News for 'south Asia'

Will the Iran War Disrupt IPL 2026?

Will the Iran War Disrupt IPL 2026?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The ongoing Iran-US conflict is casting a shadow over global cricket, potentially disrupting the IPL 2026 due to travel disruptions and logistical challenges.

Stock Markets Today March 25, 2026: Sensex, Nifty50 Rally on US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes

Stock Markets Today March 25, 2026: Sensex, Nifty50 Rally on US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Indian markets on Dalal Street rallied sharply as easing tensions in the US-Iran conflict and stable oil prices boosted sentiment. Track Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex performance and key global triggers.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Harvard unveils South Asia plan

Harvard unveils South Asia plan

Rediff.com15 Nov 2007

According to Harvard, its plans for expanded engagement with South Asia had been developed by senior scholars and administrators from across the university and leaders from the public and private sectors around the world. The plans came just a month after Drew Gilpin Faust was officially installed as the 28th president in Harvard's history, making this project the first region-wide international initiative of the Faust administration.

The Girl From Bhandup Who Became Ms Universe USA

The Girl From Bhandup Who Became Ms Universe USA

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Don't let the world put you in a box. If the world tries to put you in a box, don't stay in it. Step out of it. And if you have to, burn that box completely,' says Siddhata Patil.

Sensex tanked 2,497 points, its biggest single-day plunge since June 2024

Sensex tanked 2,497 points, its biggest single-day plunge since June 2024

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Indian stock market indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant drop in early trade, reversing a three-day rally. The decline was triggered by a sharp increase in crude oil prices, weak global market trends, and continuous outflows of foreign funds.

US Special Envoy Meets Sri Lankan President Amidst Regional Tensions

US Special Envoy Meets Sri Lankan President Amidst Regional Tensions

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

US Special Representative Sergio Gor met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and Sri Lanka's stance on the Middle East crisis. The visit occurs amidst regional tensions and US efforts to secure trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.

'Great surprise' awaits Trump: Iran warns against ground attack

'Great surprise' awaits Trump: Iran warns against ground attack

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

As the security situation continues to evolve in West Asia and the Gulf region, an Iranian military source has warned the United States against any ground aggression on Iran, calling it a red line and saying a 'surprise' would await US President Donald Trump, Tasnim News Agency reported on Saturday.

Koneru Humpy Weighs Candidates Tournament Participation Due to Cyprus Safety Concerns

Koneru Humpy Weighs Candidates Tournament Participation Due to Cyprus Safety Concerns

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy is uncertain about competing in the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus due to safety concerns amid the West Asia conflict, despite assurances from FIDE.

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

China Moves Near Chicken's Neck Sparks Concerns

China Moves Near Chicken's Neck Sparks Concerns

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Indian security agencies have continued efforts to reinforce the Siliguri Corridor through improved infrastructure, faster mobilisation capability and diversified connectivity routes to the north east.

Stock markets today March 4, 2026: Sensex sinks 1,123 pts, Nifty dives 1.55%

Stock markets today March 4, 2026: Sensex sinks 1,123 pts, Nifty dives 1.55%

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Wednesday, tracking a bearish trend in Asian markets, as the conflict in West Asia widened, driving oil prices higher.

ICC Arranges Flights For Teams Stranded In India

ICC Arranges Flights For Teams Stranded In India

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amid West Asia crisis, England, South Africa and West Indies to depart over the weekend.

Teenage Archer Payal Nag Clinches Gold, India Dominates World Archery Para Series

Teenage Archer Payal Nag Clinches Gold, India Dominates World Archery Para Series

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Teenage quadruple amputee archer Payal Nag defeated world number one Sheetal Devi to win gold at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok, leading India to a dominant performance with seven gold medals.

New Butterfly Species Honours Zubeen Garg

New Butterfly Species Honours Zubeen Garg

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

A newly discovered butterfly species in Arunachal Pradesh has been named Euthalia zubeengargi, in honour of Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

BJP MLA Lodha ask 5 LPGs for Jain temples amid crisis, sparks row

BJP MLA Lodha ask 5 LPGs for Jain temples amid crisis, sparks row

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha defends his request for LPG cylinders for Jain temples, claiming criticism is part of a larger anti-Hindu narrative.

8 Straits That Rule The Shipping World

8 Straits That Rule The Shipping World

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Which are the world's most vital straits, important to shipping?

Vikram Doraiswami appointed as India's ambassador to China

Vikram Doraiswami appointed as India's ambassador to China

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Vikram Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat, has been appointed as India's new ambassador to China, succeeding Pradeep Kumar Rawat. This decision comes as both countries attempt to improve bilateral relations following a period of strain.

Stock markets recover on buying in IT, PSU bank stocks

Stock markets recover on buying in IT, PSU bank stocks

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Indian equity markets experienced a volatile session, with the Sensex and Nifty recovering some ground after a significant plunge the previous day. Gains were driven by PSU bank, IT, and metal stocks, but concerns over rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions limited the recovery.

Japan issues emergency alert as North Korea fires missile

Japan issues emergency alert as North Korea fires missile

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Tensions flared in East Asia on Saturday as the Japanese government issued an urgent warning following military activity from Pyongyang. The Prime Minister's Office of Japan, in a post on X, alerted the public to the developing situation, stating: '[Emergency alert] North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.'

Tata Power and Salesforce Collaborate to Boost Renewable Energy Growth

Tata Power and Salesforce Collaborate to Boost Renewable Energy Growth

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Tata Power has partnered with Salesforce to digitally transform its rooftop solar, EV charging, and smart home solutions businesses, aiming to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.

Tata Power and Salesforce Join Forces to Boost Renewable Energy Solutions

Tata Power and Salesforce Join Forces to Boost Renewable Energy Solutions

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Tata Power collaborates with Salesforce to digitally transform its rooftop solar, EV charging, and smart home solutions businesses, aiming to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.

Stock markets on March 10, 2026: Sensex jumped 640 points

Stock markets on March 10, 2026: Sensex jumped 640 points

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Indian stock market benchmarks Sensex and Nifty rebounded strongly after a two-day decline, driven by falling crude oil prices and positive global cues amid hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

'India, China should view each other as partners and opportunities'

'India, China should view each other as partners and opportunities'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on India and China to view each other as partners rather than rivals, emphasising the importance of cooperation for regional stability and development.

West Indies players stranded in India after T20 World Cup leave on commercial flights

West Indies players stranded in India after T20 World Cup leave on commercial flights

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

West Indies players are leaving India on commercial flights in batches after their departure was delayed due to international airspace closures amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Caribbean side's governing body CWI said on Tuesday.

'When We Come Together, We Can Move Mountains'

'When We Come Together, We Can Move Mountains'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

'I want to show bearded men actually caring and loving for their sons or a woman from Pakistan in a position of power. How radical is that?'

Stock Market Crash: 4 Lakh Crore Wiped Out as Sensex Falls 800 Points, Nifty Near 23,000

Stock Market Crash: 4 Lakh Crore Wiped Out as Sensex Falls 800 Points, Nifty Near 23,000

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Indian stock markets tumbled sharply with the Sensex falling 800 points and nearly 4 lakh crore wiped out in a single session. Here are the 6 key factors, including rupee weakness and global cues, behind the crash.

Stock Markets Today March 27, 2026: Sensex tanks 927 points, Nifty50 Falls To 23,025

Stock Markets Today March 27, 2026: Sensex tanks 927 points, Nifty50 Falls To 23,025

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Friday after a two-day rally, tracking a weak trend in global peers, as the US-Iran conflict continues to be a key overhang for the markets. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for March 27, 2026.

Aware of China funding of projects in South Asia: Govt

Aware of China funding of projects in South Asia: Govt

Rediff.com16 Mar 2023

Minister of State for External Affairs B Muraleedharan said India is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

'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.'

Trump urges countries to send warships to open Hormuz Strait

Trump urges countries to send warships to open Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Trump also called upon China, France, and Japan, among others, to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz.

Happy Republic Day, says India as travel peaks for weekend

Happy Republic Day, says India as travel peaks for weekend

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

The Republic Day long weekend beginning Saturday is driving a surge in travel with hotels and resorts witnessing an increase in bookings led by high demand, reflecting a decisive shift in traveller behaviour and the rise of micro-getaways, industry players said. The increasing preference for short, experience-led holidays is emerging as a strong trend shaping the country's leisure travel market.

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.

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- who died last week; his passing did not merit even an obituary in major print or electronic media in Pakistan! -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Stock markets extend winning run to 3rd day; Sensex, Nifty climb nearly 1%

Stock markets extend winning run to 3rd day; Sensex, Nifty climb nearly 1%

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Indian stock market indices Sensex and Nifty closed nearly 1 per cent higher, marking their third consecutive day of gains, supported by a slight decrease in crude oil prices and positive global market trends.

Iran naval commander leading closure of Hormuz killed, claims Israel

Iran naval commander leading closure of Hormuz killed, claims Israel

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a series of military operations against US and Israeli targets in retaliation for earlier airstrikes. The IRGC claims to have launched multiple missile and drone strikes, and has warned against any potential ground operations within Iranian territory.

Mumbai Bomb Threat Email: Probe Launched, No Middle East Link Yet

Mumbai Bomb Threat Email: Probe Launched, No Middle East Link Yet

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Authorities in Mumbai are investigating an email threatening bomb attacks on key buildings, including the Vidhan Bhavan and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Security has been heightened, and officials are working to trace the origin of the threat.

Digital Architecture Key to Climate Transformation

Digital Architecture Key to Climate Transformation

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Experts at the Mosambi Climate Conference (MC2) emphasized the importance of incorporating digital architecture into the energy ecosystem for achieving significant climate transformation.

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

China has welcomed the appointment of Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing optimism for improved Sino-India relations. Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat with experience in China, is expected to play a key role in managing complex bilateral issues and fostering cooperation.