News for 'Near East'

Nepal flood toll reaches 788; over 275 Indians, 128 PIOs missing

Nepal flood toll reaches 788; over 275 Indians, 128 PIOs missing

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal has surged to 734, with nearly 2,500 people still missing. India has intensified its rescue and relief efforts, sending additional aid, technical teams, and forensic experts, while also working to locate and rescue over 275 missing Indian nationals.

'Himalayan nations should set up a Himalayan authority'

'Himalayan nations should set up a Himalayan authority'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh has called for the establishment of a Himalayan authority involving all Himalayan nations, including India, Pakistan, and Nepal, to protect the fragile mountain range from destruction. He also criticised the four-laning of highways in Uttarakhand's Char Dham region, deeming it "reprehensible" due to its environmental impact. His appeal comes as Nepal grapples with devastating flash floods, highlighting the region's vulnerability.

Nepal morgues overwhelmed as bodies wash up far downstream

Nepal morgues overwhelmed as bodies wash up far downstream

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Devastating Bhote Koshi floods in Nepal have led to a surge in recovered bodies, overwhelming morgues across several districts. Authorities are setting up temporary facilities and preparing for the management of unidentified remains as identification efforts continue.

Nepal flash floods toll rises to 579; morgues in hospitals run out of space

Nepal flash floods toll rises to 579; morgues in hospitals run out of space

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with a deepening flood crisis as the death toll from devastating flash floods in Rasuwa and surrounding districts has tragically risen to 538, with authorities now warning of a fresh flood threat and initiating evacuations.

Centre defers Census in Manipur amid NRC demands

Centre defers Census in Manipur amid NRC demands

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Union government has deferred census operations in Manipur, originally scheduled to begin on September 1, following persistent demands from civil society organisations for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address concerns about demographic changes due to alleged illegal immigration.

East Bengal Secure Crucial ISL Win Against Chennaiyin

East Bengal Secure Crucial ISL Win Against Chennaiyin

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

East Bengal FC secured a 3-1 victory over Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League, with goals from Edmund Lalrindika, Bipin Singh, and Nandha Kumar. The win propels East Bengal to third in the league standings.

Nepal floods: Toll rises to 1,356, search stepped up for 5,000 missing

Nepal floods: Toll rises to 1,356, search stepped up for 5,000 missing

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Nepal is grappling with the devastating aftermath of flash floods, with the death toll reaching 1,356 and nearly 5,000 people, including foreign nationals, still missing. Identification of bodies is a major challenge, with only a fraction identified so far. President Ramchandra Paudel has appealed for climate justice and national unity for relief efforts. International teams, including experts from India and China, are assisting in search and rescue, particularly at hydropower projects where workers are trapped. The country is also working to restore infrastructure and reassure tourists to protect its vital autumn tourism season.

Indian Super League: FC Goa secure comfortable win over NorthEast United

Indian Super League: FC Goa secure comfortable win over NorthEast United

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

FC Goa defeated NorthEast United FC 2-0 in an Indian Super League match, with goals from Dejan Drazic and Mohammed Yasir. The win moved FC Goa to second place in the league standings.

Bihar, UP on high alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak surge threat

Bihar, UP on high alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak surge threat

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are on high alert following devastating flash floods in Nepal's Gandak river system, prompting emergency measures including evacuations and continuous monitoring by central and state authorities.

India broadens crude sourcing to Latin America, Venezuela becomes key supplier

India broadens crude sourcing to Latin America, Venezuela becomes key supplier

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

India is significantly expanding its crude oil sourcing to Latin America, with Venezuela emerging as a major supplier, as geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz compel the world's third-largest oil consumer to diversify its energy supplies.

China issues red alert as Typhoon Dolphin hits its eastern coast

China issues red alert as Typhoon Dolphin hits its eastern coast

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

China's national observatory issued a red alert -- the highest level in the country's typhoon warning system -- as Typhoon Dolphin hit Zhejiang province on the eastern coast on Sunday afternoon.

Triple whammy for Mumbaikars: Milk, CNG, taxi-auto fares rise

Triple whammy for Mumbaikars: Milk, CNG, taxi-auto fares rise

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Mumbaikars are set to face a significant financial burden as the prices of milk, CNG, and taxi-rickshaw fares have all seen a substantial increase from September 1, 2026, impacting household budgets ahead of the crucial festive season.

F1's surprise move! Bahrain GP heads to Malaysia

F1's surprise move! Bahrain GP heads to Malaysia

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Malaysia's Sepang circuit will host the rescheduled 'Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia' on October 4, Formula One announced, stepping in after the original April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled due to the Iran war and Middle East situation.

Honeymoon murder: Raja Raghuvanshi's wedding bill sparks fresh dispute

Honeymoon murder: Raja Raghuvanshi's wedding bill sparks fresh dispute

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Nearly 15 months after the marriage of local businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, who was killed during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, the wedding caterer on Tuesday approached the police in Indore to seek their help in the recovery of alleged outstanding payment of Rs 2.82 lakh, an official said.

What Gandhi's Passport Application Looked Like

What Gandhi's Passport Application Looked Like

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Gandhi's 1931 passport for his travel to London was issued in Bombay. It was the last time the Mahatma travelled abroad.

Gurugram: Neighbour's camera catches assault on domestic help; woman booked

Gurugram: Neighbour's camera catches assault on domestic help; woman booked

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A woman in Gurugram has been booked by police after a viral video showed her allegedly assaulting her domestic help inside a luxury apartment. Police took suo motu cognisance of the incident despite the domestic help not filing a complaint.

ISL: Joseph Sunny's Brace Leads SC Delhi to Victory Over NorthEast United

ISL: Joseph Sunny's Brace Leads SC Delhi to Victory Over NorthEast United

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

SC Delhi defeated NorthEast United FC 3-0 in an Indian Super League match, with Joseph Sunny scoring twice. The win moves SC Delhi up the standings.

India, Japan deepen maritime security with eye on China

India, Japan deepen maritime security with eye on China

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on maritime security cooperation, committing to deepen defence ties and oppose unilateral actions that impede freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, a move seen as directed at China's increasing military presence.

SkyDrive Aims For India Launch Of EVTOL Aircraft By 2028

SkyDrive Aims For India Launch Of EVTOL Aircraft By 2028

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Japanese 'flying car' manufacturer SkyDrive Inc plans to commercialise its eVTOL aircraft in India by 2028, initially focusing on medical logistics, particularly organ transportation. The company, backed by Suzuki, has signed an agreement with Air India and Suzuki for this purpose and is considering future manufacturing in India.

NISAR satellite shows 60cm Venezuela quake ground shift

NISAR satellite shows 60cm Venezuela quake ground shift

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite has provided crucial data revealing the extent of ground displacement caused by recent twin earthquakes in Venezuela. Researchers used the satellite's InSAR technique to map surface changes, showing a significant 60-centimetre shift in areas like Caracas and La Guaira, explaining the severe damage. This marks the first use of NISAR's urgent response system for earthquake surface displacement mapping.

Sensex Surges 889 Points, Nifty Crosses 24,250 on IT Gains, FII Inflows

Sensex Surges 889 Points, Nifty Crosses 24,250 on IT Gains, FII Inflows

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty recorded sharp gains, rising over 1 per cent, driven by strong performances in IT stocks, HDFC Bank, and renewed foreign fund inflows, despite mixed global cues and elevated crude oil prices.

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.

Tibetan protester sets himself afire outside UN headquarters, dies

Tibetan protester sets himself afire outside UN headquarters, dies

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 42-year-old man, identified as Lobga Rangzen, died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. The act was an apparent protest, with a Tibetan flag and a 'CHINA OUT OF TIBET' slogan found at the scene, linking it to the ongoing Tibetan Independence Movement.

UP banker shoots wife dead over 'betrayal'; kills sister, ends life

UP banker shoots wife dead over 'betrayal'; kills sister, ends life

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

A bank employee in Lucknow allegedly shot dead his wife and sister before taking his own life, reportedly due to marital discord. The incident involved shootings outside an ICICI Bank branch and at his home, with the accused posting a WhatsApp status alleging 'betrayal' by his wife.

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

China sailed through the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz relatively unscathed even as the impact of its steps shielded other consuming nations from having to pay high crude oil prices.

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Economists highlight that resolving domestic policy bottlenecks, particularly through land reforms and improving the ease of doing business, will be critical for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'next-generation reforms' and India's economic transformation towards its 'Viksit Bharat' vision for 2047.

East Bengal fight back to draw 3-3 against Bengaluru FC in ISL thriller

East Bengal fight back to draw 3-3 against Bengaluru FC in ISL thriller

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

East Bengal FC displayed remarkable resilience to secure a 3-3 draw against Bengaluru FC in a thrilling Indian Super League match, coming from behind three times despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the game.

Middle East conflict: Telangana man hurt in attack near Abu Dhabi airport

Middle East conflict: Telangana man hurt in attack near Abu Dhabi airport

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Rao, who works in the housekeeping section at the airport, informed his parents that he and several others escaped with minor injuries.

Unidentified Man Discovered Dead in East Delhi Vacant Plot

Unidentified Man Discovered Dead in East Delhi Vacant Plot

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

A 31-year-old man, identified as Puspendra, was found dead in a vacant Delhi Development Authority (DDA) plot in east Delhi. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, with no immediate signs of foul play.

Russia offers fertiliser aid to Global South, East amid Hormuz concerns

Russia offers fertiliser aid to Global South, East amid Hormuz concerns

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A senior Russian official has stated that Russia is prepared to supply fertilisers and other agricultural products to countries in the Global South and East, following concerns about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacting global fertiliser exports and food security.

US missile reserves dwindle as Iran conflict drags on: Report

US missile reserves dwindle as Iran conflict drags on: Report

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The American military's air-defence missile inventories, including Patriot and THAAD interceptors, are significantly depleted due to the ongoing five-month confrontation with Iran. A CSIS assessment reveals a steep drop in reserve stocks, raising concerns about the US's capacity to maintain Middle East operations and address other global security challenges. This depletion could force the US and its allies to take higher operational risks.

Cricket Club of India, MIG Cricket Club lose food licences after FDA action

Cricket Club of India, MIG Cricket Club lose food licences after FDA action

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of the Cricket Club of India (CCI), MIG Cricket Club in Bandra East, and three other clubs in the city for alleged violations of food safety and hygiene norms, officials said on Tuesday.

CM Vijay's office set for historic shift from Fort St George

CM Vijay's office set for historic shift from Fort St George

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's office is relocating from the historic Fort St George to a new, spacious, and modern facility on the 10th floor of the Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai building in the Secretariat complex due to space constraints and administrative considerations. This move marks a significant departure from a nearly six-decade tradition.

US likely to deploy airborne troops to Middle East

US likely to deploy airborne troops to Middle East

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Despite United States President Donald Trump claiming that negotiations with Iran are underway and the conflict could soon end, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East as the war enters its fourth week, according to a CBS News report.

Thieves cut, steal 100 mtr overhead wire in Bihar; train services hit

Thieves cut, steal 100 mtr overhead wire in Bihar; train services hit

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Train services in the Gaya-Patna section of Bihar were disrupted for nearly three hours after thieves allegedly cut and stole an overhead electrical wire between Tehta and Jehanabad railway stations. The Railway Protection Force has since recovered the stolen material, and an investigation is underway to apprehend the culprits responsible for the 25,000-volt OHE wire theft.

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

August 15 was the date of India's Independence, so why did transfer of power happen at the stroke of midnight August 14-15?

Typhoon Bavi makes landfall in China; 2 million evacuated

Typhoon Bavi makes landfall in China; 2 million evacuated

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Typhoon Bavi made landfall in eastern China, leading to the evacuation of nearly 2 million people. Authorities issued red alerts for rainstorms and orange alerts for the typhoon, causing widespread cancellations of flights and ferry services, and the closure of tourist attractions.

Where the 1857 mutiny left its mark on the road to independence

Where the 1857 mutiny left its mark on the road to independence

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Delhi's Ridge, encompassing areas like Kamla Nehru Ridge, played a pivotal strategic role during the 1857 Revolt against British rule, with sites like the Flagstaff Tower, Hindu Rao's house, and Pir Ghaib serving as crucial military positions and silent witnesses to the intense fighting.

Starmer Expresses Relief After Shooting Near Trump

Starmer Expresses Relief After Shooting Near Trump

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer contacted US President Donald Trump to express his relief following a shooting incident near the White House Correspondents Dinner. The leaders also discussed the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

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.