News for 'the Middle East'

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Tigers refused to forgive Douglas Devananda and tried to assassinate him repeatedly. He later said: "(LTTE chief Velupillai) Prabhakaran cannot kill me." Destiny proved him right.

Air India cuts 38 int'l flights, suspends 3 routes till July 15

Air India cuts 38 int'l flights, suspends 3 routes till July 15

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The Tata Group-owned airline, grappling with disruptions following the fatal plane crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad, said the objective of reducing flights on 18 international routes is to restore schedule stability and minimise last-minute inconvenience to passengers.

Iran, Israel trade missiles after Trump claims ceasefire

Iran, Israel trade missiles after Trump claims ceasefire

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Iran on Monday launched multiple missiles at US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar -- the largest US military base in the region.

India's manufacturing activity falls to 4-month low in Sep

India's manufacturing activity falls to 4-month low in Sep

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

India's manufacturing sector activity eased in September, as new orders, output and input buying rose at the slowest rates in four months, while job creation retreated to one-year low, a monthly survey said on Wednesday.

US Sanctions May Not Stop Russian Oil Flow To India

US Sanctions May Not Stop Russian Oil Flow To India

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Sanctioning Russian oil would have led to a sharp surge in oil prices to above $80 per barrel levels, which would impact pump prices in the US ahead of midterm elections next year.

Indian airlines may face Rs 77 cr weekly addtional expenses on airspace curbs

Indian airlines may face Rs 77 cr weekly addtional expenses on airspace curbs

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Indian airlines are likely to face additional weekly expenses of Rs 77 crore for international flights operated from north Indian cities as the airspace curbs result in increased fuel consumption and longer flight duration. An analysis of the number of overseas flights and back-of-the-envelope calculations based on increased flight time as well as approximate expenses by PTI showed that the additional monthly operational costs could be over Rs 306 crore.

US will take over Gaza and own it, Trump's big remark

US will take over Gaza and own it, Trump's big remark

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he is not ruling out the deployment of US troops to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza, expressing a vision of 'long-term' US involvement in the territory's redevelopment.

Sensex jumps 1,000 points; Nifty surges over 1%

Sensex jumps 1,000 points; Nifty surges over 1%

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

From the Sensex constituents, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, Adani Ports, Eternal, Bajaj Finserv, NTPC, HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and Axis Bank were among the major gainers. In contrast, Trent, State Bank of India, Tech Mahindra, Maruti and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the laggards.

'Gopi Was A Champion Of Enterprise'

'Gopi Was A Champion Of Enterprise'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'What made Gopi a man above others was his belief that business carried a broader purpose -- creating opportunity and bridging cultures.' Lakshmi Mittal, executive chairman, ArcelorMittal, pays tribute to Gopichand Hinduja who passed into the ages on November 4, 2025.

Air India suspends Tel Aviv flights amid rising tensions

Air India suspends Tel Aviv flights amid rising tensions

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

Air India on Friday announced suspending flights to Tel Aviv till August 8, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

After France, UK, Canada ready to recognise Palestine

After France, UK, Canada ready to recognise Palestine

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Canada will recognise the Palestinian state, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters on Wednesday and reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution.

'War is over in Gaza': Trump as Israel, Hamas free captives

'War is over in Gaza': Trump as Israel, Hamas free captives

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Trump described the his Israel visit as "a very special time," calling it a moment filled with excitement and unity.

Russia New Destination For Indian Workers

Russia New Destination For Indian Workers

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

Older Russians recall Mithun Chakraborty and the song Jimmy Jimmy Aaja from the movie Disco Dancer.

Heartbreak! 10-man East Bengal crash out of AFC Cup

Heartbreak! 10-man East Bengal crash out of AFC Cup

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

East Bengal, playing with 10 men for most of the match, conceded two late goals to FC Arkadag and lost 1-2 in the second leg of the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals.

Modi's Risky Gamble With The Taliban

Modi's Risky Gamble With The Taliban

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

Developing relations with the Taliban is needed, but plunging headlong into Afghanistan without due thought will be akin to the rooster entering a KFC outlet, warns Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd).

US proposes 21-point plan to end Gaza war; no governance role for Hamas

US proposes 21-point plan to end Gaza war; no governance role for Hamas

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

The daily said that the plan which it has acquired was also authenticated by two sources familiar with the matter and sees the US establishing a dialogue with Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a "political horizon" for "peaceful coexistence."

'ALL HELL TO PAY': Trump's ultimatum to Hamas

'ALL HELL TO PAY': Trump's ultimatum to Hamas

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Trump vowed that those responsible for the hostage-taking would be "hit harder" than any previous actions taken against foreign entities by the US.

Sensex, Nifty surge nearly 1% on global rally

Sensex, Nifty surge nearly 1% on global rally

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

On the other hand, Bharat Electronics, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Axis Bank were the laggards. In Asian markets, South Korea's Kospi, Japan's Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai's SSE Composite index and Hong Kong's Hang Seng settled higher.

Strait of Hormuz closure: How it will impact India

Strait of Hormuz closure: How it will impact India

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

US strikes on Iran's three main nuclear facilities have once again raised concerns that Tehran might shut down the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most critical chokepoints, through which a fifth of global oil and gas supply flows.

How Indian Institutions Can Shine On Global Stage

How Indian Institutions Can Shine On Global Stage

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The recipe for Indian higher education institutions to succeed in the global markets is excellence in academics, promoting contemporary socially relevant material, and enabling individuals (learners) to realise their full potential, suggests N Ravichandran.

The World Is A Dangerous Place

The World Is A Dangerous Place

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

After Donald Trump became president of the United States, he unleashed economic weaponisation, upsetting the old world order, leading to much unrest. If that wasn't all, the threat of an imminent nuclear war was issued by the US, Russia, China, North Korea and Pakistan. In today's fractious times, Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios would have made a dent, notes His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III.

No other fixes or solutions...: India on war in Gaza

No other fixes or solutions...: India on war in Gaza

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

"Intermittent pauses in hostilities are not enough to address the scale of humanitarian challenges confronting the people, who grapple daily with acute shortages of food and fuel, inadequate medical services and lack of access to education," Harish said at the open debate on the 'Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question'.

India's services sector growth hits 15-year high in Aug

India's services sector growth hits 15-year high in Aug

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

The Indian services sector growth touched a 15-year high in August, driven by a sharp rise in new orders and output, amid substantial improvement in demand conditions, a monthly survey said on Wednesday. The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index was up from 60.5 in July to 62.9 in August, indicating the steepest rate of expansion since June 2010.

ISL: NorthEast United FC beat Hyderabad FC

ISL: NorthEast United FC beat Hyderabad FC

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

NorthEast United FC came from two goals behind to secure a 5-2 victory against Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) in Hyderabad on Monday.

Pak respects Russia's relations with India, but....: PM Sharif to Putin

Pak respects Russia's relations with India, but....: PM Sharif to Putin

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that his country respects Russia's relations with India, as he called for strengthening Islamabad's ties with Moscow during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing.

Noida Airport set to begin operations post-Diwali

Noida Airport set to begin operations post-Diwali

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Noida International Airport (NIA), being developed as a greenfield aviation hub in Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar, is on track to begin operations by the end of this year.

India's New Travel High: Wellness

India's New Travel High: Wellness

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

While wellness-related facilities and activities used to be considered luxury offerings, hospitality industry executives note that it has now become a mainstream expectation among guests.

Sensex, Nifty rebound nearly 1% on value buying

Sensex, Nifty rebound nearly 1% on value buying

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Among 30 Sensex firms, UltraTech Cement, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, Tata Consultancy Services, Eternal, Asian Paints, Tata Steel and Kotak Mahindra Bank were among the biggest gainers. Tata Motors, Adani Ports and Sun Pharma were the laggards.

India to send multi-party delegations for diplomatic outreach

India to send multi-party delegations for diplomatic outreach

Rediff.com16 May 2025

The diplomatic exercise aimed at presenting India's stance against Pakistan on terror comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor -- the Indian offensive against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

Sensex drops 452 points dragged by bank stocks

Sensex drops 452 points dragged by bank stocks

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

From the Sensex firms, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Maruti, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel and HDFC Bank were among the major laggards. However, Trent, State Bank of India, Bharat Electronics, Titan and Bajaj Finserv were among the gainers.

'China Wants India On A Tight Leash'

'China Wants India On A Tight Leash'

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

'China's basic purpose of taking the Shaksgam Valley was access to the Indian Ocean.'

ISL: Jamshedpur sink NorthEast United to seal semis spot

ISL: Jamshedpur sink NorthEast United to seal semis spot

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Jamshedpur FC defeated NorthEast United FC by 2-0 to enter the semi-finals of the Indian Super League in Shillong on Sunday.

Israel, Iran accept ceasefire, Trump says, 'please don't...'

Israel, Iran accept ceasefire, Trump says, 'please don't...'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

As per Israeli media, at least four people have been killed and several injured after an Iranian missile struck a residential building in Beersheba.

US penalty risk on Russian oil may add $9-11 bn to India's import bill

US penalty risk on Russian oil may add $9-11 bn to India's import bill

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

India's annual oil import bill could rise by $9-11 billion if the country is compelled to move away from Russian crude in response to US threats of additional tariffs or penalties on Indian exports, analysts said. India, the world's third-largest oil consumer and importer, has reaped significant benefits by swiftly substituting market-priced oil with discounted Russian crude following Western sanctions on Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Photos: Floating in a giant salt lake in the Middle-East

Photos: Floating in a giant salt lake in the Middle-East

Rediff.com24 Mar 2018

With its shores being devoured by sinkholes, the Dead Sea would soon disappear right before your eyes.

Lenskart eyeing mega expansion as it readies for IPO

Lenskart eyeing mega expansion as it readies for IPO

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

Eyewear retailer Lenskart plans to add 450 stores in the current financial year, its fastest expansion in three years, as the company prepares for a public listing that could value it at up to $10 billion. The addition would take Lenskart's store count to more than 3,150 across 14 countries, representing a 34 per cent rise from the 334 stores opened last year.

Russia to remain India's No 1 crude oil supplier: Analysts

Russia to remain India's No 1 crude oil supplier: Analysts

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

India's crude oil imports from Russia saw a marginal decline in September, but continued to account for over one-third of the country's total oil purchases, despite US pressure to curb the trade over concerns that it supports Moscow's war effort in Ukraine. India's crude imports in September were around 4.7 million barrels per day, up 220,000 bpd month-on-month and flat year-on-year.

Sensex, Nifty end lower on mounting geopolitical tensions

Sensex, Nifty end lower on mounting geopolitical tensions

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

From the Sensex firms, Adani Ports, Bajaj Finance, Tech Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, Nestle and Tata Steel were among the major laggards. In contrast, Mahindra & Mahindra, Titan, Larsen & Toubro, Bharti Airtel and Maruti were among the gainers.

Won't get Nobel Prize for 'stopping' Indo-Pak war or..., rues Trump

Won't get Nobel Prize for 'stopping' Indo-Pak war or..., rues Trump

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

He then went on to say that, however, he won't get a Nobel Peace Prize for any of his efforts.

India's manufacturing sector hits new high in Aug

India's manufacturing sector hits new high in Aug

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Indian manufacturing sector witnessed the fastest improvement in operating conditions in over 17 years in August, driven by an increased production efficiency and healthy demand conditions, a monthly report said on Monday. The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose from 59.1 in July to 59.3 in August, indicating the fastest improvement in operating conditions for 17-and-a-half years.