News for 'West Asia'

India considers Bangladesh's extradition plea for Sheikh Hasina

India considers Bangladesh's extradition plea for Sheikh Hasina

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

India is currently examining Bangladesh's request for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since her government's collapse in August 2024, with New Delhi confirming the issue is being processed according to established procedures.

Rupee crashes to record 95.80 against USD, settles near all-time low

Rupee crashes to record 95.80 against USD, settles near all-time low

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Indian rupee plummeted to an all-time low of 95.80 against the US dollar, settling at 95.66, driven by elevated crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, despite potential RBI intervention and import curbs on gold.

Conference discusses 'new West Asia'

Conference discusses 'new West Asia'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2007

The first of its kind conference is fully supported by the Communist Party of India-Marxist and also by India Arab Cultural Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia and others.

WFH, avoid foreign travel for 1 year: Modi's 7 big appeals

WFH, avoid foreign travel for 1 year: Modi's 7 big appeals

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Modi has urged citizens to adopt measures like judicious fuel use, postponing gold purchases, and deferring foreign travel to strengthen India's economy in the face of the West Asia conflict's adverse impact.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty slump on global cues

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty slump on global cues

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, mirroring a sharp decline in global equities and a fresh spike in crude oil prices, exacerbated by simmering tensions in West Asia and a global unwinding of the AI-led rally. Track how sensex, Nifty fared on June 8.

It's 60-day ceasefire, not peace deal: Israeli expert

It's 60-day ceasefire, not peace deal: Israeli expert

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Sagiv Steinberg, CEO of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA), described the recent US-Iran peace agreement as a temporary 60-day ceasefire, not a genuine peace deal, suggesting it's timed for the upcoming US midterm elections.

'Evidence of...': Oppn slams Modi over 'WFH, no gold' pitch

'Evidence of...': Oppn slams Modi over 'WFH, no gold' pitch

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for citizens to make economic sacrifices in response to the West Asia conflict, calling it 'evidence of failure'. Gandhi accused Modi of shifting responsibility onto the public and being incapable of running the country.

Cigarette tax hike impacts ITC's Q1 net profit, down 16.2%

Cigarette tax hike impacts ITC's Q1 net profit, down 16.2%

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

ITC reported a 16.2 per cent year-on-year drop in consolidated net profit to 4,394.13 crore in Q1 FY27, primarily due to a significant increase in taxes on its cigarette business. Consolidated net revenues also declined by 11.1 per cent to 19,114 crore, missing analyst estimates.

BRICS Summit: India's Dollar Dilemma

BRICS Summit: India's Dollar Dilemma

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The challenge for India lies in navigating complex landscape to its best advantage. The BRICS Summit will test its navigation skills, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

DBSA Unveils New Format For Delhi State Snooker Championship

DBSA Unveils New Format For Delhi State Snooker Championship

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Delhi Billiards & Snooker Association (DBSA) has announced a new format for the Delhi State 15-Red Snooker Championship, which will now be held in memory of Raja Randhir Singh. The championship will feature a zonal qualification system leading to a 16-player main draw and offers a total prize money of Rs. 3 lakh.

Govt's fertiliser subsidy bill may rise by Rs 70K cr in FY27

Govt's fertiliser subsidy bill may rise by Rs 70K cr in FY27

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India's fertiliser subsidy bill is projected to increase by approximately 70,000 crore, reaching around 2.41 trillion in FY27, primarily due to rising import costs exacerbated by the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Govt Imposes Windfall Tax of Rs3/ltr on Petrol Exports, Cuts Levy on Diesel, ATF

Govt Imposes Windfall Tax of Rs3/ltr on Petrol Exports, Cuts Levy on Diesel, ATF

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Indian government has imposed a new windfall gains tax of Rs 3 per litre on petrol exports, while simultaneously reducing the levy on diesel to Rs 16.5 per litre and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to Rs 16 per litre, effective May 16.

Air India, IndiGo cut flights amid surge in fuel costs, lower demand

Air India, IndiGo cut flights amid surge in fuel costs, lower demand

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express are temporarily reducing their domestic flights due to surging jet fuel prices and lower travel demand. The airlines are cutting flights by 10 to 22 per cent in the coming months.

Why rupee is among the most vulnerable Asian currencies

Why rupee is among the most vulnerable Asian currencies

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Indian rupee is highly vulnerable among Asian currencies, with Barclays and MUFG warning of a potential depreciation towards 100/$ if the West Asia conflict persists, driven by widening current account deficits and elevated crude oil prices.

Be Prepared For Fuel Price Hike!

Be Prepared For Fuel Price Hike!

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'OMCs are incurring losses of Rs 1,000 crore per day due to the West Asia crisis.'

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'One important clarification is that the reported US action is not a blanket cancellation of all US tourist visas.'

US-Iran Peace Deal: Analysts Eye OMCs, Aviation, Infra as Key Beneficiaries

US-Iran Peace Deal: Analysts Eye OMCs, Aviation, Infra as Key Beneficiaries

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A potential US-Iran peace deal, expected to be signed on June 19, is anticipated to ease geopolitical stress and benefit various sectors, particularly in India, with analysts suggesting investors await finer details before making significant moves.

Private Defence Firms Get DRDO Missile Tech Boost

Private Defence Firms Get DRDO Missile Tech Boost

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The move is meant to enhance the operational capability of the armed forces, reduce import dependence and increase domestic value addition.

RBI keeps key interest rate same amid inflation, global risks

RBI keeps key interest rate same amid inflation, global risks

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has maintained its benchmark policy rate at 5.25 per cent for the fourth consecutive meeting, prioritising clarity on inflation trends, particularly concerning energy costs and geopolitical developments.

Iran's Prez Pezeshkian reaches Pak for talks on US pact, regional security

Iran's Prez Pezeshkian reaches Pak for talks on US pact, regional security

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is on a state visit to Pakistan to discuss the full implementation of an agreement signed between Iran and the US, alongside regional and international developments. The visit also aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, following recent high-level talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland regarding regional security.

India's Exports Surge 18% in May, Trade Deficit Expands to $28.21 Billion

India's Exports Surge 18% in May, Trade Deficit Expands to $28.21 Billion

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India's exports reached a six-month high, growing by 18 per cent to USD 45.2 billion in May, driven by electronic goods, petroleum products, engineering items, and pharmaceuticals. However, the trade deficit widened to USD 28.21 billion due to a 10 per cent rise in imports, particularly petroleum products and gold, amidst surging crude oil prices.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty climb in early trade

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty climb in early trade

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty saw gains in early trade, driven by a decline in crude oil prices due to easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and strong buying interest in the IT sector.

Boom in EV two-wheeler demand creates supply bottleneck in India

Boom in EV two-wheeler demand creates supply bottleneck in India

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

India's electric two-wheeler market has seen record penetration, exceeding 11.2 per cent, driven by crude oil price fluctuations. This surge has led to an unexpected crisis for Indian OEMs, with unfulfilled customer demand reaching 20-30 per cent and average waiting periods exceeding four weeks, a situation expected to intensify during the upcoming festival season.

Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in India for BRICS summit; to meet Jaishankar

Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in India for BRICS summit; to meet Jaishankar

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in India for a BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, where discussions will focus on the escalating crisis in West Asia and its impact on global energy supply chains.

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against the 'weaponisation' of technology and critical minerals at the BRICS summit, advocating for cooperation to foster shared prosperity. Concurrently, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans for an open-source AI ecosystem for BRICS nations, positioning Beijing as a key technology partner amid global AI competition.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif signs US-Iran peace deal

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif signs US-Iran peace deal

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the historic peace deal between the United States and Iran as a guarantor; the agreement will see the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade.

India Urges End To Violence After Kuwait Airport Attack Kills Indian National

India Urges End To Violence After Kuwait Airport Attack Kills Indian National

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

India has condemned an attack on Kuwait International Airport, which resulted in the death of one Indian national and injuries to several others. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its call for an end to targeting civilian populations and infrastructure, while the Indian mission in Kuwait provides assistance to affected nationals.

Govt raises import duty on gold, silver after PM's appeal

Govt raises import duty on gold, silver after PM's appeal

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Indian government has increased import duties on gold and silver from 6 per cent to 15 per cent to curb inbound shipments of precious metals amid a rising import bill due to the West Asia crisis.

RBI's New Data Rules Force Banks, NBFCs to Rework Fintech Partnerships

RBI's New Data Rules Force Banks, NBFCs to Rework Fintech Partnerships

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Indian banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are undertaking a comprehensive review and reset of their engagement terms with fintech firms, driven by the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) draft Guidance on Regulatory Expectations for Data Governance and the stringent compliance requirements of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and its 2025 Rules.

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India's foreign policy establishment is adjusting with alacrity in real time -- an extraordinary spectacle in itself, considering the manifest reluctance to indulge in public diplomacy critical of American moves, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Gold extends gains to Rs 1.65 lakh/10g; silver rebounds Rs 5,000

Gold extends gains to Rs 1.65 lakh/10g; silver rebounds Rs 5,000

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Gold prices in the national capital surged by Rs 600 to Rs 1.65 lakh per 10 grams, extending gains for the third consecutive day, while silver rebounded by Rs 5,000 to Rs 2.71 lakh per kilogram, driven by geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns.

Arundhati Bhattacharya: 'Nothing Was Guaranteed, Nothing Was Given'

Arundhati Bhattacharya: 'Nothing Was Guaranteed, Nothing Was Given'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

'Giving up is very easy. But don't give up. Try out whatever you can. Something will happen.'

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei critical, hospitalised: Israeli media

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei critical, hospitalised: Israeli media

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Reports have surfaced in Israeli media claiming that Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in critical condition and has been rushed to a hospital.

Sensex, Nifty Decline on Geopolitical Cues, FII Selling

Sensex, Nifty Decline on Geopolitical Cues, FII Selling

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower for the second consecutive day, driven by investor caution over conflicting geopolitical signals from West Asia and fresh foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows.

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $6.12 Billion to $682.35 Billion

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $6.12 Billion to $682.35 Billion

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 6.118 billion, reaching USD 682.354 billion for the week ending July 24, according to the Reserve Bank of India.

Indian Passenger Vehicle Sales Jump 25% in June, Driven by Maruti, Tata, M&M

Indian Passenger Vehicle Sales Jump 25% in June, Driven by Maruti, Tata, M&M

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Passenger vehicle sales in India are estimated to have surged by nearly 25 per cent in June 2024, reaching approximately 4 lakh units, with Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors PV, and Mahindra & Mahindra leading the growth, despite concerns over geopolitical tensions and monsoon impact.

Iran, UAE FMs spar at BRICS meet in Delhi, Lavrov intervenes to cool tempers

Iran, UAE FMs spar at BRICS meet in Delhi, Lavrov intervenes to cool tempers

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Sharp differences between Iran and the UAE over the West Asia conflict were on full display during the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, signalling the challenges the bloc faces in reaching a consensus position on the crisis.

RBI: US-Iran Deal Shifts Risk Balance Favourably, But Oil Price Spikes Could Raise FX Volatility

RBI: US-Iran Deal Shifts Risk Balance Favourably, But Oil Price Spikes Could Raise FX Volatility

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Reserve Bank of India's Financial Stability Report indicates that the interim peace deal between the US and Iran has favourably shifted the balance of risks, reducing headwinds from the West Asia conflict. However, it cautions that exchange rate volatility could increase if crude oil prices spike due to delayed normalisation of supply chain disruptions.

FIT India Cyclothon Promotes Cycling Amid Fuel Concerns

FIT India Cyclothon Promotes Cycling Amid Fuel Concerns

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the FIT India Cyclothon in Mumbai, advocating for cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. The event, attended by Narsingh Yadav and Jackie Shroff, highlighted the importance of cycling for personal health, environmental sustainability, and energy conservation, especially amidst global fuel supply concerns.

Nomura lifts Nifty target to 25,900, citing robust earnings despite global risks

Nomura lifts Nifty target to 25,900, citing robust earnings despite global risks

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Nomura has increased its March 2027 target for the Nifty 50 to 25,900, driven by strong corporate earnings and attractive market valuations, even as risks from the West Asia conflict and high oil prices persist.