News for 'Middle'

Pakistan tightens security in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran peace talks

Pakistan tightens security in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran peace talks

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Pakistan has increased security measures in Islamabad and surrounding areas as the US and Iran prepare for another round of peace talks. The move follows an announcement by former US President Donald Trump that American negotiators would be in Pakistan for discussions aimed at resolving the conflict between the two nations.

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.

Sensex and Nifty Recover as Crude Oil Prices Dip and Bank Stocks Rally

Sensex and Nifty Recover as Crude Oil Prices Dip and Bank Stocks Rally

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded sharply on Monday, driven by a correction in crude oil prices due to ceasefire efforts in West Asia and strong buying in bank stocks.

Iran claims its supertanker transited Hormuz despite US blockade

Iran claims its supertanker transited Hormuz despite US blockade

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Conflicting reports emerge regarding the effectiveness of the US blockade on Iranian ports, with Iran claiming successful transit of vessels and the US asserting complete maritime dominance.

Markets rally over 1% as US-Iran peace talks hopes drive crude oil below $100

Markets rally over 1% as US-Iran peace talks hopes drive crude oil below $100

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, surged over 1 per cent, driven by optimism surrounding potential US-Iran peace talks and a significant drop in crude oil prices below the USD 100 per barrel mark. This de-escalation in geopolitical concerns and easing inflation pressures provided a substantial boost to investor sentiment.

What went wrong for India in first women's T20I vs SA...

What went wrong for India in first women's T20I vs SA...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues admitted the team was short of runs in the opening women's T20I against South Africa, but emphasised the series offers a valuable opportunity for the batting unit, especially the allrounders, to prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

IPL 2026: Why Is India Ignoring Shreyas Iyer for T20 Captaincy?

IPL 2026: Why Is India Ignoring Shreyas Iyer for T20 Captaincy?

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Despite consistent performances and a strong leadership record in the IPL, Shreyas Iyer is being overlooked for the T20 captaincy, raising questions about India's selection priorities.

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Opposition leaders have criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, calling it politically motivated and a misuse of official platforms during ongoing elections.

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Karex, the Malaysian company that makes roughly one in five of the world's condoms -- about five billion a year, supplying Durex and Trojan among others -- announced this week that it is raising prices by up to 30 percent. The reason is the Strait of Hormuz.

IPL 2026: 'Connolly will be one of the finds of this season'

IPL 2026: 'Connolly will be one of the finds of this season'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Yuzvendra Chahal praises Cooper Connolly's maturity and potential after his match-winning debut for Punjab Kings in the IPL.

IPL 2026: Heartbreaker for DC as GT snatch 1-run thriller

IPL 2026: Heartbreaker for DC as GT snatch 1-run thriller

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

IMAGES from the IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday

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.

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the implementation of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, enforcing strict measures on vessels entering or departing, significantly escalating tensions between the two nations.

Rahul Gandhi's Defamation Case Over Hathras Comments Delayed

Rahul Gandhi's Defamation Case Over Hathras Comments Delayed

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The hearing in a defamation suit filed against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the 2020 Hathras gangrape case has been deferred to May 2. The case, heard in an MP-MLA court, was delayed due to the presiding judge's transfer. The defamation complaint stems from Gandhi's alleged remarks about the accused 'roaming free' while visiting the victim's family.

Hazlewood explains why bowlers still have the edge in IPL 2026

Hazlewood explains why bowlers still have the edge in IPL 2026

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Josh Hazlewood believes the pressure to score big in the IPL can work in favour of bowlers, as even a short period of tight bowling can disrupt a batter's rhythm and lead to wickets.

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Pakistan's skewed foreign reserves got a major boost after Saudi Arabia pledged an additional $3 billion in deposits while extending its existing $5 billion facility for a further three years.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Confident After Pace Duo Impresses

Sunrisers Hyderabad Confident After Pace Duo Impresses

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad, buoyed by the emergence of young pace bowlers Praful Hinge and Sakib Husain, are confident heading into their IPL match against Chennai Super Kings. The uncapped duo made an immediate impact in the previous match, giving SRH a new edge.

WADA Chief in Delhi for Urgent Talks on India's Anti-Doping Measures

WADA Chief in Delhi for Urgent Talks on India's Anti-Doping Measures

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Banka is in Delhi for discussions with NADA officials regarding India's increasing doping cases. He is expected to address the issue in a press conference.

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Far from it; the country's resistance to the US, its nuclear ambitions, and its pursuit of influence and proxies across the Middle East are driven by a constant search for independence and security. Thus, Iran will never capitulate. Trump will learn this home truth ultimately, and it is going to be a humbling personal experience that may even destroy his presidency, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

IPL 2026: Nitish Reddy the X-Factor? Vettori makes big claim

IPL 2026: Nitish Reddy the X-Factor? Vettori makes big claim

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Daniel Vettori praises all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's versatility and impact on the team's IPL 2024 campaign, highlighting his ability to contribute with both bat and ball at any stage of the game.

Pakistan to continue facilitating US-Iran talks, urges both to uphold ceasefire

Pakistan to continue facilitating US-Iran talks, urges both to uphold ceasefire

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Pakistan has announced its commitment to continue facilitating talks between the United States and Iran, urging both nations to uphold the ceasefire agreement. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan's role in mediating recent discussions and expressed hope for durable peace and regional stability.

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Within the BJP, Samrat Chowdhury confronts a party full of senior leaders with their own factional networks, caste calculations and career ambitions; many of whom may regard his elevation as a product of central convenience rather than organic merit.'

Payment issue? Govt reacts after Iranian oil tanker diverts from India to China

Payment issue? Govt reacts after Iranian oil tanker diverts from India to China

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

India has refuted claims of payment issues hindering crude oil imports from Iran, clarifying that refiners have the flexibility to source oil from various global suppliers. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas addressed reports of a tanker rerouting to China, emphasising standard industry practices and secured oil requirements.

IPL 2026: Washington Sundar opens up on playing all formats

IPL 2026: Washington Sundar opens up on playing all formats

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar discusses the challenges and blessings of playing all formats of cricket, his fitness regime, and his goals for the future, including the ODI World Cup.

IPL 2026: RCB's Pace Firepower Decimates Pant & Co

IPL 2026: RCB's Pace Firepower Decimates Pant & Co

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

RCB, with four wins from five matches, are beginning to look like genuine title contenders once again.

The Director Who Turned Kangana Down

The Director Who Turned Kangana Down

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'I desperately needed that job then, and it didn't happen.'

Iran warns Israel over strikes in Lebanon despite truce

Iran warns Israel over strikes in Lebanon despite truce

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described Israel's incursions into Lebanon as a blatant breach of the ceasefire and said the continued attacks reflect deception and a lack of commitment to potential agreements.

IPL 2026: RCB smash MI in run-fest; Kohli, Salt, Patidar shine

IPL 2026: RCB smash MI in run-fest; Kohli, Salt, Patidar shine

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru powered their way to 240/4 with half-centuries from Virat Kohli, Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar, before holding off a late fightback to beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in a high-scoring IPL clash on Sunday.

IPL 2026: Shubman Gill's GT under fire for batting flaws

IPL 2026: Shubman Gill's GT under fire for batting flaws

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has criticised the Gujarat Titans' over-reliance on their top three batsmen and questioned Shubman Gill's captaincy in the IPL.

IPL 2026, RCB vs CSK Preview: Can struggling Super Kings bounce back against Royal Challengers?

IPL 2026, RCB vs CSK Preview: Can struggling Super Kings bounce back against Royal Challengers?

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be optimistic about securing their second consecutive win in the IPL as they face Chennai Super Kings, who are struggling with Sanju Samson's form and a lack of strong bowling options.

Iranian crude arrives in Indian ports after 7 years

Iranian crude arrives in Indian ports after 7 years

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Historically, India was a major buyer of Iranian crude, importing significant volumes of Iranian light and heavy grades due to strong refinery compatibility and favourable commercial terms.

IPL 2026: 'We were surprised': Riyan Parag on RR batting collapse vs SRH

IPL 2026: 'We were surprised': Riyan Parag on RR batting collapse vs SRH

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag attributes his team's first IPL defeat of the season to a combination of factors, including misreading the pace of deliveries and shortcomings in bowling execution against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Vance Leaves Pakistan After Mission Fails

Vance Leaves Pakistan After Mission Fails

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

US-Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed after 21 hours, exposing deep divisions over nuclear ambitions and sanctions.

IPL 2026: Winless KKR Face Uphill Battle Against Resurgent Gujarat Titans

IPL 2026: Winless KKR Face Uphill Battle Against Resurgent Gujarat Titans

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders are under pressure to reverse their losing streak as they face a strong Gujarat Titans side in the Indian Premier League. KKR's struggles with team selection, batting order, and bowling form have compounded their problems, while Gujarat Titans are gaining momentum with key players finding form.

Fleming on CSK's strategy, and changing role of finishers in T20s

Fleming on CSK's strategy, and changing role of finishers in T20s

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming discusses the evolving strategies in T20 cricket, the diminishing role of traditional finishers, and the impact of the 'Impact Player' rule on the balance between batting and bowling.

Gurugram Friends' Dispute Escalates into Car Ramming Incident

Gurugram Friends' Dispute Escalates into Car Ramming Incident

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

A dispute between two friends in Gurugram escalated into a car ramming incident, captured in a viral video. Police intervened, and the families reached a compromise.

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

As the negotiations continued, the Iranian government said on social media that "talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad entered the expert-level stage as economic, military, legal, and nuclear committees joined in".

Trump, Iran Inch Closer And Closer To A Deal

Trump, Iran Inch Closer And Closer To A Deal

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trump has said he would be present at the signing ceremony in Islamabad. Don't be surprised if the Pakistani hosts make it a grand event in the geopolitics of the region. Trump would love that, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Sidelined' in Iran truce: Israeli Oppn slams Netanyahu

'Sidelined' in Iran truce: Israeli Oppn slams Netanyahu

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Lapid said the Israeli military carried out everything that was asked of it, but Netanyahu failed politically and strategically.

Netanyahu directs talks with Lebanon after deadly strikes

Netanyahu directs talks with Lebanon after deadly strikes

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday called for the opening of direct negotiations with Lebanon, as tensions persist along the border despite a two-week ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities in West Asia.