News for 'west-asia'

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.

When Shehbaz Sharif Met Vance, Ghalibaf

When Shehbaz Sharif Met Vance, Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

CNN and Al Jazeera report that the Americans and Iranians are discussing a way out of conflict and hostilities face to face, in the same room -- the first time that such a high level interaction has taken place since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Was minutes away from striking Pak, reveals Navy chief

Was minutes away from striking Pak, reveals Navy chief

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi revealed that the Indian Navy was on the verge of striking Pakistan during Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack, but kinetic actions were stopped. He also discussed the impact of the West Asia conflict on maritime traffic.

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Frankly, was it really necessary in the middle of a fratricidal war for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to travel to Abu Dhabi for a one-on-one with the sheikh on April 12?Or, for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to follow up on April 26? Or, for PM Narendra Modi to follow through today? There are no easy answers, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'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.com5 days ago

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

India Relaxes Import Duties on Key Petrochemicals to Stabilise Supply Chains

India Relaxes Import Duties on Key Petrochemicals to Stabilise Supply Chains

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has waived customs duty on critical petrochemical products until June 30 to ensure supply stability and provide relief to consumers amid disruptions caused by the crisis in West Asia.

'Not true': Iran denies participation in second round of talks in Pakistan

'Not true': Iran denies participation in second round of talks in Pakistan

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Iran has denied agreeing to participate in a second round of peace talks, contradicting claims made by the United States. The denial comes as tensions remain high in West Asia, with a ceasefire window nearing its end.

Forex reserves drop by $10.29 billion to $688.06 billion

Forex reserves drop by $10.29 billion to $688.06 billion

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves decreased by USD 10.288 billion to USD 688.058 billion during the week ending March 27, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This decline follows a previous decrease and comes after the reserves reached an all-time high in February.

Is The World Moving Towards De-Dollarisation?

Is The World Moving Towards De-Dollarisation?

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India should not stay on the margins of this initiative. There should be a serious debate about what would be in India's best interests asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

'Let's Think Of Around 15% Returns Over 12 Months'

'Let's Think Of Around 15% Returns Over 12 Months'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'The March correction was clearly due to the war and with prospects of that coming to a conclusion, there is a natural rally.'

'We will keep the consumer at the centre, use technology to optimise, and continue investing behind brands to drive volume-led penetration'

'We will keep the consumer at the centre, use technology to optimise, and continue investing behind brands to drive volume-led penetration'

Rediff.com11 May 2026

"Our strategy has always been to focus on volume-led penetration growth," said Manish Tiwary, chairman and managing director, Nestle India.

Man Charged With Attempted Murder After London Anti-Semitic Attack

Man Charged With Attempted Murder After London Anti-Semitic Attack

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A Somalia-born British man has been charged with attempted murder following an anti-Semitic stabbing attack in north London. The investigation, led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, revealed the accused targeted two Jewish men in Golders Green and another man in south-east London.

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concern over the targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the West Asia conflict, urging for the restoration of unimpeded navigation and global commerce.

Gandhinagar Hosts Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Gandhinagar Hosts Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships, featuring participants from approximately 30 nations, commenced in Gandhinagar, highlighting India's growing role in international sports.

Iran FM arrives in Russia, calls his Pak visit 'very productive'

Iran FM arrives in Russia, calls his Pak visit 'very productive'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his trip to Islamabad was "very productive" and involved "good consultations" with Pakistan's top leadership amid uncertainty over the second round of peace talks to resolve the war in West Asia.

Why didn't austerity wisdom emerge during election campaigns?: Raj Thackeray blasts Modi

Why didn't austerity wisdom emerge during election campaigns?: Raj Thackeray blasts Modi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

MNS president Raj Thackeray questions the fuel consumption during recent election campaigns, asking if austerity measures are only meant for the common people.

Global Jitters Keep FPIs on Edge, Rs 14,231 Crore Pulled Out in May

Global Jitters Keep FPIs on Edge, Rs 14,231 Crore Pulled Out in May

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have withdrawn Rs 14,231 crore from Indian equities so far in May, extending the total outflow for 2026 to over Rs 2 lakh crore, driven by persistent global macroeconomic uncertainties including inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical risks.

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India has capped gold imports under the Advance Authorisation scheme at 100 kg, a day after significantly increasing import duties on precious metals. This move aims to tighten conditions for duty-free gold imports by jewellery exporters and curb non-essential imports amidst a ballooning import bill.

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Dip on High Crude Price

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Dip on High Crude Price

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Indian equities on Dalal Street declined in early trade on Monday as crude oil prices climbed amid fears of further escalation in the West Asia the war. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for Apr 6, 2026.

'India's airline industry on verge of stopping ops'

'India's airline industry on verge of stopping ops'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet have told the government that the country's airline industry is under extreme stress and on the verge of "stopping operations", as they sought revision in ATF pricing and financial support.

Gulf War: Modi to assess impact on India's critical supplies

Gulf War: Modi to assess impact on India's critical supplies

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the impact of the West Asia conflict on India's food, energy, and fuel security with senior cabinet ministers. The meeting follows previous discussions and concerns raised about global energy crises and supply chain disruptions.

Rupee falls 28 paise to 93.44 amid US-Iran talks uncertainty

Rupee falls 28 paise to 93.44 amid US-Iran talks uncertainty

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee depreciated by 28 paise to settle at 93.44 against the US dollar, influenced by ongoing uncertainties surrounding West Asia peace negotiations, volatile crude oil prices, and the Reserve Bank of India's recent adjustments to non-deliverable forward market regulations.

Over 1,150 Indians Evacuated from Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Over 1,150 Indians Evacuated from Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reports that over 1,150 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran through land borders into Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict. The MEA also confirmed that three Indians were injured in attacks in the UAE.

Iran unable to reopen Strait of Hormuz as it can't find its own mines

Iran unable to reopen Strait of Hormuz as it can't find its own mines

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Despite a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to Iran's inability to locate and remove all the mines it laid during the conflict, hindering global oil and gas supplies.

Oil Shock Triggers Rs 1.1 Trillion FPI Exits

Oil Shock Triggers Rs 1.1 Trillion FPI Exits

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'FPIs are unlikely to return unless there is equilibrium between valuation premium and earnings growth.'

RBI Projects 6.9% GDP Growth Amid Global Uncertainties

RBI Projects 6.9% GDP Growth Amid Global Uncertainties

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected a 6.9 per cent GDP growth for the current financial year, citing concerns over commodity prices and supply chain disruptions stemming from the West Asia crisis.

Second-round effects of supply shocks a real concern, says RBI governor

Second-round effects of supply shocks a real concern, says RBI governor

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that preventing second-round effects of supply shocks, where inflation expectations rise due to prolonged disruptions, is the primary role of monetary policy. He also defended the RBI's foreign exchange market interventions, asserting it did not commit to an 'indefensible peg'.

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, concluding a Budget session marked by the passage of key legislations and the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The session saw frequent opposition protests and discussions on various issues, including the West Asia conflict.

Rupee plunges to all-time low of 94.88 against US dollar, pressured by crude and FII selling

Rupee plunges to all-time low of 94.88 against US dollar, pressured by crude and FII selling

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Indian rupee depreciated 20 paise to close at a fresh all-time low of 94.88 against the US dollar, driven by surging Brent crude oil prices, hovering around USD 115 per barrel, and persistent foreign capital outflows.

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.

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Rediff.com12 May 2026

India possesses two months of fuel stockpiles and faces no supply concerns despite global energy disruptions, according to Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. However, state-run fuel retailers are incurring losses of up to Rs 1 lakh crore in a single quarter due to elevated crude prices and unchanged retail fuel prices, raising questions about the sustainability of these losses.

Why RBI Should Stop Defending Rupee

Why RBI Should Stop Defending Rupee

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The measures announced by it risk backfiring, disrupting the foreign exchange market, and intensifying the very pressures they seek to contain, with broader consequences for the economy points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Rediff.com4 days ago

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity, political leaders are reducing convoys and promoting public transport to conserve fuel.

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'At the first sign of real trouble, that money will move. There will be a run.'

Core Sector Output Contracts 0.4% in March, First Decline in Five Months

Core Sector Output Contracts 0.4% in March, First Decline in Five Months

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

India's core sector output contracted by 0.4 per cent in March, marking the first decline in five months, with coal, crude oil, fertiliser, and electricity production falling, according to official data.

LPG crisis may cut sugar demand by 400,000 tonnes: Isma chief

LPG crisis may cut sugar demand by 400,000 tonnes: Isma chief

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

India's sugar consumption is projected to fall by nearly 400,000 tonnes in the 2025-26 season, primarily due to the ongoing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage exacerbated by the West Asia conflict and unseasonably cool weather.

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $9 Billion, Nearing Record High

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $9 Billion, Nearing Record High

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a substantial increase of USD 9.063 billion, reaching USD 697.121 billion for the week ended April 3, 2026, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This surge follows a previous week's decline and brings the reserves closer to their all-time high.

Gold, silver sell at huge discount after tariff hike

Gold, silver sell at huge discount after tariff hike

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Despite a sharp increase in import duties on gold and silver to 15 per cent, the precious metals are trading at significant discounts in the domestic market, with gold seeing discounts of up to $200 an ounce and silver up to $6 an ounce.

JD Vance touches down in Pakistan; Munir welcomes him at airport

JD Vance touches down in Pakistan; Munir welcomes him at airport

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

High-level peace talks between the US and Iran, facilitated by Pakistan, aim to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia and potentially reshape regional stability.

4 Reasons Why Market Recovered After March Crash

4 Reasons Why Market Recovered After March Crash

Rediff.com3 days ago

'Once the market decides it wants to go up, it goes up -- no amount of bad news can really hold it back.'