News for 'west asia'

Why Mirabai Chanu Is Skipping Asian Championships

Why Mirabai Chanu Is Skipping Asian Championships

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Mirabai Chanu will miss the Asian Championships due to a shoulder injury sustained during the National Championships. Komal Kohar is expected to replace her in the Indian team.

RBI's forex gains jump 52% in FY26, balance sheet swells

RBI's forex gains jump 52% in FY26, balance sheet swells

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported a significant 52 per cent year-on-year increase in gains from foreign exchange transactions, reaching 1.69 trillion in FY26. This surge occurred despite the central bank selling a gross $195 billion in the spot market to manage rupee volatility, which saw a 9.85 per cent depreciation.

India Targets 2027 for Formula 1 Grand Prix Comeback

India Targets 2027 for Formula 1 Grand Prix Comeback

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is advocating for a Formula 1 race in India by 2027, with potential interest from multiple companies to operate the Buddh International Circuit.

Modi condemns Iran attacks on Bahrain, Saudi; calls for restoring peace

Modi condemns Iran attacks on Bahrain, Saudi; calls for restoring peace

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the King of Bahrain and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, condemning recent attacks on both countries and emphasising the importance of regional peace and stability.

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic tour to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials, energy talks, and a Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Govt identifies households with dual LPG, PNG connections

Govt identifies households with dual LPG, PNG connections

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The government is identifying households with both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and piped natural gas (PNG) connections to enforce a ban on dual ownership, aiming to curb misuse and better target subsidies amid global energy supply disruptions.

France, UK to take lead in Hormuz navigation mission: Macron

France, UK to take lead in Hormuz navigation mission: Macron

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative to restore free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainty over the virtual control of the strategic waterway between the US and Iran.

In a fresh message, Khamenei extols sacrifice and martyrdom

In a fresh message, Khamenei extols sacrifice and martyrdom

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday extolled the sacrifice and martyrdom of senior Iranian armed forces leaders as the conflict in West Asia enters into its second month.

Oil surges over 25% to $116.5 per barrel

Oil surges over 25% to $116.5 per barrel

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Brent crude prices surged sharply on Monday, rising by more than 25 per cent to $116.5 per barrel, amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has made crude prices bullish.

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to mediate between the US and Iran to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in West Asia, following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran. Sharif has been in contact with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other nations to promote dialogue and diplomacy.

Gulf War: Nasscom Warns Firms Of Cyber Threat Surge

Gulf War: Nasscom Warns Firms Of Cyber Threat Surge

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Periods of geopolitical uncertainty often see a rise in coordinated cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and infrastructure targeting.'

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Air India and Air India Express are introducing a fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights due to rising jet fuel prices, impacting travel costs for passengers.

India 'deplores' attack on Gujarat-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz

India 'deplores' attack on Gujarat-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

India has condemned the escalating attacks on commercial shipping in West Asia, particularly after a Thai-flagged vessel en route to India's Kandla Port was targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks have disrupted global oil and gas supplies, impacting India's energy imports.

R&AW's Big Success: Trapping Musharraf In Kargil War

R&AW's Big Success: Trapping Musharraf In Kargil War

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

'We caught General Pervez Musharraf talking over the phone with his Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Mohammad Aziz. Musharraf was visiting China; Aziz was in Rawalpindi.'

Not blocking Strait of Hormuz, clarifies US

Not blocking Strait of Hormuz, clarifies US

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States has clarified that its naval blockade in West Asia targets Iranian ports and coastline, not the Strait of Hormuz, applying to all ships regardless of nationality. US officials warned Iran against threatening commercial ships and hinted at ceasefire negotiations as an alternative.

Syria wants nuclear-free West Asia

Syria wants nuclear-free West Asia

Rediff.com30 Dec 2003

The move was apparently aimed at Israel, which neither admits nor denies possessing nuclear weapons but is perceived by the countries in the region to have such arms.

Conflict and Ramzan Reduce Foreign Participation at Para Athletics Grand Prix

Conflict and Ramzan Reduce Foreign Participation at Para Athletics Grand Prix

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi has been significantly affected by the conflict in West Asia and the month of Ramzan, leading to a sharp decline in international participation.

Only reason they're alive is...: Trump warns Iran before talks

Only reason they're alive is...: Trump warns Iran before talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Former US President Donald Trump has criticised Iran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a form of 'extortion' amid ongoing negotiations for a peace deal. The remarks come as Iran considers imposing transit fees on vessels crossing the strategic waterway.

Taking all steps to address LPG crisis: Centre to HC

Taking all steps to address LPG crisis: Centre to HC

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Central government has assured the Bombay High Court that it is taking steps to address the LPG shortage caused by the conflict in West Asia. The court accepted the submission and disposed of a petition filed by LPG distributors.

'Why Did US Shoot A Missile Killing Indians?'

'Why Did US Shoot A Missile Killing Indians?'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

'The US was well aware of the nationality of the seafarers on board the vessels. It was not hidden. The nationality of those aboard a merchant ship is known to all the ports.' 'So, why did US shoot a missile that resulted in the deaths of the Indian mariners?'

Delhi ministers switch to virtual meets, metro, EVs, e-bicycles to save fuel

Delhi ministers switch to virtual meets, metro, EVs, e-bicycles to save fuel

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Following Prime Minister Modi's appeal, Delhi ministers are adopting measures like using public transport, electric vehicles, and virtual meetings to reduce fuel consumption and cut expenditure.

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing the LPG crisis, lack of energy security, and concerns over the Economic Stabilisation Fund.

We'll have to start dropping bombs again: Trump on Iran truce

We'll have to start dropping bombs again: Trump on Iran truce

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the US prefers a negotiated settlement and expects cooperation from Iran on securing nuclear-related materials.

Will Embracing Israel Prove Costly For India?

Will Embracing Israel Prove Costly For India?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

By appearing to privilege ideological affinity over strategic balance, India risks eroding the trust painstakingly built across West Asia. Once the perception takes hold that India's friendship is conditional and transactional, rebuilding credibility will be difficult, warns Amberish K Diwanji.

Trump holds off Iran strikes on 'Arab leaders' request'

Trump holds off Iran strikes on 'Arab leaders' request'

Rediff.com19 May 2026

US President Donald Trump announced he halted planned military strikes on Iran following requests from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, citing ongoing discussions that could lead to a deal.

Stock markets recover on buying in IT, PSU bank stocks

Stock markets recover on buying in IT, PSU bank stocks

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Indian equity markets experienced a volatile session, with the Sensex and Nifty recovering some ground after a significant plunge the previous day. Gains were driven by PSU bank, IT, and metal stocks, but concerns over rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions limited the recovery.

Maharashtra Govt Launches Helpline for Stranded Residents in Middle East

Maharashtra Govt Launches Helpline for Stranded Residents in Middle East

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has launched an emergency WhatsApp helpline for state residents stranded in the Middle East due to airspace closures amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is monitoring the situation and coordinating with central agencies.

Yogasana Sets Sights On Becoming An Olympic Sport By 2036

Yogasana Sets Sights On Becoming An Olympic Sport By 2036

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Yogasana, the ancient Indian practice, is aiming to become a global sport and secure a place in the 2036 Olympics, with India hoping to host the Games in Ahmedabad. The sport has already been included in this year's Asian Games as a demonstration sport and is eyeing the 2030 Commonwealth Games. World Yogasana is working to meet the IOC's requirements for recognition, focusing on expanding its global reach and adhering to anti-doping standards.

Iranian supertanker bypasses US Navy blockade

Iranian supertanker bypasses US Navy blockade

Rediff.com3 May 2026

An Iranian tanker successfully bypassed the US Navy to deliver crude oil to the Asia-Pacific region, despite ongoing tensions and a US blockade.

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that a US team is expected to visit India next month for trade talks, following an earlier Indian delegation's visit to Washington, DC, in April to finalise an interim pact and advance negotiations for a broader bilateral trade agreement.

Stock Market Today March 6, 2026: Sensex, Nifty dive over 1% on boiling crude price

Stock Market Today March 6, 2026: Sensex, Nifty dive over 1% on boiling crude price

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant decline, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices.

No date yet for next round of US-Iran talks, says Pakistan

No date yet for next round of US-Iran talks, says Pakistan

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Pakistan is playing a key role in facilitating talks between the US and Iran, but the future of these negotiations remains uncertain. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, no dates have been set for a second round of discussions.

'Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran': US

'Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran': US

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Despite the escalation in US military action, the War Secretary noted that Iran's missile response has declined in the last 24 hours.

'95-96 To A Dollar Is Not A Healthy Sign At All'

'95-96 To A Dollar Is Not A Healthy Sign At All'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'Once the currency goes out of the hand, then possibly your major challenge is that it will not come back.'

Iran launches new wave of missiles after US bombs Kharg Island

Iran launches new wave of missiles after US bombs Kharg Island

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The incident came shortly after a spokesperson from Iran's military warned that Tehran could target ports and docks in the United Arab Emirates following recent United States strikes on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran's oil exports.

India expands PNG network; rolls out 2.7L new connections in Mar

India expands PNG network; rolls out 2.7L new connections in Mar

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

India significantly increased piped natural gas (PNG) connections in March as the government accelerates the expansion of cleaner fuel networks amid global supply disruptions.

RBI likely to maintain repo rate at 5.25% through FY27, says India Ratings

RBI likely to maintain repo rate at 5.25% through FY27, says India Ratings

Rediff.com20 May 2026

India Ratings and Research predicts the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will maintain the repo rate at 5.25 per cent throughout FY27, despite potential inflationary pressures from higher fuel prices, with inflation expected to remain within the central bank's tolerance band.

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in trafficking Captagon, seizing approximately 227.7 kg of the 'jihadi drug' worth Rs 182 crore.

Maharashtra Minister Accuses AIMIM Leader Over Shelter To Accused

Maharashtra Minister Accuses AIMIM Leader Over Shelter To Accused

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has accused AIMIM corporator Matin Patel of double standards for allegedly harbouring Nida Khan, who is accused in a Nashik TCS sexual harassment and forced conversion case.

Urmila, Mouni, Shalini At Shabana Azmi's Holi Party

Urmila, Mouni, Shalini At Shabana Azmi's Holi Party

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

It's a riot of colours at Shabana Azmi's Holi party.