News for 'Asia Region'

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.

At $92 bn, India Fifth-Largest Military Spender In 2025

At $92 bn, India Fifth-Largest Military Spender In 2025

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India's defence expenditure surged to $92.1 billion in 2025, making it the world's fifth-largest military spender, according to SIPRI data. This 8.9 per cent year-on-year rise was primarily driven by operational and procurement needs following heightened regional tensions with Pakistan in May 2025.

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.

Xi backs open Hormuz, opposes nuclear-armed Iran: Trump after China visit

Xi backs open Hormuz, opposes nuclear-armed Iran: Trump after China visit

Rediff.com16 May 2026

United States and China have agreed that "Iran can't have nuclear weapons," and that the Strait of Hormuz must be opened, according to US President Donald Trump.

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

For India, much is at stake: Crucial energy supplies traversing the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of its 10 million citizens living and working in West Asia -- who send generous remittances home -- and its major trade links with the region.

Pak to host Saudi, Turkish, Egyptian FMs for talks on Iran war

Pak to host Saudi, Turkish, Egyptian FMs for talks on Iran war

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Pakistan is set to host the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye to discuss a range of issues, including de-escalating tensions in West Asia.

'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.

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.

Modi speaks to Iranian President, seeks to 'safeguard navigation'

Modi speaks to Iranian President, seeks to 'safeguard navigation'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, condemning attacks on critical infrastructure in West Asia and emphasising the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring secure shipping lanes.

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, addressing topics ranging from ceasefire efforts to maritime security and the safe return of Indian nationals. The MEA also addressed the UN Climate Change Conference and the delimitation bill.

India expects FY27 fertiliser subsidy bill to rise 20%, retail prices to be same

India expects FY27 fertiliser subsidy bill to rise 20%, retail prices to be same

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

India's fertiliser subsidy bill for the current financial year (FY27) is projected to increase by approximately 20% due to surging global prices, primarily driven by the West Asia crisis, a senior official confirmed. Despite this, retail prices for urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) will remain unchanged, ensuring adequate supply for the kharif season.

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.

Reopen Hormuz route quickly, stick to no-nuclear pledge: China to Iran

Reopen Hormuz route quickly, stick to no-nuclear pledge: China to Iran

Rediff.com6 May 2026

China has called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and expressed appreciation for Tehran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, a key demand of the US to end the conflict.

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi concluded without a joint statement due to disagreements over the West Asia conflict, with Iran blaming the UAE for the lack of consensus. India, as the host, issued a chair's statement highlighting the differing views.

Modi speaks to Saudi Crown Prince, discusses Middle East conflict

Modi speaks to Saudi Crown Prince, discusses Middle East conflict

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the ongoing conflict in West Asia, emphasising the need to ensure freedom of navigation and secure shipping lanes.

Days after Trump trip, Putin to land in China on Tuesday for two-day visit

Days after Trump trip, Putin to land in China on Tuesday for two-day visit

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, shortly after US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing. The visit underscores the close strategic ties between China and Russia amid global tensions.

Defence Stocks Soar on Geopolitical Tensions, Indigenisation Push

Defence Stocks Soar on Geopolitical Tensions, Indigenisation Push

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Indian defence stocks have seen an average year-on-year gain of 67 per cent, driven by renewed interest following 'Operation Sindoor' and a broader increase in global geopolitical tensions, with the combined market capitalisation of 18 firms increasing by approximately 2.3 trillion.

PepsiCo India to invest Rs 5,700 crore by 2030 to boost production

PepsiCo India to invest Rs 5,700 crore by 2030 to boost production

Rediff.com20 May 2026

PepsiCo India plans a significant investment of Rs 5,700 crore by 2030 to enhance its production capabilities, focusing on its concentrate plant in Madhya Pradesh, a unit in Assam, and land acquisition in Tamil Nadu to expand its snack business footprint in South India.

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.'

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iran hosted a large send-off rally for its World Cup team in Tehran, despite ongoing concerns about visa issues for entry into the United States, where the team is scheduled to play its group matches.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi invited for IPL 2026 final

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi invited for IPL 2026 final

Rediff.com16 May 2026

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been invited to attend the ICC Board meeting and IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif expected to decide on the visit amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.

Indian Women's 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball Team to Compete at Commonwealth Games

Indian Women's 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball Team to Compete at Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India's 3x3 women's wheelchair basketball team has qualified for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, securing their spot through the Asia Oceania qualifiers.

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

As the negotiations continued, the Iranian government said on social media that "talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad entered the expert-level stage as economic, military, legal, and nuclear committees joined in".

India rules ICE bike exports, but China dominates E2Ws

India rules ICE bike exports, but China dominates E2Ws

Rediff.com19 May 2026

But when it comes to e2W, China is the dominant player and had grabbed over 76 per cent share of total e2W imports in 2025 with brands like Yadea, NIU and Sunra dominating the market.

Gold poised for volatile week as West Asia crisis roils markets

Gold poised for volatile week as West Asia crisis roils markets

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Gold prices are expected to remain volatile next week as investors track geopolitical developments in the Middle East and key macroeconomic data releases that could shape the sentiment in the domestic market, analysts said.

Rare Albino Deer Spotted In Kaziranga

Rare Albino Deer Spotted In Kaziranga

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The pale-coloured hog deer is believed to be affected by albinism, a rare genetic condition characterised by the absence or reduction of melanin pigment in the skin, fur, and eyes.

Pak PM Sharif speaks to Iran president, calls for urgent de-escalation

Pak PM Sharif speaks to Iran president, calls for urgent de-escalation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for urgent de-escalation and dialogue in West Asia during a phone call with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing serious concern over ongoing hostilities.

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation for a USD 15 billion Google Artificial Intelligence data centre near Visakhapatnam, calling it a 'growth engine for India' and Asia's biggest such facility.

'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.

Iran submits new proposal for talks with US via Pak

Iran submits new proposal for talks with US via Pak

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Iran has submitted its latest proposal aimed at advancing negotiations to end the ongoing West Asia conflict with the US, days after the Islamic Republic submitted a fresh proposal through regional intermediaries to cease its military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, which is likely to get rejected by Washington.

What went wrong for Suryakumar Yadav?

What went wrong for Suryakumar Yadav?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

SKY didn't realise that a non-performing captain starts losing respect of the dressing room. If someone fails to score consistently for more than a year, he would find it extremely difficult to actually instruct his teammates to execute his plans.

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the Middle East crisis, with a focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

France, UK to take lead in Hormuz navigation mission: Macron

France, UK to take lead in Hormuz navigation mission: Macron

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative to restore free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainty over the virtual control of the strategic waterway between the US and Iran.

Gold and Silver Prices Soar as West Asia Conflict Intensifies

Gold and Silver Prices Soar as West Asia Conflict Intensifies

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Precious metal prices, particularly gold and silver, experienced a significant surge in the national capital as investors sought safe-haven assets amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East.

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.

Why Sea Chokepoints Have Become The New Battleground

Why Sea Chokepoints Have Become The New Battleground

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

If Iran and Oman choose to charge a fee for rendering services to vessels using their territorial waters, so be it. The US is indulging in an irrationally self-destructive act, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Exporters' body flags rising freight costs, seeks liquidity help from RBI

Exporters' body flags rising freight costs, seeks liquidity help from RBI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has appealed to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for liquidity support to Indian exporters, citing a significant increase in freight costs and extended payment cycles due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The broader conflict in West Asia, the largest international market for Indian carriers, has forced a sharp reduction in daily flights relative to the summer schedule.

War, Rain Dampen Q4 Consumer Durables Sales, Especially ACs

War, Rain Dampen Q4 Consumer Durables Sales, Especially ACs

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Increased input costs due to geopolitical conflict in West Asia and unseasonal rain in March negatively impacted volumes of consumer durables makers, particularly air conditioners, in Q4FY26, leading to projected declines in EBITDA and APAT despite revenue growth.

India in touch with Iran to secure safe Hormuz passage for its ships

India in touch with Iran to secure safe Hormuz passage for its ships

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

India is in communication with Iranian officials to ensure the safety and secure passage of its ships through the Strait of Hormuz, following recent firing incidents involving Indian vessels.