News for 'the Middle East'

Ramping up domestic LPG production to ensure supply: Sitharaman

Ramping up domestic LPG production to ensure supply: Sitharaman

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces increased domestic LPG production to offset import disruptions caused by Middle East tensions, alongside assurances of fertiliser availability and the clearing of UPA-era oil bonds.

Anirban Lahiri Drops Out of Top 10 as Jon Rahm Seizes Share of Lead at LIV Golf Hong Kong

Anirban Lahiri Drops Out of Top 10 as Jon Rahm Seizes Share of Lead at LIV Golf Hong Kong

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

India's Anirban Lahiri had a modest round, falling outside the Top-10 at Liv Golf Hong Kong, while Jon Rahm climbed into a three-way tie for the lead.

Ishaan Tharoor among 300 staff axed by Washington Post

Ishaan Tharoor among 300 staff axed by Washington Post

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Washington Post Guild, the union for staff members, had appealed to the public to send a message to Bezos: "Enough is enough. Without the staff of The Washington Post, there is no Washington Post."

Petrol, diesel losses widen for OMCs; price hike likely post-elections

Petrol, diesel losses widen for OMCs; price hike likely post-elections

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) are reportedly incurring losses of Rs 18 per litre on petrol and Rs 35 per litre on diesel, as they continue to absorb rising crude oil costs without increasing retail prices. This situation is leading to expectations of a fuel price hike after upcoming state elections.

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.

Argentina Steps Up LPG Supply To India

Argentina Steps Up LPG Supply To India

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Argentina has significantly increased its LPG exports to India to help mitigate shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. This partnership is becoming increasingly important for India's energy security.

'For region to be secure....': Iran urges American exit from West Asia

'For region to be secure....': Iran urges American exit from West Asia

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

On Saturday, it was reported that a drone strike had targeted the Fujairah Port in the UAE, triggering a fire.

T20 World Cup: ICC working on alternate flight plans for players and officials after US strikes on Iran

T20 World Cup: ICC working on alternate flight plans for players and officials after US strikes on Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is developing alternate flight plans for players and officials returning from the T20 World Cup following US strikes on Iran.

Pakistan Attempts to Broker Peace in West Asia with High-Level Summit

Pakistan Attempts to Broker Peace in West Asia with High-Level Summit

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Foreign Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye convene in Pakistan for a summit aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with Pakistan actively seeking to broker peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

Pakistan Hosts Key Summit to Address West Asia Tensions

Pakistan Hosts Key Summit to Address West Asia Tensions

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Pakistan is hosting a quadrilateral summit of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye to discuss the conflict in West Asia and explore avenues for peace. The summit includes discussions on regional developments and meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Trump weighs US-Iran 'joint venture' to secure Hormuz after truce

Trump weighs US-Iran 'joint venture' to secure Hormuz after truce

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Washington is considering a "joint venture" with Iran to secure the Strait of Hormuz, following his announcement of a two-week ceasefire.

Rupee surges 52 paise to close at 92.54/USD on US-Iran ceasefire

Rupee surges 52 paise to close at 92.54/USD on US-Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee saw a significant appreciation against the US dollar following President Trump's suspension of military strikes against Iran and the Reserve Bank of India's decision to maintain its key interest rate. Market sentiment was further buoyed by positive comments from the RBI regarding the health of the banking sector.

Foreign investors dump Rs 88,180 cr in Mar; 2026 outflows cross Rs 1 lakh cr

Foreign investors dump Rs 88,180 cr in Mar; 2026 outflows cross Rs 1 lakh cr

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Foreign investors have withdrawn over Rs 88,000 crore from Indian equities this month, driven by geopolitical tensions, a weak rupee, and concerns about rising crude oil prices.

UN chief 'deeply troubled' by Trump's Iran remarks, urges Hormuz freedom

UN chief 'deeply troubled' by Trump's Iran remarks, urges Hormuz freedom

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over US President Donald Trump's warning to Iran and appealed for the re-establishment of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran vows to hit tourist destinations 'beyond' West Asia

Iran vows to hit tourist destinations 'beyond' West Asia

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The threat has raised concerns about possible asymmetric attacks outside the region. Iran has also stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf countries.

Multiple airstrikes reported across Iran as US deadline looms

Multiple airstrikes reported across Iran as US deadline looms

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Tensions between Washington, DC and Tehran have reached a boiling point, as a heavy barrage of aerial strikes was reported across multiple locations in Iran on Tuesday.

Gold climbs to Rs 1.56 lakh/10g amid rising US-Iran tensions

Gold climbs to Rs 1.56 lakh/10g amid rising US-Iran tensions

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Gold prices surged in futures trading due to escalating US-Iran tensions, driving demand for the safe-haven asset.

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Stock Market Crash: 4 Lakh Crore Wiped Out as Sensex Falls 800 Points, Nifty Near 23,000

Stock Market Crash: 4 Lakh Crore Wiped Out as Sensex Falls 800 Points, Nifty Near 23,000

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Indian stock markets tumbled sharply with the Sensex falling 800 points and nearly 4 lakh crore wiped out in a single session. Here are the 6 key factors, including rupee weakness and global cues, behind the crash.

Stock Markets Today March 27, 2026: Sensex tanks 927 points, Nifty50 Falls To 23,025

Stock Markets Today March 27, 2026: Sensex tanks 927 points, Nifty50 Falls To 23,025

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Friday after a two-day rally, tracking a weak trend in global peers, as the US-Iran conflict continues to be a key overhang for the markets. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for March 27, 2026.

Iran allows 10 Pak-flagged ships through Hormuz Strait as a gift to US: Trump

Iran allows 10 Pak-flagged ships through Hormuz Strait as a gift to US: Trump

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Speaking to reporters during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday, Trump said the US had engaged in 'very substantial talks' with Iranian officials and described the tanker movement as proof of seriousness in the discussions.

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The government has sharply reduced excise duty on petrol to 3 and diesel to zero, offering major relief to consumers. Here's how the price cut will impact fuel rates and inflation.

'They sought time': Trump extends pause on Iran strikes for 10 days

'They sought time': Trump extends pause on Iran strikes for 10 days

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed a request from the Iranian government and added that talks between the two sides were 'going very well'.

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Hard Lessons For India

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Hard Lessons For India

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

We, Indians, forgot that for Pakistan, Kashmir dispute and blood feud with India is the raison detre for its existence. It is also the excuse with which the Pak army keeps its grip over the state. Peace in Kashmir and between India and Pakistan is against the interests of the Pak army, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

Last chance before 'all hell' breaks out: Trump to Hamas

Last chance before 'all hell' breaks out: Trump to Hamas

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Friday issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying the militant group is "militarily trapped" and has been given a last chance to agree to a peace deal endorsed by regional and global powers.

R Praggnanandhaa Headlines Youth Surge in Candidates Tournament

R Praggnanandhaa Headlines Youth Surge in Candidates Tournament

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

R Praggnanandhaa leads a fearless new generation at the Candidates 2026 as veterans face a shifting chess landscape ahead of a world title clash.

US weighs easing Iran oil sanctions to curb global price surge

US weighs easing Iran oil sanctions to curb global price surge

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Bessent indicated that the U.S. is evaluating the status of Iranian oil as the current campaign progresses.

Lakshya Sen Stuns Li Shi Feng to Reach All England Open Semifinals

Lakshya Sen Stuns Li Shi Feng to Reach All England Open Semifinals

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Lakshya Sen defeated China's Li Shi Feng to reach the semifinals of the All England Open, continuing his impressive run in the tournament.

If Asha Bhosle Hadn't Become A Singer...

If Asha Bhosle Hadn't Become A Singer...

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Asha Bhosle, the legendary playback singer, had a lifelong passion for cooking, which she considered a stress reliever and a way to connect with loved ones.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

Iran War: 'US Doesn't Depend On Strait of Hormuz For Oil'

Iran War: 'US Doesn't Depend On Strait of Hormuz For Oil'

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

'Neither do the Israelis. The two attacking parties have very little economic interest in Hormuz.'

Pakistan tightens security in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran peace talks

Pakistan tightens security in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran peace talks

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Pakistan has increased security measures in Islamabad and surrounding areas as the US and Iran prepare for another round of peace talks. The move follows an announcement by former US President Donald Trump that American negotiators would be in Pakistan for discussions aimed at resolving the conflict between the two nations.

Rice exporters seek urgent relief as Iran crisis disrupts exports, shipping

Rice exporters seek urgent relief as Iran crisis disrupts exports, shipping

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Indian rice exporters are seeking urgent government support to mitigate the impact of shipping disruptions caused by the Iran crisis and instability in key maritime routes. The disruptions have led to increased freight rates, insurance premiums, and fuel costs, impacting domestic prices and exporter profitability.

'Surrender or certain death': Trump's warning to Iran

'Surrender or certain death': Trump's warning to Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Addressing members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, armed forces, and police, Trump said they must lay down their weapons and accept complete immunity or face 'certain death'.

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

If the Iranian regime needs to be punished for promoting quasi-terrorist outfits like Hezbollah and Hamas, then what about Pakistan which has spent decades exporting terror around the world, killing thousands, particularly in Afghanistan and India? asks M R Narayan Swamy.

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire ends, while Pakistan urged both sides to extend the truce and pursue diplomacy.

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Me and ayatollah will run Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Trump said that the strait will be "open very soon" if ongoing negotiations with Tehran continue successfully.

US-Iran ceasefire: 'Is Pakistan acting for China?'

US-Iran ceasefire: 'Is Pakistan acting for China?'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

After the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire and expressed hope for lasting peace, Pakistan took much of the credit for playing mediator between the two countries. However, Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies and former US Treasury counterterrorism analyst, said Pakistan is deeply indebted to China.

'Just reading statement without...': Oppn demands debate on Iran war

'Just reading statement without...': Oppn demands debate on Iran war

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Opposition parties are demanding a full Parliament discussion on the West Asia conflict, criticising the government's silence and calling for a contingency plan to protect India's energy security and citizens.

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Five members of the Iranian women's football team, who initially sought asylum in Australia, have withdrawn their claims and are returning to Iran.