News for 'Asia Region'

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.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

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."

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.

Wage Hike Fails To Solve Worker Woes

Wage Hike Fails To Solve Worker Woes

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Rising living expenses, fear of contract hiring cast shadow on real gains.

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.

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.

'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.

Trump mulls naval blockade on Iran after talks collapse?

Trump mulls naval blockade on Iran after talks collapse?

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has shared an article suggesting that the option of enforcing a naval blockade was available in the context of Iran, as peace talks ended in a stalemate in Islamabad after differences of opinion arose between the two parties on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capacities.

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that the air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted a significant number of aerial threats following a large-scale Iranian attack that commenced on February 28.

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.

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.

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-intensity election campaign in Tamil Nadu concluded with accusations and counter-accusations between the DMK and AIADMK, while new entrant TVK made its presence felt. Key issues included state autonomy, corruption, law and order, and the delimitation bill.

13 Iran troops killed in airstrike; toll rises to 787

13 Iran troops killed in airstrike; toll rises to 787

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The strike hit the Kerman Air Base, located about 800 km southeast of Tehran.

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Chaffing under public ridicule in the US as well as internationally for having 'lost' the war, Trump is under immense pressure to do something, cautions Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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.

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.

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.

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions in West Asia following a series of strikes and counter-strikes, the United States Embassy in Muscat on Tuesday instructed its staff to shelter in place.

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.

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 signals Iran talks within 36-72 hours, extends ceasefire

Trump signals Iran talks within 36-72 hours, extends ceasefire

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistan, aiming to allow Tehran's leadership time to form a unified proposal to end the seven-week war.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fighting 'existential war' against US, Israel: Iran

Fighting 'existential war' against US, Israel: Iran

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh declares Iran's unwavering commitment to a 'heroic nationalist defence' against perceived American and Israeli aggression, vowing to resist what he calls an 'invasion' to the very end.

US now begging India, world to buy Russian oil: Iran

US now begging India, world to buy Russian oil: Iran

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday criticised the United States over its stance on Russian oil, claiming Washington was now "begging" countries across the globe, including India, to purchase Russian crude.

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.

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.

US strikes Iranian naval vessels near Hormuz Strait

US strikes Iranian naval vessels near Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

According to the Pentagon, the vessels were targeted as part of efforts to prevent the deployment of naval mines in the strategically vital passage through which a significant portion of global crude oil shipments transits.

'India, China should view each other as partners and opportunities'

'India, China should view each other as partners and opportunities'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on India and China to view each other as partners rather than rivals, emphasising the importance of cooperation for regional stability and development.

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.

Be alert, stay indoors: India to citizens in Israel, Iran

Be alert, stay indoors: India to citizens in Israel, Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

India has issued an advisory for its citizens in Israel to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times, following a joint attack by Israel and the US against Iran.

'Israeli Assassinations In Iran Will Continue'

'Israeli Assassinations In Iran Will Continue'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'Much will depend on the position of the United States.' 'It will have to be seen to what extent the US will be more interested in achieving some form of a deal and to what extent Israel will be allowed to continue to carry out both airstrikes and the killing of Iranian officials.'

Japan issues emergency alert as North Korea fires missile

Japan issues emergency alert as North Korea fires missile

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Tensions flared in East Asia on Saturday as the Japanese government issued an urgent warning following military activity from Pyongyang. The Prime Minister's Office of Japan, in a post on X, alerted the public to the developing situation, stating: '[Emergency alert] North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.'

Donald Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in FIFA World Cup

Donald Trump says it is not appropriate for Iran to be in FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the Iranian men's national soccer team was welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup but that he believed it was not appropriate that they be there "for their own life and safety."