News for 'Near East'

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'

'Why Have The Number Of Jobs Created Fallen?'

'Why Have The Number Of Jobs Created Fallen?'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'We have to pull 80 million workers out of agriculture and go back to where we were in 2014. That itself is going to be a huge task.' 'We have already lost time, and that is a catastrophe impending.''

UP Families Anxious as US-Israel Strike on Iran Raises Middle East Conflict Fears

UP Families Anxious as US-Israel Strike on Iran Raises Middle East Conflict Fears

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Families in Uttar Pradesh express anxiety over the safety of their relatives in the Middle East following a joint US-Israel military strike on Iran, which has triggered retaliatory actions and heightened regional tensions.

Over 10 dead as monsoon batters several states; Uttarakhand on alert

Over 10 dead as monsoon batters several states; Uttarakhand on alert

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Torrential monsoon rains unleashed widespread destruction across several parts of the country on Thursday, inundating roads, uprooting trees, damaging property and disrupting normal life as authorities scrambled to restore normalcy.

Gen Z Protests: 'I Hope They Keep Questioning The Government'

Gen Z Protests: 'I Hope They Keep Questioning The Government'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

'I thought this generation was no good, will not be able to do much with all this social media etc. But then, they surprised us.'

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Heatwave? Just Ride Around In A Hut

Heatwave? Just Ride Around In A Hut

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Aligarh resident Habib Saifi has built a small hut-like structure on his bike to protect himself from direct sunlight during this intense summer.

Wayanad landslide: NDRF, fire teams intensify river search for missing man

Wayanad landslide: NDRF, fire teams intensify river search for missing man

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire and Rescue teams on Saturday intensified search operations along the Meenachipuzha river to trace the lone missing person, Vikram Rana, as rescue efforts entered the fifth day following the Wayanad landslide.

Woman Beaten To Death In Jharkhand; Suspect Detained

Woman Beaten To Death In Jharkhand; Suspect Detained

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A 70-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district by a man suspected to be mentally unstable. The incident occurred in a forest near Kundrukocha village when the victim was collecting mahua seeds. The accused is currently under police custody and undergoing treatment.

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

At the heart of the decision is concern over the survival of Meghalaya's neighbourhood retailers.

F1 drops Bahrain, Saudi Arabia races over Middle East crisis

F1 drops Bahrain, Saudi Arabia races over Middle East crisis

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Formula One has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April due to escalating Middle East tensions, reducing the 2026 F1 calendar from 24 to 22 races.

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India too can rise to the top if the 1.4 billion Indians back home are given better opportunities to use their innate talent and capacity to work hard, with right incentives in a more meritocratic rules-based system, asserts Ajay Chhibber.

ISL: NorthEast United hold Bengaluru FC; Mumbai City down Kerala Blasters

ISL: NorthEast United hold Bengaluru FC; Mumbai City down Kerala Blasters

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC played a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League match.

War resumes in Middle East? US-Iran trade fire, Trump says ceasefire...

War resumes in Middle East? US-Iran trade fire, Trump says ceasefire...

Rediff.com8 May 2026

US President Donald Trump maintains that the ceasefire with Iran is still in effect despite recent military engagements near the Strait of Hormuz. He also commented on a recent clash where US forces responded to Iranian attacks on US Navy destroyers.

China Moves Near Chicken's Neck Sparks Concerns

China Moves Near Chicken's Neck Sparks Concerns

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Indian security agencies have continued efforts to reinforce the Siliguri Corridor through improved infrastructure, faster mobilisation capability and diversified connectivity routes to the north east.

Is Iran nearing Chinese missile deal as conflict escalates?

Is Iran nearing Chinese missile deal as conflict escalates?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

China has denied reports of finalising a deal with Iran to sell CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and joint US-Israeli airstrikes.

Mbappe scores twice as France rout Sweden to make last 16

Mbappe scores twice as France rout Sweden to make last 16

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, leading France to a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden in the World Cup Round of 32. This win maintains France's perfect record and sets up a last-16 clash with Paraguay, with Mbappe continuing his impressive World Cup scoring streak.

Inside The Czech Home That's A Shrine To Argentine Football

Inside The Czech Home That's A Shrine To Argentine Football

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Miloslav "Curby" Urbanec, a Czech music promoter, has transformed his three-storey house in Bukovka into a vibrant shrine dedicated to the Argentine national football team, featuring sky-blue and white paint, a Lionel Messi mural, and a Diego Maradona statue, all stemming from a childhood passion ignited by the 1978 World Cup.

Middle East conflict: No fuel price hike for now despite crude spike

Middle East conflict: No fuel price hike for now despite crude spike

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Despite international crude oil rates crossing USD 100 per barrel due to Middle East tensions, the Indian government plans to maintain current petrol and diesel prices, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply across the country.

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Middle East Crisis: The New Fog of War

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

When everyone has footage and no one can verify it, the loudest voice wins, notes Prem Panicker who begins a daily blog on the War in the Middle East.

Monsoon advances across North India; 3 killed in Himachal

Monsoon advances across North India; 3 killed in Himachal

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The southwest monsoon has advanced across northern Indian states, leading to widespread rainfall, waterlogging, road blockages, and rain-related deaths, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Centre is monitoring the situation, especially concerning potential drought conditions in some areas due to the El Nino effect.

India turns to US, Russia, Africa for oil as Middle East conflict escalates

India turns to US, Russia, Africa for oil as Middle East conflict escalates

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Indian refiners are negotiating for additional crude cargoes from the US, Russia, and West Africa to ensure adequate supplies amid Middle East tensions. Refineries are maintaining normal processing rates and deferring maintenance to build reserves. The move comes as conflict impacts tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy transit route.

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have significantly advanced the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, securing crucial agreements on defence, critical minerals, and maritime security, including BrahMos missile supply and Sabang port development.

OTT Shows Are Driving North East Tourism

OTT Shows Are Driving North East Tourism

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Cities across the north east have recorded significant year-on-year growth in air traffic, pointing to a clear link between screen exposure and travel intent.

Mumbai drenched by 300 mm rain; flight services hit, two killed

Mumbai drenched by 300 mm rain; flight services hit, two killed

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall in Mumbai on Sunday led to significant disruptions, including a one-hour suspension of flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, widespread waterlogging, and multiple treefall incidents. One person died in Kurla due to a tree collapse, marking the second such fatality in a week. The India Meteorological Department had issued a 'red' alert, with several areas recording over 200 mm of rain.

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.

Inflation likely to remain contained:FinMin report

Inflation likely to remain contained:FinMin report

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's finance ministry anticipates inflation will remain relatively contained in the coming months, supported by a correction in crude oil prices and softening input costs following the cessation of the West Asia conflict, despite earlier spikes in wholesale and retail inflation.

Trump warns Iran of 'extremely hard' strikes as US nears endgame

Trump warns Iran of 'extremely hard' strikes as US nears endgame

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

In his first major national address since hostilities began, Trump said the ongoing military campaign, dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury', has delivered 'swift, decisive, overwhelming victories'.

Pilot crashed plane into Beijing skyscraper for 'personal reasons'

Pilot crashed plane into Beijing skyscraper for 'personal reasons'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Investigators have revealed that the pilot of a small plane that crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper, the CITIC Tower, suffered from long-term anxiety and had expressed suicidal thoughts in his diaries. The incident, which killed the pilot and injured 13 others, has raised significant security concerns in the highly sensitive Chinese capital, especially given strict airspace regulations.

Pilot In Beijing Skyscraper Crash Suffered From Anxiety, Investigators Reveal

Pilot In Beijing Skyscraper Crash Suffered From Anxiety, Investigators Reveal

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Investigators have revealed that the pilot of a small plane that crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper, the CITIC Tower, suffered from long-term anxiety and had expressed suicidal thoughts in his diaries. The incident, which killed the pilot and injured 13 others, has raised significant security concerns in the highly sensitive Chinese capital, especially given strict airspace regulations.

West Asia conflict: Govt lifts emergency gas curbs as LNG supplies normalise

West Asia conflict: Govt lifts emergency gas curbs as LNG supplies normalise

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The government has withdrawn most provisions of the emergency natural gas supply regulation order imposed during the West Asia conflict after liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz resumed following a ceasefire.

Inside Oval Office: What forced Trump to scrap Iran ceasefire

Inside Oval Office: What forced Trump to scrap Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump has abruptly withdrawn from a peace deal with Iran, citing fresh intelligence of Iranian assaults on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision, made just a fortnight after celebrating the deal, has led to a significant military escalation in the region, with the US launching extensive counter-operations against Iranian military infrastructure.

Trump threatens to sink Iranian ships near Hormuz blockade

Trump threatens to sink Iranian ships near Hormuz blockade

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

In a sharp escalation of regional tensions, US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Tehran on Monday, asserting that the American military is prepared to sink any Iranian vessels that approach the newly established naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran missile programme excluded from US-Iran MoU: Pak PM Sharif

Iran missile programme excluded from US-Iran MoU: Pak PM Sharif

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the US and Iran does not include provisions regarding Tehran's ballistic missile programme. This statement followed talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Sharif emphasising Iran's right to its defence capabilities and Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran peace process.

'An Indian and a Pakistani': Who are the two key people in JD Vance's life?

'An Indian and a Pakistani': Who are the two key people in JD Vance's life?

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday generated significant online traction after making a light-hearted reference to two "very, very important" Indian and Pakistani people in his life - his wife Usha Vance and Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir, on the sidelines of the US-Iran diplomatic deliberations in Switzerland.

Guwahati Misses Out On Hosting India-Japan Summit

Guwahati Misses Out On Hosting India-Japan Summit

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The visit was expected to project Assam as the gateway to Southeast Asia and reinforce the state's emergence as a preferred investment destination.

Is All Well With US-Iran MoU?

Is All Well With US-Iran MoU?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Much will depend on how the protagonists use the current interlude to work proactively for the beginning of a durable settlement or, on the contrary, prepare for a new round of escalation, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Ecuador shock Germany to enter World Cup last 32 stage

Ecuador shock Germany to enter World Cup last 32 stage

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ecuador secured a stunning 2-1 victory over Germany in a crucial World Cup match, ensuring their qualification for the last 32. Despite an early German goal, Ecuador fought back with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata to clinch the win.

High Court Expresses Concern Over Police Handling Of Missing Minor Girls

High Court Expresses Concern Over Police Handling Of Missing Minor Girls

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has expressed serious concern over the rising number of missing minor girls in the state capital, directing senior police officers to ensure effective monitoring and accountability in such cases. The court ordered a detailed report from the DCP (East) and sought explanations from the Police Commissioner, stressing the need for vigilance.

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

'Actual implementation of the 14-point agreement is proving hard to achieve let alone striking and sustaining a long-term treaty or deal.'