News for 'Near East'

Hardliners in Iran blocking negotiation with US: Report

Hardliners in Iran blocking negotiation with US: Report

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reveals that a power struggle within Iran's leadership, with hardliners gaining influence, could significantly impact future negotiations with the United States.

Mizoram Police Bust Drug Smuggling Rings, Recover 25 Crore in Narcotics

Mizoram Police Bust Drug Smuggling Rings, Recover 25 Crore in Narcotics

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Mizoram police have dismantled multiple smuggling modules, seizing narcotics valued at 25.01 crore and arresting eight people, including Myanmar nationals, in a week-long crackdown.

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Sri Lanka rejects landing request by US warplane

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the country refused permission for the US to land two warplanes at Mattala International Airport, citing a commitment to neutrality amidst rising tensions in the Middle East.

Man Arrested In Delhi After 40 Years On The Run For Murder

Man Arrested In Delhi After 40 Years On The Run For Murder

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Delhi Police have arrested an 82-year-old man who had been on the run for 40 years after allegedly murdering his wife in 1986. The accused, Chandra Shekhar Prasad, was apprehended in Delhi after a renewed investigation.

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The question is whether the clocks allow enough time for two deeply mistrustful sides to get there, and whether the surface calm holds long enough for the paddling to produce something before the ceasefire ends on April 22, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Air India adds fuel surcharge, ticket prices set to rise

Air India adds fuel surcharge, ticket prices set to rise

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Air India group announces fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights due to rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, following the government's decision to cap domestic ATF price hikes.

Delhi Police Nab Cross-Border Dacoit Gang After Shootout

Delhi Police Nab Cross-Border Dacoit Gang After Shootout

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have arrested six members of a Bangladesh-based dacoit gang following a midnight encounter. The gang is accused of violent robberies and murders across multiple states, fleeing to Bangladesh between crimes.

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

West Asia crisis: Govt mulls more relief packages for vulnerable sectors

West Asia crisis: Govt mulls more relief packages for vulnerable sectors

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Indian government is considering additional relief packages for vulnerable sectors like MSMEs to mitigate the impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis on the economy and inflation.

'Disastrous If US Halts War Leaving Iran Hardliners In Power'

'Disastrous If US Halts War Leaving Iran Hardliners In Power'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'In such a scenario, Iran could proclaim itself victor, rebuild, re-enforce its diminished regional proxies to further destabilise neighbouring nations and take control of the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.'

150 Israeli Airstrikes Across Lebanon In 2 Hours Kill 254 People

150 Israeli Airstrikes Across Lebanon In 2 Hours Kill 254 People

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A massive wave of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon killed 254 people, overwhelming hospitals.

Swift Rescue Operation Saves Lives in Gurugram Guest House Fire

Swift Rescue Operation Saves Lives in Gurugram Guest House Fire

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A fire broke out at a five-storey guest house in Gurugram, India, trapping several residents. Emergency services and locals successfully rescued all those trapped, averting a major tragedy.

Unrest in Meghalaya: Convoy of BSF DIG attacked

Unrest in Meghalaya: Convoy of BSF DIG attacked

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A Border Security Force (BSF) convoy, including a vehicle carrying a DIG, was attacked in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, resulting in injuries and the burning of a vehicle. The incident occurred amidst ongoing unrest and clashes related to local elections, leading to the suspension of internet services and imposition of curfews.

Gulf War: Stocks That Tanked The Most

Gulf War: Stocks That Tanked The Most

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

West Asia conflict triggers sharp sell-off in Indian markets, with realty, banking and auto stocks leading losses amid energy shock fears.

West Asia Crisis Reroutes Tourists

West Asia Crisis Reroutes Tourists

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Travellers are considering safer and more stable destinations.'

Iran naval commander leading closure of Hormuz killed, claims Israel

Iran naval commander leading closure of Hormuz killed, claims Israel

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a series of military operations against US and Israeli targets in retaliation for earlier airstrikes. The IRGC claims to have launched multiple missile and drone strikes, and has warned against any potential ground operations within Iranian territory.

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India's private sector activity saw a significant recovery in April, driven primarily by robust growth in manufacturing output and sales, following a three-year low in March attributed to the West Asia conflict.

Report reveals White House role in Pak PM's peace plea

Report reveals White House role in Pak PM's peace plea

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A media report indicates the White House was directly involved in crafting a social media post by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting then-US President Donald Trump to extend the deadline on Iran.

Iran names new security chief to replace Ali Larijani

Iran names new security chief to replace Ali Larijani

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Zolqadr's appointment comes through a presidential decree, endorsed by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

West Asia War: Rs 48.29 Lakh Crore Investor Wealth Wiped Out Since Conflict Began

West Asia War: Rs 48.29 Lakh Crore Investor Wealth Wiped Out Since Conflict Began

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Indian investors have seen their wealth erode by a staggering Rs 48.29 lakh crore since the West Asia war began on February 28, leading to a significant downturn in the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty, driven by geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices.

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Hard Lessons For India

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Hard Lessons For India

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

We, Indians, forgot that for Pakistan, Kashmir dispute and blood feud with India is the raison detre for its existence. It is also the excuse with which the Pak army keeps its grip over the state. Peace in Kashmir and between India and Pakistan is against the interests of the Pak army, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Body of UP man killed in Riyadh missile attack brought to native village

Body of UP man killed in Riyadh missile attack brought to native village

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The mortal remains of a 26-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh, who was killed in a suspected missile attack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have been returned to his family in Sitapur. Ravi Gopal, who worked as a driver, died on March 18. The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed condolences and facilitated the repatriation of his body.

19 India-bound oil, gas ships stranded in Hormuz raising supply concerns

19 India-bound oil, gas ships stranded in Hormuz raising supply concerns

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict in West Asia has resulted in 19 ships carrying essential energy resources for India being stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the country's energy supply.

Iran reviews backchannel messages, warns it's ready for 'any attack'

Iran reviews backchannel messages, warns it's ready for 'any attack'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A spokesperson said the government is carefully assessing these communications in the context of the ongoing regional crisis.

'Trump's Aims In This War Have Been Inconsistent, Changing, Contradictory'

'Trump's Aims In This War Have Been Inconsistent, Changing, Contradictory'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'What we have yet to see on either the US or the Iranian side is willingness to compromise on their ultimate demands and the flexibility to reach an agreement to end the war.

Stock markets on March 10, 2026: Sensex jumped 640 points

Stock markets on March 10, 2026: Sensex jumped 640 points

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Indian stock market benchmarks Sensex and Nifty rebounded strongly after a two-day decline, driven by falling crude oil prices and positive global cues amid hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East.

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.

Strait of Hormuz changed irreversibly: Iran's big warning amid Trump's ultimatum

Strait of Hormuz changed irreversibly: Iran's big warning amid Trump's ultimatum

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The naval command underlined recent regional developments, which have now established a new reality in which extra-regional powers, led by Washington, DC, can no longer dictate terms or project unchecked influence in Iran's immediate maritime environment.

Nayara Energy Increases Petrol and Diesel Prices Amidst Global Oil Surge

Nayara Energy Increases Petrol and Diesel Prices Amidst Global Oil Surge

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Nayara Energy, a private fuel retailer in India, has increased petrol and diesel prices following a surge in global oil prices due to Middle East tensions. This move contrasts with state-owned retailers who continue to freeze prices.

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.

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.

Pakistan Brokers Ceasefire In Iran War

Pakistan Brokers Ceasefire In Iran War

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

'On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I express gratitude and appreciation for my dear brothers HE Prime Minister of Pakistan Sharif and HE Field Marshal Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region.'

Speeding Car Kills Woman, Injures Two in Chembur Auto-Rickshaw Collision

Speeding Car Kills Woman, Injures Two in Chembur Auto-Rickshaw Collision

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A 65-year-old woman died and two others were injured after a speeding car collided with an auto-rickshaw in Mumbai's Chembur area. The car driver has been arrested and charged with causing death by negligence.

Iran: Why Trump Must Take A Leap Of Faith

Iran: Why Trump Must Take A Leap Of Faith

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

There are enough people at the top decision-making level in Tehran who are still willing to negotiate, provided Trump can create the right setting for the negotiation to acquire a dynamic of its own, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why Manipur Suspended Internet After Bishnupur Bombing

Why Manipur Suspended Internet After Bishnupur Bombing

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Manipur government has suspended internet services in five valley districts following a bomb attack that killed two children and injured their mother in Bishnupur district. The incident triggered protests, leading to the suspension of internet services to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Delhi Police Uncover Drug Network, Seize Cocaine and MDMA

Delhi Police Uncover Drug Network, Seize Cocaine and MDMA

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have dismantled a drug racket, arresting four individuals, including two foreign nationals, and seizing cocaine and MDMA worth approximately Rs 1.1 crore.

Why Haryana Cops Were Acquitted In Gangster Encounter Case

Why Haryana Cops Were Acquitted In Gangster Encounter Case

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A Mumbai court has acquitted five Haryana police personnel in a criminal case related to the 2016 encounter of gangster Sandeep Gadoli, citing self-defence and lack of prosecution sanction.

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The big question is whether Trump is any longer in command of the situation. For all practical purposes, the war seems set to cascade as the US is preparing for a potential ground operation in Iran and threatens to destroy 'bridges next, then electric power plants', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concern over the targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the West Asia conflict, urging for the restoration of unimpeded navigation and global commerce.