News for '-asia'

Payment issue? Govt reacts after Iranian oil tanker diverts from India to China

Payment issue? Govt reacts after Iranian oil tanker diverts from India to China

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

India has refuted claims of payment issues hindering crude oil imports from Iran, clarifying that refiners have the flexibility to source oil from various global suppliers. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas addressed reports of a tanker rerouting to China, emphasising standard industry practices and secured oil requirements.

CALM-Brain: India's First Psychiatric Data Repository Launched

CALM-Brain: India's First Psychiatric Data Repository Launched

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

India has launched its first repository of data on major psychiatric disorders, CALM-Brain, in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to systematically document details of patients with mental illness to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Sensex P/E valuations lowest since May '20 amid FPI selloff

Sensex P/E valuations lowest since May '20 amid FPI selloff

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The benchmark BSE Sensex's trailing 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple has declined to 20.2x, its lowest since May 2020, driven by a record $42 billion FPI selloff since September 2024 and concerns over corporate earnings and economic growth.

Elon Musk joined Trump-Modi phone call on Gulf War: Report

Elon Musk joined Trump-Modi phone call on Gulf War: Report

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Elon Musk reportedly participated in a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Iran crisis, raising questions about his involvement in diplomatic discussions.

Pune Gas Agency Under Scrutiny for Illegally Stocking LPG Cylinders Amid Shortage Fears

Pune Gas Agency Under Scrutiny for Illegally Stocking LPG Cylinders Amid Shortage Fears

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

A gas agency in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, is under investigation after authorities discovered 57 illegally stocked LPG cylinders, amidst concerns about potential shortages due to the West Asia crisis.

'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.

US-Iran Conflict Wipes Out Rs 70,000 Cr From LIC Portfolio

US-Iran Conflict Wipes Out Rs 70,000 Cr From LIC Portfolio

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The BSE Sensex and the Nifty 50 declined around 4.5 per cent each since the start of the West Asia conflict.

Iranian cluster bomb attack damages kindergarten in Israel

Iranian cluster bomb attack damages kindergarten in Israel

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Initial reports suggested that shrapnel caused significant damage to the structure; however, no direct missile impact was reported.

'US Iran strategy may backfire, trigger oil shock and hit India hard'

'US Iran strategy may backfire, trigger oil shock and hit India hard'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Srivastava warned that continued bombing of Iran by the US and Israel could severely undermine any prospects of reopening critical maritime routes through negotiation with Tehran.

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Trump said that the strait will be "open very soon" if ongoing negotiations with Tehran continue successfully.

Iranian parliament speaker warns against US ground invasion

Iranian parliament speaker warns against US ground invasion

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

He also warned the Gulf countries, which are allowing the US to launch an attack from their soil, vowing to "punish" the regional partners.

Rinku Singh lands key role in UP government setup

Rinku Singh lands key role in UP government setup

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appointed cricketer Rinku Singh as a Regional Sports Officer, recognising his achievements in cricket, including his IPL success and contributions to the Indian national team.

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.

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?

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.

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

It may now be time to question the price India is paying for Israel's disregard of the serious undermining of India's energy security, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Nepal Undertakes Rescue Operations for Citizens in Gulf Amid Rising Tensions

Nepal Undertakes Rescue Operations for Citizens in Gulf Amid Rising Tensions

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Nepal is actively involved in rescuing its citizens from Gulf countries due to escalating tensions in West Asia, with thousands registering to return home. The government is committed to ensuring the safety of Nepalese citizens in the region and has formed an Emergency Response Team to manage the crisis.

Stranded West Indies, South Africa players to leave India on Tuesday

Stranded West Indies, South Africa players to leave India on Tuesday

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The West Indies and South Africa cricket teams are scheduled to leave India after being stranded due to travel restrictions caused by the Middle East conflict following their T20 World Cup campaigns.

Euro Nations Cup on cards as Ireland eyes 2027 launch

Euro Nations Cup on cards as Ireland eyes 2027 launch

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Cricket Ireland is planning a Euro Nations Cup, with chairman Brian MacNeice targeting a 2027 launch.

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the country refused permission for the US to land two warplanes at Mattala International Airport, citing a commitment to neutrality amidst rising tensions in the Middle East.

Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election BJP's unfinished agenda: Modi

Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election BJP's unfinished agenda: Modi

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BJP's 47th Foundation Day, highlighting the Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation, One Election' as key unfinished agendas. He also reaffirmed the party's commitment to implementing women's reservation in the 2029 elections and criticised dynastic politics.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Centre of 'Taking' from People Amid LPG Price Hike

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Centre of 'Taking' from People Amid LPG Price Hike

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the Union government over the hike in commercial LPG prices, accusing the Centre of taking from the people while the Mamata Banerjee administration provides relief. He challenged the Prime Minister to release a white paper detailing central funds allocation in Cooch Behar.

VinFast targets 75 dealerships by 2026, expands EV ecosystem in India

VinFast targets 75 dealerships by 2026, expands EV ecosystem in India

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Vietnamese automobile major VinFast is rapidly expanding its retail network in India, aiming for 75 dealerships across 60 cities by the end of 2026, while also building a comprehensive EV ecosystem.

Indian national killed in Iranian attack on US oil tanker

Indian national killed in Iranian attack on US oil tanker

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

An Indian national has reportedly been killed in an attack carried out by Iran using a 'suicide' boat against a US-owned oil tanker near Iraq. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of seafarers in the region.

'My favourite thing...': Trump hints at seizing Iran's Kharg Island

'My favourite thing...': Trump hints at seizing Iran's Kharg Island

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of the US seizing Iran's key oil export hub on Kharg Island, suggesting it could be done with minimal resistance. He also expressed his desire to take Iran's oil resources, while indicating potential negotiations and a possible deal with Iran.

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.

'Ready to halt war if Iran changes course': Israel envoy

'Ready to halt war if Iran changes course': Israel envoy

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated that Israel is willing to cease hostilities if Iran changes its course, emphasising that Tel Aviv has consulted diplomatic channels, including the US and regional partners.

Iran has not closed Hormuz: Supreme leader's India representative

Iran has not closed Hormuz: Supreme leader's India representative

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked, the supreme leader's representative said.

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host talks between the US and Iran to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following reports of Pakistan's involvement in backchannel diplomacy.

Iranian Oil Tanker Changes Course from India to China Amid Payment Concerns

Iranian Oil Tanker Changes Course from India to China Amid Payment Concerns

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil has rerouted mid-voyage from its previously indicated destination of India to China, raising questions about payment issues and the future of India's Iranian oil imports.

Sri Lanka Private Bus Operators Threaten Strike Over Fuel Price Surge

Sri Lanka Private Bus Operators Threaten Strike Over Fuel Price Surge

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Private bus operators in Sri Lanka warn of potential service disruptions and a nationwide strike due to significant fuel price increases, impacting public transport and raising concerns about inflation.

Rupee Jumps After RBI Curbs on Banks: A Detailed Analysis

Rupee Jumps After RBI Curbs on Banks: A Detailed Analysis

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee experienced a significant surge against the US dollar following the Reserve Bank of India's measures to restrict banks from onshore forward markets. Despite this, the rupee remains under pressure from foreign capital outflows, a strong dollar, and rising crude oil prices.

Israel Military on Verge of 'Collapse' Due to Troop Shortage: IDF Chief

Israel Military on Verge of 'Collapse' Due to Troop Shortage: IDF Chief

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

IDF chief stressed the urgent need for legislative measures, including a conscription law, a reserve duty law, and an extension of mandatory military service.

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.

Massive 'No Kings' Protests Erupt in US Against Iran War

Massive 'No Kings' Protests Erupt in US Against Iran War

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Protests were held from coast to coast, with massive marches in major cities and smaller gatherings in suburban and rural areas across both traditionally Republican and Democratic states.

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.

India's EV market surges in FY26, driven by strong year-end push

India's EV market surges in FY26, driven by strong year-end push

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's electric vehicle (EV) market experienced a significant surge in financial year 2025-26 (FY26), with e4W registrations nearly doubling and e2Ws growing by over 20%, propelled by expanding charging infrastructure, diverse model launches, and accessible financing.

Anushka Sharma Selected for India's T20I Series Against South Africa

Anushka Sharma Selected for India's T20I Series Against South Africa

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Anushka Sharma receives her first call-up to the Indian national team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. The series is crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup in the UK.

Moscow Expresses Concern Over Possible US Control of Bagram Airbase Amid Tensions

Moscow Expresses Concern Over Possible US Control of Bagram Airbase Amid Tensions

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

A senior Russian diplomat has expressed apprehension over the possibility of the US attempting to regain control of the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, amidst escalating military tensions in the region.

IPL 2026 to open with RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru on March 28

IPL 2026 to open with RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru on March 28

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026.