News for 'Middle East'

Stock Market Crash: 4 Lakh Crore Wiped Out as Sensex Falls 800 Points, Nifty Near 23,000

Stock Market Crash: 4 Lakh Crore Wiped Out as Sensex Falls 800 Points, Nifty Near 23,000

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Indian stock markets tumbled sharply with the Sensex falling 800 points and nearly 4 lakh crore wiped out in a single session. Here are the 6 key factors, including rupee weakness and global cues, behind the crash.

Stock Markets Today March 27, 2026: Sensex tanks 927 points, Nifty50 Falls To 23,025

Stock Markets Today March 27, 2026: Sensex tanks 927 points, Nifty50 Falls To 23,025

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Friday after a two-day rally, tracking a weak trend in global peers, as the US-Iran conflict continues to be a key overhang for the markets. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for March 27, 2026.

Iran allows 10 Pak-flagged ships through Hormuz Strait as a gift to US: Trump

Iran allows 10 Pak-flagged ships through Hormuz Strait as a gift to US: Trump

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Speaking to reporters during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday, Trump said the US had engaged in 'very substantial talks' with Iranian officials and described the tanker movement as proof of seriousness in the discussions.

'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'.

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The government has sharply reduced excise duty on petrol to 3 and diesel to zero, offering major relief to consumers. Here's how the price cut will impact fuel rates and inflation.

India's manufacturing sector growth jumps to 4-month high in Feb

India's manufacturing sector growth jumps to 4-month high in Feb

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

India's manufacturing sector experienced a significant growth spurt in February, reaching a four-month high driven by strong domestic demand, according to the HSBC India Manufacturing PMI.

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

India backs Gaza peace plan, Modi tells Israeli Knesset

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, reaffirming India's support for Israel in the face of terrorism and expressing support for the Gaza peace initiative.

Is The World Moving Towards De-Dollarisation?

Is The World Moving Towards De-Dollarisation?

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India should not stay on the margins of this initiative. There should be a serious debate about what would be in India's best interests asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Israel has near-total control of Tehran skies: Netanyahu

Israel has near-total control of Tehran skies: Netanyahu

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that the United States and his administration have achieved nearly total dominance over Iranian airspace following a series of coordinated military strikes.

R Praggnanandhaa Headlines Youth Surge in Candidates Tournament

R Praggnanandhaa Headlines Youth Surge in Candidates Tournament

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

R Praggnanandhaa leads a fearless new generation at the Candidates 2026 as veterans face a shifting chess landscape ahead of a world title clash.

Iran claims missile strike on US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln

Iran claims missile strike on US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The USS Abraham Lincoln has been operating in the Arabian Sea since the end of January.

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

If the Iranian regime needs to be punished for promoting quasi-terrorist outfits like Hezbollah and Hamas, then what about Pakistan which has spent decades exporting terror around the world, killing thousands, particularly in Afghanistan and India? asks M R Narayan Swamy.

Who Sleeps The Least? 7 Countries With Sleep Defecits

Who Sleeps The Least? 7 Countries With Sleep Defecits

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Barely 45.45 per cent of South Koreans achieve the recommended nightly rest, highlighting a growing wellness concern. Data from PlushCare places South Korea and several nations in the Middle East among seven nations where people consistently fall short of the expert-advised 8-9 hours of sleep each night, reflecting how modern routines are reshaping global rest patterns.

Trump weighs US-Iran 'joint venture' to secure Hormuz after truce

Trump weighs US-Iran 'joint venture' to secure Hormuz after truce

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Washington is considering a "joint venture" with Iran to secure the Strait of Hormuz, following his announcement of a two-week ceasefire.

Petrol, diesel losses widen for OMCs; price hike likely post-elections

Petrol, diesel losses widen for OMCs; price hike likely post-elections

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) are reportedly incurring losses of Rs 18 per litre on petrol and Rs 35 per litre on diesel, as they continue to absorb rising crude oil costs without increasing retail prices. This situation is leading to expectations of a fuel price hike after upcoming state elections.

Rupee surges 52 paise to close at 92.54/USD on US-Iran ceasefire

Rupee surges 52 paise to close at 92.54/USD on US-Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee saw a significant appreciation against the US dollar following President Trump's suspension of military strikes against Iran and the Reserve Bank of India's decision to maintain its key interest rate. Market sentiment was further buoyed by positive comments from the RBI regarding the health of the banking sector.

Putin meets Iran's Araghchi, offers support to bring peace to West Asia

Putin meets Iran's Araghchi, offers support to bring peace to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his support to help bring peace to West Asia, praising the Iranian people for their resilience. This comes as Iran seeks to resolve the conflict with the US, following discussions with Pakistani and Omani leadership.

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.

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Five members of the Iranian women's football team, who initially sought asylum in Australia, have withdrawn their claims and are returning to Iran.

Iran strikes US military base in Bahrain

Iran strikes US military base in Bahrain

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The Iranian embassy also posted a video purportedly showing the aftermath of the strike, with plumes of smoke visible.

UN chief 'deeply troubled' by Trump's Iran remarks, urges Hormuz freedom

UN chief 'deeply troubled' by Trump's Iran remarks, urges Hormuz freedom

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over US President Donald Trump's warning to Iran and appealed for the re-establishment of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

'Jag Laadki' carrying 80,886 MT of crude oil reaches Mundra port

'Jag Laadki' carrying 80,886 MT of crude oil reaches Mundra port

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Indian-flagged vessels are navigating the Strait of Hormuz safely despite ongoing tensions in the region, ensuring the continued flow of vital energy supplies to India.

West Asia Conflict Deepens India's Economic Challenges

West Asia Conflict Deepens India's Economic Challenges

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Even if there is an early agreement on a cessation of hostilities in West Asia, the price shock will not go away easily, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Multiple airstrikes reported across Iran as US deadline looms

Multiple airstrikes reported across Iran as US deadline looms

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Tensions between Washington, DC and Tehran have reached a boiling point, as a heavy barrage of aerial strikes was reported across multiple locations in Iran on Tuesday.

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The 'Finalissima' match between Spain and Argentina that was scheduled to be held in Qatar has been cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East while the South American side rejected multiple alternatives, UEFA said on Sunday.

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Harsh Malhotra as the president of its Delhi unit, sparking speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. This move follows the BJP's 'one person, one post' principle and comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections and a review of ministerial performance.

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Trump said that the strait will be "open very soon" if ongoing negotiations with Tehran continue successfully.

How Long Can India Absorb Rising Fuel Costs?

How Long Can India Absorb Rising Fuel Costs?

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's net oil import bill could rise by $56 billion to $64 billion annually assuming global crude averages $110 to $115 per barrel in FY27.

Iran crisis: Gold, Silver Prices Jump on Safe-Haven Demand

Iran crisis: Gold, Silver Prices Jump on Safe-Haven Demand

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Precious metal prices surged in futures trading, with silver hitting Rs 2.93 lakh per kg and gold nearing Rs 1.68 lakh per 10 grams, driven by safe-haven demand following US-Israel strikes in Iran and retaliatory attacks.

US lifts sanctions on Iranian oil at sea for a month amid crisis

US lifts sanctions on Iranian oil at sea for a month amid crisis

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil already in transit to ease soaring global crude prices, making 140 million barrels available to the market.

Rising Crude Prices Threaten Profit Margins of Indian OMCs -- IOC, BPCL, HPCL

Rising Crude Prices Threaten Profit Margins of Indian OMCs -- IOC, BPCL, HPCL

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

S&P Global Ratings warns that Indian oil marketing companies like IOC, BPCL, and HPCL may face reduced profit margins due to rising crude oil prices and government pressure to maintain stable retail prices.

Why Cannes' Pick Amma Ariyan Is A Haunting Masterpiece

Why Cannes' Pick Amma Ariyan Is A Haunting Masterpiece

Rediff.com12 May 2026

John Abraham's 1986 film Amma Ariyan, now heading to the 2026 Cannes film festival, remains one of Malayalam cinema's most politically charged and unsettling masterpieces.

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.

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Air India and Air India Express are introducing a fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights due to rising jet fuel prices, impacting travel costs for passengers.

If Asha Bhosle Hadn't Become A Singer...

If Asha Bhosle Hadn't Become A Singer...

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Asha Bhosle, the legendary playback singer, had a lifelong passion for cooking, which she considered a stress reliever and a way to connect with loved ones.

US-Iran ceasefire: 'Is Pakistan acting for China?'

US-Iran ceasefire: 'Is Pakistan acting for China?'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

After the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire and expressed hope for lasting peace, Pakistan took much of the credit for playing mediator between the two countries. However, Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies and former US Treasury counterterrorism analyst, said Pakistan is deeply indebted to China.

Iran War: 'US Doesn't Depend On Strait of Hormuz For Oil'

Iran War: 'US Doesn't Depend On Strait of Hormuz For Oil'

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

'Neither do the Israelis. The two attacking parties have very little economic interest in Hormuz.'

'Israel won't strike Iran': Trump after Tehran hits world's largest LNG plant in Qatar

'Israel won't strike Iran': Trump after Tehran hits world's largest LNG plant in Qatar

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening massive retaliation if it attacks Qatar again, following reports of an Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gas field and an attack on Qatar's LNG facilities.

'Vijay Brings A Modern Look As Youth Are With Him'

'Vijay Brings A Modern Look As Youth Are With Him'

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

'Present day youth are not interested in the past. They want to see what you are going to do now.'

Is Khamenei dead or alive? Foreign minister answers

Is Khamenei dead or alive? Foreign minister answers

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Following US and Israeli strikes in Iran, reports have surfaced questioning the wellbeing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, prompting a swift denial from Iranian officials and condemnation of the military action.