News for '-asia'

Claude AI Now More Accessible With Rupee Pricing In India

Claude AI Now More Accessible With Rupee Pricing In India

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Anthropic has introduced Rupee-denominated pricing for its Claude AI assistant in India, making its Pro and Max plans more accessible to one of its largest user communities. This move, alongside the opening of its Bengaluru office and increased revenue, highlights Anthropic's growing focus on the Indian market, a sentiment echoed by rival OpenAI.

India's Top Arms Supplier Is...

India's Top Arms Supplier Is...

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Europe has overtaken Asia as India's biggest arms supplier, reflecting New Delhi's evolving defence procurement strategy.

India Dominates Kazakhstan To Reach Badminton Junior Quarterfinals

India Dominates Kazakhstan To Reach Badminton Junior Quarterfinals

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Team India secured a dominant 2-0 victory over Kazakhstan in their opening Group C match at the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships in Yatsushiro, Tokyo, sealing their spot in the quarterfinals. The Indian team showcased strong performances in both sets, preparing for their upcoming clash against Chinese Taipei.

India's Forex Kitty Drops by $5.65 Billion to $666.93 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Drops by $5.65 Billion to $666.93 Billion

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant drop of USD 5.654 billion, settling at USD 666.933 billion for the week ending June 26, following interventions by the RBI and public appeals by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conserve forex.

West Asia crisis may cost India Rs 2.1 trillion, says BoB

West Asia crisis may cost India Rs 2.1 trillion, says BoB

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Bank of Baroda economists project India's GDP to grow 6.5-6.8 per cent in FY27 but warn that the fiscal deficit could overshoot the budgeted 4.3 per cent target, potentially reaching 4.7-4.8 per cent of GDP due to subsidy overruns, excise duty cuts, and oil marketing company losses.

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have significantly advanced the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, securing crucial agreements on defence, critical minerals, and maritime security, including BrahMos missile supply and Sabang port development.

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indonesian parliament, emphasising India's commitment to development over expansionism and advocating for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He highlighted the strong historical ties between India and Indonesia, calling for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including defence, technology, and counter-terrorism, amidst growing concerns over regional security.

India's Exports Up 15.5% in June, Trade Deficit Hits Record $30.43 Billion

India's Exports Up 15.5% in June, Trade Deficit Hits Record $30.43 Billion

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's exports increased by 15.5 per cent to USD 40.41 billion in June, but the trade deficit significantly widened to a record USD 30.43 billion due to a 31 per cent surge in imports.

Zero trust on US, prepared for full-scale defence: Iran

Zero trust on US, prepared for full-scale defence: Iran

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stressed on Friday (local time) that Tehran remains prepared for "full-scale defence" should the US betray the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries last month.

India summons Iran envoys, protests strikes on vessels in Hormuz

India summons Iran envoys, protests strikes on vessels in Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India has lodged a 'strong protest' with Iran over recent strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and injuries to several others, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic engagement.

Classification Issue Bars Tejas Nandakumar From Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Classification Issue Bars Tejas Nandakumar From Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Indian para swimmer Tejas Nandakumar has been ruled out of the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games due to a classification issue. His entry, initially accepted, was later rejected by organisers after a validation process by World Para Athletics, citing his R-2025 class status as ineligible for the G2026 competition.

20% too much, we'll be fair: Iran mocks Trump over Hormuz claim

20% too much, we'll be fair: Iran mocks Trump over Hormuz claim

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi mocked US President Donald Trump's claim of the US being the 'guardian' of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Iran has always been and will remain the sole guardian, while also suggesting that any entity providing security should be compensated, though Trump's proposed '20 per cent' levy is 'too much'.

July 8 Market Crash: 'Volatility Is Best Friend Of Investor'

July 8 Market Crash: 'Volatility Is Best Friend Of Investor'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

'Buy on dips, buy on dips and sell on rise.'

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India too can rise to the top if the 1.4 billion Indians back home are given better opportunities to use their innate talent and capacity to work hard, with right incentives in a more meritocratic rules-based system, asserts Ajay Chhibber.

'Don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die': 'Chatur' from '3 Idiots' backs Wangchuk

'Don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die': 'Chatur' from '3 Idiots' backs Wangchuk

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Omi Vaidya, known as Chatur from '3 Idiots', has publicly supported climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi, drawing attention to Wangchuk's deteriorating health and the inspiration he provided for Aamir Khan's character in the film.

NBFCs show strong Q4, but near-term outlook remains cautious

NBFCs show strong Q4, but near-term outlook remains cautious

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) reported encouraging results for Q4FY26 with improved asset quality and earnings, but analysts maintain a cautious near-term outlook due to geopolitical tensions, monsoon risks, and specific portfolio concerns.

Midcap, Smallcap Indices Scale Record Highs

Midcap, Smallcap Indices Scale Record Highs

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

'Midcaps and smallcaps are the 'go-to segments' for retail investors.'

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Rediff.com7 days ago

Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.

Indian Shuttlers Ready For Japan Open Challenge

Indian Shuttlers Ready For Japan Open Challenge

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's top badminton players, including the men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, singles stars Lakshya Sen, P V Sindhu, and rising talent Ayush Shetty, are set to compete at the USD 950,000 Japan Open Super 750 tournament. The event marks a crucial stage for many Indian shuttlers to make significant runs on the BWF World Tour.

Indian Markets Rally for Second Day, Sensex Jumps Over 800 Points

Indian Markets Rally for Second Day, Sensex Jumps Over 800 Points

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty continued their upward trend for a second consecutive day, with the Sensex gaining over 800 points, driven by strong performances from heavyweights like Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank, alongside positive cues from easing crude oil prices and robust IT sector earnings.

Tech Mahindra's Q1 Net Profit Surges 28.4% to Rs 1,465 Crore, Signals Strong Demand

Tech Mahindra's Q1 Net Profit Surges 28.4% to Rs 1,465 Crore, Signals Strong Demand

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

IT major Tech Mahindra reported a 28.4 per cent increase in consolidated net profit for the June quarter, reaching Rs 1,465 crore, driven by broad-based growth across manufacturing and financial services, and expressed confidence in a positive demand environment for the rest of the year.

11 India-bound vessels transit Hormuz after US-Iran pact to end conflict

11 India-bound vessels transit Hormuz after US-Iran pact to end conflict

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Following a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran to resolve the West Asia conflict, eleven India-bound vessels have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz. This development signals a positive shift for maritime trade, with more Indian-flagged ships expected to pass through the crucial waterway soon.

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'

Wholesale Price Inflation Climbs to 9.87% in June, Driven by Food and Mineral Costs

Wholesale Price Inflation Climbs to 9.87% in June, Driven by Food and Mineral Costs

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India's wholesale price inflation (WPI) increased to 9.87 per cent in June, up from 9.68 per cent in May, primarily due to significant price increases in non-food and food products, with food inflation alone rising to 5.49 per cent.

8 Weird Football Terms

8 Weird Football Terms

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

As the sport's popularity spread across the world, it developed its own colourful language/expressions. From clever slang to bizarre nicknames, the game's changing culture has thrown up some rather unusual turn of phrase. Here are 8 of the strangest football terms ever used.

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The United States on Saturday (local time) launched a third round of strikes against Iran after alleging that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.

Google Bets Big on India's AI Future

Google Bets Big on India's AI Future

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The aim is to win over the country's enterprises, developers and startups as AI systems shift from answering questions to autonomously executing tasks.

Air India May Restore Flight Cuts

Air India May Restore Flight Cuts

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

'We may be able to wind back some of the schedule reductions we'd taken in recent months.'

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Jharkhand Speaker Calls For Stringent Cybercrime Policy

Jharkhand Speaker Calls For Stringent Cybercrime Policy

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Jharkhand Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato has called for the formulation of a more effective and stringent policy to curb cybercrimes, fraud, and digital scams. He highlighted the dual nature of artificial intelligence, which simplifies life but also presents serious challenges through misuse. Various experts and MLAs at a workshop emphasised the importance of cybersecurity education, personal digital responsibility, and empowering legislators to strengthen institutional resilience against cyber threats.

Kuwait, Bahrain attacked; Jordan downs 4 Iranian missiles

Kuwait, Bahrain attacked; Jordan downs 4 Iranian missiles

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Kuwait's air defence systems engaged 'hostile aerial targets', Jordan intercepted four missiles, and Bahrain sounded warning sirens after Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military installations in the region.

Akasa Air targets IPO in 2-4 years, maintains 30-40% growth despite challenges

Akasa Air targets IPO in 2-4 years, maintains 30-40% growth despite challenges

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Akasa Air, despite facing headwinds from the West Asia conflict and rising aviation turbine fuel prices, expects to maintain a 30-40 per cent growth trajectory over the next five years and aims for an initial public offering (IPO) within two to four years, according to CFO Ankur Goel.

Geopolitical tensions, inflation data to dictate gold and silver prices

Geopolitical tensions, inflation data to dictate gold and silver prices

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gold and silver are expected to remain volatile with a corrective bias as investors assess the latest flare-up in the US-Iran conflict, movements in crude oil prices, and inflation data, which could reshape expectations for global interest rates, according to analysts.

West Asia Crisis Reroutes Tourists

West Asia Crisis Reroutes Tourists

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Travellers are considering safer and more stable destinations.'

Chinese API price surge tests India's pharma buffers amid West Asia crisis

Chinese API price surge tests India's pharma buffers amid West Asia crisis

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India's pharmaceutical industry is experiencing increased bulk drug prices, particularly for APIs from China, following the escalation of the West Asia crisis in March. While current inventories provide a temporary buffer, concerns are mounting over the availability of key solvents and feedstocks, potentially leading to manufacturing disruptions and shortages in specific drug categories.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty climb as foreign funds return, crude oil stabilises

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty climb as foreign funds return, crude oil stabilises

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty advanced in early trade, driven by renewed foreign fund inflows and a significant drop in crude oil prices to pre-war levels, signalling an uptrend in the market. Track Sensex, Nifty on July 7, 2026.

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Rediff.com7 days ago

'Our leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, are in touch with all Opposition parties, including the DMK and the AAP.'

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Tumble as West Asia Conflict & PM Modi's Austerity Appeal Spook Investors

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Tumble as West Asia Conflict & PM Modi's Austerity Appeal Spook Investors

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Indian stock markets experienced a significant sell-off, with the Sensex tumbling over 1,300 points, driven by escalating crude oil prices due to US-Iran tensions and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity measures, which amplified investor concerns about India's economic outlook.

Retail Inflation Rises to 4.38% in June, Exceeds RBI's 4% Median Target

Retail Inflation Rises to 4.38% in June, Exceeds RBI's 4% Median Target

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's retail inflation rose to 4.38 per cent in June, driven primarily by costlier food items, pushing it above the Reserve Bank of India's median target of 4 per cent for the first time under the new series.