News for 'Asia Region'

'Petrol Shortage League'? PSL Sparks Meme Fest

'Petrol Shortage League'? PSL Sparks Meme Fest

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board is adapting the 2026 Pakistan Super League due to a fuel shortage, with matches played without fans and at only two venues.

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Office has refuted media reports suggesting that its efforts to facilitate peace talks between the US and Iran have stalled, calling the reports baseless and speculative.

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.

US envoys to hold direct talks with Iranian delegation in Pak

US envoys to hold direct talks with Iranian delegation in Pak

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are travelling to Pakistan for direct talks with an Iranian delegation as part of efforts to end the seven-week war, the White House announced.

US missile-destroyer intercepts Iranian tanker amid Hormuz tensions

US missile-destroyer intercepts Iranian tanker amid Hormuz tensions

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The American warship stopped the tanker "after it attempted to sail to an Iranian port," according to a statement released by CENTCOM.

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Rediff.com12 May 2026

India possesses two months of fuel stockpiles and faces no supply concerns despite global energy disruptions, according to Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. However, state-run fuel retailers are incurring losses of up to Rs 1 lakh crore in a single quarter due to elevated crude prices and unchanged retail fuel prices, raising questions about the sustainability of these losses.

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

While investors would focus on the results and guidance for the third quarter of financial year 2025-26 (Q3FY26) in the normal course of business, the US-Israeli attack on Iran and the latter's retaliation at Gulf allies of the US has forced them to weigh the consequences of the event.

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Indian government addressed opposition concerns regarding the West Asia crisis in an all-party meeting, outlining its strategy for ensuring the security of the Indian diaspora, fulfilling energy needs, and maintaining diplomatic relations with key partners. The government also dismissed Pakistan's reported mediation efforts.

Gulf War: 'Missiles Flew Past Us'

Gulf War: 'Missiles Flew Past Us'

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

'We are getting used to the constant alerts to take shelter, listening to sonic booms from jets flying above us, hearing news of neighbouring ports being targeted, and being the only ship in the terminal.'

Mohamed Nasheed: Democratic Institutions, Not Bombing, Can Bring Change

Mohamed Nasheed: Democratic Institutions, Not Bombing, Can Bring Change

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed advocates for building democratic institutions over military intervention in resolving international conflicts, particularly in the context of the escalating West Asia crisis. He also discusses the impact of the conflict on the Maldives' tourism-dependent economy and calls for a stronger, more understanding India in the Indian Ocean Region.

Chandrasekaran addresses Air India staff, stresses transformation & safety

Chandrasekaran addresses Air India staff, stresses transformation & safety

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran addressed Air India employees, acknowledging the airline's challenging phase while reaffirming the Tata Group's commitment to its long-term transformation, focusing on service quality, safety, and operational improvements.

'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.

Enemies Beware! India's Missile Power Gets A Boost

Enemies Beware! India's Missile Power Gets A Boost

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Three milestones in three days signal India's growing mastery in next-generation strategic technologies spanning nuclear deterrence, hypersonic propulsion and precision stand-off strike capability.

Pak's CDF Munir meets Saudi defence minister amid Iran war

Pak's CDF Munir meets Saudi defence minister amid Iran war

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Pakistan's defence chief visited Saudi Arabia to discuss regional security and the mutual defence pact between the two nations, focusing on de-escalation strategies.

Iran sought nod to dock 3 ships in Indian ports, was approved: Jaishankar

Iran sought nod to dock 3 ships in Indian ports, was approved: Jaishankar

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

It is for the first time that a senior minister has said that Iran requested permission for docking three of its ships in Indian ports.

India's Smaller Cities Pop Corks: Champagne Demand Spreads Beyond Metros

India's Smaller Cities Pop Corks: Champagne Demand Spreads Beyond Metros

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Champagne consumption in India is expanding beyond major metropolitan areas into smaller cities like Kanpur, Guwahati, and Lucknow, driven by a desire for sophisticated lifestyle declarations and a growing appreciation for the beverage.

Modi condemns Iran attacks on Bahrain, Saudi; calls for restoring peace

Modi condemns Iran attacks on Bahrain, Saudi; calls for restoring peace

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the King of Bahrain and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, condemning recent attacks on both countries and emphasising the importance of regional peace and stability.

London Police Step Up Security After Antisemitic Incidents

London Police Step Up Security After Antisemitic Incidents

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Metropolitan Police in London are increasing patrols and resources following a series of antisemitic attacks, including an incident targeting a Jewish charity. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating the attacks, which are suspected to be linked to an Islamist group with ties to Iran.

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Bhutan's Huge Crypto Gamble, India And China Watching

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Is Bhutan merely experimenting with digital finance -- or is the Himalayan kingdom punching far above its weight, quietly playing one of the most sophisticated strategic games in Asia today? asks Varun Arya.

Trump lands in Beijing to rare VIP welcome amid trade and Iran talks

Trump lands in Beijing to rare VIP welcome amid trade and Iran talks

Rediff.com13 May 2026

US President Donald Trump received a red carpet welcome in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade, the Iran war, and other key issues. The visit underscores the importance both nations place on their relationship amid ongoing tensions.

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.

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The two leaders also emphasised the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Middle East conflict: ICC's finance committee discussions to be held virtually

Middle East conflict: ICC's finance committee discussions to be held virtually

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cancelled its Board and committee meetings due to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday.

LPG Ships Clear Hormuz, India Supply Stable

LPG Ships Clear Hormuz, India Supply Stable

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers still remain in the western Persian Gulf region

Crude Oil Hits Record High as US-Iran Tensions Escalate

Crude Oil Hits Record High as US-Iran Tensions Escalate

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Crude oil prices have surged to record highs due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran, raising concerns about supply disruptions and market volatility.

Iran reviews backchannel messages, warns it's ready for 'any attack'

Iran reviews backchannel messages, warns it's ready for 'any attack'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A spokesperson said the government is carefully assessing these communications in the context of the ongoing regional crisis.

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Russia has expressed strong concern over a US-Israeli strike on the Iranian port of Bandar Anzali, a key transit hub on the INSTC, warning of the risk of drawing Caspian states into the ongoing conflict.

Argentina Steps Up LPG Supply To India

Argentina Steps Up LPG Supply To India

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Argentina has significantly increased its LPG exports to India to help mitigate shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. This partnership is becoming increasingly important for India's energy security.

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.

Kim cites Iran war to justify North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Kim cites Iran war to justify North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Speaking to North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly on Tuesday, Kim accused the United States of carrying out 'terrorism and invasions' across regions, referring to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

China's mediation fails to broker agreement between Pak, Afghanistan

China's mediation fails to broker agreement between Pak, Afghanistan

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

China's week-long mediation between Pakistan and Afghanistan concludes without a formal agreement, though Beijing claims progress in exploring solutions to resolve their differences.

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.

In a fresh message, Khamenei extols sacrifice and martyrdom

In a fresh message, Khamenei extols sacrifice and martyrdom

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday extolled the sacrifice and martyrdom of senior Iranian armed forces leaders as the conflict in West Asia enters into its second month.

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.

How India's Digital Infrastructure Can Boost GDP By 2030

How India's Digital Infrastructure Can Boost GDP By 2030

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A NITI Aayog report indicates that India's digital public infrastructure (DPI) initiatives could contribute 4 per cent of the GDP by 2030, a significant increase from the current 1 per cent.

Brazil Potash CEO: 'World might face food crisis if war continues till end of April'

Brazil Potash CEO: 'World might face food crisis if war continues till end of April'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

"The world might face a food crisis if the war continued till the end of April, as it could have a dramatic impact on planting in Europe and North America," said Matt Simpson, CEO of Brazil Potash.

Reliance navigates volatile oil markets with agile sourcing, operational tweaks

Reliance navigates volatile oil markets with agile sourcing, operational tweaks

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

India's largest private refiner, Reliance Industries Ltd, successfully navigated a volatile energy market in the last quarter of FY26 by diversifying crude sourcing and demonstrating operational agility, particularly in response to geopolitical disruptions and cost fluctuations.

Iran rejects Pak mediation, shifts focus to Qatar as tensions escalate

Iran rejects Pak mediation, shifts focus to Qatar as tensions escalate

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Islamabad's attempt to position itself as a mediator in the West Asia conflict has come to naught with the Iranian side refusing to meet any US-led delegation in Pakistan, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Low Birth Weight Linked To Increased Stroke Risk In Young Adults

Low Birth Weight Linked To Increased Stroke Risk In Young Adults

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A Swedish study reveals that individuals born with low birth weight face a significantly elevated risk of stroke in early adulthood, regardless of their BMI or gestational age.

After Israel, Iran denies any peace talks With US

After Israel, Iran denies any peace talks With US

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, has said there are no ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington, DC, countering United States President Donald Trump's claims of peace overtures.