News for 'West Asia News Agency'

Asian Games: South Korea takes down all national flags over protest fears

Asian Games: South Korea takes down all national flags over protest fears

Rediff.com11 Sep 2014

Asian Games organisers (IAGOC) confirmed on Thursday they had taken down the flags of participating countries near one of the venues outside host city Incheon amid concerns that North Korean flags could be damaged by conservative groups or protesters.

Indonesian plane carrying 54 people crashes in Papua

Indonesian plane carrying 54 people crashes in Papua

Rediff.com16 Aug 2015

An Indonesian airliner carrying 54 people went missing on Sunday after losing contact with ground control during a short flight in bad weather in the country's mountainous easternmost province of Papua, officials said.

India joins the world in expressing concern over North Korea's H-bomb test

India joins the world in expressing concern over North Korea's H-bomb test

Rediff.com6 Jan 2016

Meanwhile, the test drew strong criticism from North Korea's neighbours and the West which warned of a robust response to its "grave provocations".

US approves billion-dollar sale of missiles, helicopters to Pak

US approves billion-dollar sale of missiles, helicopters to Pak

Rediff.com9 Apr 2015

The US state department has reportedly given a final nod to Pakistan's request for military hardware

Scorching summer may hit water supply and fodder

Scorching summer may hit water supply and fodder

Rediff.com15 Mar 2018

In the first of a two-part series, Business Standard examines the impact of the upcoming summer on agriculture and drinking water supply.

Pompeo an advocate of tough policy on Pakistan

Pompeo an advocate of tough policy on Pakistan

Rediff.com13 Mar 2018

The US President told reporters that he and Pompeo are on the same page. "With Mike, Mike Pompeo, we have a very similar thought process. I think it's going to go very well," Trump said.

Devyani row: Strong Indian response shocks US officials

Devyani row: Strong Indian response shocks US officials

Rediff.com29 Dec 2013

India's unusual tough stand on the arrest of its diplomat Devyani Khobragade has forced the United States to initiate an "inter-agency review" to look into the lapses that happened in the high-profile case that triggered an uproar in India and strained bilateral ties.

7 big steps for Modi 2

7 big steps for Modi 2

Rediff.com30 May 2019

Indians want change and progress. They should be willing to accept tough decisions, says Sanjeev Nayyar.

Indian aviation faces swadeshi headwinds

Indian aviation faces swadeshi headwinds

Rediff.com13 Apr 2017

Amber Dubey explains why India needs to stop blocking competition if it ever wants to become the top aviation market.

Why curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions is not easy

Why curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions is not easy

Rediff.com27 Nov 2014

Negotiating a sustainable compromise with Iran is not getting any easier, and this delay might not yield the desired result of bringing Tehran's nuclear programme under stringent limits, says Claude Smadja

Jaitley unveils fire-fighting Budget to placate voters, sustain growth

Jaitley unveils fire-fighting Budget to placate voters, sustain growth

Rediff.com29 Feb 2016

A strong showing will be vital to Narendra Modi's chances of a second term.

Guns vs butter at Wuhan

Guns vs butter at Wuhan

Rediff.com3 May 2018

'Modi's recent decisions to improve India-China relations, adjust India's neighbourhood policies and to rebalance India's ties with the major powers are linked to his political agenda.' 'Of course, the good part is that this agenda is also in the national interest,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why govt should scrap Adani's Mundra plan

Why govt should scrap Adani's Mundra plan

Rediff.com22 Jul 2013

By refusing permission for the proposed ship-breaking facility, India can send a categorical message to the foreign ship owning countries that they should keep their own waste and recycle

The woman who nailed the idol thief

The woman who nailed the idol thief

Rediff.com20 Sep 2018

The startling story of how a bitter ex-girlfriend helped capture artifacts raider Subhash Kapoor.

Football Focus: Hernandez joins LA Galaxy

Football Focus: Hernandez joins LA Galaxy

Rediff.com22 Jan 2020

News of all that's transpired on and off the football field.

Will the tumultuous events in Saudi affect Indian oil?

Will the tumultuous events in Saudi affect Indian oil?

Rediff.com21 Nov 2017

India expects to remain unscathed this time, mainly because it is in a sweet spot as the world's third largest oil consumer, after the US and China, says Subhomoy Bhattacharjee.

Portugal: A backdoor for Bangladeshis into EU

Portugal: A backdoor for Bangladeshis into EU

Rediff.com11 Jul 2016

Bangladeshis say it is easier in Portugal to get Residency papers, which give them access to all EU countries, reports Sunanda K Datta-Ray.

Remembering the Iron Lady of India

Remembering the Iron Lady of India

Rediff.com3 Nov 2014

It is unconscionable to choose between Sardar Patel, who united India physically, and Indira Gandhi, who gave meaning, content and pride to the unity of the nation and became a martyr at the altar of national unity, says Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Football Roundup: Mourinho targets 15-year stay at Man United

Football Roundup: Mourinho targets 15-year stay at Man United

Rediff.com19 Jul 2017

This and more from the happenings in the world of footbal.

Is anything big brewing in Modi's China visit?

Is anything big brewing in Modi's China visit?

Rediff.com27 Apr 2015

'Both Modi and Xi know that if all that there is to show for Modi's visit -- barely eight months after Xi's India trip -- is a repeat of the same old declarations, there will be a terrible sense of letdown in the public mood resulting in future summits losing credibility. Only the possibility of new ground being broken can justify Modi's trip at this time,' says B S Raghavan.

'US wants Haqqanis, not Saeed'

'US wants Haqqanis, not Saeed'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2018

'Perhaps the biggest indication was its striking decision in November to delink LeT from its aid certification process.' 'The administration decided that the US, in order to send military aid to Pakistan, would not need to certify that Pakistan is cracking down on LeT.' 'Perhaps the administration was trying to offer a carrot -- in effect, we're backing off on LeT, but in return we expect you (Pakistan) to go after the Haqqanis.' 'Either way, the optics were dreadful for the US given that Hafiz Saeed was released from house arrest a few days after the US move.' 'The US reacted angrily, but eventually it moved on, and refocused on its core concern: The Afghan-focused terror groups.'

The humble chaiwallah is forcing his way into exclusive clubs

The humble chaiwallah is forcing his way into exclusive clubs

Rediff.com10 Oct 2014

'Modi is a symbol of Asia Rising; and, for the first time in decades, a non-white has the potential to be the most compelling global leader.'

Can India and China ever be friends?

Can India and China ever be friends?

Rediff.com4 Dec 2014

'A participant in many rounds of the border talks with China once told me that China seemed not interested in resolving the border issue as it wanted to keep it as a ready excuse to intervene in the sub-continent,' says Colonel (retd) Anil A Athale.

Heavy rain forecast for next 3 days in Uttarakhand

Heavy rain forecast for next 3 days in Uttarakhand

Rediff.com24 Jun 2013

The weather office on Monday forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next three days over some parts of Uttarakhand, which is still recovering from a deluge last week that is feared to have taken over 1,000 lives.

PM aims for desi boost for India's military build-up

PM aims for desi boost for India's military build-up

Rediff.com15 Dec 2015

Excerpts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the Combined Commanders Conference on board the INS Vikramaditya at sea, off the coast of Kochi.

FULL TEXT: 'Much of India that we dream of still lies ahead of us'

FULL TEXT: 'Much of India that we dream of still lies ahead of us'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday address Members of the British Parliament in London where he promised to open more doors of cooperation between the two countries and delved on issues like terrorism and United Nations reforms.

India's billionaires' success mantras

India's billionaires' success mantras

Rediff.com24 Mar 2017

Three businessmen disclose their success mantras: One belongs to an old Marwari family, another is a second generation industrialist whose father scripted an amazing rags-to-riches story and the third was a professional till one day he succumbed to the charms of entrepreneurship.

How the world must deal with North Korea

How the world must deal with North Korea

Rediff.com13 Sep 2016

While trying to persuade North Korea to give up its provocative actions, engaging China is the first hurdle that world leaders will have to deal with, says Rajaram Panda.

World must remember Indian heroism in WWI

World must remember Indian heroism in WWI

Rediff.com7 Dec 2018

'The Indian Army served with honour and distinction in France and Flanders, East Africa, Gallipoli, Aden, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Palestine, Transcaspia, Persia and even China.' 'The sacrifice of India's soldiers was consigned to the dustbin of history in the post-colonial world.'

Inside the miserable world of India's domestic workers

Inside the miserable world of India's domestic workers

Rediff.com31 Jul 2017

'We eat first, they later; we sit on chairs and they on the floor; we call them by their names and they address us by titles,' writes Tripti Lahiri, author of Maid in India.

India, Thailand to forge close ties in defence, cyber security, economy

India, Thailand to forge close ties in defence, cyber security, economy

Rediff.com17 Jun 2016

Thailand expressed interest in the Indian defence industry and its experience and expertise in the field of defence R&D and production. Modi welcomed Thai investments in India in the potential areas under the 'Make in India' initiative, especially in the manufacturing sector, infrastructure development, tourism and hospitality facilities.

Iran gears up for trade and investment boom that could reshape region

Iran gears up for trade and investment boom that could reshape region

Rediff.com15 Jul 2015

Iran is preparing for a trade and investment boom that could reshape the region after agreeing with world powers to curb its nuclear programme, paving the way for sanctions that have stifled its economy to be lifted.

The V S Naipaul I came to know

The V S Naipaul I came to know

Rediff.com14 Aug 2018

Nikhil Lakshman remembers the times he spent with the legendary writer who passed into the ages six days before his 86th birthday.

2016 Rewind: India's women shine bright; Kohli enjoys dream run

2016 Rewind: India's women shine bright; Kohli enjoys dream run

Rediff.com31 Dec 2016

An Olympic campaign saved by the fortitude of three women, a cricket team that rediscovered itself under a bold and zealous Virat Kohli -- Indian sports in 2016 was a dramatic mix of highs and lows wherein athletes mostly raised the bar but administrators found new ways to embarrass the country.

China drives India into the arms of the US

China drives India into the arms of the US

Rediff.com13 Jun 2016

'If the dimensions of the strategic partnership worked out by India and the US seem like a grand alliance targeted at you-know-who, China had better realise that it has fathered it,' says B S Raghavan, a long time observer of China.

Lashkar is a terror proxy of ISI: US lawmaker

Lashkar is a terror proxy of ISI: US lawmaker

Rediff.com13 Jun 2013

"We should make it clear to Pakistan that any LeT attack upon our homeland, they will bear responsibility for that because of their close relationship between ISI and LeT," Congressman Peter King said during a Congressional hearing on Wednesday.

40 Years Ago...And now: A roller coaster ride for India's airlines

40 Years Ago...And now: A roller coaster ride for India's airlines

Rediff.com9 Feb 2015

Life of air passengers was different in the 1970s.

The winners and losers in Trump's Afghan strategy

The winners and losers in Trump's Afghan strategy

Rediff.com1 Sep 2017

New Delhi and Beijing are the only two regional capitals that have commented on US President Donald Trump's speech on August 21 outlining the way forward in Afghanistan. The Indian foreign ministry statement was effusive in praise, while the Chinese statement has been one of cautious and guarded hope. Delhi has identified itself with Trump's Afghan strategy, whereas the Chinese stance is calibrated -- observant and objective, keeping a distance, says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Shiv Shankar Menon hangs up his boots after 42 years

Shiv Shankar Menon hangs up his boots after 42 years

Rediff.com27 May 2014

Those who know Shiv Shankar Menon will vouch that he did lots of things, substantial in the immediate neighbourhood and widespread in South Asia, but without making things public. Twenty per cent of Menon's job was visible, while 80 per cemt of his job was not known to the public, says Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com

Modi and Obama set out to create a model for the world

Modi and Obama set out to create a model for the world

Rediff.com1 Oct 2014

Moving ahead with their new mantra -- Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Barack Obama on Tuesday vowed to deepen cooperation in every sector for the benefit of global stability and people's livelihoods over the next ten years.