News for 'Asia Region'

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.

Islamabad likely to host next round of US-Iran technical talks on July 11

Islamabad likely to host next round of US-Iran technical talks on July 11

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Pakistan capital Islamabad is emerging as the leading venue for the next round of technical negotiations between the US and Iran, a media report said Sunday.

India's Crude Oil Imports Shift: Venezuela & Brazil Replace Iraq Amid West Asia Crisis

India's Crude Oil Imports Shift: Venezuela & Brazil Replace Iraq Amid West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Indian refiners are recalibrating their crude sourcing strategy due to supply disruptions in West Asia, leading to Venezuela and Brazil emerging as top five suppliers in April, replacing traditional sources like Iraq and the United States.

World Bank: Remove AI Barriers to Boost Business and Jobs

World Bank: Remove AI Barriers to Boost Business and Jobs

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

World Bank South Asia Chief Economist Franziska Ohnsorge advocates for the removal of obstacles hindering the adoption of artificial intelligence to foster business growth and job creation, particularly in South Asia.

Xi Watching? Modi-Takaichi to Hold Talks In Assam

Xi Watching? Modi-Takaichi to Hold Talks In Assam

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Japanese PM's visit to Assam comes amid festering uneasiness in Tokyo about Beijing's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

First Dengue Vaccine Approved for India

First Dengue Vaccine Approved for India

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The vaccine has been cleared for use in individuals aged 4 to 60 years and can be administered irrespective of whether the taker has had dengue before, eliminating the need for pre-vaccination screening.

How El Nino and climate change are reshaping India's monsoon

How El Nino and climate change are reshaping India's monsoon

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Climate experts explain how El Nino and climate change are intricately linked, with El Nino delaying monsoon onset and climate change intensifying rainfall. This new reality is altering the Indian monsoon's behaviour, leading to short-duration, high-intensity rain spells, especially in western and northwestern regions.

Medical Tourism Revenues Grow Despite Conflicts

Medical Tourism Revenues Grow Despite Conflicts

Rediff.com26 May 2026

While the West Asia conflict has led to a drop in patient footfalls, hospitals are seeing higher realisations as international patients increasingly travel for complex, high-end procedures.

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India's foreign policy establishment is adjusting with alacrity in real time -- an extraordinary spectacle in itself, considering the manifest reluctance to indulge in public diplomacy critical of American moves, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

ICC Unveils Cricket Qualification Criteria For Los Angeles Olympics

ICC Unveils Cricket Qualification Criteria For Los Angeles Olympics

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the qualification criteria for cricket's return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028. The Indian men's team needs to be Asia's highest-ranked in T20Is by end of 2026, while women's teams will qualify based on continental performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

JD(U) MP Seeks Assurance for Bihari Workers in West Asia Amidst Tensions

JD(U) MP Seeks Assurance for Bihari Workers in West Asia Amidst Tensions

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha has appealed to the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to ensure the safety and well-being of the Bihari diaspora in West Asia, following escalating tensions in the region.

Pakistan Rejects India's PoK Allegations, Issues Water Warning

Pakistan Rejects India's PoK Allegations, Issues Water Warning

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Pakistan has criticised India's recent remarks on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) protests, asserting it is addressing issues democratically. Pakistan also warned India against blocking water, calling it an "act of war," and commented on India's nuclear capabilities and its own military strikes in Afghanistan.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif signs US-Iran peace deal

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif signs US-Iran peace deal

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the historic peace deal between the United States and Iran as a guarantor; the agreement will see the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade.

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

He added that opposition parties were assured that their concerns regarding the impact of the West Asia situation on India and the safety of Indian citizens were addressed in detail.

India To Host Asian Senior Fencing Championships For First Time

India To Host Asian Senior Fencing Championships For First Time

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India is set to host the Asian Senior Fencing Championships for the first time from June 19-24 in New Delhi, featuring athletes from 34 countries, including Olympic medallists. The event is a direct qualifier for the Asian Games and offers ranking points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Indian Olympian Bhavani Devi leading the home challenge.

Guwahati Misses Out On Hosting India-Japan Summit

Guwahati Misses Out On Hosting India-Japan Summit

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The visit was expected to project Assam as the gateway to Southeast Asia and reinforce the state's emergence as a preferred investment destination.

Govt ready with corrective steps: Union minister on West Asia conflict

Govt ready with corrective steps: Union minister on West Asia conflict

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian government has implemented several measures to mitigate external risks, support the balance of payments, and maintain macroeconomic stability amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis, according to Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Despite talks, US may deploy 10,000 additional troops to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The deployment could include infantry and armoured units, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division, which is already stationed in the region.

Can Tekton SUV Bring Nissan Back Into the Big League?

Can Tekton SUV Bring Nissan Back Into the Big League?

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Nissan Motor India aims to achieve a fourfold increase in domestic sales, targeting 100,000 units annually, and export another 100,000 vehicles from its Chennai plant by financial year 2027-28 (FY28), marking a significant revival of its presence in the Indian passenger vehicle market.

Remittances from West Asia see 20-30% jump in March due to conflict

Remittances from West Asia see 20-30% jump in March due to conflict

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Remittances from West Asia in March rose sharply amid the conflict in the region, with industry insiders estimating inflows to be 20-30 per cent higher than what is usual in a month.

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Indian embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave Iran.

'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.

Indian Firms Plan Highest AI Investment Growth in Asia-Pacific: Lenovo Study

Indian Firms Plan Highest AI Investment Growth in Asia-Pacific: Lenovo Study

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A Lenovo study reveals that Indian enterprises are planning to increase their investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at a higher rate than other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

No plans to meet US at any level in coming days: Iran

No plans to meet US at any level in coming days: Iran

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Iran on Tuesday said that the Islamic Republic has "no plans" to hold any meetings with the United States in the coming days at any level, even as diplomatic engagements continue separately in Doha on the related implementation of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the hostilities in West Asia.

US 7th fleet's USS Tripoli strike group heads to West Asia as tensions soar

US 7th fleet's USS Tripoli strike group heads to West Asia as tensions soar

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

According to the report, the Pentagon is deploying the USS Tripoli ARG, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), part of its own strike group.

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, attempting to balance its 'forever honeymoon' with the Israel-UAE-Bahrain axis against its historical ties with Iran, as evidenced by recent high-level visits and evolving geopolitical realignments in the Middle East, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Russia offers to boost oil, gas supplies to India amidst West Asia turmoil

Russia offers to boost oil, gas supplies to India amidst West Asia turmoil

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Amidst global energy market volatility driven by the West Asia crisis, Russia has proposed increasing its crude oil and natural gas supplies to India, strengthening bilateral energy ties and aiming for USD 100 billion in annual trade by 2030.

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.

Markets underpricing oil shock risk amid West Asia conflict, say analysts

Markets underpricing oil shock risk amid West Asia conflict, say analysts

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Analysts warn that global markets are significantly underpricing the risk of an oil price shock, with Brent crude potentially soaring to $150 per barrel if the West Asia conflict escalates or damages critical oil and gas infrastructure. This could lead to severe inflation and economic repercussions, particularly for import-dependent nations like India.

Why Wipro's Q1 Net Profit Was Flat

Why Wipro's Q1 Net Profit Was Flat

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Wipro's net profit in the first quarter saw minimal growth, rising less than one per cent to 3,352 crore, while revenue increased by 10.6 per cent to 24,480 crore. The IT services segment, a key metric, grew by only one per cent year-on-year, falling short of analyst estimates amidst a challenging demand environment and longer decision cycles from clients.

India's exports plunge 7.44% in March; trade with West Asia nosedives

India's exports plunge 7.44% in March; trade with West Asia nosedives

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

India's exports experienced their steepest fall in five months, declining by 7.44 per cent in March to $38.92 billion, primarily due to trade uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, with shipments to West Asia contracting by over 50 per cent.

Indian Dies in Kuwait Attack: Impact of West Asia Conflict on Indian Nationals

Indian Dies in Kuwait Attack: Impact of West Asia Conflict on Indian Nationals

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

An Indian national has been killed in Kuwait following Iranian strikes on a power and water desalination plant, bringing the total number of Indian fatalities in the West Asia conflict to eight.

Pakistan Assures Saudi Arabia of Support 'Before It Is Needed' Amid West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Assures Saudi Arabia of Support 'Before It Is Needed' Amid West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A senior Pakistani official has affirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia, even before assistance is explicitly requested, amidst ongoing conflict in West Asia. This pledge underscores the close ties between the two nations and Pakistan's role in regional stability.

China, Pakistan unveil five-point peace plan for West Asia

China, Pakistan unveil five-point peace plan for West Asia

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point peace plan to address the ongoing conflict in West Asia, focusing on de-escalation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

ADB flags India's oil vulnerability amid rising West Asia tensions

ADB flags India's oil vulnerability amid rising West Asia tensions

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday warned that India's limited crude oil reserves of about 100 million barrels - sufficient for only 40-45 days of consumption - leave the country particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war in West Asia.

Farooq Abdullah Calls for Dialogue Amid Escalating West Asia Violence

Farooq Abdullah Calls for Dialogue Amid Escalating West Asia Violence

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has voiced his concern over the escalating violence in West Asia, urging all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and protect civilian lives.

PM Modi Reassures Support for Indians Amidst West Asia Conflict

PM Modi Reassures Support for Indians Amidst West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an NDA rally, assuring that the Indian government is providing assistance to Indian citizens stranded in West Asia due to the ongoing conflict. He criticised the Congress party for allegedly making provocative statements and spreading rumours regarding the crisis.

Tension escalates as US shoots down two Iranian attack drones in Hormuz

Tension escalates as US shoots down two Iranian attack drones in Hormuz

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The United States military has intercepted and destroyed two Iranian attack drones that posed an immediate hazard to commercial shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, according to an official statement by the US Central Command late Saturday.

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

5 Indians killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict: MEA

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, on Saturday informed that five Indians have been killed and one is missing due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He added that Indian missions remain open round the clock and are constantly working to provide assistance.

'Why Have The Number Of Jobs Created Fallen?'

'Why Have The Number Of Jobs Created Fallen?'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'We have to pull 80 million workers out of agriculture and go back to where we were in 2014. That itself is going to be a huge task.' 'We have already lost time, and that is a catastrophe impending.''