News for 'Middle East'

Iran to unveil new Hormuz traffic plan, says US-linked vessels may be barred

Iran to unveil new Hormuz traffic plan, says US-linked vessels may be barred

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee Ebrahim Azizi on Saturday said that Iran has prepared a "professional mechanism" to regulate maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through a designated route, which will be unveiled soon.

US Vice President J D Vance Departs For Islamabad For Talks With Iran

US Vice President J D Vance Departs For Islamabad For Talks With Iran

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

J D Vance heads to Islamabad for high-stakes US-Iran talks, balancing cautious optimism with a warning against bad faith. negotiations.

Moon asks for intl effort to break the Middle East 'stalemate'

Moon asks for intl effort to break the Middle East 'stalemate'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2011

Just days ahead of a looming diplomatic showdown between Palestine and Israel, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Wednesday stressed on a new international effort to break the Middle East "stalemate".

Mohanlal's Drishyam 3 Release Shifted to May 21 Due to Gulf War, Kerala Elections

Mohanlal's Drishyam 3 Release Shifted to May 21 Due to Gulf War, Kerala Elections

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Mohanlal's highly anticipated film Drishyam 3 has been postponed from its initial April 2 release to May 21, coinciding with the actor's birthday, due to ongoing war tensions in the Gulf region and the upcoming Kerala elections.

BSNL cuts ISD rates to Lanka, Middle East

BSNL cuts ISD rates to Lanka, Middle East

Rediff.com12 Sep 2006

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd will reduce ISD (international subscriber dialling) tariffs for Sri Lanka by 40 per cent and to Middle East countries by 20 per cent from October 1.

Iran claims 'over 500 US troops targeted' in Dubai; US reacts

Iran claims 'over 500 US troops targeted' in Dubai; US reacts

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran claims to have inflicted heavy casualties on US forces in Dubai, a claim vehemently denied by the US Central Command, raising concerns about regional stability.

FMCG firms expect high single-digit growth in Q4FY26

FMCG firms expect high single-digit growth in Q4FY26

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies like Dabur India and Marico anticipate high single-digit growth in Q4FY26, driven by strong domestic demand in India, which is helping to offset the negative impact of geopolitical conflicts in West Asia on their international businesses.

'Bad Move': Cyprus Chess Chief Slams Koneru Humpy's Withdrawal From Candidates Tournament

'Bad Move': Cyprus Chess Chief Slams Koneru Humpy's Withdrawal From Candidates Tournament

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Cyprus Chess Federation president has criticised Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy's withdrawal from the Candidates Tournament, citing unfounded security concerns and disrespect for organisers and players.

Trump warns Iran of 'bigger', 'better' shooting if peace deal violated

Trump warns Iran of 'bigger', 'better' shooting if peace deal violated

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential escalation despite a recent ceasefire agreement, stating that US forces will remain in the region until a 'real agreement' is reached.

Four of top valued firms lose Rs 1 lakh crore in market cap; SBI biggest laggard

Four of top valued firms lose Rs 1 lakh crore in market cap; SBI biggest laggard

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The combined market valuation of four of India's top-10 most valued firms, including State Bank of India, Bharti Airtel, Tata Consultancy Services, and Larsen & Toubro, eroded by Rs 1 lakh crore last week amidst a volatile and range-bound equity market.

ESMA invoked to ramp up LPG production amid fuel crisis

ESMA invoked to ramp up LPG production amid fuel crisis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The Indian government has directed oil refineries to increase LPG production to ensure a stable supply of domestic cooking gas, amidst concerns over potential disruptions from the escalating Middle East conflict and its impact on imports.

How Kerala is wooing tourists from Middle East, Russia

How Kerala is wooing tourists from Middle East, Russia

Rediff.com7 May 2013

Following the roadshows by the government, the Arabs are coming to Kerala for the treatment of lifestyle diseases.

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.

8 Hottest Places On Earth Are In India This April!

8 Hottest Places On Earth Are In India This April!

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The scorching summer heat is frying these Indian towns and cities.

Iran conflict: 'My sister reported loud explosions'

Iran conflict: 'My sister reported loud explosions'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Indian parents express growing anxiety and fear for the safety of their children studying in Iran, as the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates. They are appealing to the Indian government for immediate evacuation.

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

'Munir Likely Made The Case To Trump That Pakistan Can Be A Useful Mediator'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'The White House lunch that Trump hosted for Munir last year came just after Munir returned from a visit to Iran, at a moment when Israel and Iran were at war.' 'Trump said after that lunch that the Pakistanis know Iran very well. He likely views Munir as a useful interlocutor that can give helpful insights on Iran.'

'Market Has Become Excessively Bearish On India'

'Market Has Become Excessively Bearish On India'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

'When I look at India's relative valuations, these are by far the lowest I have seen in my 35-year career.' 'The relative 12-month trailing performance is among the weakest I have seen, and foreign investor positioning is at a 16-17 year low.'

'Clock is ticking': Trump warns Iran to move FAST or...

'Clock is ticking': Trump warns Iran to move FAST or...

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran as negotiations remained deadlocked over uranium stockpiles, sanctions relief and war compensation. The US President's sharp remarks came just hours after Iranian media revealed Washington's core conditions for resuming negotiations.

F1: Bahrain, Saudi races likely called off over regional tensions

F1: Bahrain, Saudi races likely called off over regional tensions

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in the Formula One 2026 calendar are likely to be cancelled due to escalating Middle East tensions, with a final decision expected soon.

Govt hikes windfall tax on diesel to Rs 55.5/litre, ATF to Rs 42/litre

Govt hikes windfall tax on diesel to Rs 55.5/litre, ATF to Rs 42/litre

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The Indian government has increased the export duty, or windfall tax, on diesel to Rs 55.5 per litre and on aviation fuel (ATF) to Rs 42 a litre, effective immediately, to boost domestic availability and prevent exporters from exploiting global price differences.

India 'deplores' attack on Gujarat-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz

India 'deplores' attack on Gujarat-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

India has condemned the escalating attacks on commercial shipping in West Asia, particularly after a Thai-flagged vessel en route to India's Kandla Port was targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks have disrupted global oil and gas supplies, impacting India's energy imports.

Sensex rallies 356 points as state poll results align with market expectations

Sensex rallies 356 points as state poll results align with market expectations

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed higher, with the Sensex climbing 355.90 points, driven by positive state election results and better-than-expected Q4 earnings, despite ongoing geopolitical concerns.

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.

2 more Indian-flagged LPG tankers set to cross Strait of Hormuz

2 more Indian-flagged LPG tankers set to cross Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers have begun their journey from the Persian Gulf, navigating the Strait of Hormuz amidst regional conflict, following disruptions caused by recent tensions in the Middle East.

'We're safe, but there is a bit of worry': Sindhu's coach Irwansyahh

'We're safe, but there is a bit of worry': Sindhu's coach Irwansyahh

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, who trains P V Sindhu, had a narrow escape after an explosion occurred close to where they were stationed at Dubai Airport while travelling to Birmingham for the All England Championships.

Sindhu's Coach Safe After Dubai Airport Explosion

Sindhu's Coach Safe After Dubai Airport Explosion

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, who trains P V Sindhu, had a narrow escape after an explosion occurred close to where they were stationed at Dubai Airport while travelling to Birmingham for the All England Championships.

Iran War Offers India Key Lessons

Iran War Offers India Key Lessons

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A lesson for India is to clearly define objectives beforehand, so that the adversary or other parties do not attempt to mitigate them midway.

Why Sea Chokepoints Have Become The New Battleground

Why Sea Chokepoints Have Become The New Battleground

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

If Iran and Oman choose to charge a fee for rendering services to vessels using their territorial waters, so be it. The US is indulging in an irrationally self-destructive act, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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.

UK submarine with Tomahawk missiles arrives near Hormuz

UK submarine with Tomahawk missiles arrives near Hormuz

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Equipped with advanced weaponry, the HMS Anson is fitted with "Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missiles" with a range of 1,600 km and "Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes," providing formidable offensive capabilities.

We'll have to start dropping bombs again: Trump on Iran truce

We'll have to start dropping bombs again: Trump on Iran truce

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the US prefers a negotiated settlement and expects cooperation from Iran on securing nuclear-related materials.

Markets to Track West Asia Situation, Crude Oil Prices This Week

Markets to Track West Asia Situation, Crude Oil Prices This Week

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Indian stock markets are expected to remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments, particularly the US-Iran situation, and crude oil prices this week, with analysts also highlighting the influence of the rupee-dollar trend, foreign investor activity, and upcoming inflation data.

Human rights groups issue US travel advisory ahead of FIFA World Cup

Human rights groups issue US travel advisory ahead of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Advocacy groups issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors traveling to the US for the 2026 World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among other human rights abuses.

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.

ISL: Jamshedpur FC edge Punjab; East Bengal crush SC Delhi

ISL: Jamshedpur FC edge Punjab; East Bengal crush SC Delhi

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Jamshedpur FC and East Bengal secured victories in their respective Indian Super League matches, with Jamshedpur edging past Punjab FC and East Bengal defeating Sporting Club Delhi.

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.

How did India secure Hormuz passage for ships? Jaishankar reveals

How did India secure Hormuz passage for ships? Jaishankar reveals

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Amidst rising Middle East tensions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights India's strategic dialogue with Iran to safeguard maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring India's energy security and continued oil trade.

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Indian government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to mitigate the impact of rising global crude prices, triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This move aims to provide relief to consumers and oil companies amidst volatile international oil markets.

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Pakistan is set to host face-to-face talks between the United States and Iran, aiming to solidify a fragile ceasefire and prevent further conflict in West Asia. The discussions will focus on a long-term peace arrangement, including sanctions relief, regional security, and Iran's nuclear program.

Trump set to detail 'Op Epic Fury' success, Iran withdrawal timeline

Trump set to detail 'Op Epic Fury' success, Iran withdrawal timeline

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump is set to provide an "operational update" on the progress of 'Operation Epic Fury' during a national address scheduled for 9 PM Wednesday (US local time).