News for 'Asia Times'

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.

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

Rediff.com10 May 2026

'India's security challenges are no longer confined to the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control.'
'They also span cyber networks, economic systems, information warfare, technology ecosystems, maritime routes, and internal social cohesion.'

Gold import duty hike to spur grey market, smuggling, say exporters

Gold import duty hike to spur grey market, smuggling, say exporters

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The gems and jewellery industry anticipates challenging times following the government's decision to increase gold import duty to 15 per cent, a move that exporters warn could fuel the grey market and heighten smuggling risks.

ITC's Net Profit Up 6.1% in Q4FY26, Driven by Cigarettes and FMCG

ITC's Net Profit Up 6.1% in Q4FY26, Driven by Cigarettes and FMCG

Rediff.com22 May 2026

ITC reported a 6.1 per cent year-on-year growth in its consolidated adjusted net profit from continuing operations, reaching ~5,469.74 crore in the January-March quarter (Q4FY26), primarily fuelled by strong performances in its cigarettes and non-cigarette fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) businesses.

US redirects 48 vessels in Persian Gulf amid blockade on Iran

US redirects 48 vessels in Persian Gulf amid blockade on Iran

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The United States has redirected 48 vessels in the Persian Gulf, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, over the past 20 days amid ongoing enforcement actions related to restrictions on Iranian maritime assets by the US Navy.

Commercial LPG, 5-kg cylinders see steepest-ever hike in prices

Commercial LPG, 5-kg cylinders see steepest-ever hike in prices

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Aviation fuel prices for domestic airlines remain unchanged, providing stability for local carriers, while commercial LPG and 5-kg cylinders see a significant rate hike due to rising international energy costs.

Mercedes says demand stays strong despite supply disruptions

Mercedes says demand stays strong despite supply disruptions

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Despite the ongoing West Asia conflict causing global trade route disruptions, Mercedes-Benz India reports resilient customer demand, particularly for its new electric CLA sedan, though it faces challenges with component supply delays and escalating shipping costs.

Why Sreejesh Is Questioning Hockey India's Coaching Choices

Why Sreejesh Is Questioning Hockey India's Coaching Choices

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India's decision to remove him as junior men's team coach after a successful 17-month tenure, questioning the organisation's preference for foreign coaches.

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Rediff.com11 May 2026

'General Subramani's appointment as military adviser in the NSCS has given him insight into decision-making at the apex level prior to formally taking over as CDS.'

Asia Cup: 'Time to give Pakistan double jawaab'

Asia Cup: 'Time to give Pakistan double jawaab'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2025

Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal the Asia Cup match is a perfect opportunity to give a fitting reply to Pakistan.

What Is The Thucydides Trap That Xi Warned Trump About?

What Is The Thucydides Trap That Xi Warned Trump About?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

An explainer on the 'Thucydides Trap' and its relevance to current tensions between the United States and China, as discussed by President Xi Jinping.

Ayush Shetty's Silver Medal Sparks Hope For LA 2028 Olympics

Ayush Shetty's Silver Medal Sparks Hope For LA 2028 Olympics

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Ayush Shetty's silver medal at the Asia Championships has positioned him as a potential men's singles contender for India, boosting the nation's badminton prospects as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Why Asian Games Could Move To Odd-Numbered Years

Why Asian Games Could Move To Odd-Numbered Years

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Asian Games could shift to odd-numbered years after the 2026 edition, effectively moving to the year before the Olympics to serve as a key qualifying event across more sports, according to reports.

Maharashtra Minister Accuses AIMIM Leader Over Shelter To Accused

Maharashtra Minister Accuses AIMIM Leader Over Shelter To Accused

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has accused AIMIM corporator Matin Patel of double standards for allegedly harbouring Nida Khan, who is accused in a Nashik TCS sexual harassment and forced conversion case.

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The Indian U17 women's team is set to play China in the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, with a spot in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup at stake.

Trump to meet Xi Jinping on Wednesday to discuss Iran conflict, trade issues

Trump to meet Xi Jinping on Wednesday to discuss Iran conflict, trade issues

Rediff.com12 May 2026

US President Donald Trump is set to visit China for talks with President Xi Jinping on trade, global issues, and the Gulf war. The visit aims to address trade frictions and other key issues, with high expectations for progress.

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'At the first sign of real trouble, that money will move. There will be a run.'

Policy for adoption of flex-fuel vehicles in works: Centre

Policy for adoption of flex-fuel vehicles in works: Centre

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Indian government is actively developing a policy for flex-fuel vehicle adoption and aiming for 100 per cent ethanol blending in petrol to enhance energy self-reliance, particularly in light of supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict.

Is The World Moving Towards De-Dollarisation?

Is The World Moving Towards De-Dollarisation?

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India should not stay on the margins of this initiative. There should be a serious debate about what would be in India's best interests asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Rupee Recovers After Hitting Record Low Amid Gulf Tensions

Rupee Recovers After Hitting Record Low Amid Gulf Tensions

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The rupee recovered to 95.18 against the US dollar after hitting an all-time intra-day low of 95.44. The recovery was supported by possible RBI intervention amid renewed Gulf tensions and rising crude oil prices.

India U17 Women's Team Loses To Australia In Asian Cup Opener

India U17 Women's Team Loses To Australia In Asian Cup Opener

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India's U17 women's football team lost 0-2 to Australia in their opening match of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in Suzhou, China. Theodora Mouithys scored for Australia, and an own goal by Abhista Basnett sealed India's defeat.

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Why didn't austerity wisdom emerge during election campaigns?: Raj Thackeray blasts Modi

Why didn't austerity wisdom emerge during election campaigns?: Raj Thackeray blasts Modi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

MNS president Raj Thackeray questions the fuel consumption during recent election campaigns, asking if austerity measures are only meant for the common people.

High Crude Prices, Global Cues Drag Indian Stock Markets Lower

High Crude Prices, Global Cues Drag Indian Stock Markets Lower

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed nearly 1 per cent lower due to surging crude oil prices, weak global market trends, and significant foreign fund outflows, with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns further dampening investor sentiment.

'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.

Office construction activity declines to four-quarter low

Office construction activity declines to four-quarter low

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

New completions in India's office real estate sector fell by 36 per cent to 9.7 million square feet in Q1 2026, the lowest in four quarters, primarily due to developers adopting a cautious stance amid global uncertainties, particularly in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Despite this, office absorption increased by 20 per cent, indicating strong occupier demand.

UAE heat delays Asia Cup match start times

UAE heat delays Asia Cup match start times

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

India's first match of the tournament against the hosts United Arab Emirates is scheduled to take place in Dubai on September 10.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

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.

Bajaj Auto's Q4 Profit More Than Doubles Amid Record Sales and KTM Consolidation

Bajaj Auto's Q4 Profit More Than Doubles Amid Record Sales and KTM Consolidation

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Bajaj Auto reported a significant increase in its consolidated Q4FY26 performance, with profit after tax more than doubling to approximately 3,662 crore, a 103 per cent year-on-year rise, primarily driven by record volumes, an improved product mix, and the strategic consolidation of Bajaj Auto International Holdings AG (BAIHAG).

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Fuel price hike on cards? Puri says oil companies are losing Rs 1,000 cr a day

Rediff.com12 May 2026

India possesses two months of fuel stockpiles and faces no supply concerns despite global energy disruptions, according to Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. However, state-run fuel retailers are incurring losses of up to Rs 1 lakh crore in a single quarter due to elevated crude prices and unchanged retail fuel prices, raising questions about the sustainability of these losses.

Badminton Asia: India women face China, men meet Korea in QF

Badminton Asia: India women face China, men meet Korea in QF

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

India's men's and women's teams advanced to the quarter-finals despite suffering narrow 2-3 defeats to Japan and Thailand respectively in their final group ties at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Qingdao, China, on Thursday.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Down on Strait of Hormuz Tensions, Weak Rupee

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Down on Strait of Hormuz Tensions, Weak Rupee

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Indian equities on Dalal Street saw volatility as global market trends and weak rupee impacted investor sentiment. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for May 5, 2026.

Enemies Beware! India's Missile Power Gets A Boost

Enemies Beware! India's Missile Power Gets A Boost

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Three milestones in three days signal India's growing mastery in next-generation strategic technologies spanning nuclear deterrence, hypersonic propulsion and precision stand-off strike capability.

Gold, silver sell at huge discount after tariff hike

Gold, silver sell at huge discount after tariff hike

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Despite a sharp increase in import duties on gold and silver to 15 per cent, the precious metals are trading at significant discounts in the domestic market, with gold seeing discounts of up to $200 an ounce and silver up to $6 an ounce.

'We will keep the consumer at the centre, use technology to optimise, and continue investing behind brands to drive volume-led penetration'

'We will keep the consumer at the centre, use technology to optimise, and continue investing behind brands to drive volume-led penetration'

Rediff.com11 May 2026

"Our strategy has always been to focus on volume-led penetration growth," said Manish Tiwary, chairman and managing director, Nestle India.

Iran unable to reopen Strait of Hormuz as it can't find its own mines

Iran unable to reopen Strait of Hormuz as it can't find its own mines

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Despite a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to Iran's inability to locate and remove all the mines it laid during the conflict, hindering global oil and gas supplies.

Iran FM arrives in Russia, calls his Pak visit 'very productive'

Iran FM arrives in Russia, calls his Pak visit 'very productive'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his trip to Islamabad was "very productive" and involved "good consultations" with Pakistan's top leadership amid uncertainty over the second round of peace talks to resolve the war in West Asia.

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.

When Shehbaz Sharif Met Vance, Ghalibaf

When Shehbaz Sharif Met Vance, Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

CNN and Al Jazeera report that the Americans and Iranians are discussing a way out of conflict and hostilities face to face, in the same room -- the first time that such a high level interaction has taken place since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.