News for 'West Front'

Trump backs India-Middle East-Europe corridor amid Iran war

Trump backs India-Middle East-Europe corridor amid Iran war

Rediff.com10 hours ago

US President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), citing the necessity to move energy infrastructure away from Iranian checkpoints following attacks in West Asia. He made these remarks during a multilateral meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council at the UN General Assembly, emphasising the corridor's role in overcoming regional challenges.

Pakistan is staring at lockdown due to fuel shortage

Pakistan is staring at lockdown due to fuel shortage

Rediff.com7 days ago

Pakistan's government is exploring measures, including potential smart lockdowns and austerity, to reduce petroleum consumption. This comes after recent fuel price hikes driven by rising global oil prices and West Asia tensions, which have also raised concerns about oil supply disruptions. The government is also implementing a fuel relief scheme and faces public pressure over the price increases.

Shan Masood ruled out of second Test vs West Indies due to fractured finger

Shan Masood ruled out of second Test vs West Indies due to fractured finger

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Pakistan's top-order batter Shan Masood has been ruled out of the second and final Test against West Indies after fracturing his index finger during the first match, an injury sustained despite scoring a first-innings century.

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Rediff.com3 days ago

Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.

Cong refuses to withdraw Nandigram candidate despite arrest

Cong refuses to withdraw Nandigram candidate despite arrest

Rediff.com4 days ago

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that the Congress would not withdraw its candidate Milan Pradhan from the Nandigram Assembly bypoll in West Bengal, despite his recent arrest. Pradhan was apprehended in connection with a 2007 anti-land acquisition movement case, shortly after the Trinamool Congress extended its support to him. Venugopal alleged political pressure and questioned the Election Commission's silence, vowing to elevate the issue to a national level.

West Indies Recall McKenzie For Pakistan Tests; Bishop Earns Maiden Call-up

West Indies Recall McKenzie For Pakistan Tests; Bishop Earns Maiden Call-up

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

West Indies have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against Pakistan, featuring a maiden call-up for left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop and the return of Kirk McKenzie. The squad sees some changes due to injuries and personal reasons, with the series set to begin on Saturday.

India plays peacemaker, brokers Iran-UAE talks at BRICS

India plays peacemaker, brokers Iran-UAE talks at BRICS

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

India successfully facilitated a significant diplomatic meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. This interaction, a diplomatic breakthrough given ongoing West Asia conflicts, occurred as BRICS adopted a declaration urging restraint and protection of civilians in the region, highlighting the bloc's commitment to peace and stability.

Selectors to weigh Pant's white-ball comeback, Hardik's fitness for Windies series

Selectors to weigh Pant's white-ball comeback, Hardik's fitness for Windies series

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

National selectors are set to convene in New Delhi to finalise India's ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming home series against West Indies, with Rishabh Pant's potential white-ball return and Hardik Pandya's fitness being the primary discussion points.

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Election Commission has allotted the 'Football Player' symbol to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, while the rival Arup Roy-led group will contest with the 'Envelope' symbol.

Iranian President reaches Delhi for BRICS Summit, to meet Modi today

Iranian President reaches Delhi for BRICS Summit, to meet Modi today

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS summit, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance trade and strengthen overall relations. His visit is particularly significant given the heightened tensions in West Asia and recent US economic sanctions against Iran. Pezeshkian highlighted BRICS' role in fostering economic resilience and reducing dependence on the US dollar, while the summit itself aims to address global challenges and bolster collective resilience in critical sectors.

Ganeshotsav 2026: Bappa Pics: From Ahmedabad to Germany

Ganeshotsav 2026: Bappa Pics: From Ahmedabad to Germany

Rediff.com4 days ago

Families from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Noida, Nagpur, and even Magdeburg in Germany share their Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations with unique decorations, heartfelt prayers, and festive devotion.

'Due reward': Ian Bishop hails Shafali Verma after landmark T20I century

'Due reward': Ian Bishop hails Shafali Verma after landmark T20I century

Rediff.com3 days ago

Shafali Verma smashed an unbeaten 100 off 49 balls against Bangladesh, becoming the first Indian woman to score an Asian Games century and strengthening her record-breaking 2026 T20I campaign.

FDA suspends licences of Mumbai's iconic Cafe Mondegar, 3 other eateries

FDA suspends licences of Mumbai's iconic Cafe Mondegar, 3 other eateries

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of popular Mumbai restaurant Cafe Mondegar and three other food establishments due to serious food safety and hygiene violations. This action is part of an intensified crackdown by the FDA, which also saw inspections of 38 establishments, seizure of substandard food products worth over Rs 15 lakh, and action against banned gutkha products totalling Rs 1.35 crore in seized goods and vehicles across Maharashtra.

Smriti Irani, Ram Madhav among new BJP state in-charges

Smriti Irani, Ram Madhav among new BJP state in-charges

Rediff.com1 hour ago

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant reshuffle of its state in-charges and co-in-charges across all 28 states and eight Union territories, with prominent leaders like Smriti Irani and Ram Madhav assigned to crucial states, as the party gears up for upcoming assembly elections.

Police Form Teams To Nab Former MLA, Dismissed Cop In Farmhouse Rape Case

Police Form Teams To Nab Former MLA, Dismissed Cop In Farmhouse Rape Case

Rediff.com1 days ago

Police in Thane have formed six teams to apprehend former BJP MLA Narendra Pawar and dismissed police officer Shailendra Patil, who are accused of raping a 22-year-old woman at a farmhouse. The duo has been absconding since the FIR was registered, and crucial CCTV footage from the farmhouse is also missing.

Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after talks at BRICS

Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after talks at BRICS

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian concluded his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit, announcing that Iran and the UAE agreed to move past previous tensions. This diplomatic breakthrough occurred during talks with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince on the summit sidelines. Pezeshkian also met with PM Modi to discuss bilateral ties and West Asia developments, with Modi emphasising dialogue for regional peace. The BRICS summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, calling for global governance reforms and de-escalation in West Asia.

Wholesale Inflation Hits 9.92% in August, Driven by Food, Fuel, Manufactured Goods

Wholesale Inflation Hits 9.92% in August, Driven by Food, Fuel, Manufactured Goods

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

India's wholesale price-based inflation (WPI) increased to 9.92 per cent in August, up from 9.78 per cent in July, primarily due to rising prices across food, manufactured items, and fuel and power sectors.

'Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his opportunity': Gambhir

'Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his opportunity': Gambhir

Rediff.com5 days ago

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has clarified that young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will need to wait for his T20I debut, prioritising consistent performers like Sanju Samson. Gambhir also addressed the impact of the Asian Games on the ODI squad selection for the upcoming West Indies series, highlighting opportunities for new talent.

Crude Oil Futures Surge Over 3% as West Asia Tensions Revive Supply Disruption Fears

Crude Oil Futures Surge Over 3% as West Asia Tensions Revive Supply Disruption Fears

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Crude oil futures surged over 3 per cent, snapping a three-session losing streak, as renewed military escalation in West Asia revived fears of supply disruptions, driving prices higher on both domestic and international exchanges.

UK Boosts Maritime Ties With US Torpedo Test

UK Boosts Maritime Ties With US Torpedo Test

Rediff.com1 days ago

The UK has successfully test-fired a US torpedo from an undersea drone, marking a significant advancement in submarine technology for the AUKUS partners (UK, US, Australia). This development coincides with Prime Minister Andy Burnham's visit to the UN General Assembly, where he is discussing global challenges like AI, the Ukraine conflict, and West Asia security with international leaders, and announced the UK will host the G20 Leaders' Summit in Manchester next November.

Typhoon Dujuan nears Tokyo, Asian Games on alert

Typhoon Dujuan nears Tokyo, Asian Games on alert

Rediff.com2 days ago

Typhoon Dujuan is approaching East Japan's Pacific Coast, bringing warnings of heavy rain, strong winds, and landslides. The typhoon has already caused transportation disruptions and led to the postponement of an equestrian event at the Asian Games venue.

Former owners Boehly and Walter sell Chelsea holdings to Clearlake

Former owners Boehly and Walter sell Chelsea holdings to Clearlake

Rediff.com6 days ago

Clearlake Capital Group is set to acquire the minority interests of co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter, taking full control of Chelsea FC, with Boehly stepping down as chairman.

Enemies Beware! India Widens Missile Testing Infrastructure

Enemies Beware! India Widens Missile Testing Infrastructure

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Specialised range taking shape in Andhra Pradesh, while West Bengal clears way for DRDO's new testing facility.

Saudi warns Houthis as drone intercepted over Mecca

Saudi warns Houthis as drone intercepted over Mecca

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Saudi-led coalition issued a stern warning to Yemen's Houthi rebels after intercepting a drone targeting Mecca, Islam's holiest city. Describing it as a "hostile and terrorist act," the coalition declared the security of holy sites a "red line" and vowed deterrent measures. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with both sides exchanging accusations of military operations and civilian targeting.

Snubbed Rishabh Pant to lead Rest of India in Irani Cup

Snubbed Rishabh Pant to lead Rest of India in Irani Cup

Rediff.com7 days ago

Rishabh Pant, recently excluded from India's white-ball squad, has been appointed captain of the Rest of India team for the upcoming Irani Cup match against Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir.

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Rediff.com7 days ago

TMC MP Mahua Moitra was allegedly pelted with eggs by BJP workers during a visit to Nadia district's Tehatta area, despite police presence. Moitra invoked a recent Supreme Court observation regarding her apprehension of such attacks, questioning police inaction and alleging contempt of court. The BJP has condemned the act but denied involvement.

Govt Deliberates Allowing Airport Operators to Own Airlines Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

Govt Deliberates Allowing Airport Operators to Own Airlines Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

Rediff.com15 hours ago

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu stated that no decision has been made regarding allowing Delhi and Mumbai airport operators to own and run airlines, as the government is carefully considering the implications of relaxing cross-ownership restrictions, including potential conflicts of interest and the need for more airlines.

Mamata camp names bypoll candidates amid fight for symbol

Mamata camp names bypoll candidates amid fight for symbol

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress faction has announced Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) and Rabiul Alam Chowdhury as its candidates for the upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly by-elections in West Bengal. This announcement comes amidst a significant split within the TMC, with a rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee also vying for control of the party's name and symbol. The Election Commission is currently deliberating on the claims of both factions, a decision that will critically impact the by-polls scheduled for October 6.

Hrithik's Mum Buys Flats For Rs 67.30 Cr

Hrithik's Mum Buys Flats For Rs 67.30 Cr

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Pinky Roshan has acquired adjoining apartments for a staggering Rs 67.30 crore.

Kolkata's Lenin, Marx, Ho Chi Minh roads on BJP govt's renaming list

Kolkata's Lenin, Marx, Ho Chi Minh roads on BJP govt's renaming list

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

A committee formed by West Bengal's BJP government is considering proposals to rename several prominent roads, bridges, and public places in Kolkata, including those named after communist leaders Vladimir Lenin, Karl Marx, and Ho Chi Minh. This move has sparked sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M), who view it as "vendetta politics" and an attempt to disrespect differing ideologies.

BJP fields slain Suvendu aide's mother from Nandigram

BJP fields slain Suvendu aide's mother from Nandigram

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The BJP has announced Hasirani Rath, mother of slain former aide to Suvendu Adhikari, as its candidate for the Nandigram bypoll, aiming for an emotive campaign. The party also named Sakharav Sarkar for the Rejinagar seat. These bypolls are set against a backdrop of multi-cornered contests and internal TMC disputes, with voting scheduled for October 6.

West Asia Tensions Drive Marine War-Risk Premiums Up 200%

West Asia Tensions Drive Marine War-Risk Premiums Up 200%

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Marine war-risk premiums for West Asian shipping routes, particularly the Red Sea corridor, have surged by as much as 200 per cent due to renewed geopolitical tensions, with some high-risk transits seeing increases of over 1,000 per cent, according to industry brokers.

Sending troops to Ukraine means...: Putin's warning to Europe

Sending troops to Ukraine means...: Putin's warning to Europe

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Putin has issued a stark warning to European nations, declaring that any deployment of troops to Ukraine would be met with 'war with Russia'.

BRICS should be non-Western, not anti-Western: Tharoor

BRICS should be non-Western, not anti-Western: Tharoor

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has articulated India's position on BRICS, advocating for it to be a "non-West, but not anti-West" platform, a stance he believes is crucial for India's national interest. He highlighted the prestige of hosting the BRICS summit, India's responsibility to represent the Global South, and the significance of bilateral meetings, particularly with China and Russia. Tharoor also addressed the strained India-China relations, citing border issues and trade leverage, and discussed the challenges within BRICS, including difficulties in achieving consensus on global issues and trade imbalances, while also considering the need for diversified international relations amidst unpredictable US sanctions.

Has BRICS Summit Opened New India-China Chapter?

Has BRICS Summit Opened New India-China Chapter?

Rediff.com2 days ago

Xi's bilateral meeting with Modi was substantial and readouts from both sides gave indications of rapprochement, if not a reset of bilateral relations between India and China, notes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Suvendu Adhikari Accuses 'Bhaipo Gang' In Chandranath Rath Murder Case

Suvendu Adhikari Accuses 'Bhaipo Gang' In Chandranath Rath Murder Case

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has accused the "bhaipo gang," allegedly linked to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, of involvement in the murder of his personal assistant, Chandranath Rath. The allegations come as Rath's mother, Hasirani Rath, was nominated by the BJP for the Nandigram by-election. Adhikari claimed Rs 2 crore was spent on the murder and that the CBI investigation is progressing, with phone records and a money courier identified.

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.

Sensex, Nifty end in red on US Tariffs, West Asia Tensions

Sensex, Nifty end in red on US Tariffs, West Asia Tensions

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, recorded their fifth consecutive day of losses, driven by investor caution over rising oil prices due to West Asia tensions and renewed concerns regarding US trade tariffs.

TMC rebellion: Mamata faces her own political weapon

TMC rebellion: Mamata faces her own political weapon

Rediff.com5 days ago

Mamata Banerjee, who founded the Trinamool Congress through an act of rebellion against the Congress, now faces a similar internal revolt that threatens the very identity of her party. The Election Commission's interim decision to withhold the TMC name and symbol for the upcoming bypolls highlights a deeper struggle for political inheritance. This situation, unprecedented for the party, forces both Mamata's loyalists and rebels to seek electoral recognition without their established identity, marking a significant challenge to her long-standing dominance.

Another Mamata candidate withdraws, retracts hours later

Another Mamata candidate withdraws, retracts hours later

Rediff.com4 days ago

Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, Mamata Banerjee's party's candidate for the Rejinagar by-election, initially announced his withdrawal from the contest due to harassment of workers and symbol unfamiliarity, but retracted his statement within hours after intervention from the party's top leadership and Mamata Banerjee herself, confirming he will now contest the October 6 poll.