News for 'west-asia'

'Evidence of...': Oppn slams Modi over 'WFH, no gold' pitch

'Evidence of...': Oppn slams Modi over 'WFH, no gold' pitch

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for citizens to make economic sacrifices in response to the West Asia conflict, calling it 'evidence of failure'. Gandhi accused Modi of shifting responsibility onto the public and being incapable of running the country.

Govt raises import duty on gold, silver after PM's appeal

Govt raises import duty on gold, silver after PM's appeal

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Indian government has increased import duties on gold and silver from 6 per cent to 15 per cent to curb inbound shipments of precious metals amid a rising import bill due to the West Asia crisis.

US-Iran agreement nears finalisation: Report

US-Iran agreement nears finalisation: Report

Rediff.com4 days ago

The United States and Iran could be set to announce an agreement soon to achieve a complete solution to the hostilities in West Asia, as reported by Saudi state media Al Arabiya on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations.

'Not an iota of truth': Modi rejects media report on taxing foreign travel

'Not an iota of truth': Modi rejects media report on taxing foreign travel

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly refuted a media report suggesting the government is considering levying a tax, cess, or surcharge on foreign travel, calling the news "totally false".

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.

Fadnavis rides motorcycle to work after Modi's austerity call

Fadnavis rides motorcycle to work after Modi's austerity call

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rode a motorcycle to work following Prime Minister Modi's appeal to cut down fuel consumption amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

Rediff.com1 days ago

South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India is the only significant power that all parties trust, or at least do not distrust, notes former defence secretary Ajay Kumar.

Supreme Court to hear cases via video conference on 2 days a week

Supreme Court to hear cases via video conference on 2 days a week

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has decided to hear cases exclusively through video conference on Mondays and Fridays. Judges have also resolved to encourage car-pooling arrangements amongst themselves in order to ensure optimum fuel utilisation.

RIL's telecom, retail and new biz could mitigate impact of West Asia crisis

RIL's telecom, retail and new biz could mitigate impact of West Asia crisis

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Iran conflict led to a sharp correction in Reliance Industries Ltd's (RIL's) share price, which has been partially reversed by a rebound.

Marco Rubio to visit India for Quad talks

Marco Rubio to visit India for Quad talks

Rediff.com4 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from May 23-26 to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, and energy, attending meetings with senior Indian officials and participating in a Quad group meeting in New Delhi.

Pak holds second round of talks with Iran on resolving conflict

Pak holds second round of talks with Iran on resolving conflict

Rediff.com2 days ago

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been in Tehran meeting with Iranian officials in an attempt to mediate and resolve the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. This marks Naqvi's second visit in less than a week as Pakistan seeks to bridge the differences between the two nations and establish long-term stability in the region.

Rising Fuel Prices, Monsoon Worries Pressure India's Consumption Stocks

Rising Fuel Prices, Monsoon Worries Pressure India's Consumption Stocks

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's consumption stocks, which have outperformed the broader market, are now facing significant pressure due to a gradual rise in fuel prices and the potential for higher inflation. Analysts warn that companies may be forced to pass on increased input costs to consumers, potentially hurting demand across both staples and discretionary categories, with a looming threat of deficient monsoon rainfall further exacerbating inflationary concerns.

Avoid destination weddings, prefer online classes: Modi continues austerity push

Avoid destination weddings, prefer online classes: Modi continues austerity push

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to adopt austerity measures, including avoiding destination weddings abroad and reducing edible oil consumption, to mitigate the impact of the West Asia crisis on India's economy.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 slump in early trade

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 slump in early trade

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Indian equity markets experienced a significant decline in early trade, with the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty dropping, as escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a surge in global oil prices dampened investor sentiment. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for May 8, 2026.

Indians' overseas travel spending dips to $1.09 billion in March amidst rupee depreciation concerns

Indians' overseas travel spending dips to $1.09 billion in March amidst rupee depreciation concerns

Rediff.com10 hours ago

Overseas travel spending by Indians, including holiday trips, decreased by $212.43 million to $1.09 billion in March compared to February, according to the Reserve Bank of India's latest data.

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased by Rs 3 per litre each, marking the first rate hike in over four years. This decision follows a period of stable prices during recent state elections, despite rising global crude oil prices and significant losses for fuel retailers.

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi concluded without a joint statement due to disagreements over the West Asia conflict, with Iran blaming the UAE for the lack of consensus. India, as the host, issued a chair's statement highlighting the differing views.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 in red amid volatile trade

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 in red amid volatile trade

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced volatile trade, declining in early deals before fluctuating, as investors reacted to unabated foreign fund outflows and rising geopolitical uncertainties, particularly in West Asia.

Govt Defends Soft Approach To Fuel Crisis

Govt Defends Soft Approach To Fuel Crisis

Rediff.com16 May 2026

'PM Modi is trying to reduce the volume of fuel consumed instead of raising prices sharply.'

Wholesale Price Inflation Spikes to 42-month high of 8.3%

Wholesale Price Inflation Spikes to 42-month high of 8.3%

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India's wholesale price inflation surged to 8.30 per cent in April, up from 3.88 per cent in March, primarily driven by a significant increase in the prices of fuel, power, and crude petroleum, according to data from the commerce and industry ministry.

Rupee plunges to fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against US dollar

Rupee plunges to fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against US dollar

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Indian rupee depreciated 16 paise to settle at a fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against the US dollar, marking its ninth consecutive session of decline, driven by elevated global crude prices and a strong dollar.

WFH, no gold purchases, foreign travel, reduce fuel use: Modi calls for Covid-era methods

WFH, no gold purchases, foreign travel, reduce fuel use: Modi calls for Covid-era methods

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for restraint in the use of petro products due to the West Asia crisis, emphasising the need to save foreign exchange and reduce the impact of war. He also highlighted India's progress in solar power and ethanol blending, while assuring support to Telangana's development.

Putin, Xi pledge to dismantle global hegemonism

Putin, Xi pledge to dismantle global hegemonism

Rediff.com4 days ago

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling global hegemonism and building a 'multipolar world' during high-level talks in Beijing.

Summer Travel Costs Soar For Indians

Summer Travel Costs Soar For Indians

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Airfares to Southeast Asia have surged 25 to 30 per cent, driven by high demand and limited airline seat capacity.

And Life Goes On In Tehran Amidst The War

And Life Goes On In Tehran Amidst The War

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Explore the resilient daily life in Tehran, where residents navigate geopolitical tensions and economic challenges with routine activities, showcasing a striking contrast between normalcy and underlying uncertainty.

MF launches taper off in March in the midst of West Asia flare-up

MF launches taper off in March in the midst of West Asia flare-up

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Uncertainty stemming from the US-Iran conflict has significantly impacted India's mutual fund industry, leading to a sharp decline in new fund offers (NFOs) in March, despite numerous regulatory approvals. This geopolitical tension, coupled with existing market strain and distributor hesitation, has dampened investor sentiment and affected overall inflows.

Stock Markets Edge Higher, IT Sector Shines Amid Volatility

Stock Markets Edge Higher, IT Sector Shines Amid Volatility

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed marginally higher after a volatile trading session, driven by value buying in IT and select blue-chip counters, despite global crude price hikes and a weak rupee.

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty50 decline 2% on rising tensions in West Asia

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty50 decline 2% on rising tensions in West Asia

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Indian equities on Dalal Street saw volatility as global market trends and fresh tariff concerns linked to Donald Trump impacted investor sentiment. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for April 2, 2026.

OMCs may face LPG under-recovery of around ~80,000 crore in FY27: Icra

OMCs may face LPG under-recovery of around ~80,000 crore in FY27: Icra

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

India's state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) are projected to incur under-recoveries of approximately Rs 80,000 crore on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sales in FY27 if current loss levels persist, according to rating agency Icra.

Indian Equities Extend Losses as Geopolitical Tensions, FII Outflows Weigh

Indian Equities Extend Losses as Geopolitical Tensions, FII Outflows Weigh

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Indian equity markets, including the Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant downturn for the second consecutive day, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and persistent foreign fund outflows.

Crude Oil Futures Climb Over 3%; Brent breaches $107

Crude Oil Futures Climb Over 3%; Brent breaches $107

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Crude oil prices surged over 3% in futures trade after US President Donald Trump expressed doubts about the Iran ceasefire, reigniting fears of supply disruptions from West Asia and pushing Brent crude above USD 107 per barrel.

Satheesan, Suvendu, Vijay Will Struggle To Fund Poll Promises

Satheesan, Suvendu, Vijay Will Struggle To Fund Poll Promises

Rediff.com1 days ago

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have been fiscally stressed for a considerable period of time, and there are no easy ways to mobilise revenues to meet the cost of the promised freebies, particularly in the prevailing difficult economic scenario, points out M Govinda Rao.

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Rediff.com3 days ago

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has moved to an ashram on the outskirts of Patna to continue his political activities ahead of the next assembly elections. He criticised Nitish Kumar and urged voters to prioritise their own interests.

India's services sector growth hits 5-month high in April

India's services sector growth hits 5-month high in April

Rediff.com6 May 2026

India's services sector growth reached a five-month high in April, with the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index rising to 58.8, primarily driven by robust domestic demand and a shift from international to local suppliers amidst the West Asia crisis.

Air India defers increments, asks staff to cut costs

Air India defers increments, asks staff to cut costs

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Air India has deferred annual salary increments for its staff by at least one quarter and urged a "relentless focus on costs" due to external headwinds like the closure of Pakistan airspace, West Asia conflict, rupee depreciation, and a significant surge in aviation turbine fuel prices, though the airline has assured there will be no layoffs.

Defence Stocks Soar on Geopolitical Tensions, Indigenisation Push

Defence Stocks Soar on Geopolitical Tensions, Indigenisation Push

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Indian defence stocks have seen an average year-on-year gain of 67 per cent, driven by renewed interest following 'Operation Sindoor' and a broader increase in global geopolitical tensions, with the combined market capitalisation of 18 firms increasing by approximately 2.3 trillion.

India Inc's FY27 earnings forecast cut amid Iran war

India Inc's FY27 earnings forecast cut amid Iran war

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Analysts are revising down India Inc's financial year 2026-27 (FY27) earnings growth forecasts, citing persistently high crude oil prices above $100 a barrel due to the West Asia conflict, which is expected to dent corporate financial performance in the coming quarters.

Iran to unveil new Hormuz traffic plan, says US-linked vessels may be barred

Iran to unveil new Hormuz traffic plan, says US-linked vessels may be barred

Rediff.com7 days ago

Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee Ebrahim Azizi on Saturday said that Iran has prepared a "professional mechanism" to regulate maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through a designated route, which will be unveiled soon.

TaMo PV profit slumps 32% on JLR headwinds

TaMo PV profit slumps 32% on JLR headwinds

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Tata Motors' MD and CEO, Girish Wagh, has identified rising diesel prices as the most significant threat to India's commercial vehicle (CV) industry recovery, despite the sector recently surpassing its pre-FY19 wholesale peak. Diesel costs account for 25-50% of a truck operator's total cost of ownership, making any increase a critical concern for fleet economics.