News for 'Near East'

LPG Crisis Triggers Reverse Migration Across Cities

LPG Crisis Triggers Reverse Migration Across Cities

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'It would be similar to what happened during COVID-19.' 'They are not just losing income, but being pushed into distress.'

Phew! India Secures Month-Long LPG Supply

Phew! India Secures Month-Long LPG Supply

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Around one full month of supply is firmly arranged with additional procurement being continuously finalised, and oil companies are successfully delivering over 5 million cylinders every day.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Haryana Rice Exporters Face Disruptions After Iran Strikes

Haryana Rice Exporters Face Disruptions After Iran Strikes

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Rice exporters in Haryana are facing potential payment delays and shipment disruptions to Iran and Afghanistan following recent military strikes on Iran.

Five Arrested in Pratapgarh Murder Case

Five Arrested in Pratapgarh Murder Case

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Police in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested five individuals, including a woman and her lover, in connection with the murder of her husband. The accused confessed to the crime, which was motivated by an affair and financial incentives.

West Asia War Clouds RBI Outlook

West Asia War Clouds RBI Outlook

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Markets will look for clear guidance on how the MPC interprets the uncertainty and what it implies for the future course of monetary policy, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Arunachal Official Found Dead in Suspicious Circumstances

Arunachal Official Found Dead in Suspicious Circumstances

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

An Arunachal Pradesh government official was found dead in suspicious circumstances at a bus stop, prompting a police investigation.

Ramping up domestic LPG production to ensure supply: Sitharaman

Ramping up domestic LPG production to ensure supply: Sitharaman

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces increased domestic LPG production to offset import disruptions caused by Middle East tensions, alongside assurances of fertiliser availability and the clearing of UPA-era oil bonds.

Gunmen Open Fire at House in Delhi's Farsh Bazar

Gunmen Open Fire at House in Delhi's Farsh Bazar

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Unidentified motorcycle-borne men allegedly opened fire at a house in Delhi's Farsh Bazar area. Police are investigating the incident, exploring motives such as old enmity, ransom, and possible threats.

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.

When Iranian Missiles Hit Israel Hard

When Iranian Missiles Hit Israel Hard

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Dimona and Ahad came under intense Iranian missile fire over the weekend as the conflict entered a far more volatile phase. These photographs capture the aftermath of the strikes -- thick smoke rising over the cities, emergency teams rushing to the scenes and residents caught in the chaos that followed.

Iran-Israel Conflict Halts Dubai Weddings

Iran-Israel Conflict Halts Dubai Weddings

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

With Gulf countries emerging as popular destinations for Indian weddings and pre-wedding shoots, the March-April season had seen a flurry of bookings.

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

For weeks, the war skirted the edge of catastrophe without tipping over. Missiles flew, there was much destruction, commanders were assassinated, cities across the Gulf and even in Israel struggled to absorb the shock. But one line held: Energy infrastructure, the arteries of the global economy, remained largely untouched. That is no longer true. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

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.

Rajasthan Man Assaulted, Robbed After Tracking Missing SUV to Bengaluru

Rajasthan Man Assaulted, Robbed After Tracking Missing SUV to Bengaluru

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

A 32-year-old man from Rajasthan was allegedly assaulted and robbed in Bengaluru after tracking his missing SUV to the city. He had lent the vehicle to a friend who failed to return it, leading him to track it down using a mobile app.

Cyberfraudsters Dupe Thane Man of 1.56 Crore with 'Digital Arrest' Scam

Cyberfraudsters Dupe Thane Man of 1.56 Crore with 'Digital Arrest' Scam

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A 64-year-old man from Thane was allegedly defrauded of 1.56 crore by cybercriminals using a 'digital arrest' scam, involving forged documents and constant surveillance.

What Can We Do To Minimise The LPG Misery?

What Can We Do To Minimise The LPG Misery?

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Let us start with ourselves. If we can reduce our LPG consumption by half, the problem is solved. Reduce wastage. Alter eating styles. Diversify methods of food preparation, suggests Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

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.

Trump, Putin discuss Iran crisis as Hormuz disruption jolts global energy

Trump, Putin discuss Iran crisis as Hormuz disruption jolts global energy

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iran conflict and its impact on global energy supplies during a phone call.

Trump seeks allies' help in Strait of Hormuz; Japan, Australia say NO

Trump seeks allies' help in Strait of Hormuz; Japan, Australia say NO

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions with Iran, President Trump is urging nations dependent on Middle Eastern oil to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard critical global energy supplies.

Odisha FC Earns Draw Against Chennaiyin FC

Odisha FC Earns Draw Against Chennaiyin FC

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC played to a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League match at the Kalinga Stadium. Carlos Delgado's second-half header secured the point for Odisha after Elsinho had given Chennaiyin the lead.

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Leading automakers in India, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Hyundai, reported increased vehicle dispatches to dealers in February, driven by sustained domestic demand.

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Leading automakers in India, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Hyundai, reported increased vehicle dispatches to dealers in February, driven by sustained domestic demand.

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

While investors would focus on the results and guidance for the third quarter of financial year 2025-26 (Q3FY26) in the normal course of business, the US-Israeli attack on Iran and the latter's retaliation at Gulf allies of the US has forced them to weigh the consequences of the event.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for its alleged inaction in addressing Maoist violence during its long rule, while highlighting the Modi government's success in nearly eradicating Maoists from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

Boots on ground in Iran not ruled out: US

Boots on ground in Iran not ruled out: US

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday said that the United States has not ruled out the option of sending troops on the ground in Iran and that military operations in the Persian Gulf nation would end once the objectives of Operation Epic Fury are achieved.

'Just reading statement without...': Oppn demands debate on Iran war

'Just reading statement without...': Oppn demands debate on Iran war

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Opposition parties are demanding a full Parliament discussion on the West Asia conflict, criticising the government's silence and calling for a contingency plan to protect India's energy security and citizens.

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.

Hormuz Tensions Put India At Heart Of US Strategy

Hormuz Tensions Put India At Heart Of US Strategy

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Delhi should keep all its options open in what is essentially a transitional period in the geopolitics of energy rather than remain a gatekeeper serving Trump's 'America First', suggests Ambasssador M K Bhadrakumar.

Allowed 'friend' India to take oil already on ships: US

Allowed 'friend' India to take oil already on ships: US

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that long-term oil supplies are 'abundant' and there are no worries regarding that, but in the short term, there is a need to get oil on the market.

The World's Tallest Shivling!

The World's Tallest Shivling!

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The Shivling is 33 feet in height and weighs 210 tonnes.

India's manufacturing sector recovers marginally in Jan

India's manufacturing sector recovers marginally in Jan

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

India's manufacturing sector activity witnessed a slight recovery in January, amid faster increase in new orders, even as business confidence slipped to its lowest level in three-and-a-half years, a monthly survey said on Monday.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Drunk Driving Challans Issued in Delhi During Holi Celebrations

Drunk Driving Challans Issued in Delhi During Holi Celebrations

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Delhi Traffic Police issued over 1,200 challans for drunk driving during a special enforcement drive on Holi, with the western range recording the highest number of violations.

Kanpur Police Bust Robbery, Expose Crores-Worth Hawala Racket

Kanpur Police Bust Robbery, Expose Crores-Worth Hawala Racket

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Kanpur Police solved a robbery case leading to the discovery of a large hawala network. Six people were arrested, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the illegal financial activities.

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Is US-Israel-Iran War Entering Endgame?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

To be sure, Trump is furious, as the trajectory of the war is in a state of Zugzwang, as chess players call it. Trump and Netanyahu stare at two choices -- retreat in humiliation and concede Tehran's demands -- recognition of its rights, reparations, and binding security guarantees -- or perish in a quagmire, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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.

India's Oil Reserves Can Cover 40-45 Days If Hormuz Flow Disrupted

India's Oil Reserves Can Cover 40-45 Days If Hormuz Flow Disrupted

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

India possesses approximately 100 million barrels of commercial crude oil stocks, capable of covering 40-45 days of its requirements if flows through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, according to Kpler.

Sri Lanka recovers bodies of 80 Iranian sailors killed in US strike

Sri Lanka recovers bodies of 80 Iranian sailors killed in US strike

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 Iranian sailors from a sinking naval ship off the southern coast, while also recovering several bodies. The incident occurred outside Sri Lankan waters but within its search and rescue zone.