News for 'Asia'

'They sought time': Trump extends pause on Iran strikes for 10 days

'They sought time': Trump extends pause on Iran strikes for 10 days

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed a request from the Iranian government and added that talks between the two sides were 'going very well'.

Iran drop star striker Azmoun before World Cup warm-ups

Iran drop star striker Azmoun before World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has been left out of the squad for World Cup warm-ups amid reports of expulsion over alleged disloyalty, sparking controversy.

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.

Pete said, 'Let's do it': Trump puts onus of Iran war on Pentagon chief

Pete said, 'Let's do it': Trump puts onus of Iran war on Pentagon chief

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Donald Trump claims a senior defence official urged military action against Iran, revealing escalating tensions and ongoing negotiations in the Middle East.

Iranians Rally Behind New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Iranians Rally Behind New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

On Monday, March 9, Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Iran's new supreme leader, succeeding his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

India has adequate fuel stocks, commercial LPG restored to 70%: Govt

India has adequate fuel stocks, commercial LPG restored to 70%: Govt

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The ministry of petroleum and natural gas on Friday reiterated that India has sufficient stock of crude oil, petrol and diesel, while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of LNG and LPG despite disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Santiago Nieva Focuses on Technique for Indian Women Boxers at Asian Championships

Santiago Nieva Focuses on Technique for Indian Women Boxers at Asian Championships

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Head coach Santiago Nieva is focusing on technical discipline and a tighter defensive guard for the Indian women's boxing team at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Middle East conflict: 2 Indians killed, 10 hurt by drone debris in Muscat

Middle East conflict: 2 Indians killed, 10 hurt by drone debris in Muscat

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Two expatriate workers were killed after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in the Sohar province of Oman.

Indian Boxers Target Medals and Qualification at Asian Championships

Indian Boxers Target Medals and Qualification at Asian Championships

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Indian boxers are set to compete at the Asian Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, aiming for medals and direct qualification for major multi-sport events later in the year.

Search Continues for Rally Champion Hari Singh After Maldives Boat Mishap

Search Continues for Rally Champion Hari Singh After Maldives Boat Mishap

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Five-time Indian National Rally champion Hari Singh remains missing after a speedboat crash in the Maldives. Industrialist Gautam Singhania was among those on board.

Chess Federation FIDE Reassures Safety Measures for Cyprus Tournament

Chess Federation FIDE Reassures Safety Measures for Cyprus Tournament

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has sought to allay security concerns surrounding the upcoming Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, emphasising that safety measures and contingency plans are in place despite regional instability.

Iran war: Another Indian ship sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

Iran war: Another Indian ship sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

An Indian-flagged crude tanker safely departed from the UAE's Fujairah after loading oil, despite an attack on the oil terminal. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia to ensure stable fuel supplies and maritime safety.

India's Infrastructure Growth Dips Amid Output Contraction

India's Infrastructure Growth Dips Amid Output Contraction

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Production growth in India's eight core infrastructure sectors slowed to a three-month low of 2.3 per cent in February, impacted by contractions in crude oil, natural gas, and refinery products output.

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.

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.

Nomura, Citi slash year-end Nifty 50 target

Nomura, Citi slash year-end Nifty 50 target

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Foreign brokerages have started to cut their year-end targets for the Nifty 50 index amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

China has welcomed the appointment of Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing optimism for improved Sino-India relations. Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat with experience in China, is expected to play a key role in managing complex bilateral issues and fostering cooperation.

Oil Prices Tumble as US Pauses Military Action Against Iran

Oil Prices Tumble as US Pauses Military Action Against Iran

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Crude oil prices experienced a sharp decline after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to military strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, easing geopolitical tensions and supply disruption fears.

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing the LPG crisis, lack of energy security, and concerns over the Economic Stabilisation Fund.

Fitch warns costlier oil could lift inflation, slow India's growth in H1FY27

Fitch warns costlier oil could lift inflation, slow India's growth in H1FY27

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Fitch Ratings on Friday said persistently higher oil prices could cause India's retail inflation to rise faster than the expected gradual pace, and lead to a slowdown in economic growth in the first half of financial year 2026-27 (FY27).

Iran naval commander leading closure of Hormuz killed, claims Israel

Iran naval commander leading closure of Hormuz killed, claims Israel

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a series of military operations against US and Israeli targets in retaliation for earlier airstrikes. The IRGC claims to have launched multiple missile and drone strikes, and has warned against any potential ground operations within Iranian territory.

IPL 2026, PBKS vs GT Preview: Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer eye redemption in high-voltage clash

IPL 2026, PBKS vs GT Preview: Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer eye redemption in high-voltage clash

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer who have often been overlooked in the T20 format, will captain Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings respectively with both eager to make a statement.

Mumbai Bomb Threat Email: Probe Launched, No Middle East Link Yet

Mumbai Bomb Threat Email: Probe Launched, No Middle East Link Yet

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Authorities in Mumbai are investigating an email threatening bomb attacks on key buildings, including the Vidhan Bhavan and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Security has been heightened, and officials are working to trace the origin of the threat.

Iran launches new wave of missiles after US bombs Kharg Island

Iran launches new wave of missiles after US bombs Kharg Island

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The incident came shortly after a spokesperson from Iran's military warned that Tehran could target ports and docks in the United Arab Emirates following recent United States strikes on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran's oil exports.

BJP Leader Mithun Chakraborty Criticises West Bengal's Fuel Taxes and Law & Order

BJP Leader Mithun Chakraborty Criticises West Bengal's Fuel Taxes and Law & Order

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty has criticised the West Bengal government over high fuel taxes and alleged security lapses, particularly concerning women's safety and border control.

India 'well stocked' with crude oil to meet supply disruptions: Puri

India 'well stocked' with crude oil to meet supply disruptions: Puri

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

India is well-stocked with inventories of crude oil and key petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), to deal with short-term disruptions as the war intensifies in West Asia, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday.

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.

Family Pleads for Repatriation of Odisha Worker's Body from Qatar

Family Pleads for Repatriation of Odisha Worker's Body from Qatar

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The family of an Odisha migrant worker who died in Qatar is appealing to the government for assistance in bringing his body home. The 25-year-old was the sole earner for his family.

Gold futures plunge Rs 8,089 to Rs 1.36 lakh/10g on global selloff, inflation fears

Gold futures plunge Rs 8,089 to Rs 1.36 lakh/10g on global selloff, inflation fears

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Gold prices experienced a significant drop in futures trading due to global selloff, inflation concerns, and a strong US dollar. Analysts predict a continued downward trend amid geopolitical tensions and potential rate hikes.

Stock markets today March 4, 2026: Sensex sinks 1,123 pts, Nifty dives 1.55%

Stock markets today March 4, 2026: Sensex sinks 1,123 pts, Nifty dives 1.55%

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Wednesday, tracking a bearish trend in Asian markets, as the conflict in West Asia widened, driving oil prices higher.

Fuel curbs brew concern over Darjeeling first flush

Fuel curbs brew concern over Darjeeling first flush

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Tea planters in Darjeeling have raised that a shortage of commercial LPG, triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, could hit tea processing during the first flush, the delicate early-season harvest that commands the highest premiums and often sets the tone for the year.

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Revenue collection next financial year may be affected, and, along with this, subsidies on food and fertilisers can go up if the war in West Asia drags for long, according to experts.

Allowed 'friend' India to take oil already on ships: US

Allowed 'friend' India to take oil already on ships: US

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that long-term oil supplies are 'abundant' and there are no worries regarding that, but in the short term, there is a need to get oil on the market.

Haryana Government Takes Action Against LPG Black Marketing, Seizes Hundreds of Cylinders

Haryana Government Takes Action Against LPG Black Marketing, Seizes Hundreds of Cylinders

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Haryana government is taking strict measures to combat the black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, registering FIRs and seizing hundreds of cylinders. Officials assure citizens of sufficient LPG supply despite global concerns.

'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.

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.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

Iran unveils vast underground missile base, counters US claim

Iran unveils vast underground missile base, counters US claim

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

In a clear message to international observers, the strategic site was pointedly "described as "the tip of the iceberg" regarding the nation's hidden arsenal.

Iran launches 80 strikes as Israel hits missile sites

Iran launches 80 strikes as Israel hits missile sites

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the strikes were conducted in support of offensives by Hezbollah and residents of southern Lebanon, and described them as the beginning of a series of pre-announced operations against Israel.

Gujarat ATS Busts Etomidate Smuggling Ring Exporting to Malaysia

Gujarat ATS Busts Etomidate Smuggling Ring Exporting to Malaysia

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) seized 22 kg of etomidate, an analgesic drug, disguised as aloe vera powder at Mumbai airport. The drug was being illegally exported to Malaysia via air cargo. Three individuals from Surat have been arrested in connection with the smuggling operation.