News for 'World Service'

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.

Filmmaker Discusses 'The Voice of Hind Rajab'

Filmmaker Discusses 'The Voice of Hind Rajab'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania discusses her docudrama 'The Voice of Hind Rajab,' which focuses on the tragic story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed during the Israel-Gaza conflict, and her motivations for making the film.

What Caused Nifty IT's 6% Fall On Thu?

What Caused Nifty IT's 6% Fall On Thu?

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The Nifty IT index hit a more than nine-month low, trading at its weakest level since April 17, 2025.

Modi speaks to Arab leaders as conflict widens

Modi speaks to Arab leaders as conflict widens

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with leaders from Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, expressing concern over attacks in West Asia and discussing the safety of the Indian community.

Gold, Silver Surge Pushes Jan Import Bill Up

Gold, Silver Surge Pushes Jan Import Bill Up

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Gold imports climbed 349.22 per cent to $12.07 billion in January, while silver imports rose 127 per cent to $2 billion.

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Strait of Hormuz shut, 37 Indian-flagged ships stuck

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Dozens of Indian-flagged ships and over a thousand seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and surrounding areas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing military actions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

AI provides huge opportunities to Indian firms; won't hurt business: Nasscom

AI provides huge opportunities to Indian firms; won't hurt business: Nasscom

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) globally presents significant opportunities for Indian companies and will not adversely impact their businesses, Nasscom AI head Ankit Bose said on Tuesday.

Karnataka Aims for AI-Driven Creative Economy

Karnataka Aims for AI-Driven Creative Economy

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Karnataka is prioritizing the AVGC sector in its AI-driven creative economy, emphasizing IP creation, responsible AI adoption, and large-scale skilling, according to Minister Priyank Kharge.

SC asks political leaders to foster fraternity, refuses PIL on political speeches

SC asks political leaders to foster fraternity, refuses PIL on political speeches

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has urged political leaders to promote fraternity while declining to entertain a PIL seeking guidelines on political speeches, emphasizing the need for objectivity and even-handedness in addressing concerns about hate speech and constitutional values.

Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic AI

Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic AI

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

He accused the firm of trying to interfere with how the US military operates and threatened further action if it does not cooperate during a six-month phase-out period.

AI can help India achieve Viksit Bharat goal, but poses high risk to jobs: IMF chief

AI can help India achieve Viksit Bharat goal, but poses high risk to jobs: IMF chief

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva discusses the potential of artificial intelligence to boost global growth, particularly in India, while also addressing the significant risks of job displacement and financial instability.

Will India Face Oil Shock from Iran Crisis?

Will India Face Oil Shock from Iran Crisis?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Will rising tensions between US-Israel and Iran threaten crude oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, putting India's fuel prices, imports, and economic stability at risk?

Boxing Nationals: No stopping Nikhat, Lovlina!

Boxing Nationals: No stopping Nikhat, Lovlina!

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Nikhat, Lovlina win titles at Boxing Nationals; Hussamuddin caps comeback with gold

India's GDP Grows 7.8% in Q3 Under New Series; beats estimate

India's GDP Grows 7.8% in Q3 Under New Series; beats estimate

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

India's economy experienced a growth of 7.8 per cent during the October-December quarter of 2025-26, according to the new series of national accounts with 2022-23 as the base year.

VP Radhakrishnan Calls on Nagaland University Graduates to Embrace Leadership

VP Radhakrishnan Calls on Nagaland University Graduates to Embrace Leadership

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan addressed Nagaland University graduates, urging them to become responsible leaders and contribute to nation-building, emphasising the importance of peace, unity, and character for development.

In An AI-Obsessed World, India's Craft May Redefine 'Made In India'

In An AI-Obsessed World, India's Craft May Redefine 'Made In India'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

What is currently perceived as a massive, low-tech liability could become a high-value, export-oriented economic engine, points out Ajit Balakrishnan.

Will 'permanently pause' migration from all 3rd world countries: Trump

Will 'permanently pause' migration from all 3rd world countries: Trump

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Trump administration said it will conduct a "rigorous" re-examination of all Green Cards issued to immigrants from "every country of concern".

PV Sindhu Describes 'Scary' Dubai Airport Experience Amid Gulf Crisis

PV Sindhu Describes 'Scary' Dubai Airport Experience Amid Gulf Crisis

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu recounts a 'tense and scary' experience at Dubai International Airport after an explosion occurred nearby, amidst escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

India poised to be global hub for digital infra, AI: Modi

India poised to be global hub for digital infra, AI: Modi

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is promoting India as a global hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, highlighting the government's incentives for data center investments and inviting the world's data to reside in India.

PV Sindhu recounts 'tense' Dubai airport ordeal after explosion

PV Sindhu recounts 'tense' Dubai airport ordeal after explosion

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu and her coach were stranded at Dubai International Airport following an explosion near their location, triggered by escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

Anthropic Study: AI Impact on Hiring of Younger Workers

Anthropic Study: AI Impact on Hiring of Younger Workers

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

A new study by AI firm Anthropic reveals that while AI hasn't caused widespread unemployment, it has slowed hiring for younger workers in AI-exposed roles. The study also highlights the gap between AI's theoretical capabilities and actual deployment, and the ongoing conflict between Anthropic and the US government over AI weaponisation.

Why Rental Family Is A Feel Good Watch

Why Rental Family Is A Feel Good Watch

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Rental Family explores a simple question: If you pretend to care for long enough, when does it start to feel real? Mayur Sanap gives us a closer look.

First meet at Seva Teerth: Cabinet pledges citizen-centric governance

First meet at Seva Teerth: Cabinet pledges citizen-centric governance

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Union Cabinet, meeting at the new PMO complex 'Seva Teerth', resolved to prioritize citizen empowerment and service in all its decisions, guided by the principle of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava'.

Rs 14 Trillion Investor Wealth Wiped Out

Rs 14 Trillion Investor Wealth Wiped Out

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Sensex and Nifty post steepest weekly loss in over a year, falling nearly 3 per cent.

These Cyber Scams Are Happening Around You

These Cyber Scams Are Happening Around You

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Cyber threats aren't always invisible -- sometimes they're right beside you.

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.

Bengaluru GAFX 2026 to Highlight AVGC-XR Sector

Bengaluru GAFX 2026 to Highlight AVGC-XR Sector

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The seventh edition of Bengaluru GAFX, a major AVGC-XR conference and exhibition, will be held from February 27, showcasing advancements in animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Indian-American student among 4 killed in US shooting

Indian-American student among 4 killed in US shooting

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A 21-year-old Indian-American student, Savitha Shan, was among four people killed in a shooting in Austin, Texas. The incident is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism due to evidence found at the scene and the suspect's residence.

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, directing departments to assist Indian nationals affected by recent developments and emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

The Gulf Dream That Led To A Palace

The Gulf Dream That Led To A Palace

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

After spending 43 years working inside Dubai's royal palace, a man from Kottakkal returned home with nothing but gratitude for the life he lived in extraordinary circumstances.

Australia favorites against Ireland despite pace woes

Australia favorites against Ireland despite pace woes

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Australia, despite missing key pacers, are overwhelming favorites against Ireland in their T20 World Cup opener.

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

This Budget positions India's taxation ideology as not merely a revenue source but as a strategic catalyst for growth, inclusion and long-term confidence.

HC says no to drivers' plea for namaaz near Mumbai airport

HC says no to drivers' plea for namaaz near Mumbai airport

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Bombay high court has refused to grant relief to taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers seeking to offer namaaz near the Mumbai airport, citing security concerns.

Why India's Local-First AI Strategy Could Be A Winner

Why India's Local-First AI Strategy Could Be A Winner

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Country's startups are carving a unique path by prioritising local, application-led innovation over the global pursuit of scale.

Why Afghanistan And Pakistan Are At War

Why Afghanistan And Pakistan Are At War

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Afghans have deep self-respect and are the last people to put up with humiliation. Is it any surprise that relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have touched an all-time low and the two countries are now at war? asks M R Narayan Swamy.

Empty PG Seats, Missing Doctors

Empty PG Seats, Missing Doctors

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

'When young doctors see limited protection, unpredictable careers and an absence of institutional support, they hesitate.'

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

India Inc lauds Budget for bold bets on AI, data centres

India Inc lauds Budget for bold bets on AI, data centres

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

India Inc on Sunday hailed the Union Budget 2026-27 as a 'structural shift' in the country's technology landscape, noting that the government is moving beyond fragmented pilots to build foundational layers where AI serves as a 'horizontal enabler' for the entire economy.

Cognizant Reports Strong Q4 Growth, Fueled by AI and Large Deals

Cognizant Reports Strong Q4 Growth, Fueled by AI and Large Deals

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Cognizant reported a significant increase in net income for the December quarter, driven by AI efficiencies and strong performance in the financial services sector. The company also announced a major deal and provided guidance for the upcoming year.