News for 'Middle East'

Is Your Office Making You Sick?

Is Your Office Making You Sick?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, our everyday workplace can quietly influence both our physical and mental wellbeing, warns Dr Vikram Vora.

FIFA advisor quits, calls World Cup stake sale 'bad deal for football'

FIFA advisor quits, calls World Cup stake sale 'bad deal for football'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Carlos Cordeiro, senior advisor to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has resigned with immediate effect, protesting a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup, which he labelled 'a bad deal for football'.

US, Iran launch high-stakes peace talks in Switzerland

US, Iran launch high-stakes peace talks in Switzerland

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Top leaders from the US, Iran, and Pakistan, along with other nations, have gathered in Switzerland for high-level talks aimed at restoring peace in West Asia. These negotiations follow a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran, initiating a 60-day window for a deal. Discussions focus on Iran's nuclear programme and the fragile interim peace deal, amidst renewed tensions and the fluctuating status of the Strait of Hormuz.

Crude falls back to Feb levels: What is stopping a fuel price cut?

Crude falls back to Feb levels: What is stopping a fuel price cut?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Global oil prices fell on Thursday to their lowest levels since before the outbreak of the Iran conflict, offering a significant economic tailwind for India, the world's third-largest crude importer, by easing inflation risks, reducing the import bill and improving the government's fiscal position.

IndiGo Manchester flight returns to Delhi due to airspace curbs

IndiGo Manchester flight returns to Delhi due to airspace curbs

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Manchester was forced to return to its origin due to last-minute airspace restrictions related to the ongoing situation in West Asia. The flight was using a leased Boeing 787 aircraft.

India's West Asia Trade Contracts for Second Month Amid Shipping Disruptions

India's West Asia Trade Contracts for Second Month Amid Shipping Disruptions

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India's trade with West Asia saw a significant decline of over 28% in April, marking the second consecutive month of contraction. This downturn is attributed to severe shipping disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, particularly impacting the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway.

US launches multiple strikes after Iranian missile attack

US launches multiple strikes after Iranian missile attack

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces have conducted a 'heavy wave of strikes' against numerous Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran. This action was a direct response to attempted Iranian missile strikes on US forces in West Asia, which were successfully intercepted. The strikes targeted IRGC military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance, and maritime capabilities, aiming to reduce threats posed by Iran and its proxies. US President Donald Trump also issued strong warnings to Tehran, linking the escalation to a recent drone strike on an LNG vessel in Egypt's Damietta Port.

Iran to open biggest oil refinery in Middle East

Iran to open biggest oil refinery in Middle East

Rediff.com31 Jan 2011

Iran will open what is being touted as the Middle East's largest oil refinery, Shazand, in the central Iranian city of Arak in the next few days.

India's Manufacturing PMI Dips to 5-Year Low in July, Signalling Market Headwinds

India's Manufacturing PMI Dips to 5-Year Low in July, Signalling Market Headwinds

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

India's manufacturing sector activity growth declined to a five-year low in July, with the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) falling to 53.5 from 54.2 in June, driven by a slower rise in new business orders and challenging market conditions.

RBI poised for record dividend payout, boosting government's fiscal strength

RBI poised for record dividend payout, boosting government's fiscal strength

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is anticipated to make its highest-ever dividend payment to the government this year, providing a significant fiscal boost to address challenges, including those stemming from the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Indian Manufacturing Growth Hits Four-Year Low: What's Behind the Slowdown?

Indian Manufacturing Growth Hits Four-Year Low: What's Behind the Slowdown?

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's manufacturing sector growth slowed to a four-year low in March, impacted by cost pressures, competition, market uncertainty, and the Middle East conflict, according to the HSBC India Manufacturing PMI.

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $7.26 Billion to $674.19 Billion

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $7.26 Billion to $674.19 Billion

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 7.26 billion to USD 674.193 billion for the week ending July 3, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India. This surge follows a previous week's drop and comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeals to conserve forex.

Osama speaks on Middle East unrest in last video

Osama speaks on Middle East unrest in last video

Rediff.com14 May 2011

United States investigation officials have stumbled upon an unreleased video of Osama bin Laden which shows the slain Al Qaeda chief speaking on the recent unrest in the Middle East but has no reference to the uprisings in Libya, Yemen and Syria.

India deplores attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz at UNSC

India deplores attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz at UNSC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concerns over attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, citing its importance to India's energy and economic security. Ambassador Yojna Patel highlighted the need to respect international law and ensure the safety of seafarers, while also addressing broader Middle East issues including the situation in Gaza and Lebanon.

Shreyas Gopal's 100th First-Class game: From Kumble Fan To 305 wickets

Shreyas Gopal's 100th First-Class game: From Kumble Fan To 305 wickets

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Shreyas Gopal celebrates his 100th first-class match, reflecting on his journey from imitating Anil Kumble to becoming a successful leg-spinner and all-rounder in domestic cricket. He discusses the challenges of red-ball cricket, his dismissals of Virat Kohli, and his cherished moments with Karnataka and MS Dhoni.

Tatas to take Ace, Magic to South Africa, Middle East

Tatas to take Ace, Magic to South Africa, Middle East

Rediff.com8 Nov 2012

The mini truck and passenger vehicle, which together crossed the 1-million sales mark in August, are already present in 24 countries.

Obama pledges to tackle Middle East 'on day one'

Obama pledges to tackle Middle East 'on day one'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2009

United States president-elect Barack Obama has said he is prepared for immediate American involvement in the Middle East peace process. Obama, who takes over on January 20, said there could be delay in his election pledge to shut down Guantanamo Bay prison camps, but indicated reluctance to probe the charges that the previous administration eavesdropped and tapped the public at large.

PM bats for self-reliance to counter resource weaponisation

PM bats for self-reliance to counter resource weaponisation

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the risks posed by the 'weaponisation' of resources and strategic sea routes, urging India to achieve greater self-reliance in energy to mitigate vulnerabilities to overseas supplies and geopolitical tensions.

AFC slams FIFA's $20bn World Cup plan as 'unacceptable'

AFC slams FIFA's $20bn World Cup plan as 'unacceptable'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa has strongly criticised FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, calling the lack of consultation "totally unacceptable". He stated that FIFA's unilateral actions undermine continental football and urged member federations to await further discussions before approving the $20 billion proposal.

Sensex, Nifty end in red on US Tariffs, West Asia Tensions

Sensex, Nifty end in red on US Tariffs, West Asia Tensions

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, recorded their fifth consecutive day of losses, driven by investor caution over rising oil prices due to West Asia tensions and renewed concerns regarding US trade tariffs.

'India And China Have Arrived At A Nash Equilibrium'

'India And China Have Arrived At A Nash Equilibrium'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

'The Chinese military cannot advance much in Ladakh, even if they want to.' 'Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, they can rename a village or two, intrude here or there, but cannot do much more realistically.'

Toxic, Batwara 1947: What Will You Watch In August?

Toxic, Batwara 1947: What Will You Watch In August?

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

August is going to be a special month for Bollywood, thanks to the Independence Day weekend, which will see a couple of big releases.

India's Growth Pace May Dip as Global Economy Slows, Warns Moody's Analytics

India's Growth Pace May Dip as Global Economy Slows, Warns Moody's Analytics

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Moody's Analytics predicts India will remain the fastest-growing major economy in 2026 and 2027, but its pace will moderate due to a global slowdown, geopolitical risks, and financial market volatility, despite the boost from AI demand.

InsuranceDekho-RenewBuy merger to deepen India reach, eyes IPO

InsuranceDekho-RenewBuy merger to deepen India reach, eyes IPO

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The merged InsuranceDekho-RenewBuy entity aims to significantly expand its distribution network across India, offering insurance, mutual funds, and loans, with a strong focus on 'Bharat' (rural India), according to CEO Ankit Agarwal.

Airlines cancel Gulf flights; DGCA advises avoiding 11 airspaces

Airlines cancel Gulf flights; DGCA advises avoiding 11 airspaces

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Airports across the country have been placed on operational alert to manage potential flight diversions, unscheduled landings and passenger facilitation requirements.

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in trafficking Captagon, seizing approximately 227.7 kg of the 'jihadi drug' worth Rs 182 crore.

COVID-19 in India may have orginated from EU, Middle East: Study

COVID-19 in India may have orginated from EU, Middle East: Study

Rediff.com9 Jun 2020

The objective of the study was to determine the genetic diversity among Indian SARS-CoV-2 viral isolates in comparison to the strains that are occurring worldwide.

HDFC Bank, Axis Bank drag Sensex down amid margin concerns, US-Iran tensions

HDFC Bank, Axis Bank drag Sensex down amid margin concerns, US-Iran tensions

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed lower due to significant selling in HDFC Bank and Axis Bank shares, driven by margin-related concerns and escalating US-Iran tensions, which also pushed crude oil prices higher.

Sensex, Nifty close flat; metal, oil & gas shares major drag

Sensex, Nifty close flat; metal, oil & gas shares major drag

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed flat, paring early gains due to renewed hostilities between the US and Iran, which unsettled investor sentiment and led to profit booking in metal, oil & gas, and telecom shares.

Nepal tragedy: Death toll hits 1,252 as fresh flood risks loom

Nepal tragedy: Death toll hits 1,252 as fresh flood risks loom

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has surged to 1,252, with more bodies recovered and fresh flood risks emerging due to continuous rainfall in the Bhotekoshi River's upstream areas. The disaster, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, has also left 4,875 people missing and prompted calls to address climate change's impact on the Himalayan region.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty rally as bank stocks surge, crude oil prices dip

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty rally as bank stocks surge, crude oil prices dip

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw early gains driven by strong buying in blue-chip bank stocks, fresh foreign fund inflows, and a decline in global crude oil prices, boosting investor confidence.

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Vedanta Group For Forex Violations

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Vedanta Group For Forex Violations

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has launched a foreign exchange violation investigation against Vedanta Group, conducting searches at its premises in multiple locations.

IMF Lowers India's FY27 Growth Outlook to 6.4% on Higher Energy Costs

IMF Lowers India's FY27 Growth Outlook to 6.4% on Higher Energy Costs

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced India's growth forecast for FY27 to 6.4 per cent, citing the potential impact of higher energy prices offsetting the country's economic resilience. Despite this, India remains among the fastest-growing major economies.

US-Iran Peace Deal to Stabilise Rupee, Boost India's West Asia Exports

US-Iran Peace Deal to Stabilise Rupee, Boost India's West Asia Exports

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

A recently finalised peace deal between the US and Iran, set to be signed on June 19, is expected to significantly benefit India's economy by boosting exports to West Asia, stabilising the rupee, and easing inflationary pressures, according to exporters and experts.

Travel Uncertainty Looms for Zim After T20 WC Exit

Travel Uncertainty Looms for Zim After T20 WC Exit

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Zimbabwe's departure from the T20 World Cup is on hold after Dubai airport closure amid escalating Middle East tensions.

Don't jeopardise Iran peace deal, Trump tells Israel after Beirut strikes

Don't jeopardise Iran peace deal, Trump tells Israel after Beirut strikes

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that the Israeli strikes on Lebanon's capital of Beirut "should not have happened", warning that such escalation could jeopardise the peace agreement with Iran to achieve a complete solution to the West Asia conflict, which, according to him, is within reach.

India's services sector growth hits 5-month high in April

India's services sector growth hits 5-month high in April

Rediff.com6 May 2026

India's services sector growth reached a five-month high in April, with the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index rising to 58.8, primarily driven by robust domestic demand and a shift from international to local suppliers amidst the West Asia crisis.

MotoGP postpones Qatar Grand Prix to November 8

MotoGP postpones Qatar Grand Prix to November 8

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for next month has been postponed to November due to the conflict in the Middle East, MotoGP announced on Sunday.

Did Israel's Mossad Try To Lure Ex-Iranian President?

Did Israel's Mossad Try To Lure Ex-Iranian President?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A sensational New York Times report alleging that Israel's Mossad secretly groomed former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to lead a post-Islamic Republic Iran is being scrutinised for its strategic timing amidst Iran's sensitive post-Khamenei transition.

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.