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium, as both teams aim for a perfect game in the high-pressure knockout.

Jeep places India at centre of Asia-Pacific strategy

Jeep places India at centre of Asia-Pacific strategy

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Jeep outlines a renewed regional roadmap with higher localisation, export expansion and focus on products and ownership experience amid intense competition in India's SUV market.

Modi flags off India's fastest metro system in Meerut

Modi flags off India's fastest metro system in Meerut

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat train, enhancing urban and regional connectivity in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

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.

IPL 2026: Shubman Gill criticises Impact Player rule, says it diminishes skill

IPL 2026: Shubman Gill criticises Impact Player rule, says it diminishes skill

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill has criticised the Impact Player rule in the IPL, joining other Indian cricketers in expressing concerns that it diminishes the skill aspect of the game.

Zoravar Singh Sandhu Misses ISSF World Cup: Workload Management Cited

Zoravar Singh Sandhu Misses ISSF World Cup: Workload Management Cited

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

India's foreign trap coach Peter Wilson explains Zoravar Singh Sandhu's absence from the ISSF Shotgun World Cup, citing workload management. The team aims to avoid burnout ahead of the 2028 Olympics qualification.

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israel has for more than two decades and several US presidencies worked to draw the United States into a full-scale war with Iran. Having finally achieved that, the last thing it wants is Trump declaring victory and going home, as he is prone to do. Ali Larijani was the figure most capable of handing Trump a negotiated exit with something to show for it. Without Larijani, the road to an exit gets considerably narrower. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

'War Is Brutal. At Sea, Even More Brutal'

'War Is Brutal. At Sea, Even More Brutal'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'India was not obliged to protect the Iranian ship.' 'Once the Iranian ship left Indian waters, she was on her own.' 'Guilt tripping India is wrong.'

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

For weeks, the war skirted the edge of catastrophe without tipping over. Missiles flew, there was much destruction, commanders were assassinated, cities across the Gulf and even in Israel struggled to absorb the shock. But one line held: Energy infrastructure, the arteries of the global economy, remained largely untouched. That is no longer true. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

French Prez jogs in Mumbai, pays tribute to 26/11 victims

French Prez jogs in Mumbai, pays tribute to 26/11 victims

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India began in Mumbai with a jog and a tribute, setting the stage for strategic talks with Prime Minister Modi to strengthen the India-France partnership.

'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.'

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.

VP Radhakrishnan to Attend IIM Ranchi Convocation, Launch VR Case Repository

VP Radhakrishnan to Attend IIM Ranchi Convocation, Launch VR Case Repository

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan will attend the 15th convocation of IIM Ranchi, where he will award medals to outstanding students and launch a virtual reality case repository.

'Welcome, My Friend': Netanyahu rolls out red carpet for Modi

'Welcome, My Friend': Netanyahu rolls out red carpet for Modi

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations, focusing on cooperation in various sectors including defense, technology, and trade.

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran Has Not Allowed Any Indian Ship To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, and four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers were stationed east of the strategic waterway.

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has firmly denied allegations that the US Navy is using its ports to launch attacks against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to strategic autonomy and non-alignment in international conflicts.

Iran war: Centre announces Rs 497 crore export relief package

Iran war: Centre announces Rs 497 crore export relief package

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

In view of the disruptive situations, the Central government has also announced a financial relief package of Rs 497 crores aimed at helping exporters affected by disruptions in West Asia.

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

He added that opposition parties were assured that their concerns regarding the impact of the West Asia situation on India and the safety of Indian citizens were addressed in detail.

Chhattisgarh Declares Bastar Region Free of Maoist Extremism After Decades of Conflict

Chhattisgarh Declares Bastar Region Free of Maoist Extremism After Decades of Conflict

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

After more than four decades, Chhattisgarh's Bastar region has been declared free of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), marking the end of the armed Maoist rebellion in the area. The decline is attributed to sustained security operations, improved governance, and socio-economic development initiatives.

Rajasthan Royals Sold For $1.63 Billion: Who Is Kal Somani?

Rajasthan Royals Sold For $1.63 Billion: Who Is Kal Somani?

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A consortium led by Kal Somani, a tech entrepreneur, has acquired Rajasthan Royals for $1.63 billion, marking a significant milestone in IPL's history.

Noida International Airport Gears Up for Grand Opening

Noida International Airport Gears Up for Grand Opening

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Noida International Airport is set for its grand opening as roads are fixed and infrastructure preparations near completion. Here's what's ready and what to expect from the launch.

Was Modi briefed on Iran attack during Israel visit?

Was Modi briefed on Iran attack during Israel visit?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Israel initiated military action against Iran shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, capitalising on a fleeting opportunity and years of strategic preparation, according to Israel's ambassador to India.

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.