News for 'west asia'

Gandhinagar To Host Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Gandhinagar To Host Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships, featuring athletes from 30 countries, will be held in Gandhinagar from May 11 to 17. The event serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

UK Visa Curbs Hit Indian Students

UK Visa Curbs Hit Indian Students

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

'Tightening of visa norms for international students around the world are a concern for the university and the education sector, even as the UK continues to offer relatively attractive post-study work opportunities compared to several competing markets.'

Rupee strengthens on US-Iran talks optimism, domestic equity surge

Rupee strengthens on US-Iran talks optimism, domestic equity surge

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee gained 2 paise to settle at 93.33 against the US dollar, driven by positive sentiment in domestic equity markets and renewed hopes for US-Iran talks, despite rising WPI and CPI inflation.

Govt restricts bulk petrol, diesel purchases from retail pumps

Govt restricts bulk petrol, diesel purchases from retail pumps

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Indian government has restricted industrial, commercial, and institutional users from purchasing petrol and diesel from retail petrol pumps, directing them to bulk sale points instead. This move, which can last up to 90 days, aims to address abnormal demand growth and prevent localised shortages caused by a significant price difference between retail and bulk fuel prices.

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

India's merchandise exports experienced a slight decrease in February, while imports surged due to increased gold and silver purchases, leading to a widened trade deficit. The West Asia crisis is expected to further impact trade in the coming months.

Modi shares glimpses of Italy visit, 'Melody moment'

Modi shares glimpses of Italy visit, 'Melody moment'

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Italy concluded with the elevation of India-Italy relations to a Special Strategic Partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation across various sectors.

Covid-19: Remittances from West Asia hit in FY21

Covid-19: Remittances from West Asia hit in FY21

Rediff.com25 Jul 2022

The money sent home by Indians from West Asian countries took a beating in 2020-21 due to the pandemic. On the other hand, overseas Indians in advanced nations - the United States, United Kingdom and Singapore - emerged as important sources of remittance, according to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) survey. Indians working in informal sectors in West Asia seem to have been impacted the most due to the lockdowns and subdued crude oil prices as well as slower pace of migration in recent years.

How Shabana Azmi Celebrates Holi This Year

How Shabana Azmi Celebrates Holi This Year

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

'Javed (Akhtar) and I are inviting only very close friends for Holi this time.'

Middle East conflict: China to send special envoy for mediation

Middle East conflict: China to send special envoy for mediation

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the country believes that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solutions to resolving disputes and that the continued escalation of the conflict serves no one's interests.

Strait of Hormuz opens to ships but marine covers to stay pricey

Strait of Hormuz opens to ships but marine covers to stay pricey

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Despite Iran allowing 'non-hostile vessels' through the Strait of Hormuz, marine insurance premiums are expected to remain elevated due to persistent high-risk classifications and ongoing geopolitical tensions, with experts cautioning that the threat of attacks and collateral damage still exists.

'We are friends': Iran envoy assures Hormuz passage for Indian ships

'We are friends': Iran envoy assures Hormuz passage for Indian ships

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Fathali further stated that Tehran has instructed its embassy in India to facilitate the Indian government, ensuring smooth operations amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Bangladesh Cricket Board's tender signals revival of cricket ties with India

Bangladesh Cricket Board's tender signals revival of cricket ties with India

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

India and Bangladesh are seemingly moving closer to resuming bilateral cricket ties, with a six-match white-ball series in September now appearing likely after a gap of nearly a year in scheduled meetings between the two sides.

US moves planes with ammo to Israel, readies for Iran strike

US moves planes with ammo to Israel, readies for Iran strike

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Dozens of US planes carrying ammunition landed in Tel Aviv, raising concerns about potential strikes on Iran. Negotiations between the US and Iran remain deadlocked over key issues, with both sides issuing fresh demands and warnings.

Elevated Energy Prices May Influence India's FY27 Fiscal Position: Icra

Elevated Energy Prices May Influence India's FY27 Fiscal Position: Icra

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Elevated global crude oil and natural gas prices, driven by geopolitical developments in West Asia, could significantly influence the Government of India's fiscal position for 2026-27, according to a report by ratings agency Icra.

India in touch with Iran to secure safe Hormuz passage for its ships

India in touch with Iran to secure safe Hormuz passage for its ships

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

India is in communication with Iranian officials to ensure the safety and secure passage of its ships through the Strait of Hormuz, following recent firing incidents involving Indian vessels.

Mohamed Nasheed: Democratic Institutions, Not Bombing, Can Bring Change

Mohamed Nasheed: Democratic Institutions, Not Bombing, Can Bring Change

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed advocates for building democratic institutions over military intervention in resolving international conflicts, particularly in the context of the escalating West Asia crisis. He also discusses the impact of the conflict on the Maldives' tourism-dependent economy and calls for a stronger, more understanding India in the Indian Ocean Region.

 Weakness Unlikely To Trigger RBI Rate Hike

Weakness Unlikely To Trigger RBI Rate Hike

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'The MPC is likely to prioritise the key mandate, which is inflation, while relying on other instruments to stabilise the currency and bond markets.'

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty tank as US-Iran uncertainty, crude oil prices weigh on investor sentiment

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty tank as US-Iran uncertainty, crude oil prices weigh on investor sentiment

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant tumble in early trade, with the Sensex tanking nearly 700 points, driven by uncertainty surrounding US-Iran negotiations, a fresh spike in crude oil prices, and persistent foreign fund outflows.

Sensex tanked 2,497 points, its biggest single-day plunge since June 2024

Sensex tanked 2,497 points, its biggest single-day plunge since June 2024

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Indian stock market indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant drop in early trade, reversing a three-day rally. The decline was triggered by a sharp increase in crude oil prices, weak global market trends, and continuous outflows of foreign funds.

IndiGo's Profitability Under Pressure from Fuel, Rupee, and Geopolitical Headwinds

IndiGo's Profitability Under Pressure from Fuel, Rupee, and Geopolitical Headwinds

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) is experiencing significant financial pressure, with its stock falling 18 per cent since the start of the Iran war, due to rising Brent crude prices, a weakening rupee, and disruptions to its West Asia and European flight networks caused by geopolitical tensions.

India's 2nd LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' reaches Gujarat port amid crisis

India's 2nd LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi' reaches Gujarat port amid crisis

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Despite ongoing tensions in West Asia, the successful arrival of the LPG carrier 'Nanda Devi' in Gujarat ensures a steady supply of liquefied petroleum gas to India, highlighting the country's efforts to secure its energy needs.

Airfares May Rise as Jet Fuel Price Surge

Airfares May Rise as Jet Fuel Price Surge

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices have more than doubled to a record high, impacting airlines and consumers, while commercial LPG rates also see a significant increase.

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

Rediff.com29 May 2026

"Rather than worrying, preparation is required. Contingency plans will be made for affected districts and crop changes will be considered wherever necessary"

Pak pushes for talks even as Iran, Israel reject peace moves

Pak pushes for talks even as Iran, Israel reject peace moves

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in West Asia, offering to host talks between the US and Iran and engaging with regional leaders to promote peace and stability.

Cleartrip, Taj Hotels to spread wings in West Asia

Cleartrip, Taj Hotels to spread wings in West Asia

Rediff.com23 Oct 2019

Cleartrip acquired Saudi travel firm Flyin last July and it provides bilingual ground support service and itineraries for inbound tourists.

Indian tanker clears Hormuz; New Delhi raises concerns with Iran post attacks

Indian tanker clears Hormuz; New Delhi raises concerns with Iran post attacks

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

India has raised concerns with Iran over the safety of merchant shipping after two vessels were fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting them to turn back.

Iran gives fresh proposal as Trump 'still not satisfied'

Iran gives fresh proposal as Trump 'still not satisfied'

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Iran has presented a multi-layered proposal to the US in an attempt to break the deadlock in peace talks, focusing on de-escalation and nuclear programme discussions.

No need to panic, enough LPG supply for homes, says govt

No need to panic, enough LPG supply for homes, says govt

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The government has assured citizens that there is no need to panic book LPG cylinders, as uninterrupted supply to households is being ensured despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Extended Iran conflict may hit order inflows of L&T

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

While investors would focus on the results and guidance for the third quarter of financial year 2025-26 (Q3FY26) in the normal course of business, the US-Israeli attack on Iran and the latter's retaliation at Gulf allies of the US has forced them to weigh the consequences of the event.

Three killed, two hurt in US-Israeli air strike on Iran's Black Mountain

Three killed, two hurt in US-Israeli air strike on Iran's Black Mountain

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

An air strike conducted by US and Israeli forces on the Black Mountain has resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, Al Jazeera reported, citing Iranian state media.

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

koda Auto Volkswagen India aims to capture a 5 per cent share of India's passenger vehicle market by 2030, driven by new product launches, including alternate fuel vehicles, and a potential entry into the high-volume sub-4 metre SUV segment.

More use of speciality fertilisers can help tide over supply shocks: Experts

More use of speciality fertilisers can help tide over supply shocks: Experts

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Despite significant price differences, Indian farmers are increasingly adopting non-subsidised speciality fertilisers, which are seen as a potential solution to the rising fertiliser subsidy burden exacerbated by global supply shocks.

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India's private sector activity saw a significant recovery in April, driven primarily by robust growth in manufacturing output and sales, following a three-year low in March attributed to the West Asia conflict.

Trump to meet Xi Jinping on Wednesday to discuss Iran conflict, trade issues

Trump to meet Xi Jinping on Wednesday to discuss Iran conflict, trade issues

Rediff.com12 May 2026

US President Donald Trump is set to visit China for talks with President Xi Jinping on trade, global issues, and the Gulf war. The visit aims to address trade frictions and other key issues, with high expectations for progress.

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assures that the Indian government is prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region due to the Iran-Israel conflict and disruptions in Dubai, emphasizing citizen safety as the top priority.

US used half of THAAD missile stockpile defending Israel: Report

US used half of THAAD missile stockpile defending Israel: Report

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The US has reportedly depleted nearly half of its advanced missile-defence interceptors while defending Israel during recent hostilities with Iran, raising concerns about future readiness.

Iran war: Another Indian ship sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

Iran war: Another Indian ship sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

An Indian-flagged crude tanker safely departed from the UAE's Fujairah after loading oil, despite an attack on the oil terminal. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia to ensure stable fuel supplies and maritime safety.

How Long Can India Absorb Rising Fuel Costs?

How Long Can India Absorb Rising Fuel Costs?

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's net oil import bill could rise by $56 billion to $64 billion annually assuming global crude averages $110 to $115 per barrel in FY27.

Manufacturing Boosts India's Industrial Production to 5.2% in February

Manufacturing Boosts India's Industrial Production to 5.2% in February

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

India's industrial production saw a 5.2 per cent increase in February, primarily fuelled by a significant improvement in the manufacturing sector, with 14 out of 23 industry groups recording positive growth.

Pak to replace Lahore streets' British, Hindu names with Islamic figures

Pak to replace Lahore streets' British, Hindu names with Islamic figures

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Pakistan's Punjab government has approved a plan to restore the names of several streets and roads in Lahore, aiming to revive the city's pre-Partition heritage, an official said on Monday.