News for '-middle'

US launches multiple strikes after Iranian missile attack

US launches multiple strikes after Iranian missile attack

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces have conducted a 'heavy wave of strikes' against numerous Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran. This action was a direct response to attempted Iranian missile strikes on US forces in West Asia, which were successfully intercepted. The strikes targeted IRGC military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance, and maritime capabilities, aiming to reduce threats posed by Iran and its proxies. US President Donald Trump also issued strong warnings to Tehran, linking the escalation to a recent drone strike on an LNG vessel in Egypt's Damietta Port.

How the Middle East Conflict Has Stranded PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi

How the Middle East Conflict Has Stranded PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been stranded in Qatar for over a week due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, impacting flights and travel across the region.

Captaincy Change Won't Fix India Women's Team Problems: Anjum Chopra

Captaincy Change Won't Fix India Women's Team Problems: Anjum Chopra

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former India women's cricket captain Anjum Chopra believes that merely replacing Harmanpreet Kaur as captain will not solve the fundamental issues plaguing the team, citing a significant lack of quality back-up options across all departments.

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.

'I gave my 200 per cent': Rahane on retirement

'I gave my 200 per cent': Rahane on retirement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has expressed profound satisfaction with his decision to retire from international cricket, stating he has 'no regrets at all' after giving his '200 per cent' on the field. Rahane also revealed his openness to venturing into coaching or mentorship roles in the future, aiming to share his extensive experience globally.

Coco Gauff Speaks Out on Civilian Losses in Middle East

Coco Gauff Speaks Out on Civilian Losses in Middle East

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

World No. 4 Coco Gauff expresses concern over civilian casualties amid the Iran conflict, as the crisis disrupts tennis events in the Middle East and strands players in Dubai.

India Working to Safely Evacuate Citizens from Middle East Amid Conflict

India Working to Safely Evacuate Citizens from Middle East Amid Conflict

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the Indian government is actively working to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the volatile situation and the government's commitment to their safety.

AFC slams FIFA's $20bn World Cup plan as 'unacceptable'

AFC slams FIFA's $20bn World Cup plan as 'unacceptable'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa has strongly criticised FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, calling the lack of consultation "totally unacceptable". He stated that FIFA's unilateral actions undermine continental football and urged member federations to await further discussions before approving the $20 billion proposal.

ADB trims India's FY27 growth projection to 6.6% amid West Asia crisis

ADB trims India's FY27 growth projection to 6.6% amid West Asia crisis

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised down India's GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27) to 6.6 per cent from an earlier 6.9 per cent, primarily attributing the change to elevated energy prices stemming from the Middle East conflict. Despite this moderation, India is still expected to remain the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Karnataka Govt Assures Safety of Kannadigas Amid Middle East Conflict

Karnataka Govt Assures Safety of Kannadigas Amid Middle East Conflict

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured the safety of Kannadigas residing in the Middle East amid escalating conflict, directing officials to take proactive measures and operationalize a dedicated helpline.

F1 drops Bahrain, Saudi Arabia races over Middle East crisis

F1 drops Bahrain, Saudi Arabia races over Middle East crisis

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Formula One has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April due to escalating Middle East tensions, reducing the 2026 F1 calendar from 24 to 22 races.

Forex Reserves Climb to $676.24 Billion Amidst Global Volatility

Forex Reserves Climb to $676.24 Billion Amidst Global Volatility

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 1.08 billion to USD 676.237 billion for the week ended July 17, primarily due to a significant rise in foreign currency assets, despite a drop in gold reserves.

Kuldeep Should Be Playing Regularly: Harbhajan

Kuldeep Should Be Playing Regularly: Harbhajan

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

'If I was with the team, I would pick bowlers who I feel can pick wickets and win matches for me with the ball.'

Fresh talks 'last chance' for Iran: Trump as Tehran denies talks

Fresh talks 'last chance' for Iran: Trump as Tehran denies talks

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Donald Trump stated that Iran has been given a "last chance" to reach an agreement, revealing that the US paused a planned military strike after receiving requests from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran to pursue diplomacy instead.

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a deepening crisis after his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned, leading to public distancing from influential executives and calls for his removal from office.

Gen Z Protests: 'Biggest Blow Has Been To The Prime Minister'

Gen Z Protests: 'Biggest Blow Has Been To The Prime Minister'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'After more than 12 years in power, he has been forced to retreat under public pressure. The education minister's resignation is the biggest political climbdown of his government so far.'

Suchitra Krishnamoorthi: 'There's A Sensitivity In Gen Z We Cannot Imagine'

Suchitra Krishnamoorthi: 'There's A Sensitivity In Gen Z We Cannot Imagine'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

On the latest episode of The Rediff Podcast, actor-singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi explains why she admires GenZ's courage and sensitivity.

SpiceJet to Operate 13 Special Flights from UAE Amid Middle East Conflict

SpiceJet to Operate 13 Special Flights from UAE Amid Middle East Conflict

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

SpiceJet will operate 13 special flights from the UAE to facilitate the return of passengers stranded due to the Middle East conflict.

Friendship Day: Can Besties Run A Business Together?

Friendship Day: Can Besties Run A Business Together?

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Friendship, trust and a little good cop-bad cop magic! This Friendship Day, besties and business partners Hasti Domadia and Hem Choksi reveal how they built a successful business without letting it affect their bond with each other.

Hurriyat ex-leader Bilal Lone's political foray sparks family rivalry in J-K

Hurriyat ex-leader Bilal Lone's political foray sparks family rivalry in J-K

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Former Hurriyat Conference leader Bilal Gani Lone on Sunday held a workers' rally in north Kashmir's Handwara constituency, signalling his entry into mainstream politics while asserting his claim to the political legacy of his slain father, Abdul Gani Lone.

Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from international cricket

Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from international cricket

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his immediate retirement from all formats of international cricket, stating that the time is right for him to 'move on' after a career spanning over a decade.

Ajinkya Rahane's retirement sparks heartfelt tributes from India's cricket stars

Ajinkya Rahane's retirement sparks heartfelt tributes from India's cricket stars

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Ajinkya Rahane's retirement from international cricket drew tributes from the cricket fraternity, including Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul, who praised his contribution to Indian cricket and wished him success for the future.

7 girls collapse after sit-up punishment at Bihar school over homework

7 girls collapse after sit-up punishment at Bihar school over homework

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Seven schoolgirls in Bihar's Khagaria district fainted after being subjected to physical punishment by a teacher for not completing homework. The incident at Eknia Middle School led to outrage among parents and villagers, prompting officials to launch an investigation and warn other schools.

Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Saudi Crown Prince on Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts for Middle East Peace

Shehbaz Sharif Briefs Saudi Crown Prince on Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts for Middle East Peace

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has briefed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation in West Asia. This follows Pakistan's offer to host talks between the US and Iran to resolve the ongoing conflict.

How Many Indians Live In The Middle East?

How Many Indians Live In The Middle East?

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Based on figures currently listed on the ministry of external affairs web site, a large number of Indians reside across West Asia.

Nearly Half Exit School Before Class 12

Nearly Half Exit School Before Class 12

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Nearly one in two children still leave the school system before completing higher secondary education.

Bowling Struggles, Fitness Woes: Why India Flopped In England ODIs

Bowling Struggles, Fitness Woes: Why India Flopped In England ODIs

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

A look at what went wrong for India in the England ODI series.

Toxic, Batwara 1947: What Will You Watch In August?

Toxic, Batwara 1947: What Will You Watch In August?

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

August is going to be a special month for Bollywood, thanks to the Independence Day weekend, which will see a couple of big releases.

India's gold demand falls 6% in Q2 on weak seasonal sales

India's gold demand falls 6% in Q2 on weak seasonal sales

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's gold demand saw a 6 per cent year-on-year decline in the April-June quarter of 2026, reaching 131.4 tonnes, primarily due to subdued seasonal sales, increased Customs duty, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to reduce gold purchases, according to a World Gold Council report.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Down on US-Iran Crisis, Surging Crude Prices

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Down on US-Iran Crisis, Surging Crude Prices

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced declines in early trade due to a significant surge in crude oil prices, exacerbated by escalating tensions in the West Asia. Track how Sensex, Nifty fared on July 23.

Asian Champions League matches postponed due to Middle East conflict

Asian Champions League matches postponed due to Middle East conflict

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The Asian Football Confederation has postponed several Asian Champions League Elite and Two matches scheduled to be played in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Pujara Tells Retiring Rahane: 'It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you'

Pujara Tells Retiring Rahane: 'It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara and Olympic medallist PV Sindhu congratulated Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batter announced his retirement from international cricket.

The Kishore Kumar Song That Has Become Gen Z's Voice

The Kishore Kumar Song That Has Become Gen Z's Voice

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

How did a melancholic Kishore Kumar classic from 1964, remixed decades later, become the unlikely soundtrack to a Gen Z protest?

Tom Holland: 'The Odyssey Is Epic'

Tom Holland: 'The Odyssey Is Epic'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'For a community of people that love cinema as much as you guys do here, this will be one of those moments you'll be comparing every cinema experience you have after this one to The Odyssey.'

Indian athletes secure three bronze medals at Asian U-23 Championships

Indian athletes secure three bronze medals at Asian U-23 Championships

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India's young athletes demonstrated strong performances on the second day of the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships in Ordos, China, securing three bronze medals. Shakeel and Bhumeshwory Devi Huidrom earned bronze in the men's and women's 800m respectively, while Abhay Singh added another bronze in the men's 200m race.

Bethell to open with Duckett: England announce playing XI for 1st ODI vs India

Bethell to open with Duckett: England announce playing XI for 1st ODI vs India

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

England has named its playing XI for the first One-Day International against India at Edgbaston, with young left-hander Jacob Bethell set to open alongside Ben Duckett.

Clinical India register first T20I series win under skipper Iyer

Clinical India register first T20I series win under skipper Iyer

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

India secured their three-match Twenty20 international series against Zimbabwe with a dominant 90-run victory in the second match at Harare Sports Club, marking new T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer's first series win.

Gulf nations must pay for Hormuz security: Trump

Gulf nations must pay for Hormuz security: Trump

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Former US President Donald Trump stated that Gulf nations should reimburse the United States for safeguarding maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while asserting that recent American military interventions have profoundly crippled Iran's military capabilities, claiming Iran has been "brought back to the Stone Ages."

Durand Cup: 10-man TRAU hold NEROCA in tense Imphal derby

Durand Cup: 10-man TRAU hold NEROCA in tense Imphal derby

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

TRAU FC and NEROCA FC played out a goalless draw in a high-intensity Imphal Derby during the Durand Cup. Both teams created numerous scoring opportunities, with goalkeepers making crucial saves. TRAU FC finished the match with ten men after Adriko Rogers received a red card, but NEROCA FC failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

It was left to an incensed Gen Z to show the rest of India that enough was enough, and that the time had come to shatter the fear psychosis generated by the government's authoritarian approach to protests and criticism, points out M R Narayan Swamy.