News for 'Asia Region'

Israel strikes 200 targets, Iran warns of retaliation

Israel strikes 200 targets, Iran warns of retaliation

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said it struck several targets in Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz simultaneously over the past 24 hours, targeting sites linked to Iran's ballistic missile programme, air defence systems and military headquarters.

US war narrative echoes Vietnam-era 'Five O'Clock Follies': Iran

US war narrative echoes Vietnam-era 'Five O'Clock Follies': Iran

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Araghchi remarked that US messaging currently echoes the Vietnam War-era "Five O'Clock Follies," suggesting a systematic misrepresentation of military progress.

Hardik Singh, Navneet Kaur bag Hockey India Player of the Year Awards

Hardik Singh, Navneet Kaur bag Hockey India Player of the Year Awards

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Hardik Singh and Navneet Kaur were named Hockey India Player of the Year in the men's and women's categories, respectively, at a ceremony in New Delhi. Several other players, officials, and member units were also recognised for their contributions to Indian hockey.

'Worst Gulf Crisis For Migrants In 50 Years'

'Worst Gulf Crisis For Migrants In 50 Years'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'In India, there is this first generation migrant, say from a small village in UP. He didn't go to the Gulf to buy a big house but make the life of his family better.' 'He may have paid 1 lakh rupees to an agent to go to the Gulf. Imagine what will happen to him and his family if he has to come back. He and his family will become poor again.' 'He went to the Gulf to come out of poverty, but this war will make his family trapped in poverty once again.'

Sensex and Nifty Rally as US-Iran Ceasefire Boosts Global Markets

Sensex and Nifty Rally as US-Iran Ceasefire Boosts Global Markets

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Indian stock markets experienced a significant rally following the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire, coupled with a drop in crude oil prices. The Sensex and Nifty both closed nearly 4 per cent higher, mirroring gains in global markets.

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Air India and Air India Express are introducing a fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights due to rising jet fuel prices, impacting travel costs for passengers.

Amethi Residents Stranded in Iran Amidst Conflict

Amethi Residents Stranded in Iran Amidst Conflict

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Several residents of Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, including students, are stranded in Iran due to ongoing joint strikes by the United States and Israel, prompting calls for government assistance.

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

According to sources, the Indian Navy warships are on standby to provide assistance or help required by merchant vessels.

Ali Larijani, Iran's Security chief killed in airstrike, claims Israel

Ali Larijani, Iran's Security chief killed in airstrike, claims Israel

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Reports are emerging that Ali Larijani, a key Iranian security official, was allegedly targetted in an Israeli airstrike, escalating tensions in the region.

China announces $200,000 aid after deadly strike on Iran's school

China announces $200,000 aid after deadly strike on Iran's school

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

China has condemned the attack on an elementary school in Iran and pledged USD 200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance.

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.

Attacks on commercial, civilian ships unacceptable: India

Attacks on commercial, civilian ships unacceptable: India

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Addressing the 36th extraordinary session of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) held on Thursday in London, the Indian envoy said, "India remains deeply concerned about the evolving situation and continues to call for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy, with utmost restraint and priority being given to the safety of civilians."

Rupee surges 52 paise to close at 92.54/USD on US-Iran ceasefire

Rupee surges 52 paise to close at 92.54/USD on US-Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee saw a significant appreciation against the US dollar following President Trump's suspension of military strikes against Iran and the Reserve Bank of India's decision to maintain its key interest rate. Market sentiment was further buoyed by positive comments from the RBI regarding the health of the banking sector.

Iran allows Indian ships to pass through Hormuz: Sources

Iran allows Indian ships to pass through Hormuz: Sources

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

IRGC said vessels seeking to sail through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz must obtain Iran's approval; otherwise, they could become targets of Iranian attacks.

Mayhem Continues In The Middle East

Mayhem Continues In The Middle East

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Tensions escalated dramatically on March 5, 2026, as the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory explosions across Tehran, Sanandaj, and beyond.

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.

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.

Oil surges over 25% to $116.5 per barrel

Oil surges over 25% to $116.5 per barrel

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Brent crude prices surged sharply on Monday, rising by more than 25 per cent to $116.5 per barrel, amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has made crude prices bullish.

Kingpin Arrested in India for Trafficking Citizens to Myanmar Cyber Scam Operations

Kingpin Arrested in India for Trafficking Citizens to Myanmar Cyber Scam Operations

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The CBI has arrested an Indian national accused of trafficking citizens to cyber scam compounds in Myanmar, where they were forced to participate in cyber fraud.

8 killed in Iranian missile attack on Israel; UAE port targeted

8 killed in Iranian missile attack on Israel; UAE port targeted

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Expanding the scope of hostilities, Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was also targeted by missile strikes launched by Iran, according to a report by the Iranian state broadcaster, Press TV.

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi has accused the ruling LDF in Kerala and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "B-team" and of secretly joining hands with the BJP, alleging a compromised leadership and lack of accountability.

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.

No permission needed to pass through Strait of Hormuz: Indian govt official

No permission needed to pass through Strait of Hormuz: Indian govt official

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

A senior government official confirms that Indian vessels do not require permission to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, despite regional tensions. Several Indian ships, including LPG tankers, have safely crossed the strait, ensuring continued supply of essential commodities to India.

Iran War: Truce Is A Bitter Pill For Trump To Swallow

Iran War: Truce Is A Bitter Pill For Trump To Swallow

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The logic of war plus the gathering storms in US politics as the midterms loom large leave him with no real alternative but to negotiate, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'This War Is Only About Iran's Fight For Survival'

'This War Is Only About Iran's Fight For Survival'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

'Strikes into the Gulf countries are proof that the security guarantees offered by the US are ineffective and that the Gulf countries cannot rely on American security assurances for their safety.'

India Should Have Been Better Prepared For Gulf War

India Should Have Been Better Prepared For Gulf War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Our diplomacy should have been focused on preventing war and avoiding the inevitable disruptions it would cause, posing a real risk to India's growth story,' asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

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.

Iran blames US amid intensifying energy crisis

Iran blames US amid intensifying energy crisis

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran has blamed the US for disruptions in oil and gas shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, citing 'destabilising actions' as the cause amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and rising energy prices.

TCS Q4 net profit jumps 12% to Rs 13,718 cr; adds 2k employees as layoffs end

TCS Q4 net profit jumps 12% to Rs 13,718 cr; adds 2k employees as layoffs end

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced a 12.22 per cent increase in its net profit for the March quarter, reaching Rs 13,718 crore, alongside a 9.64 per cent rise in revenue from operations.

Mayank Chakraborty Makes History As India's 94th Chess Grandmaster

Mayank Chakraborty Makes History As India's 94th Chess Grandmaster

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Mayank Chakraborty, a 17-year-old from Assam, has become India's 94th Grandmaster in chess.

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.

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet are opposing the government's directive to offer 60% of seats for free selection, arguing it will lead to increased airfares to compensate for lost revenue.

'Worth the cost if...': Trump as oil boils amid Iran war

'Worth the cost if...': Trump as oil boils amid Iran war

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Donald Trump defends the recent surge in global oil prices, arguing it's a necessary short-term cost to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat and ensure global security.

No knowledge of peace talks, Iran ops continue: Israel counters Trump

No knowledge of peace talks, Iran ops continue: Israel counters Trump

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Addressing a media stakeout at the United Nations on Tuesday, Israel's envoy said the country's primary objective remained preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

India's merchandise exports experienced a slight decrease in February, while imports surged due to increased gold and silver purchases, leading to a widened trade deficit. The West Asia crisis is expected to further impact trade in the coming months.

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

President Trump asserts the US military has decimated Iran's forces and no longer requires assistance from NATO allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz, despite earlier requests for support.

India's 2nd LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' reaches Gujarat port amid crisis

India's 2nd LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' reaches Gujarat port amid crisis

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Despite ongoing tensions in West Asia, the successful arrival of the LPG carrier 'Nanda Devi' in Gujarat ensures a steady supply of liquefied petroleum gas to India, highlighting the country's efforts to secure its energy needs.

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'The entire US ecosystem built over decades at the bases in the Gulf region, especially the UAE, costing trillions of dollars have been decimated, dealing a mortal blow to the US Central Command's war capability,' points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

No talks with US until...: Iran denies sending negotiators to Pak

No talks with US until...: Iran denies sending negotiators to Pak

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Iranian news agencies have denied reports of Iranian officials travelling to Pakistan for negotiations with the United States, even as Pakistan prepares for potential talks and faces criticism from Israel.

Govt to end LPG supply to households refusing PNG switch

Govt to end LPG supply to households refusing PNG switch

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The government has mandated that cooking gas LPG supply to households will be discontinued if consumers fail to switch to piped natural gas where such connectivity is available, under a new order aimed at accelerating gas network expansion and reducing reliance on a single fuel.