News for 'south-asia'

US okays sale of 31 Predator drones to India in $4-bn deal

US okays sale of 31 Predator drones to India in $4-bn deal

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The Agency said it has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Thursday.

'Farhan surprised me by gifting me a BMW'

'Farhan surprised me by gifting me a BMW'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2024

'He was an extremely naughty child, always in trouble and creating trouble.' 'He wanted to fly a kite at night, and sometimes, bunk school.' 'When I insisted on sending him, we could get a call from school that he had fainted.'

HP, Google ink pact to make Chromebooks in India

HP, Google ink pact to make Chromebooks in India

Rediff.com28 Sep 2023

PC maker HP has joined hands with Google to manufacture Chromebooks in India from October 2, the company said on Thursday. The Chromebook devices will be manufactured at the Flex Facility near Chennai, where HP has been producing a range of laptops and desktops since August 2020, it said in a statement. "Manufacturing Chromebook laptops in India will allow Indian students to get easy access to affordable PCs.

India one of the toughest markets for Uber: CEO Dara Khosrowshahi

India one of the toughest markets for Uber: CEO Dara Khosrowshahi

Rediff.com23 Feb 2024

Uber Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dara Khosrowshahi sees India as one of the toughest markets and a standard to succeed in any other part of the world. One of the biggest challenges for the ride-hailing firm, according to Khosrowshahi, is the expectation of Indian consumers for more services at lower spending. "India is one of the toughest markets out there.

Building Bridges in South Asia

Building Bridges in South Asia

Rediff.com16 Nov 2011

"Building Bridges" was the theme of the recently concluded South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or Saarc, summit in Addu (Maldives).

'Pakistan's Nasr missile is the most dangerous development in South Asia'

'Pakistan's Nasr missile is the most dangerous development in South Asia'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2015

'If ever India loses its patience after repeated terror attacks and decides to retaliate against the terrorist camps, Pakistan may term that a conventional military attack and invoke the nuclear option. This is a way to continue with terrorism without retaliation.'

South Asia's Maoist Web

South Asia's Maoist Web

Rediff.com14 Oct 2004

Tech firms to ramp up talent hunt from Tier-II, III cities

Tech firms to ramp up talent hunt from Tier-II, III cities

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

Several technology companies are seeking to step up hiring from Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India in 2024 to tap into a vast talent pool of skilled professionals churned out by educational institutions and training centres in these regions. Tier-II and Tier-III cities such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Coimbatore, Jaipur, Mohali, Vadodara, Chandigarh, and Indore contribute around 12-15 per cent of the country's tech talent, hinting towards the strong talent availability in these regions, according to Randstad India, a talent management firm.

India registered 9.3 lakh cancer deaths, 2nd highest in Asia

India registered 9.3 lakh cancer deaths, 2nd highest in Asia

Rediff.com3 Jan 2024

Researchers found that India, along with China and Japan, were the three leading countries in Asia in terms of number of new cases and deaths, where they say cancer has become a more significant public health threat with 94 lakh new cases and 56 lakh deaths in 2019.

Modi Or Manmohan? Who Travelled More?

Modi Or Manmohan? Who Travelled More?

Rediff.com27 Feb 2024

While Narendra Modi spent fewer days abroad than his predecessor -- 275 days versus Dr Singh's 306 - he has travelled more widely than any other Indian PM.

COP28 clinches deal on transition away from fossil fuels

COP28 clinches deal on transition away from fossil fuels

Rediff.com13 Dec 2023

Adopted after nearly two weeks of hectic negotiations, the first Global Stocktake deal, being termed the UAE consensus, urges countries to accelerate efforts toward the phase-down of unabated coal power, which is a climb down after India and China strongly resisted the singling out of coal.

Days after meeting with Modi at G20, Erdogan raises Kashmir issue at UNGA

Days after meeting with Modi at G20, Erdogan raises Kashmir issue at UNGA

Rediff.com21 Sep 2023

His comment comes weeks after he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi during which both the leaders discussed strengthening trade and infrastructure relations.

Corporate India on overdrive to celebrate Ram Mandir inauguration

Corporate India on overdrive to celebrate Ram Mandir inauguration

Rediff.com19 Jan 2024

As Ayodhya readies itself for the glittering, much-awaited consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir on January 22, and as millions of pilgrims and devotees pour into the holy city for the momentous event, companies are rushing to do their bit and be a part of the mega celebrations. Some are offering a part of their profits as donations, telcos are beefing up the number of cellular towers to ensure better connectivity, and there are those distributing jalebis and food platters.

IMEC: Project Biden Thinks Hamas Targeted

IMEC: Project Biden Thinks Hamas Targeted

Rediff.com26 Oct 2023

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed it the 'largest cooperation project in our history', one that would 'change the face of the Middle East, Israel, and impact the entire world'.

India's progress on digital inclusion stalled in 2022, says GSMA report

India's progress on digital inclusion stalled in 2022, says GSMA report

Rediff.com1 Jun 2023

Released on Wednesday, the report shows that 81 per cent of men and 72 per cent of women in India owned a mobile phone as of 2022, translating to a gender gap of 11 per cent. The numbers drop steeply in terms of mobile internet adoption. While 52 per cent of Indian men use mobile internet, women are way behind, with only 31 per cent of them accessing mobile internet, the report pointed out.

Oyo's India CEO, Europe head resign ahead of IPO

Oyo's India CEO, Europe head resign ahead of IPO

Rediff.com7 Sep 2023

IPO-bound hospitality major Oyo's India Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ankit Gupta and the head of its Europe business Mandar Vaidya have resigned. A company spokesperson told Business Standard that the two had moved on from their roles six months ago in March 2023. During the same period, Oyo had rejigged its top management, where the company's COO Abhinav Sinha was reassigned as Chief Product and Technology Officer, while Chief Business Development Officer Anuj Tejpal was reappointed as Global Chief Merchant Officer.

Modiji, Why Fix Laws That Ain't Broken?

Modiji, Why Fix Laws That Ain't Broken?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2024

The judiciary, the police, the lawyers and the public will have to know the new laws. It will also endanger settled jurisprudence on the old laws and open up all sorts of minor and major problems that currently do not exist. Whose then was asking for the change? Not the judges or police or lawyers or citizens, points out Aakar Patel.

South Asia among top tourist destinations

South Asia among top tourist destinations

Rediff.com31 Aug 2012

In 2011, travel and tourism generated $2 trillion globally.

Why is India's cotton dream turning sour?

Why is India's cotton dream turning sour?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2024

A few days back, Atul Ganatra, president of the Cotton Association of India, presented a grim scenario of the crop's prospects in the 2024-25 season that starts in October. Addressing the association's annual general meeting, Ganatra said the area under the crop could go down by at least 10 per cent in the coming season due to falling yields and realisation, leading to farmers losing interest. The fear of a decline in acreage comes against the backdrop of India's cotton production probably falling to its lowest in a decade, according to estimates.

Asian Games: Indian FIFAe star Charanjot dominates seeding event

Asian Games: Indian FIFAe star Charanjot dominates seeding event

Rediff.com6 Aug 2023

India's Charanjot Singh secured the top-seeding in South Asia at next month's Asian Games in Hangzhou after producing overwhelming performances against Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in seeding event for FIFA e-sport.

'We have taught the Chinese some lessons'

'We have taught the Chinese some lessons'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

'In Eastern Ladakh the Chinese attempted salami slicing.' 'Our response has been superb. Our military has responded magnificently.'

'India should not behave like a big brother towards Maldives'

'India should not behave like a big brother towards Maldives'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

'India should respect Maldivian nationalism and their desire to be not over-dependent on India.' 'India should not behave like a big brother towards Maldives as many times, we tend to behave like that.'

'BJP Has Several Big Ideas For 2024 Election'

'BJP Has Several Big Ideas For 2024 Election'

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

'The allegations of government involvement in targeted assassinations abroad are likely to help, not hurt, the ruling party.' 'True or false, they convey a sense of muscularity and, in some quarters, are celebrated as a harbinger of 'great power' status.'

California governor vetoes anti-caste discrimination bill

California governor vetoes anti-caste discrimination bill

Rediff.com8 Oct 2023

The governor's move has been welcomed by a large segment of the Indian-American community who were opposing the bill.

How India enhanced its military might in 2023

How India enhanced its military might in 2023

Rediff.com31 Dec 2023

India also went on an overdrive in expanding its military engagement with like-minded countries in its neighbourhood and beyond in the face of China's relentless attempts to become a regional hegemon and establish its primacy in South Asia.

'US trying to temper expectations of India'

'US trying to temper expectations of India'

Rediff.com29 Jun 2023

'Having India as a credible deterrent vis-a-vis Chinese ambitions in the Indian Ocean and South Asian region is a desirable short-term outcome.'

Kerala mosque bars Muslims from lower strata, sparks row

Kerala mosque bars Muslims from lower strata, sparks row

Rediff.com13 Jul 2023

The jama'ath of a mosque in Kerala has allegedly opposed the participation of people belonging to the lower strata of the Muslim community in their general meeting, drawing sharp criticism from progressive organisations in the society.

Is it end of the line for South Asia's ship graveyards?

Is it end of the line for South Asia's ship graveyards?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2015

With a plunge in steel prices, ship owners are getting about $3.6 million less for the 25,000 tonnes of recoverable metal.

Path cleared for Pakistan team to travel to India

Path cleared for Pakistan team to travel to India

Rediff.com19 Jun 2023

The decks have been cleared for Pakistan football team for its participation in the SAFF Football Championship after receiving visas travel to India on Monday.

Regional FMCG firms see gains over larger peers for second quarter in a row

Regional FMCG firms see gains over larger peers for second quarter in a row

Rediff.com30 Oct 2023

Regional and local fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands are gaining momentum at the cost of national brands for the second quarter in a row. Consumer brands are now losing out on share, especially at the mass end of the market. Local brands have been able to capture market share as prices of raw materials are lower.

India ranks 111th on Global Hunger Index; govt says measure 'flawed'

India ranks 111th on Global Hunger Index; govt says measure 'flawed'

Rediff.com12 Oct 2023

India ranked 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index-2023, which was rejected by the government as erroneous and having malafide intent. The index, released on Thursday, also stated that India has the highest child wasting rate in the world at 18.7 per cent, reflecting acute undernutrition. India ranked 107th out of 121 countries in the 2022 edition of the Global Hunger Index (GHI), a tool for comprehensively measuring and tracking hunger at global, regional, and national levels.

'Conditions not ripe to make rupee a hard currency'

'Conditions not ripe to make rupee a hard currency'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2023

India should become a middle-income country and then push to make INR (rupee) a hard currency, and till then, it must promote the settlement of global trade in the local currency, think tank GTRI said on Sunday. Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said that transforming a currency into a hard currency is a complex process that hinges on several pivotal factors. Firstly, economic stability is paramount; a country must exhibit low and stable inflation, consistent growth, and a balanced trade environment.

Caste-based discrimination is now banned in US city of Seattle

Caste-based discrimination is now banned in US city of Seattle

Rediff.com28 Mar 2023

Seattle is not only the first American city to ban caste discrimination but is the first jurisdiction at any level globally outside South Asia to do so.

How diplomatic row with Canada will test Indo-US ties

How diplomatic row with Canada will test Indo-US ties

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

Experts say Canada's allegations regarding the Indian government's involvement in the fatal shooting of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada 'could be most significant test of strength of US-India partnership since early 2000s'.

Cricket in Olympics: Multi-billion dollar broadcast market, BCCI's push and ICC pitch perfect presentation

Cricket in Olympics: Multi-billion dollar broadcast market, BCCI's push and ICC pitch perfect presentation

Rediff.com16 Oct 2023

A multi-billion dollar broadcast market, the game's most powerful board's positive intent and a perfect pitch by the global body based on a three-fold 'U-P-L' principle ensured cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Kissinger used racist, misogynist language for then PM Indira Gandhi

Kissinger used racist, misogynist language for then PM Indira Gandhi

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

Speaking about the issue in India in March 2012 at a media conclave, Kissinger defended his use of unparliamentary language while referring to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Bhutan-China Closeness: Must India Worry?

Bhutan-China Closeness: Must India Worry?

Rediff.com13 Nov 2023

Although the special relationship might compel Bhutan to be considerate of Indian interests, new challenges will likely arise. An emerging new phase of relations will also call for fresh redlines between India and Bhutan, observe Harsh V Pant and Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy.

With 74 Foreign Visits, Modi Is Most Travelled PM

With 74 Foreign Visits, Modi Is Most Travelled PM

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

While Modi has spent fewer days abroad than his predecessor (270 days versus Dr Singh's 306), he has travelled more extensively and actively than any other Indian PM.

Between India and Canada, US will choose...: Ex-Pentagon official

Between India and Canada, US will choose...: Ex-Pentagon official

Rediff.com23 Sep 2023

He said that India is far more important strategically than Canada is and Ottawa picking up a fight with India is like "an ant picking up a fight against an elephant".

Decades of warnings preceded Sikkim disaster

Decades of warnings preceded Sikkim disaster

Rediff.com5 Oct 2023

A GLOF occurred in parts of Lhonak Lake, leading to a rapid rise in water levels with very high velocities downstream along the Teesta River Basin in the early hours of October 4. This resulted in severe damage in Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi districts.