News for 'WEST'

Sri Lanka Establishes Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Crisis

Sri Lanka Establishes Emergency Hotlines Amid West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Sri Lanka has established emergency hotlines and is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia following escalating tensions, urging restraint and de-escalation from all parties involved.

Modi speaks to Iran's President Pezeshkian as West Asia tensions escalate

Modi speaks to Iran's President Pezeshkian as West Asia tensions escalate

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the escalating tensions in West Asia, emphasising the safety of Indian nationals and the need for regional stability through dialogue and diplomacy.

Delhi Couple Nabbed For Stealing From Elderly E-Rickshaw Passengers

Delhi Couple Nabbed For Stealing From Elderly E-Rickshaw Passengers

Rediff.com17 May 2026

A couple has been arrested in Delhi for allegedly stealing cash and valuables from elderly passengers in e-rickshaws. The arrest followed an investigation into the theft of Rs 1 lakh from a 60-year-old passenger.

Retail Inflation Edges Up to 3.48% in April on Costlier Jewellery, Kitchen Staples

Retail Inflation Edges Up to 3.48% in April on Costlier Jewellery, Kitchen Staples

Rediff.com13 May 2026

India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), increased to 3.48 per cent in April, up from 3.40 per cent in March, primarily due to a surge in prices of gold and silver jewellery, as well as certain kitchen staples like tomatoes and cauliflower.

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP is showing strong leads in West Bengal and Assam, while actor Vijay's party is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu. The Congress is ahead in Kerala, offering some consolation amid the changing political landscape in the state elections.

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, on Saturday informed that five Indians have been killed and one is missing due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He added that Indian missions remain open round the clock and are constantly working to provide assistance.

Jaishankar speaks to Russia, EU on West Asia crisis amid oil concerns

Jaishankar speaks to Russia, EU on West Asia crisis amid oil concerns

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the West Asia conflict and its impact on energy supplies with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and EU's Foreign Policy chief Kaja Kallas.

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal, has refused to step down after her party's defeat in the assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy and irregularities in the counting process. She also accused the Election Commission of working in favour of the BJP and announced a fact-finding committee to investigate post-poll violence.

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

Rediff.com4 days ago

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that a US team is expected to visit India next month for trade talks, following an earlier Indian delegation's visit to Washington, DC, in April to finalise an interim pact and advance negotiations for a broader bilateral trade agreement.

Maharashtra Family Arrested For Running Burglary Ring

Maharashtra Family Arrested For Running Burglary Ring

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Police in Thane, Maharashtra, have arrested two men and a teenager, and detained their minor sons, for allegedly carrying out a series of house break-ins and burglaries.

Why Are Properties Linked To Abhishek Banerjee Under KMC Scrutiny?

Why Are Properties Linked To Abhishek Banerjee Under KMC Scrutiny?

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has issued notices to properties linked to TMC's Abhishek Banerjee, seeking building plans for scrutiny amid allegations of unauthorised construction.

'If people don't buy gold...': Jewellers protest against PM's appeal

'If people don't buy gold...': Jewellers protest against PM's appeal

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Jewellers in Lucknow protest Prime Minister Modi's appeal to defer gold purchases for a year amid the West Asia crisis, fearing significant business losses and economic hardship for those involved in the trade.

Security Forces Launch Hostage Rescue Operation In Manipur

Security Forces Launch Hostage Rescue Operation In Manipur

Rediff.com7 days ago

Security forces in Manipur's Kangpokpi district have launched operations to rescue individuals held hostage by armed groups. The operations include area domination exercises and search operations to locate missing persons and apprehend those responsible for the hostage situation.

Govt unlikely to allow West Asia debate in Parl after Jaishankar's reply

Govt unlikely to allow West Asia debate in Parl after Jaishankar's reply

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Indian government is unlikely to allow a parliamentary debate on the West Asia crisis, citing prior briefings by the External Affairs Minister. This decision comes amid opposition protests and a pending no-confidence motion against the Speaker.

Customs To Tighten Vigil Against Gold Smuggling After Duty Hike

Customs To Tighten Vigil Against Gold Smuggling After Duty Hike

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Revenue intelligence and customs officers are set to intensify surveillance and increase vigilance on international borders to combat potential gold smuggling following a significant increase in customs duty on gold.

State Election Results, Crude Oil Prices to Dictate Stock Market Trends This Week

State Election Results, Crude Oil Prices to Dictate Stock Market Trends This Week

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Indian stock markets are poised for volatility this week, driven primarily by the outcomes of five state assembly elections, ongoing high crude oil prices amid West Asia tensions, and the release of Q4 corporate earnings, according to market analysts.

Pak to replace Lahore streets' British, Hindu names with Islamic figures

Pak to replace Lahore streets' British, Hindu names with Islamic figures

Rediff.com6 days ago

Pakistan's Punjab government has approved a plan to restore the names of several streets and roads in Lahore, aiming to revive the city's pre-Partition heritage, an official said on Monday.

EC bans victory rallies in Bengal after poll results

EC bans victory rallies in Bengal after poll results

Rediff.com4 May 2026

West Bengal prohibits victory rallies following election result announcements and addresses concerns regarding agents' access to counting centres.

US, Israel responsible for what's happening to India: Iran

US, Israel responsible for what's happening to India: Iran

Rediff.com11 May 2026

A top Iranian official has blamed the US and Israel for the disruption of global supply chains due to the West Asia conflict, stating that Tehran is not happy about the consequences faced by countries like India.

ITC's Net Profit Up 6.1% in Q4FY26, Driven by Cigarettes and FMCG

ITC's Net Profit Up 6.1% in Q4FY26, Driven by Cigarettes and FMCG

Rediff.com3 days ago

ITC reported a 6.1 per cent year-on-year growth in its consolidated adjusted net profit from continuing operations, reaching ~5,469.74 crore in the January-March quarter (Q4FY26), primarily fuelled by strong performances in its cigarettes and non-cigarette fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) businesses.

Kerala BJP Confident Of Future Power After Assembly Poll Wins

Kerala BJP Confident Of Future Power After Assembly Poll Wins

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed confidence in the party's future in the state, drawing parallels with the BJP's growth in West Bengal. He highlighted the party's focus on development and its commitment to addressing people's issues in the Assembly.

Kerala BJP Eyes Power After Assembly Wins

Kerala BJP Eyes Power After Assembly Wins

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed confidence that the party would eventually capture power in the state, drawing parallels to the party's growth in West Bengal.

Battle for 5 states: THE VERDICT

Battle for 5 states: THE VERDICT

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Track the 2026 assembly election results for Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry, and Kerala with live vote counting updates, candidate leads, and interactive doughnut graphs. Stay informed with real?time numbers, trends, and comprehensive state?wise coverage.

Modi trims convoy to save fuel, pushes EV use; guvs, BJP CMs follow suit

Modi trims convoy to save fuel, pushes EV use; guvs, BJP CMs follow suit

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A downsizing in the prime minister's convoy was implemented in his recent domestic visits, official sources said.

4 South Africa players depart; 9 West Indies stars leave for home

4 South Africa players depart; 9 West Indies stars leave for home

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The ICC said the South African contingent had begun departing for home on Wednesday with "four players and five family members having boarded the flight".

BJP Candidate List 2026 West Bengal: Full Seat-Wise List of 144 Candidates

BJP Candidate List 2026 West Bengal: Full Seat-Wise List of 144 Candidates

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

In a strategic move for the upcoming West Bengal elections, the BJP has announced its first candidate list, highlighted by Suvendu Adhikari challenging Mamata Banerjee in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur.

Suvendu Adhikari's PA Murdered: What We Know

Suvendu Adhikari's PA Murdered: What We Know

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, was shot dead in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The incident has heightened political tensions in the state.

Today's Chanakya exit poll: BJP to win Bengal, DMK to retain TN, mega debut for Vijay

Today's Chanakya exit poll: BJP to win Bengal, DMK to retain TN, mega debut for Vijay

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Exit polls suggest significant shifts in Indian state assembly elections, forecasting BJP gains in West Bengal and Assam, a DMK comeback in Tamil Nadu, and a tight race in Kerala.

Air India defers increments, asks staff to cut costs

Air India defers increments, asks staff to cut costs

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Air India has deferred annual salary increments for its staff by at least one quarter and urged a "relentless focus on costs" due to external headwinds like the closure of Pakistan airspace, West Asia conflict, rupee depreciation, and a significant surge in aviation turbine fuel prices, though the airline has assured there will be no layoffs.

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $6.29 Billion to $696.99 Billion

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $6.29 Billion to $696.99 Billion

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant increase of USD 6.295 billion, reaching USD 696.988 billion for the week ending May 8, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India.

Bengal cops examine CCTV clips to trace killers of Suvendu aide

Bengal cops examine CCTV clips to trace killers of Suvendu aide

Rediff.com7 May 2026

West Bengal Police are investigating the murder of a close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district. The police are examining CCTV footage, have formed multiple teams to trace the assailants, and are probing whether contract killers were involved.

BJP's first govt in Bengal to take oath on May 9; Modi, Shah, Nabin to attend

BJP's first govt in Bengal to take oath on May 9; Modi, Shah, Nabin to attend

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP is set to form its first government in West Bengal, with the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. The event is expected to be attended by prominent BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Haryana leads informal job growth, Gujarat sees sharp contraction in 2025

Haryana leads informal job growth, Gujarat sees sharp contraction in 2025

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Haryana recorded the fastest growth in unincorporated non-agricultural employment among major Indian states in 2025, with a 29.8 per cent increase to 3.1 million workers, while Gujarat experienced the sharpest contraction, declining by 12.6 per cent to 8 million.

Severe heatwave grips India, Banda in UP scorches at 48 deg C

Severe heatwave grips India, Banda in UP scorches at 48 deg C

Rediff.com5 days ago

Large parts of India are experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels. Authorities have issued alerts and health advisories as the heatwave intensifies across multiple states.

Women voters shift away from TMC despite welfare push

Women voters shift away from TMC despite welfare push

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Women voters in West Bengal appear to be shifting their priorities beyond financial assistance, placing greater emphasis on governance and accountability, according to post-election analysis. This shift may have contributed to the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) losses in the recent assembly election, as the BJP's promises and other factors influenced voter sentiment.

Indian Equities Extend Losses as Geopolitical Tensions, FII Outflows Weigh

Indian Equities Extend Losses as Geopolitical Tensions, FII Outflows Weigh

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Indian equity markets, including the Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant downturn for the second consecutive day, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and persistent foreign fund outflows.

Kanpur Man Accused Of Murdering Daughters Attempts Suicide In Jail

Kanpur Man Accused Of Murdering Daughters Attempts Suicide In Jail

Rediff.com7 days ago

A 48-year-old man, Shashi Ranjan Mishra, jailed for allegedly murdering his 11-year-old twin daughters, attempted suicide inside the district jail in Kanpur by slitting his throat with a sharpened steel plate. He is now stable and an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

India's Exports Hit 5-Month High in April, But Trade Deficit Expands

India's Exports Hit 5-Month High in April, But Trade Deficit Expands

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India's exports recorded a 13.78 per cent increase to USD 43.56 billion in April, marking the highest monthly outbound shipments in over four years, primarily driven by petroleum products. However, the trade deficit widened to a three-month high of USD 28.38 billion due to a 10 per cent rise in imports.

Shivraj Chouhan Condemns Murder Of BJP Leader's Assistant

Shivraj Chouhan Condemns Murder Of BJP Leader's Assistant

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has condemned the killing of a BJP leader's personal assistant in West Bengal, accusing the Trinamool Congress of resorting to violence after their electoral defeat.

Three Indian seafarers killed, 1 missing in ongoing West Asia crisis

Three Indian seafarers killed, 1 missing in ongoing West Asia crisis

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Indian government reports casualties among its seafarers due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia and outlines measures to ensure the safety and welfare of its maritime personnel.