News for 'Asia Region'

Putin, Xi pledge to dismantle global hegemonism

Putin, Xi pledge to dismantle global hegemonism

Rediff.com20 May 2026

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.

Class 12 students allege answer sheet mismatch, CBSE begins probe

Class 12 students allege answer sheet mismatch, CBSE begins probe

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The CBSE has taken up on 'top priority' the cases related to alleged mismatched answer sheets and other concerns faced by students in the re-evaluation process, a source in the board said.

West Asia crisis: Modi asks Indians to 'be ready for every eventuality'

West Asia crisis: Modi asks Indians to 'be ready for every eventuality'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Rajya Sabha, detailing India's strategies to navigate the global energy crisis sparked by the West Asia conflict, including securing diverse energy sources and expanding strategic oil reserves.

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India would confront a more entrenched China, a less dependable United States, and a regional order increasingly shaped by great-power bargaining over which it exercises limited influence, notes Amberish K Diwanji.

Crude oil prices projected to fall further this year

Crude oil prices projected to fall further this year

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Crude oil prices are projected to fall significantly this year, driven by hopes of a peace deal between the US and Iran, which could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a notable drop in Chinese demand for seaborne crude imports.

Draft US-Iran truce deal eyes Hormuz reopening, American troop pullback

Draft US-Iran truce deal eyes Hormuz reopening, American troop pullback

Rediff.com27 May 2026

As tensions in the Middle East approach a critical juncture, reports have surfaced regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.

Putin, UAE Prez step in, call for immediate ceasefire in West Asia

Putin, UAE Prez step in, call for immediate ceasefire in West Asia

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The US-Israeli military campaign, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury" by Washington, has entered its third day, with US President Donald Trump stating that operations would continue "until all of our objectives are achieved."

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Afghanistan's anti-doping programme has collapsed since the Taliban's return to power, with no tests conducted for three years and the country's exiled anti-doping chief admitting there is currently 'no hope'. The programme faces numerous challenges, including a lack of Doping Control Officers, logistical issues, and political instability.

171,150 Indians Deported From 52 Countries In 5 Years

171,150 Indians Deported From 52 Countries In 5 Years

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Deportations of Indians have increased in recent years from several countries like the UAE, USA, Malaysia, Myanmar.

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.

India Inc Battles Rising Gulf War Costs

India Inc Battles Rising Gulf War Costs

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Companies are already diversifying sourcing, raising prices, and reworking operating models as the disruption drags on.

Netradyne Buys Moove To Boost European Operations

Netradyne Buys Moove To Boost European Operations

Rediff.com5 May 2026

AI-powered fleet safety and performance solutions provider Netradyne has acquired European fleet intelligence and connected mobility company Moove Connected Mobility for an undisclosed sum.

Staggered Jet Fuel Price Hike to Shield Passengers from Steep Fare Rises

Staggered Jet Fuel Price Hike to Shield Passengers from Steep Fare Rises

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that public sector oil marketing companies will implement a partial and staggered increase in jet fuel prices for domestic airlines, aiming to protect passengers from steep fare hikes.

US, Iran close in on 60-day truce deal; Hormuz reopening on cards

US, Iran close in on 60-day truce deal; Hormuz reopening on cards

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A high-stakes memorandum for a 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran is in its final stages, with negotiators working to close remaining gaps and avert further escalation in the region, including reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of Iranian oil sales, according to an Axios report citing US officials.

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.

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"

India, Venezuela vow long-term energy tie-up

India, Venezuela vow long-term energy tie-up

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

India's procurement of Venezuelan crude oil has picked up momentum since April and the South American nation has already emerged as the third largest oil supplier to the country.

Air India suspends several international flights amid high fuel prices

Air India suspends several international flights amid high fuel prices

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Air India has announced a reduction in international flights and temporary suspension of services on six routes, including Delhi-Chicago, due to airspace restrictions and high jet fuel prices.

India-bound LPG carrier crosses Hormuz, to reach Visakhapatnam on May 13

India-bound LPG carrier crosses Hormuz, to reach Visakhapatnam on May 13

Rediff.com2 May 2026

A Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier, MT Sarv Shakti, carrying Indian cargo, has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on May 13, according to official sources.

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.

Indian Navy's Submarine Shortfall Dilemma

Indian Navy's Submarine Shortfall Dilemma

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Experts' worries intensified after Pakistan commissioned its first Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, last month.

New Covid-Like Virus Found In Bats

New Covid-Like Virus Found In Bats

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Scientists stress there is currently no evidence of human infections, or community spread linked to the virus.

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

Rediff.com25 May 2026

'We should expect extreme heat, extreme rains, floods, landslides and maybe cyclones. Not just this year, in the coming year as well.'

Ready for 'negotiations with dignity': Iranian Prez

Ready for 'negotiations with dignity': Iranian Prez

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is considering various paths to address regional tensions, including negotiations conducted with dignity and authority, while emphasising that military gains should be reinforced through diplomacy.

Sachin Yadav Finishes Eighth In Diamond League Debut

Sachin Yadav Finishes Eighth In Diamond League Debut

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Indian javelin thrower Sachin Yadav finished eighth in his Diamond League debut in Rome with a throw of 79.18m, significantly below his personal best. Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won the event with a historic 92.62m throw, the second longest by an Asian.

10 Airports Passengers Love The Most

10 Airports Passengers Love The Most

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

SKYTRAX's annual airport rankings for 2026, based on a global passenger poll, placed four Indian gateways within the top 100. Delhi moved up to 28th and led the India-South Asia region, while Hyderabad climbed to 43rd and earned praise for staff service. Goa and Mumbai improved to 64th and 66th respectively.

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.com17 May 2026

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.

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Quad grouping has expanded cooperation in critical minerals and energy, while unveiling new measures to boost maritime surveillance and port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. This move comes against the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the region, with ministers reiterating strong opposition to destabilising actions and expressing serious concerns over militarisation of disputed features.

Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in India for BRICS summit; to meet Jaishankar

Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in India for BRICS summit; to meet Jaishankar

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in India for a BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, where discussions will focus on the escalating crisis in West Asia and its impact on global energy supply chains.

Gulf War: Stocks That Tanked The Most

Gulf War: Stocks That Tanked The Most

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

West Asia conflict triggers sharp sell-off in Indian markets, with realty, banking and auto stocks leading losses amid energy shock fears.

US Tightens Sanctions On Iran's 'Shadow Oil Economy'

US Tightens Sanctions On Iran's 'Shadow Oil Economy'

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran's 'shadow oil economy,' accusing Tehran of using illicit oil revenues to fund the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional activities.

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.

Want To Own Ultra-Exclusive Cars?

Want To Own Ultra-Exclusive Cars?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'I own a few cars that I have had specified minutely to my taste, and it does feel nice to know that there are no other vehicles like them anywhere in the world.'

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Flex fuel to be sold at 5,000 outlets by end of next year

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Oil-marketing companies (OMCs) are set to significantly expand the sale of flex fuel (E85) across India, with plans to reach 5,000 outlets in major cities by the end of next year, according to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. This move aims to boost ethanol demand, reduce crude oil imports, and cut carbon emissions, coinciding with the launch of India's first flex-fuel vehicles by Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp.

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.

Trump is not going to make a 'bad deal': Marco Rubio

Trump is not going to make a 'bad deal': Marco Rubio

Rediff.com25 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that significant progress has been made in negotiations with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. However, President Donald Trump remains cautious, vowing not to accept a 'bad deal' regarding Iran's nuclear programme and regional stability.

How Fuel Price Hikes Are Impacting Kerala's Economy

How Fuel Price Hikes Are Impacting Kerala's Economy

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Kerala is facing increased inflationary pressure due to recent hikes in petrol and diesel prices, according to Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The state's economy is also impacted by the decline in remittances from the Gulf and higher oil prices.

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.

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty suffer major meltdown as West Asia crisis intensifies

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty suffer major meltdown as West Asia crisis intensifies

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant crash in early trade, triggered by a sharp increase in crude oil prices and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

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.