News for 'West Asia'

Centre deploys tool to prevent fertiliser shortage

Centre deploys tool to prevent fertiliser shortage

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

India's fertiliser ministry has introduced a new analytical tool and a national-to-retail dashboard to monitor fertiliser dispatches, movement, and inventories in real time, aiming to prevent localised shortages and ensure equitable access for farmers.

PSBs' Profit Nearly Trebles in Five Years to Record Rs 1.98 Trillion

PSBs' Profit Nearly Trebles in Five Years to Record Rs 1.98 Trillion

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's public sector banks (PSBs) have seen their net profit nearly treble over the past five years, reaching a record Rs 1.98 trillion in FY26, driven by significant improvements in asset quality and sustained lending growth across key economic sectors.

Jolt for West Asia trade

Jolt for West Asia trade

Rediff.com30 Nov 2009

How will the financial crisis in Dubai affect exporters and importers in India?

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty slide as global cues weaken, foreign funds exit

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty slide as global cues weaken, foreign funds exit

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a decline in early trade, mirroring weak global market trends and persistent outflows from foreign institutional investors (FIIs), exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia.

India's dilemma in West Asia

India's dilemma in West Asia

Rediff.com11 Mar 2011

India has handled the West Asia crisis with finesse so far and it should not be abandoned for a false sense of having to stand up to the West. We should strive for gradual and peaceful change with the necessary flexibility in our approach, says T P Sreenivasan.

Wholesale Price Inflation Eases to 9.78% in July, Driven by Fuel and Food Price Moderation

Wholesale Price Inflation Eases to 9.78% in July, Driven by Fuel and Food Price Moderation

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's wholesale price index (WPI) inflation marginally eased to 9.78 per cent in July 2026, down from 9.87 per cent in June, primarily due to a cooling in the prices of fuel, power, and food items, marking the first month-on-month drop under the new 2022-23 base year.

Pakistan Cricket Board set for major shake-up amidst performance concerns

Pakistan Cricket Board set for major shake-up amidst performance concerns

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised for a significant overhaul under chairman Mohsin Naqvi, with anticipated changes to the national selection committee and the release of key personnel like Aqib Javed and Wahab Riaz. This comes amidst a losing streak and internal turmoil, prompting radical measures to improve the team's performance and administrative efficiency.

Rohit-Gill or Jaiswal? Coach reveals India's ODI plan

Rohit-Gill or Jaiswal? Coach reveals India's ODI plan

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the preferred opening pair, while urging Yashasvi Jaiswal to continue working hard for his opportunities. Kotak also highlighted the invaluable experience of senior players like Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja in preparing the team for the 2027 World Cup, emphasising a series-by-series planning approach. He also confirmed Shubman Gill's fitness for the upcoming match.

Chinese Prez Xi to visit India for BRICS Summit; to hold talks with Modi

Chinese Prez Xi to visit India for BRICS Summit; to hold talks with Modi

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to India for the BRICS summit is a pivotal diplomatic event poised to significantly impact bilateral ties and global cooperation amidst ongoing international instability.

India-US ties momentum intact, will emerge stronger in future: Rubio

India-US ties momentum intact, will emerge stronger in future: Rubio

Rediff.com24 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says relations between India and the US have not lost momentum and are set to strengthen, with hopes for a trade deal soon.

RBI likely to hike rates by 50 bps as inflation breaches tolerance band

RBI likely to hike rates by 50 bps as inflation breaches tolerance band

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Economists widely anticipate the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee will increase the repo rate by 50 basis points, likely split between the October and December meetings, as retail inflation is projected to peak at 6.1 per cent in the third quarter, exceeding the RBI's tolerance limit.

And Life Goes On In Tehran Amidst The War

And Life Goes On In Tehran Amidst The War

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Explore the resilient daily life in Tehran, where residents navigate geopolitical tensions and economic challenges with routine activities, showcasing a striking contrast between normalcy and underlying uncertainty.

Can Food Prices Cool Before 2026 Ends?

Can Food Prices Cool Before 2026 Ends?

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'I don't really expect the August increase in food prices, which was close to 6 per cent, to persist as we go close to the end of this year.'

BJP Leader Mithun Chakraborty Criticises West Bengal's Fuel Taxes and Law & Order

BJP Leader Mithun Chakraborty Criticises West Bengal's Fuel Taxes and Law & Order

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty has criticised the West Bengal government over high fuel taxes and alleged security lapses, particularly concerning women's safety and border control.

Pickaxe Mountain next? Trump warns Iran nuclear site could be hit 'very soon'

Pickaxe Mountain next? Trump warns Iran nuclear site could be hit 'very soon'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said the United States could "hit" Iran's heavily fortified underground nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain "very soon", days after Washington targeted Iranian military targets.

Air India UK Traffic Slumps After Crash

Air India UK Traffic Slumps After Crash

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Passenger traffic Y-o-Y fell 26.8 per cent in April and 24.6 per cent in May, while capacity declined 9.6 per cent and 11.3 per cent, respectively.

Hindu Outfit's Visit Provokes Eiffel Staff Strike

Hindu Outfit's Visit Provokes Eiffel Staff Strike

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Eiffel Tower employees launched a strike, leading to the iconic landmark's closure, after allegations surfaced that female staff were asked to vacate their posts during a visit by the Hindu religious organisation BAPS.

Is koda-VW Finally Bring a Mass-Market EV to India?

Is koda-VW Finally Bring a Mass-Market EV to India?

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

koda Auto Volkswagen India is actively exploring various approaches to penetrate India's burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market, including importing global models, local assembly, and developing highly localised products, as EV penetration is expected to reach 17-18% by the end of the decade.

Forex Reserves See Massive $14.14 Billion Jump to $707 Billion

Forex Reserves See Massive $14.14 Billion Jump to $707 Billion

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw one of their largest weekly expansions, surging by USD 14.136 billion to reach USD 707.002 billion during the week ended August 7, according to the Reserve Bank of India.

Modi, Putin bolster trade, defence, energy ties; discuss Ukraine peace efforts

Modi, Putin bolster trade, defence, energy ties; discuss Ukraine peace efforts

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held extensive discussions to strengthen bilateral trade, defence, and energy cooperation, while also addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and exploring avenues for peace and resolution, with Modi reiterating India's call for dialogue and diplomacy.

'Next Two Quarters Will Be Tough For Markets'

'Next Two Quarters Will Be Tough For Markets'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

'I don't see fear becoming a dominant factor for retail investors.'

India's Forex Kitty Drops by $5.65 Billion to $666.93 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Drops by $5.65 Billion to $666.93 Billion

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant drop of USD 5.654 billion, settling at USD 666.933 billion for the week ending June 26, following interventions by the RBI and public appeals by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conserve forex.

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The World Bank has increased India's economic growth projection for FY27 to 6.6 per cent, citing resilient domestic demand, while simultaneously cutting its global economic growth outlook due to the conflict in West Asia.

Global Equities Face Correction Risk as Treasury Yields Climb

Global Equities Face Correction Risk as Treasury Yields Climb

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Higher US Treasury yields, particularly the 10-year yield approaching 5 per cent, pose a significant near-term risk to global equity markets, including India, potentially triggering a 'big correction' according to market strategists.

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

New Delhi was told it had given something up; in reality it had stopped talking about it, notes Dr Abhishek Puri.

'Well deserved': Mithali's special message for Smriti Mandhana

'Well deserved': Mithali's special message for Smriti Mandhana

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has surpassed Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket across all formats, achieving this milestone with a sensational 124-run innings against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup 2026. Mithali Raj congratulated Mandhana on her achievement.

FPIs inject Rs 30,919 crore into Indian equities, extending buying streak

FPIs inject Rs 30,919 crore into Indian equities, extending buying streak

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have injected Rs 30,919 crore into Indian equities in August, marking their second consecutive month of net buying. This follows a Rs 20,200 crore investment in July, indicating a potential reversal after four months of significant outflows, driven by improving corporate earnings, resilient economic activity, and a stable rupee.

Xi, Putin, Pezeshkian: BRICS' power-packed guest list

Xi, Putin, Pezeshkian: BRICS' power-packed guest list

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together numerous world leaders including presidents from China, Russia, South Africa, Iran, and Egypt, along with prime ministers and foreign ministers from other nations. The summit will feature bilateral talks and highlights the expanded BRICS grouping's growing global influence and India's significant role as a founding member and current chair.

RBI Governor Signals Action If Iran War Leads To Entrenched Inflation

RBI Governor Signals Action If Iran War Leads To Entrenched Inflation

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'If the war continue for a longer period of time, it is just a matter of time before the government will pass on some of the price increases.'

UN cuts India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.4%, cites global uncertainties

UN cuts India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.4%, cites global uncertainties

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The United Nations has revised downward India's economic growth forecast for 2026 to 6.4 per cent from an earlier 6.6 per cent, attributing the change to global uncertainties and economic shocks stemming from the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Orangutans found in Odisha forest: Hunt on for black SUV

Orangutans found in Odisha forest: Hunt on for black SUV

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Odisha Police's STF and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating the rescue of five baby orangutans in Balasore, suspecting an international wildlife trafficking network. The probe focuses on a black SUV seen near the rescue site and potential routes from West Bengal, with officials believing the animals were trafficked from Southeast Asia. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for stringent action against those involved.

India can return to over 7% growth path in FY28: CEA

India can return to over 7% growth path in FY28: CEA

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stated that India's economy is projected to return to a 7 per cent-plus growth trajectory by 2027-28 (FY28), or sooner if external conditions improve, despite near-term challenges from the West Asia crisis.

India's Forex Kitty Swells by $10.5 Billion to $692.87 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Swells by $10.5 Billion to $692.87 Billion

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant increase of $10.512 billion, reaching $692.866 billion for the week ending July 31, driven by a rise in foreign currency assets and gold reserves.

Chhoti SIP Growth Faces High Exit Rates

Chhoti SIP Growth Faces High Exit Rates

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

'Periods of heightened volatility, driven by global events such as tariffs and geopolitical tensions over the past year-and-a-half, can make some investors pause or discontinue their investments.'

Putin to brief Modi on Ukraine war at New Delhi summit

Putin to brief Modi on Ukraine war at New Delhi summit

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to India for the BRICS summit, Russia has expressed support for New Delhi's peace initiatives to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Discussions between Putin and PM Modi will cover defence, energy, technology, and the repatriation of Indian nationals from the Russian military, alongside addressing trade and investment ties.

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

US Vice-President J D Vance's unexpected phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 8 has ignited speculation about a potential diplomatic overture, possibly seeking India's support amidst the escalating US-Iran conflict and a shifting global power landscape, suggests Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

FC Goa face tricky AFC Challenge League group

FC Goa face tricky AFC Challenge League group

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

FC Goa has been drawn into a challenging group for the AFC Challenge League 2026-27, Asia's third-tier men's club competition. They will face Qadsia SC of Kuwait, Fortis FC of Bangladesh, and FC Regar-TadAZ of Tajikistan in Group C, with matches hosted in Kuwait. This follows their recent exit from the AFC Champions League 2 preliminary stage.

NBFCs show strong Q4, but near-term outlook remains cautious

NBFCs show strong Q4, but near-term outlook remains cautious

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) reported encouraging results for Q4FY26 with improved asset quality and earnings, but analysts maintain a cautious near-term outlook due to geopolitical tensions, monsoon risks, and specific portfolio concerns.

Pak steps up US-Iran peace push with third ministerial visit to Tehran

Pak steps up US-Iran peace push with third ministerial visit to Tehran

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for the third time recently to mediate peace amidst rising tensions between the US and Iran. Pakistan is actively leading diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, which has impacted global energy markets and trade.

Basmati rice exports rose 22% till February FY24 on West Asia demand

Basmati rice exports rose 22% till February FY24 on West Asia demand

Rediff.com28 Apr 2024

Exports of high-quality basmati rice from India grew by 22 per cent to $5.2 billion during April 2023-February 2024, amid robust demand, primarily from West Asia. According to data compiled by the commerce department, exports of basmati rice increased to 4.68 million metric tonnes (MMT) in April-February, from 4.1 MMT during the same period a year ago, registering a growth of 14 per cent.