News for 'Asia Times'

West Asia Crisis May Hit FY27 Fiscal Deficit

West Asia Crisis May Hit FY27 Fiscal Deficit

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The fiscal consolidation path and Rs 1 trillion stabilisation fund provide room to absorb mild shocks, but sustained oil-price increases pose risks.

India's Forex Kitty Soars to All-Time High of $729.3 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Soars to All-Time High of $729.3 Billion

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves have surged by $12.42 billion, reaching a new all-time high of $729.33 billion for the week ended August 21, driven by increases in foreign currency assets and gold reserves.

India's Forex Kitty Soars to New All-Time High of $740.8 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Soars to New All-Time High of $740.8 Billion

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves surged by USD 11.475 billion to a new record high of USD 740.803 billion for the week ended August 28, driven by the RBI's concessional forex swap initiatives.

Asia Games: Why Indian athletes are sleeping in shipping containers

Asia Games: Why Indian athletes are sleeping in shipping containers

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Indian athletes are undergoing a unique acclimatisation process at NSNIS Patiala and Bengaluru, spending nights in makeshift shipping container rooms. This initiative by the Sports Authority of India aims to prepare them for the unusual container-style accommodation awaiting them at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, ensuring logistical issues do not distract from their performance.

Microsoft Expands India Footprint With New Hyderabad Cloud Region

Microsoft Expands India Footprint With New Hyderabad Cloud Region

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Microsoft has officially launched its fourth cloud region in India, located in Hyderabad, as part of its USD 20.5 billion investment in the country's digital and AI infrastructure. This new facility, which became available on August 6, features zero-water cooling technology and aims to enhance capacity and resilience for organisations in India and Asia, supporting the nation's rapid digital growth and projected increase in data centre capacity.

Junior Indian Hockey Team Gears Up For Asia Cup With Malaysia Series

Junior Indian Hockey Team Gears Up For Asia Cup With Malaysia Series

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

India's U-21 men's hockey team will host Malaysia for an eight-match exposure series in Bengaluru from August 7-13, serving as crucial preparation for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup and strengthening bilateral sporting ties.

'BCCI Loves To Fool Indian Fans'

'BCCI Loves To Fool Indian Fans'

Rediff.com7 days ago

During the Asia Cup final on Sunday, the cameras panned to the guest box at the Dubai international stadium and showed BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in conversation with Asian Cricket Council Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Asian Games Kick Off With A Spectacle Of Innovation And Culture

Asian Games Kick Off With A Spectacle Of Innovation And Culture

Rediff.com2 days ago

Japan inaugurated the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya with a vibrant opening ceremony that seamlessly blended advanced technology and rich cultural traditions, despite earlier organisational challenges.

Charani retains top T20I bowling spot, Deepti climbs to second

Charani retains top T20I bowling spot, Deepti climbs to second

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian spinner Shree Charani has maintained her top position in the ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings with a career-best 804 rating points, while compatriot Deepti Sharma has risen four places to second, following their stellar performances in the Women's T20 Asia Cup.

India Women begin Asian Games title defence against Japan

India Women begin Asian Games title defence against Japan

Rediff.com4 days ago

Fresh from their record-extending Asia Cup triumph, defending champions India will begin their Asian Games title defence as overwhelming favourites against hosts Japan in the women's quarter-finals in Nagoya on Friday.

ICC sanctions India pacer Kranti Gaud for Code of Conduct breach

ICC sanctions India pacer Kranti Gaud for Code of Conduct breach

Rediff.com7 days ago

India women's team seamer Kranti Gaud has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee and received one demerit point by the ICC for breaching the Code of Conduct during the T20 Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. Gaud was penalised for an aggressive gesture after dismissing a batter. Separately, the Pakistan women's team was fined for a slow overrate in their semifinal match.

Asian Games 2026: Japan Blends Culture And Innovation At Colourful Opening Ceremony

Asian Games 2026: Japan Blends Culture And Innovation At Colourful Opening Ceremony

Rediff.com2 days ago

Japan hosted a vibrant opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, showcasing its technological advancements and cultural heritage. The event, themed 'Harmonic Heart Beat', welcomed 11,000 athletes from 45 nations, despite prior logistical challenges.

Miscommunication Blamed For Asian Games Flag-Hoisting Ceremony Delay

Miscommunication Blamed For Asian Games Flag-Hoisting Ceremony Delay

Rediff.com3 days ago

The flag-hoisting ceremony for the Asian Games, involving India and five other contingents, was significantly delayed due to "miscommunication" between the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the local organising committee (ANAGOC). The disruption, which lasted over an hour, initially caused confusion and speculation about political issues, but organisers later clarified it was a communication breakdown, adding to existing organisational challenges for the event.

Smriti Mandhana breaks records, climbs T20I rankings

Smriti Mandhana breaks records, climbs T20I rankings

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

India opener Smriti Mandhana has significantly strengthened her position in the ICC T20I rankings, moving closer to the top four after a remarkable 124 against Hong Kong, China.

'Smriti Mandhana's extreme domination against spinners sets new benchmark'

'Smriti Mandhana's extreme domination against spinners sets new benchmark'

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former India captain Anjum Chopra praises Smriti Mandhana's evolved power game and dominance against spinners, calling it a blueprint for younger players in women's T20 cricket.

Why Japan Scrapped Athletes' Village For Asian Games 2026 In Nagoya

Why Japan Scrapped Athletes' Village For Asian Games 2026 In Nagoya

Rediff.com3 days ago

Organisers of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have defended their decision to forgo an Athletes' Village, opting instead for a mix of hotels, container huts, and a cruise ship, despite complaints about cramped conditions and shared rooms.

Asian Games Organisers Downplay Accommodation Issues, Blame 'Politicisation'

Asian Games Organisers Downplay Accommodation Issues, Blame 'Politicisation'

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has dismissed concerns about organisational chaos at the Asian Games, attributing criticisms to attempts to "politicise" the event. Despite widespread issues like accommodation scarcity, lengthy check-ins, and athlete complaints, OCA officials insist challenges are normal and are being handled effectively. They also addressed a diplomatic complaint from South Korea regarding a historical figure at a welcome ceremony and defended cost-saving measures like container-style accommodation.

Indian sports ministry seeks diaspora support for Asian Games lodging

Indian sports ministry seeks diaspora support for Asian Games lodging

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Indian Sports Ministry has sought assistance from the Indian diaspora in Nagoya to help with athlete accommodation at the Asian Games, as several Indian and other athletes have faced delays and issues with their designated lodging due to a lack of a dedicated athletes' village.

Asian Games a 'teaser' for Olympics, says India women's coach Amol Muzumdar

Asian Games a 'teaser' for Olympics, says India women's coach Amol Muzumdar

Rediff.com4 days ago

India women's head coach Amol Muzumdar and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur view the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as crucial preparation and a 'teaser' for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where women's cricket will make its debut, aiming to carry their winning mindset into both global events.

Pakistan Cricket Board set for major shake-up amidst performance concerns

Pakistan Cricket Board set for major shake-up amidst performance concerns

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised for a significant overhaul under chairman Mohsin Naqvi, with anticipated changes to the national selection committee and the release of key personnel like Aqib Javed and Wahab Riaz. This comes amidst a losing streak and internal turmoil, prompting radical measures to improve the team's performance and administrative efficiency.

Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after talks at BRICS

Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after talks at BRICS

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian concluded his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit, announcing that Iran and the UAE agreed to move past previous tensions. This diplomatic breakthrough occurred during talks with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince on the summit sidelines. Pezeshkian also met with PM Modi to discuss bilateral ties and West Asia developments, with Modi emphasising dialogue for regional peace. The BRICS summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, calling for global governance reforms and de-escalation in West Asia.

East Bengal FC Let Two-Goal Lead Slip Against Al Hussein SC

East Bengal FC Let Two-Goal Lead Slip Against Al Hussein SC

Rediff.com4 days ago

East Bengal FC squandered a two-goal lead against Jordanian champions Al Hussein SC, settling for a 2-2 draw in their AFC Champions League Two Group D opener.

Suryakumar Yadav turns 36: Devisha, BCCI and IPL giants lead birthday wishes

Suryakumar Yadav turns 36: Devisha, BCCI and IPL giants lead birthday wishes

Rediff.com7 days ago

Suryakumar Yadav turned 36 as wife Devisha, BCCI, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings celebrated India's T20 star, highlighting his World Cup triumphs, captaincy and international achievements.

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Goa is set to host the 5th Asia Cup Bridge Championship from June 21 to 27, attracting 350 players from 16 Asia-Oceania countries. India, having previously hosted in 2018, will field strong 'A' and 'B' teams across various categories, including Asian Games medallists, aiming to add to its 20 previous medals.

Indian MMA Star Sangram Singh Delivers Stunning Knockout To Win Asia Championship

Indian MMA Star Sangram Singh Delivers Stunning Knockout To Win Asia Championship

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Indian MMA fighter Sangram Singh secured the STRIKE Asia Championship title by defeating Pakistan's Mohammed Abid Ali with a stunning knockout in just 80 seconds. This victory extends Singh's unbeaten professional record and highlights his successful transition from wrestling to mixed martial arts, further solidifying his status as a top Indian combat sports athlete.

Western Athletes Embrace Traditional Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan

Western Athletes Embrace Traditional Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Nomad Games, a biannual tournament of traditional nomadic sports, has drawn over 3,000 athletes from more than 100 countries to Kyrgyzstan, including many from Western nations keen to experience ancient Central Asian traditions like horseback archery and Kok Boru.

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

Rediff.com7 days ago

New Delhi was told it had given something up; in reality it had stopped talking about it, notes Dr Abhishek Puri.

'Still the best': Pakistan coach's bizarre claim after India rout

'Still the best': Pakistan coach's bizarre claim after India rout

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Pakistan women's team coach Wahab Riaz made a controversial statement after his side's seven-wicket defeat to India in the Women's Asia Cup 2026, claiming Pakistan is still the best team in the tournament. His comments came amidst criticism from former captain Sana Mir regarding squad selection, which Riaz defended as a move to build for the future. Pakistan now faces a crucial must-win match against Hong Kong to stay in the competition.

Microsoft India President On AI's Future And Investment In The Nation

Microsoft India President On AI's Future And Investment In The Nation

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Microsoft India and South Asia President, Puneet Chandok, discusses the company's strong belief in human-centric AI development, significant investments in India's cloud and AI infrastructure, and the country's pivotal role as an AI market, talent hub, and technology builder. He highlights AI's impact on jobs and the need for responsible innovation.

China's 13-year-old Yu Zidi's stunning rise continues with second Asian Games gold

China's 13-year-old Yu Zidi's stunning rise continues with second Asian Games gold

Rediff.com8 hours ago

At just 13, Yu Zidi claimed her second Asian Games gold by smashing the 200m IM Asian record, finishing only 0.40 seconds behind Summer McIntosh's world record.

Asian Games Kick Off: India's Medal Hopes And Flag Bearers

Asian Games Kick Off: India's Medal Hopes And Flag Bearers

Rediff.com2 days ago

The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Nagoya with a high-tech opening ceremony. India's 501-member contingent is led by flag bearers Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat, with some events already underway, including India's women's cricket team reaching the semifinals and a teqball bronze medal opportunity.

Grand Opening Ceremony Marks Start Of 20th Asian Games

Grand Opening Ceremony Marks Start Of 20th Asian Games

Rediff.com2 days ago

The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Nagoya with a high-tech Opening Ceremony. India's 503-member contingent is being led by Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat. Early events have seen India's women's cricket team reach the semifinals and a medal opportunity in debutant sport teqball, building on India's record performance at the previous Games.

Salesforce Sees India Leading Global Agentic AI Innovation

Salesforce Sees India Leading Global Agentic AI Innovation

Rediff.com1 days ago

Salesforce executives, including South Asia CEO Arundhati Bhattacharya, predict a significant shift in India towards wider enterprise AI adoption, moving from experimentation to production deployments. The company plans to invest in physical infrastructure and talent upskilling in India. Salesforce's vision for the "agentic enterprise" involves a four-layer architecture, emphasising the need for robust security and governance for autonomous agents. Executives also highlighted the evolving nature of jobs, with AI handling repetitive tasks and creating new specialised roles, positioning India as a potential leader in agentic innovation by 2030.

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

Rediff.com7 days ago

The highlight of the successful BRICS Summit was its ability to deliver a joint statement that all members, including Iran and the United Arab Emirates, embroiled in the war in West Asia, signed.

India's Forex Reserves Surge to New Lifetime High of $785.71 Billion

India's Forex Reserves Surge to New Lifetime High of $785.71 Billion

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves have surged by a record USD 44.903 billion to a new lifetime high of USD 785.706 billion for the week ended September 4, driven by the Reserve Bank of India's concessional forex swap initiatives.

Iran threatens 'painful attacks' on US bases if military action resumes

Iran threatens 'painful attacks' on US bases if military action resumes

Rediff.com14 hours ago

Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has threatened "continuous, effective and painful" attacks on US bases and interests across the region if Washington resumes military action against Tehran, amid escalating tensions and a US naval blockade on Iranian ports.

India taking cricket to Japan is a big step: Shreyas Iyer

India taking cricket to Japan is a big step: Shreyas Iyer

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer expressed enthusiasm for India's historic bilateral T20 match against Japan, marking cricket's expansion into new territories and celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. Iyer highlighted the unique cultural experience and the importance of such fixtures for global cricket growth, despite initial weather challenges.

Can India overtake 107-medal tally at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games?

Can India overtake 107-medal tally at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Ambitious India out to match Hangzhou benchmark in Nagoya.

The Prince And The Driver

The Prince And The Driver

Rediff.com5 days ago

A Kishore Kumar song, a birthday cake, a prince's break from protocol to thank his driver, a Persian painting on the ceiling of the presidential residence -- the BRICS Summit had many memorable moments.

India Junior Men's Hockey Team Fights Back For Thrilling Draw Against Japan

India Junior Men's Hockey Team Fights Back For Thrilling Draw Against Japan

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

The Indian junior men's hockey team secured a 3-3 draw against Japan in their second Pool A match of the Junior Asia Cup. India initially led 2-0, but Japan fought back to take a 3-2 lead in the final minute before India equalised with a penalty corner in the dying seconds.