News for 'East Room'

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian government has established a control room to provide crucial support and assistance to the nearly one crore Indian citizens residing in the region.

Middle East conflict: Indian airlines cancel 278 flights

Middle East conflict: Indian airlines cancel 278 flights

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Due to airspace restrictions resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, Indian domestic carriers have cancelled 278 international flights. Some airlines are operating limited services and special flights to assist stranded passengers.

Middle East conflict: 28 Indian ships with 778 crew stuck in Persian Gulf

Middle East conflict: 28 Indian ships with 778 crew stuck in Persian Gulf

Rediff.com7 days ago

28 Indian vessels carrying 778 seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf, prompting government monitoring and coordination to ensure their safety and security.

'Contact with Iran difficult': Jaishankar outlines India's position on Middle East war

'Contact with Iran difficult': Jaishankar outlines India's position on Middle East war

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on India's position regarding the escalating conflict in West Asia, emphasising the need for peace, dialogue, and the safety of civilians, while also prioritising India's energy security and trade interests.

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday as he boasted about the United States' ongoing operation in Iran.

DU Student Arrested for Murdering Woman Over Marriage Pressure

DU Student Arrested for Murdering Woman Over Marriage Pressure

Rediff.com5 days ago

Delhi Police have arrested a 24-year-old Delhi University student for allegedly strangling a woman to death in a hotel room in Old Delhi after she pressured him to marry her.

2 more Indian ships safely cross Strait of Hormuz

2 more Indian ships safely cross Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com4 days ago

Two Indian ships carrying liquified petroleum gas (LPG) from the Gulf countries crossed the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday morning, raising the number of Indian vessels safely passing through the war-hit, narrow shipping lane to three.

Two ships with crude, LPG to reach India on Tuesday; one docks in Guj

Two ships with crude, LPG to reach India on Tuesday; one docks in Guj

Rediff.com2 days ago

An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, Jag Laadki, safely sailed from the UAE's Fujairah port despite an attack on the terminal and is scheduled to reach India. The Indian government is working to ensure the safe passage of remaining Indian-flagged vessels in the region.

Thai-flagged ship bound for India attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Thai-flagged ship bound for India attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com7 days ago

A Thai cargo vessel was struck by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, leaving three crew members missing and prompting a rescue operation by the Royal Navy of Oman.

'Nitish May Have Been Moved Aside, But Nitishism Is Not Over'

'Nitish May Have Been Moved Aside, But Nitishism Is Not Over'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'Nitish Kumar may be marginalised as an office-holder, but that is not the same thing as the disappearance of Nitish Kumar's politics.'

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.com3 days ago

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.

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Indian warships on standby near Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels

Rediff.com4 days ago

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

SEE: First crude tanker reaches India amid Hormuz crisis

SEE: First crude tanker reaches India amid Hormuz crisis

Rediff.com6 days ago

The tanker reportedly switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder while navigating the high-risk stretch of the strait and reappeared on tracking systems on March 9.

Iran allows Indian ships to pass through Hormuz: Sources

Iran allows Indian ships to pass through Hormuz: Sources

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.

UK Calls for Negotiation After US-Israel Strikes on Iran

UK Calls for Negotiation After US-Israel Strikes on Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The British government has called for a negotiated solution to prevent further escalation of conflict in the Middle East following joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, emphasizing the safety of UK nationals and the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

AIFF Defends Women's Asian Cup Preparations After Group Stage Exit

AIFF Defends Women's Asian Cup Preparations After Group Stage Exit

Rediff.com6 days ago

The AIFF defends its preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup despite India's group-stage exit, citing extensive overseas exposure and matches. An inquiry has been ordered into a kit controversy.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com5 days ago

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

Gulf War: How To Manage Investments, Household Budget

Gulf War: How To Manage Investments, Household Budget

Rediff.com2 days ago

Households should moderate large discretionary expenses for the time being.
'They should prioritise essential spending. They should maintain an emergency fund covering 6 to 12 months of expenses.'

The Girl From Bhandup Who Became Ms Universe USA

The Girl From Bhandup Who Became Ms Universe USA

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Don't let the world put you in a box. If the world tries to put you in a box, don't stay in it. Step out of it. And if you have to, burn that box completely,' says Siddhata Patil.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assures that the Indian government is prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region due to the Iran-Israel conflict and disruptions in Dubai, emphasizing citizen safety as the top priority.

'15 out of 10': Trump rates US war performance against Iran

'15 out of 10': Trump rates US war performance against Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Trump claims the United States is performing exceptionally well in its ongoing conflict with Iran, citing weakened Iranian military capabilities and a strong US position.

Protest against VC turns violent in JNU; student groups trade barbs

Protest against VC turns violent in JNU; student groups trade barbs

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Tensions escalated at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following a clash between student groups aligned with the Left and Right, each accusing the other of violence during a protest march.

Ranji Trophy: 'It took 67 years': Manhas on J&K glory

Ranji Trophy: 'It took 67 years': Manhas on J&K glory

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

BCCI president Mithun Manhas announced plans to construct new cricket stadiums in Jammu and Kashmir to further develop cricket in the region after their maiden Ranji Trophy title win.

Two athletes found hanging in SAI hostel in Kollam

Two athletes found hanging in SAI hostel in Kollam

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The reason for the deaths is yet to be ascertained and no suicide note has been recovered from the room, police officials said.

Rs 5.4 lakh theft at BJP MP Manoj Tiwari's Mumbai flat

Rs 5.4 lakh theft at BJP MP Manoj Tiwari's Mumbai flat

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Mumbai police have arrested a former domestic help of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari for allegedly breaking into his flat and stealing Rs 5.4 lakh.

8 Best Hotels And Resorts In Asia

8 Best Hotels And Resorts In Asia

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Cond Nast's editors have sat down, like they do yearly and listed their favourite stays in Asia.

Delhi man beaten with helmet by delivery agents dies

Delhi man beaten with helmet by delivery agents dies

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

A 36-year-old businessman in Delhi died after being allegedly assaulted by food delivery agents following a verbal argument. The incident occurred in Connaught Place, and the victim succumbed to his injuries after being hospitalized.

US expands travel ban, restrictions to 20 more nations. Check list

US expands travel ban, restrictions to 20 more nations. Check list

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Trump administration has expanded its travel ban and restrictions to 20 additional nations as well as the Palestinian Authority, citing national security concerns.

Assam student assaulted at MP tribal varsity hostel; 5 booked

Assam student assaulted at MP tribal varsity hostel; 5 booked

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

A postgraduate student from Assam was allegedly assaulted by five peers at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) hostel in Madhya Pradesh. The five accused were expelled and booked. The incident follows the death of a student from Tripura in Dehradun, causing national outrage.

AI Steps In To Avert Elephant Tragedies

AI Steps In To Avert Elephant Tragedies

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

When elephants are identified close to or on the tracks, real-time alerts are sent to locomotive pilots, station masters and control rooms, allowing trains to slow down or stop in time.

Zubeen Garg drowned after declining life jacket: Singapore court told

Zubeen Garg drowned after declining life jacket: Singapore court told

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Popular Indian singer-songwriter Zubeen Garg drowned off Lazarus Island in Singapore after declining a life jacket while severely intoxicated, a coroner's court heard.

UNSC approves Trump's Gaza peace plan

UNSC approves Trump's Gaza peace plan

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a draft resolution endorsing United States President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan and authorising the establishment of an international stabilisation force in the enclave, with the American leader describing it as a 'moment of true historic proportion'.

'My friend Modi wants me there': Trump likely to visit India for Quad

'My friend Modi wants me there': Trump likely to visit India for Quad

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

United States President Donald Trump said he could travel to India next year, emphasising that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'wants' him to visit while calling him a 'great man' and a friend.

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Tigers refused to forgive Douglas Devananda and tried to assassinate him repeatedly. He later said: "(LTTE chief Velupillai) Prabhakaran cannot kill me." Destiny proved him right.

Trump denies reports of swearing at Netanyahu

Trump denies reports of swearing at Netanyahu

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

United States President Donald Trump has denied that he recently told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop being so 'f***ing negative' and 'take the win' after Hamas accepted parts of Washington, DC's proposal for ending the Gaza war, while saying that it would have to hold talks regarding other portions of the plan, The Times of Israel reported.

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

If they act now, they can reshape the strategic map of Asia without firing a shot. If they wait, the next opportunity will come only after a serious Taiwan Strait incident -- by which time the price will be far higher, and the room for boldness far smaller -- the opportunity may well be lost by then. The question is no longer whether this can or should be done, points out Varun Arya.

Dining With The Kapoors Review: Eat, Troll, Love

Dining With The Kapoors Review: Eat, Troll, Love

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Dining With The Kapoors offers a perfectly edited, heart-warming family reunion, but it stops just short of showing the messy nok-jhoks and real moments that could have made it more immersive, notes Divya Nair.

India's New Travel High: Wellness

India's New Travel High: Wellness

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

While wellness-related facilities and activities used to be considered luxury offerings, hospitality industry executives note that it has now become a mainstream expectation among guests.

The Om Puri You Never Knew

The Om Puri You Never Knew

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'One is not allowed to smoke on the sets of a Hollywood film even during a break.' 'When I asked an assistant to suggest some place where I could light a cigarette, he recommended the bad boys' corner -- where Jack Nicholson smoked.' 'However, I hesitated.' 'But when I was heading back to my chair after the shot, Jack Nicholson asked me if I wanted to join him for a smoke. We had a long conversation over cups of cappuccino.'