News for 'South Asia'

'Influence Of The US Is Diminishing'

'Influence Of The US Is Diminishing'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'It was diminishing even before Trump came to power.' 'The US was at the centre of the global economy. That position is going to become less and less important and less central.'

'Only they can play that role': Tharoor's dig at Pak over US-Iran talks

'Only they can play that role': Tharoor's dig at Pak over US-Iran talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor discusses India's role in the US-Iran peace talks taking place in Islamabad, emphasising the importance of peace over competition with Pakistan and highlighting India's regional interests.

Modi speaks to France, Oman, Malaysia leaders amid Gulf energy hub strikes

Modi speaks to France, Oman, Malaysia leaders amid Gulf energy hub strikes

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, India strongly condemns the recent attacks on energy infrastructure, warning of further destabilisation to the already uncertain global energy market.

Rupee posts biggest annual decline in 14 years, tumbles 9.88% in FY26

Rupee posts biggest annual decline in 14 years, tumbles 9.88% in FY26

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee rebounded against the US dollar after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) restricted banks' net open positions in dollars. This move prompted banks to sell dollars, providing temporary support for the rupee amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices.

8 Best Hotels And Resorts In Asia

8 Best Hotels And Resorts In Asia

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Cond Nast's editors have sat down, like they do yearly and listed their favourite stays in Asia.

Trump backs Israel strike, says Hezbollah not part of ceasefire deal

Trump backs Israel strike, says Hezbollah not part of ceasefire deal

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday backed Israel's ongoing military operation in Lebanon, stating that Hezbollah "was not included" in the recent ceasefire deal between Washington and Tehran, which halted the conflict in West Asia for two weeks.

Pakistani Handler Expanding India Network Through Social Media, Say Arrested Men

Pakistani Handler Expanding India Network Through Social Media, Say Arrested Men

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Two men arrested in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly being in contact with a Pakistan-linked handler based in Saudi Arabia revealed that the handler was expanding his network in India via social media. The investigation has been handed over to the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).

India bears brunt of global equity outflows as geopolitical tensions rise

India bears brunt of global equity outflows as geopolitical tensions rise

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

India has emerged as the most impacted market within emerging economies, experiencing $3.7 billion in outflows over the past three weeks, matching the total outflows from the entire emerging market basket, as global equity funds turn negative for the first time since January 2026 due to escalating geopolitical tensions.

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Russia has expressed strong concern over a US-Israeli strike on the Iranian port of Bandar Anzali, a key transit hub on the INSTC, warning of the risk of drawing Caspian states into the ongoing conflict.

Israel backs Iran ceasefire, refuses to halt ops against Hezbollah

Israel backs Iran ceasefire, refuses to halt ops against Hezbollah

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Israel will continue its offensive in South Lebanon aimed at neutralising the threat from Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

US-Iran War: Koneru Humpy Pulls Out Of FIDE Women's Candidates In Cyprus

US-Iran War: Koneru Humpy Pulls Out Of FIDE Women's Candidates In Cyprus

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has withdrawn from the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament, citing concerns over her personal safety amidst the West Asia conflict.

Over 800 Indians evacuated from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

Over 800 Indians evacuated from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that nearly 880 Indian nationals, including students, have been evacuated from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Sensex Jumps 919 Points as Financial Stocks Lead Market Rebound

Sensex Jumps 919 Points as Financial Stocks Lead Market Rebound

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged over 1 per cent, with the Sensex jumping 918.60 points, driven by strong buying in banking and financial counters and a positive trend in global equities, fuelled by hopes of easing West Asia tensions.

IPL 2026 to open with RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru on March 28

IPL 2026 to open with RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru on March 28

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026.

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

One of the most uncivilised characteristics of this war has been the total disregard for international law and the laws of armed conflict, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

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.

US to return 3 ancient sculptures taken illegally from Indian temples

US to return 3 ancient sculptures taken illegally from Indian temples

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Smithsonian will return three ancient bronze sculptures to India after evidence showed they were illegally removed from Tamil Nadu temples in the 1950s

Ceasefire in danger as Iran blocks Hormuz again after Israel attack

Ceasefire in danger as Iran blocks Hormuz again after Israel attack

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The fragile ceasefire in West Asia between the US and Iran to halt the hostilities in the region for two weeks faces renewed uncertainty as Tehran reportedly moved to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz once again due to Israel's intensified offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Iranian state media Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), which US President Trump says was "not included" as part of the ceasefire deal.

Travel chaos ends: Proteas, Windies squads fly home after Gulf airspace crisis

Travel chaos ends: Proteas, Windies squads fly home after Gulf airspace crisis

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The International Cricket Council confirmed that stranded players from the South Africa national cricket team and West Indies cricket team have finally left India after Gulf airspace closures during the West Asia conflict disrupted travel following the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Sensitive issues remain. Water sharing of the Ganga and Teesta rivers. Treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus. Border management. Trade imbalances. Connectivity projects.What happens next will shape not just bilateral ties, but the balance of South Asia itself, points out Ramesh Menon.

Iran launches 5 multi-warhead missiles, hits Tel Aviv

Iran launches 5 multi-warhead missiles, hits Tel Aviv

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

After the Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars Gas Field on Wednesday night, in retaliation, Iran struck Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, resulting in extensive damage, as per the country's Ministry of Defence.

Gulf region braces for low-key Eid amid conflict, security concerns

Gulf region braces for low-key Eid amid conflict, security concerns

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Citizens and residents across the Gulf region are preparing for Eid amidst regional conflict, impacting festivities and daily life.

Stock Markets Today March 25, 2026 ' Sensex, Nifty50 Rally on US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes

Stock Markets Today March 25, 2026 ' Sensex, Nifty50 Rally on US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Indian markets on Dalal Street rallied sharply as easing tensions in the US-Iran conflict and stable oil prices boosted sentiment. Track Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex performance and key global triggers.

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

1,000 Indians still in Iran: MEA to Parl panel

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that nearly 1,000 Indians remain in Iran amidst the West Asia conflict, and 23,000 students in the Gulf region missed CBSE exams due to the turmoil.

Kim cites Iran war to justify North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Kim cites Iran war to justify North Korea's nuclear arsenal

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Speaking to North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly on Tuesday, Kim accused the United States of carrying out 'terrorism and invasions' across regions, referring to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

'England are leaving before us...' De Kock questions ICC's favouritsm

'England are leaving before us...' De Kock questions ICC's favouritsm

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Quinton de Kock lashes out at ICC as England is heading back home ahead of them after T20 WC exit

Airbus Inaugurates Major Technology Centre in Bengaluru

Airbus Inaugurates Major Technology Centre in Bengaluru

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Airbus has inaugurated a state-of-the-art technology centre in Bengaluru, India, significantly expanding its strategic presence and supporting its 'Make in India' mission.

Sensex and Nifty Rally as US-Iran Ceasefire Boosts Global Markets

Sensex and Nifty Rally as US-Iran Ceasefire Boosts Global Markets

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Indian stock markets experienced a significant rally following the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire, coupled with a drop in crude oil prices. The Sensex and Nifty both closed nearly 4 per cent higher, mirroring gains in global markets.

Will the Iran War Disrupt IPL 2026?

Will the Iran War Disrupt IPL 2026?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The ongoing Iran-US conflict is casting a shadow over global cricket, potentially disrupting the IPL 2026 due to travel disruptions and logistical challenges.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Stock Markets Today March 25, 2026: Sensex, Nifty50 Rally on US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes

Stock Markets Today March 25, 2026: Sensex, Nifty50 Rally on US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Indian markets on Dalal Street rallied sharply as easing tensions in the US-Iran conflict and stable oil prices boosted sentiment. Track Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex performance and key global triggers.

The Girl From Bhandup Who Became Ms Universe USA

The Girl From Bhandup Who Became Ms Universe USA

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Don't let the world put you in a box. If the world tries to put you in a box, don't stay in it. Step out of it. And if you have to, burn that box completely,' says Siddhata Patil.

Sensex tanked 2,497 points, its biggest single-day plunge since June 2024

Sensex tanked 2,497 points, its biggest single-day plunge since June 2024

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Indian stock market indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant drop in early trade, reversing a three-day rally. The decline was triggered by a sharp increase in crude oil prices, weak global market trends, and continuous outflows of foreign funds.

US Special Envoy Meets Sri Lankan President Amidst Regional Tensions

US Special Envoy Meets Sri Lankan President Amidst Regional Tensions

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

US Special Representative Sergio Gor met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and Sri Lanka's stance on the Middle East crisis. The visit occurs amidst regional tensions and US efforts to secure trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.

'Great surprise' awaits Trump: Iran warns against ground attack

'Great surprise' awaits Trump: Iran warns against ground attack

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

As the security situation continues to evolve in West Asia and the Gulf region, an Iranian military source has warned the United States against any ground aggression on Iran, calling it a red line and saying a 'surprise' would await US President Donald Trump, Tasnim News Agency reported on Saturday.

Koneru Humpy Weighs Candidates Tournament Participation Due to Cyprus Safety Concerns

Koneru Humpy Weighs Candidates Tournament Participation Due to Cyprus Safety Concerns

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy is uncertain about competing in the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus due to safety concerns amid the West Asia conflict, despite assurances from FIDE.

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Teenage Archer Payal Nag Clinches Gold, India Dominates World Archery Para Series

Teenage Archer Payal Nag Clinches Gold, India Dominates World Archery Para Series

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Teenage quadruple amputee archer Payal Nag defeated world number one Sheetal Devi to win gold at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok, leading India to a dominant performance with seven gold medals.

New Butterfly Species Honours Zubeen Garg

New Butterfly Species Honours Zubeen Garg

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

A newly discovered butterfly species in Arunachal Pradesh has been named Euthalia zubeengargi, in honour of Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

Stock markets today March 4, 2026: Sensex sinks 1,123 pts, Nifty dives 1.55%

Stock markets today March 4, 2026: Sensex sinks 1,123 pts, Nifty dives 1.55%

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Wednesday, tracking a bearish trend in Asian markets, as the conflict in West Asia widened, driving oil prices higher.