News for 'Least Developed Countries'

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.

Union Ministers Accuse West Bengal of Protocol Breach During President's Visit

Union Ministers Accuse West Bengal of Protocol Breach During President's Visit

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy and Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao have criticised the West Bengal government for alleged protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu's visit, sparking a political row.

Women excelling in various fields, but...: President Murmu

Women excelling in various fields, but...: President Murmu

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed a national convention, acknowledging the progress of women in various fields while highlighting the persistent social stereotypes, economic inequalities, and psychological barriers they face. She called for collective efforts to address these issues and emphasised the importance of promoting Indian languages and traditional knowledge systems.

Modi To Students: Don't Make AI, Mobile Your Master

Modi To Students: Don't Make AI, Mobile Your Master

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In the second episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that mobile phones have become masters of some children who cannot even eat food without them or without a television screen.

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, on Saturday informed that five Indians have been killed and one is missing due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He added that Indian missions remain open round the clock and are constantly working to provide assistance.

BCCI credits depth, planning for India's T20 World Cup victory

BCCI credits depth, planning for India's T20 World Cup victory

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The BCCI celebrated India's T20 World Cup victory, attributing the success to the country's cricketing depth, strategic planning, and the team's outstanding performance under Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir.

No Iran deal except unconditional surrender: Trump

No Iran deal except unconditional surrender: Trump

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday declared that there would be 'no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender' amid the escalating West Asia conflict, asserting that Tehran must capitulate before any diplomatic negotiations can proceed.

'To ease pressure': Trump on Russian oil waiver to India

'To ease pressure': Trump on Russian oil waiver to India

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

When asked about Bessent's announcement allowing certain Russian oil sales to India and whether the US is considering any other moves, including tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), Trump said, "If there were some, I would do it just to take a little of the pressure off."

How a single diplomatic headline triggers a 1,000-point swing?

How a single diplomatic headline triggers a 1,000-point swing?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

In the present hyper-connected world, there are many domestic and global factors that affect financial markets. Of them, the most powerful and often least predictable are geopolitical events, which often boil down to one diplomatic headline.

Now 25 Day Wait To Book Gas Cylinder

Now 25 Day Wait To Book Gas Cylinder

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The government has introduced a mandatory 25-day gap between LPG cylinder bookings due to supply concerns arising from global disruptions and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. This measure aims to prevent hoarding and prioritise essential non-domestic sectors, while domestic LPG production is being increased to mitigate shortages.

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, directing departments to assist Indian nationals affected by recent developments and emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

'Oil Could Cross $100 A Barrel'

'Oil Could Cross $100 A Barrel'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'Oil is still well below its all-time highs, and the world is gradually running out of known reserves.'

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members attacked near Oman; 4 hurt

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Palau-flagged oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman, resulting in injuries. The incident occurred amidst rising tensions in the Middle East following attacks between Iran, the US, and Israel.

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.

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The call came before Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.

Ramping up domestic LPG production to ensure supply: Sitharaman

Ramping up domestic LPG production to ensure supply: Sitharaman

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces increased domestic LPG production to offset import disruptions caused by Middle East tensions, alongside assurances of fertiliser availability and the clearing of UPA-era oil bonds.

Iran shares video of shooting down US F-15 fighter jet

Iran shares video of shooting down US F-15 fighter jet

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Referring to local sources, IRNA shared a video clip that it claims shows the downing of the American F-15 fighter jet in Kuwait.

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.

'Who will work then?': SC slams freebies culture

'Who will work then?': SC slams freebies culture

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The court made the remarks while reviewing a petition from Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. regarding free electricity distribution policies.

'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.

Iran renews threat to Gulf neighbours hours after 'apology'

Iran renews threat to Gulf neighbours hours after 'apology'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amidst ongoing conflict, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signals a potential de-escalation by apologising to neighbouring countries while firmly rejecting US President Donald Trump's demand for unconditional surrender.

Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7 Heads to Goa

Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7 Heads to Goa

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Goa will host the seventh season of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) event in July, marking a significant milestone for the franchise-based league and Indian table tennis.

Mojtaba, Khamenei son, becomes Iran's new Supreme Leader

Mojtaba, Khamenei son, becomes Iran's new Supreme Leader

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Iranian state media reports that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, has been appointed as Iran's new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, a move criticised by US President Donald Trump.

UAE intercepts Iranian missiles, 1 dead

UAE intercepts Iranian missiles, 1 dead

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The authorities confirmed that the security situation in the UAE remains stable and that all concerned entities are monitoring developments around the clock.

Iranian drone strike causes fire at Saudi oil refinery

Iranian drone strike causes fire at Saudi oil refinery

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Falling debris from an intercepted Iranian drone caused a 'limited fire' at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura refining facility in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki said, according to Al Arabiya.

India Is In The Doghouse At The Moment

India Is In The Doghouse At The Moment

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

There is record underperformance and under-ownership. Some of this is cyclical and will turn on its own. However, we also need to regain our growth credentials. For this, both the government and companies have a role to play, as do investors, points out Akash Prakash.

Man Accused of Cyber Trafficking Denied Bail by Bombay High Court

Man Accused of Cyber Trafficking Denied Bail by Bombay High Court

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Bombay High Court has denied bail to a man accused of trafficking educated youth on the pretext of providing them jobs abroad, only to coerce them to carry out cyber fraud activities.

'Hallmark of Indianness': PM Modi hails Indian-origin stars in T20 World Cup

'Hallmark of Indianness': PM Modi hails Indian-origin stars in T20 World Cup

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the significant contributions of Indian-origin players to various sports teams worldwide, emphasising their connection to their roots and their impact on their adopted countries.

Govt bars LPG for households with piped gas connections

Govt bars LPG for households with piped gas connections

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

India restricts subsidised LPG connections for households with piped natural gas (PNG) to ensure equitable distribution and address global energy supply concerns, pushing for faster PNG adoption.

Iran-Israel Conflict Halts Dubai Weddings

Iran-Israel Conflict Halts Dubai Weddings

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

With Gulf countries emerging as popular destinations for Indian weddings and pre-wedding shoots, the March-April season had seen a flurry of bookings.

'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.'

Nagaland Govt to Form Interim Council for Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority

Nagaland Govt to Form Interim Council for Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla announced the state government's plans to form an interim council for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) and highlighted key achievements and future priorities across various sectors during the Budget Session.

AAP Government Faces Criticism for Painting Buses in Party Colours

AAP Government Faces Criticism for Painting Buses in Party Colours

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Opposition parties in Punjab, including SAD and Congress, have criticised the AAP government for allegedly misusing state funds by painting state-owned buses in the colours associated with the Aam Aadmi Party.

Pune Police Foil Kidnapping Plot, Rescue Businessman and Arrest Five

Pune Police Foil Kidnapping Plot, Rescue Businessman and Arrest Five

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Pune police have arrested five individuals from Uttar Pradesh for allegedly kidnapping a businessman and demanding a ransom of Rs 50 lakh. The businessman was rescued, and the suspects were apprehended near Sangamner.

Passenger vehicle dispatches rise 10.6% in Feb to 4,17,705 units: SIAM

Passenger vehicle dispatches rise 10.6% in Feb to 4,17,705 units: SIAM

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches in India rose 10.6% in February, driven by utility vehicles and two-wheelers, but the industry remains cautious due to geopolitical tensions.

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, India voices strong concerns over the safety of its nationals and the potential disruption to energy supplies, urging dialogue and diplomacy for a swift resolution.

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Indian embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave Iran.

'For 2 Years Facing Humiliation, Feeling Isolated Within Congress'

'For 2 Years Facing Humiliation, Feeling Isolated Within Congress'

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

'I could have accepted the humiliation if I wanted to remain as an MP. But I decided to leave.'

'Long live women's Test cricket': Alyssa Healy signs off

'Long live women's Test cricket': Alyssa Healy signs off

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Alyssa Healy concluded her international cricket career with a Test victory over India, advocating for the expansion of women's Test cricket.

Israel warns Iran's next supreme leader will be targeted

Israel warns Iran's next supreme leader will be targeted

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

This threat comes as the assembly of experts in Iran has reportedly reached a majority consensus regarding the successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the Tehran-based Mehr News Agency (MNA).