News for 'Asia Times'

'Market Has Become Excessively Bearish On India'

'Market Has Become Excessively Bearish On India'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

'When I look at India's relative valuations, these are by far the lowest I have seen in my 35-year career.' 'The relative 12-month trailing performance is among the weakest I have seen, and foreign investor positioning is at a 16-17 year low.'

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.

Israel urges India to designate Iran's IRGC a terror outfit

Israel urges India to designate Iran's IRGC a terror outfit

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The IRGC is the most powerful branch of Iran's armed forces and operates independently of the country's regular military, answering directly to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Govt Imposes Windfall Tax of Rs3/ltr on Petrol Exports, Cuts Levy on Diesel, ATF

Govt Imposes Windfall Tax of Rs3/ltr on Petrol Exports, Cuts Levy on Diesel, ATF

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Indian government has imposed a new windfall gains tax of Rs 3 per litre on petrol exports, while simultaneously reducing the levy on diesel to Rs 16.5 per litre and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to Rs 16 per litre, effective May 16.

Gulf no longer shield for US bases, warns Khamenei

Gulf no longer shield for US bases, warns Khamenei

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Khamenei urged the pilgrims for unity and called on them to pray for "the liberation of Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the alleviation of the great hardships afflicting Muslims, and the attainment of ultimate victory against global arrogance."

RBI Governor: India's Forex Reserves at $682 Billion, 11 Months Import Cover

RBI Governor: India's Forex Reserves at $682 Billion, 11 Months Import Cover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that India's foreign exchange reserves stand at a healthy $682.3 billion as of May 29, 2026, providing approximately 11 months of import cover and strong protection against external shocks.

'India Has Enough Oil And Gas Beneath The Soil'

'India Has Enough Oil And Gas Beneath The Soil'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

'Exploration should be made easier and companies should be given operational flexibility.'

Govt raises import duty on gold, silver after PM's appeal

Govt raises import duty on gold, silver after PM's appeal

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Indian government has increased import duties on gold and silver from 6 per cent to 15 per cent to curb inbound shipments of precious metals amid a rising import bill due to the West Asia crisis.

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

South India Industry Feels Absence of Bengal, Assam Workers

Rediff.com23 May 2026

South India's manufacturing, construction, and services sectors are grappling with severe labour shortages, prompting employers to offer attractive incentives like free air tickets and salary increments to lure migrant workers back from their home states after recent assembly elections.

India: World's Biggest Plastic Polluter

India: World's Biggest Plastic Polluter

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

India generates 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, nearly 20 per cent of the world's total.

'Too early to assess impact of gold curbs'

'Too early to assess impact of gold curbs'

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Titan will continue investments, even as it notes it is too early to assess how customer sentiment and store footfalls will be impacted by the Prime Minister's appeal to reduce gold consumption and the recent hike in import duty.

Stock markets end lower amid spike in oil prices; Sensex drops 480 pts

Stock markets end lower amid spike in oil prices; Sensex drops 480 pts

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower, snapping a two-day rally, as a spike in crude oil prices, triggered by reports of fresh US military operations in southern Iran, dampened investor sentiment and reignited fears of renewed energy supply disruptions.

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.'

Rupee plunges to fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against US dollar

Rupee plunges to fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against US dollar

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Indian rupee depreciated 16 paise to settle at a fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against the US dollar, marking its ninth consecutive session of decline, driven by elevated global crude prices and a strong dollar.

How Modi's Austerity Appeal Can Work

How Modi's Austerity Appeal Can Work

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh, director, Delhi School of Economics.

Be Prepared For Fuel Price Hike!

Be Prepared For Fuel Price Hike!

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'OMCs are incurring losses of Rs 1,000 crore per day due to the West Asia crisis.'

'Why Did US Shoot A Missile Killing Indians?'

'Why Did US Shoot A Missile Killing Indians?'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

'The US was well aware of the nationality of the seafarers on board the vessels. It was not hidden. The nationality of those aboard a merchant ship is known to all the ports.' 'So, why did US shoot a missile that resulted in the deaths of the Indian mariners?'

US-Iran agreement nears finalisation: Report

US-Iran agreement nears finalisation: Report

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The United States and Iran could be set to announce an agreement soon to achieve a complete solution to the hostilities in West Asia, as reported by Saudi state media Al Arabiya on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations.

Maruti Suzuki's mini-car sales jump 147% in April-May as production eases

Maruti Suzuki's mini-car sales jump 147% in April-May as production eases

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Maruti Suzuki India reported a significant 147 per cent year-on-year increase in mini-car sales (Alto and S-Presso) during April-May 2026, reaching 32,341 units, driven by eased production constraints and a surge in demand for CNG vehicles amidst rising fuel prices.

Shreyas Iyer era begins as India captain

Shreyas Iyer era begins as India captain

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Perhaps no other cricketer has gone through so much turbulence and transformation between December 3, 2023 and June 6, 2026 as Shreyas Iyer, who took over the reins of India's T20 team from Suryakumar Yadav on Saturday.

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.

What's Delcy Rodriguez Doing In Delhi?

What's Delcy Rodriguez Doing In Delhi?

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez is in New Delhi on her sixth visit to India.

No Stopping For Retail Investors In Equity Markets

No Stopping For Retail Investors In Equity Markets

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

In April alone, they snapped up shares worth Rs 19,664 crore, recording their biggest buy since October 2024.

Gurindervir Singh's Record Run Sparks Sub-10 Second Hopes

Gurindervir Singh's Record Run Sparks Sub-10 Second Hopes

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Gurindervir Singh's record-breaking 10.09-second run in the 100m at the Federation Cup National Championships has ignited hopes for Indian athletes to finally break the coveted sub-10-second barrier. Experts believe that with the right training, equipment, and opportunities, an Indian sprinter could achieve this milestone in the near future.

'Evidence of...': Oppn slams Modi over 'WFH, no gold' pitch

'Evidence of...': Oppn slams Modi over 'WFH, no gold' pitch

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for citizens to make economic sacrifices in response to the West Asia conflict, calling it 'evidence of failure'. Gandhi accused Modi of shifting responsibility onto the public and being incapable of running the country.

Putin says Russia will not 'interfere' in India-China border disputes

Putin says Russia will not 'interfere' in India-China border disputes

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow would not interfere in the "delicate" bilateral relations between India and China, expressing confidence in their ability to resolve border disputes amicably. He also discussed Russia's independent partnerships with both nations, touched upon India-Pakistan ties, and highlighted ongoing and proposed defence cooperation with India, including the BrahMos missile and a potential Su-57 fighter jet project.

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.

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.

Sindhu pulls out of Badminton Asia Team Championship

Sindhu pulls out of Badminton Asia Team Championship

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has pulled out of the upcoming Badminton Asia Team Championships, dealing a major blow to Indian team's medal chances at the tournament beginning next week.

Pak holds second round of talks with Iran on resolving conflict

Pak holds second round of talks with Iran on resolving conflict

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been in Tehran meeting with Iranian officials in an attempt to mediate and resolve the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. This marks Naqvi's second visit in less than a week as Pakistan seeks to bridge the differences between the two nations and establish long-term stability in the region.

India's M&A market resilient, poised for $200 billion annual run-rate

India's M&A market resilient, poised for $200 billion annual run-rate

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market is projected to maintain an annual run-rate of approximately $200 billion, evenly split between domestic, inbound, and outbound transactions, despite global geopolitical turbulence, according to Rajesh Singhi, global co-head, M&A Advisory, Standard Chartered Bank.

300 tourists rescued after Gulmarg Gondola stalls midair

300 tourists rescued after Gulmarg Gondola stalls midair

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Hundreds of tourists were safely rescued from the Gulmarg Gondola cable car system in Jammu and Kashmir after it developed technical problems, leading to the suspension of operations.

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.

R&AW's Big Success: Trapping Musharraf In Kargil War

R&AW's Big Success: Trapping Musharraf In Kargil War

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

'We caught General Pervez Musharraf talking over the phone with his Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Mohammad Aziz. Musharraf was visiting China; Aziz was in Rawalpindi.'

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that India has expanded its nuclear arsenal and is developing long-range weapons capable of reaching targets across China, while also maintaining focus on its rivalry with Pakistan.

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

It may now be time to question the price India is paying for Israel's disregard of the serious undermining of India's energy security, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Air India defers increments, asks staff to cut costs

Air India defers increments, asks staff to cut costs

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Air India has deferred annual salary increments for its staff by at least one quarter and urged a "relentless focus on costs" due to external headwinds like the closure of Pakistan airspace, West Asia conflict, rupee depreciation, and a significant surge in aviation turbine fuel prices, though the airline has assured there will be no layoffs.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty turn flat after falling in early trade

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty turn flat after falling in early trade

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The BSE benchmark traded 44.43 points up at 76,521.93, and the Nifty quoted 17.20 points higher at 24,048.85. Track Stock markets on May 26.

Sensex, Nifty Tumble as West Asia Conflict and Oil Prices Weigh on Investor Sentiment

Sensex, Nifty Tumble as West Asia Conflict and Oil Prices Weigh on Investor Sentiment

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Indian equity markets experienced a significant downturn as geopolitical tensions in West Asia, rising oil prices, and foreign fund outflows dampened investor confidence. The Sensex and Nifty both fell sharply in early trade, reflecting broader global market weakness.

Hero to roll out flex-fuel versions of motorcycles, but concerns remain

Hero to roll out flex-fuel versions of motorcycles, but concerns remain

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Flex fuel motorcycles can deliver "3 per cent higher torque and 7 per cent higher peak power".