News for 'west-asia'

How WCT20 Can Help Boost Trade

How WCT20 Can Help Boost Trade

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

Global consumer preferences can be influenced through music, films, literature, yoga and sports because they create interest and a sense of familiarity that can help our businesses to access foreign markets, suggests T N C Rajagopalan.

Are Russia, Ukraine On Brink Of Nuclear Conflict?

Are Russia, Ukraine On Brink Of Nuclear Conflict?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

With the fight now having been taken to the seizure of nuclear plants, it is one more warning to Europe that this prolonged war could end up with disastrous consequences, observes Rashme Sehgal

Modi embarks on 4-day visit to West Asia

Modi embarks on 4-day visit to West Asia

Rediff.com9 Feb 2018

The prime minister's visit will begin from Palestine on February 10 after transiting through Jordan, where he will meet King Abdullah II.

Exports up 9% in May; trade deficit widens to 7-month high

Exports up 9% in May; trade deficit widens to 7-month high

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

India's merchandise exports rose by 9.1 per cent to $38.13 billion in May even as the trade deficit widened to a seven-month high of $23.78 billion during the month, according to government data. Healthy growth in sectors, such as engineering, electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles and plastics helped register growth in exports despite global economic uncertainties.

IMEC: Project Biden Thinks Hamas Targeted

IMEC: Project Biden Thinks Hamas Targeted

Rediff.com26 Oct 2023

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed it the 'largest cooperation project in our history', one that would 'change the face of the Middle East, Israel, and impact the entire world'.

Raisi's Instagram post urges Iranians to pray for him

Raisi's Instagram post urges Iranians to pray for him

Rediff.com19 May 2024

Raisi's condition currently remains unknown, Iranian state news agency IRNA has reported, after the helicopter he was traveling in crashed in the country's East Azerbaijan Province.

Why PM Modi needs to engage in West Asia

Why PM Modi needs to engage in West Asia

Rediff.com21 Jun 2014

A new West Asia is emerging and India must engage at the highest level and help shape this change, says Saeed Naqvi

How India Won Back Maldives's Trust

How India Won Back Maldives's Trust

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

The avoidable stresses and strains in ties helped in one way. It showed for the entire region how a matured India handled diplomatic relations, especially with a smaller and suspicious neighbour, with practised dignity and patience, unruffled by provocations in word, deed and action, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian wins Iran's presidential elections

Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian wins Iran's presidential elections

Rediff.com6 Jul 2024

Pezeshkian gained the attention of people for his stance against the crackdown on the 2009 pro-democracy protests and the violence perpetrated by the notorious morality police in 2022 after Mahsa Amini's death.

Exports up 1%; trade deficit widens to 4-month high

Exports up 1%; trade deficit widens to 4-month high

Rediff.com15 May 2024

India's merchandise exports in April 2024 marginally rose to $34.99 billion from $34.62 billion in the year-ago month, according to government data released on Wednesday. Imports too increased to $54.09 billion from $49.06 billion in April 2023.

West Asia crucial for our long-term energy security: Talmiz Ahmad

West Asia crucial for our long-term energy security: Talmiz Ahmad

Rediff.com7 Jul 2014

Talmiz Ahmad is a former Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE. In an interview with Aditi Phadnis, he says the disequilibrium in Iraq will continue to prevail. Ahmad also says there are indications that the US is now anxious to avoid intervening militarily in West Asia, and that this is the appropriate moment for Asia to assume responsibility for its own security. Edited excerpts:

India contacts Iran to free 17 citizens onboard ship seized by Tehran

India contacts Iran to free 17 citizens onboard ship seized by Tehran

Rediff.com13 Apr 2024

Sources are in touch with Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and in Delhi.

Israel-Hamas Conflict: India's IT Companies On Edge

Israel-Hamas Conflict: India's IT Companies On Edge

Rediff.com18 Oct 2023

'IT companies do not have a large presence there either in terms of market and team. So, the impact of the war will be minimal. But West Asia is an emerging economy.'

'Global investors willing to pay premium for India story'

'Global investors willing to pay premium for India story'

Rediff.com8 Feb 2024

'With China falling out of favour, India is where investors see the demographic and digital dividend apart from the benefits of reforms playing out.' 'Your prime minister has also done a great job of sharing this story with the world.'

Samvat 2080: A year of hope for industrial and precious metals

Samvat 2080: A year of hope for industrial and precious metals

Rediff.com23 Nov 2023

The new Samvat 2080 is viewed as a year of hope for industrial and precious metals. A key reason is the expectation of US interest rates peaking, followed by a reduction in the coming months. Regarding crude oil, its trajectory depends more on how the situation unfolds in West Asia.

Iran attacks Israel, fires 200 drones, missiles

Iran attacks Israel, fires 200 drones, missiles

Rediff.com14 Apr 2024

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attack was aimed at "specific targets".

73 killed in twin blasts at Iranian general's grave

73 killed in twin blasts at Iranian general's grave

Rediff.com3 Jan 2024

As many as 73 people have been killed and 170 injured in twin blasts near the burial site of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in the Iranian city of Kerman on Wednesday in what officials called a terror attack, according to state media, as per CNN.

Modi, Egyptian Prez discuss 'concerns' over Israel-Hamas conflict

Modi, Egyptian Prez discuss 'concerns' over Israel-Hamas conflict

Rediff.com29 Oct 2023

'We share concerns regarding terrorism, violence and loss of civilian lives. We agree on the need for early restoration of peace and stability and facilitating humanitarian assistance'

Labour Pains, The Silent Crisis Undermining India's Infrastructure Boom

Labour Pains, The Silent Crisis Undermining India's Infrastructure Boom

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

Severe skilled, unskilled shortage threatens to pull emergency brakes on India's industrial engine.

India calls for de-escalation as Iran attacks Israel

India calls for de-escalation as Iran attacks Israel

Rediff.com14 Apr 2024

India on Sunday said it is seriously concerned over escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, and called for immediate de-escalation of the situation.

India's oil import bill could swell to $101-$104 bn in FY25: ICRA

India's oil import bill could swell to $101-$104 bn in FY25: ICRA

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

India's net oil import bill could widen to $101-104 billion in current fiscal from $96.1 billion in 2023-24 and any escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict could impart an upward pressure on the value of imports, ICRA said on Tuesday. The domestic rating agency said based on its analysis, lower value of Russian oil imports is estimated to have led to savings of $7.9 billion in 11 months (April-February) of 2023-24, up from $5.1 billion in 2022-23.

'Markets Are Too Confident, Excited, Aggressive'

'Markets Are Too Confident, Excited, Aggressive'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2024

'The main worry is lots of new investors coming into the markets in order to make a quick buck/easy money.' 'Those things are happening again and have happened in the past as well.' 'All that has led to problems.' 'We are not there yet, but will get there eventually.'

India to drive Asia Pacific growth as China's fortunes wane, says S&P

India to drive Asia Pacific growth as China's fortunes wane, says S&P

Rediff.com6 Dec 2023

India will drive growth in the Asia-Pacific (Apac) region as the growth engine is likely to shift from China to South and Southeast Asia in the coming years, S&P Global Ratings said in a report on Tuesday. The rating agency's report projected China's growth to slow down to 4.6 per cent by 2026 from an estimated 5.4 per cent in 2023. India is likely to clock 7 per cent economic growth from 6.4 per cent estimated for 2023.

Israel-Palestine war: Markets not pricing in an escalation, says Chris Wood

Israel-Palestine war: Markets not pricing in an escalation, says Chris Wood

Rediff.com28 Oct 2023

Global financial markets are not yet fully factoring in any escalation in the Israel-Palestine geopolitical conflict, said Christopher Wood, global head of equity strategy at Jefferies in his latest weekly note to investors, GREED & fear. The pertinent point about ongoing events in West Asia from a financial market perspective, according to him, is that, despite much talk about a pending ground invasion of Gaza, no such invasion has yet happened. "This is beginning to make GREED & fear wonder if it is ever going to happen.

Supplier of 'aatank' struggles for 'atta' now: Modi's veiled attack on Pak

Supplier of 'aatank' struggles for 'atta' now: Modi's veiled attack on Pak

Rediff.com19 Apr 2024

Taking a dig at Pakistan without naming it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said a country which was a supplier of aatank (terror) is struggling for aata (flour) these days.

Why Securing Gateway of Tears Is Critical For India

Why Securing Gateway of Tears Is Critical For India

Rediff.com5 Jan 2024

The Indian Navy, which regards itself as the 'net security provider' in the Indian Ocean Region, has also stepped up to the plate, with a warship stationed at all times off the Gulf of Aden for counter-piracy tasks. 91 Indian warships have been deployed in the region since 2008, patrolling high risk areas where piracy was rampant.

New-age, standardised courses in skill ministry's 100-day plan

New-age, standardised courses in skill ministry's 100-day plan

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

In the first 100 days of the next government, the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship (MSDE) is planning to introduce new-age courses to suit the changing industry needs. It is set to standardise skilling courses to facilitate easier migration of workers and introduce counselling and mentorship on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi - during a Cabinet meeting - was reported to have instructed his ministers to draft roadmaps for the first 100 days and next five years of the next government.

Sensex, Nifty tank over 1% on concerns over Middle East conflict

Sensex, Nifty tank over 1% on concerns over Middle East conflict

Rediff.com15 Apr 2024

From the Sensex basket, Tata Motors, State Bank of India, Tata Steel, Power Grid, NTPC, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance and Asian Paints were the major laggards.

Adani in talks with sovereign funds to raise up to $2.6 bn

Adani in talks with sovereign funds to raise up to $2.6 bn

Rediff.com26 Feb 2024

The Adani group is in advanced talks with top sovereign funds based in West Asia to raise up to $2.6 billion for its airport expansion and green hydrogen projects. The group, which expects to close the ongoing financial year ending March with Rs 80,000 crore of Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation), has held a series of road shows in London, Dubai, and Singapore with potential investors, briefing them about their future growth plans. The group's flagship, Adani Enterprises, may dilute part of its stake in the airport-holding firm and/or the green hydrogen business to these funds, which are keen to invest in the Indian infrastructure sector, said a source close to the development.

Can China broker Pak-Iran peace deal post-missile strikes?

Can China broker Pak-Iran peace deal post-missile strikes?

Rediff.com22 Jan 2024

The foreign ministry's statement came amidst the reported visit of Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to Pakistan on a mediation mission.

FPIs hoist their sails as they head for calmer waters

FPIs hoist their sails as they head for calmer waters

Rediff.com2 Nov 2023

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have withdrawn Rs 25,305 crore from domestic markets since September. FPIs were net sellers in the first two months of 2023, but from March to August, they purchased equities worth Rs 1.7 trillion. This selling trend has caused the National Stock Exchange Nifty Index to decline by 3.2 per cent from its September highs. FPI selling initially began in September as profit-taking but intensified due to rising US bond yields and uncertainty regarding the rate hike trajectory.

It's Going To Get Hotter In India

It's Going To Get Hotter In India

Rediff.com22 May 2024

More than 80 per cent of Indians live in districts vulnerable to climate risks. Among these, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Bihar are the most vulnerable states to extreme climate events.

'Now May Be The Time To Go All In'

'Now May Be The Time To Go All In'

Rediff.com21 May 2024

'For experienced and risk-taking investors, now may be the time to go all in.' 'By 'experienced and risk-taking', I refer to those who remained net buyers in equities during the early stages of the 2020 pandemic.' 'On the other hand, those who exited the markets during the pandemic may go the SIP way.'

India's exports dip marginally in March; 3.11% in FY24

India's exports dip marginally in March; 3.11% in FY24

Rediff.com15 Apr 2024

India's merchandise exports dipped marginally in March to $41.69 billion, and by 3.11 per cent during the last fiscal year to $437.06 billion mainly due to continued geopolitical turmoil, and depressed global trade. Imports, too, declined in March as well during the entire 2023-24. Trade deficit, or the gap between imports and exports, narrowed 17.74 per cent in March to $15.6 billion and came down 9.33 per cent to $240.17 billion in FY24.

BJP Sankalp Patra: Enough powder to ignite stocks, if investors are patient

BJP Sankalp Patra: Enough powder to ignite stocks, if investors are patient

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

Stocks in the automotive, financial, cement, metal, and hotel sectors are likely to benefit if the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes back to power for a third time. The key investment themes have been identified after analysing the Sankalp Patra - the party's manifesto for the next five years - released on Sunday.

'Israel like James Bond has a licence to kill'

'Israel like James Bond has a licence to kill'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2023

'But unlike Bond who killed an individual, Israel is killing a nation.'

India can build 'pressure' on Israelis for...: Palestine envoy

India can build 'pressure' on Israelis for...: Palestine envoy

Rediff.com10 Oct 2023

India's solidarity with the Palestinian cause dates back to Mahatma Gandhi's time and its rising global stature and influence over all key players in West Asia make it well-placed to play a crucial role in defusing the crisis arising out of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Palestine Ambassador Adnan Abu Alhaija said on Tuesday.

Half of top economists expect world economy to weaken in '24

Half of top economists expect world economy to weaken in '24

Rediff.com16 Jan 2024

More than half (56 per cent) of chief economists expect the global economy to weaken in 2024, with most saying the pace of geo-economic fragmentation will accelerate, according to the latest "Chief Economists Outlook" released on Monday at the World Economic Forum (WEF). The report indicates that the global economic prospects remain subdued and uncertain. Challenges include tight financial conditions, geopolitical rifts, and the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

India to launch 'Operation Ajay' for return of citizens from Israel

India to launch 'Operation Ajay' for return of citizens from Israel

Rediff.com12 Oct 2023

The announcement comes as the military conflict between Hamas militants and Israel continued for the fifth day.