News for 'Asia Times'

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.

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.

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.

Falling Markets: Panic Or Perfect Time To Invest?

Falling Markets: Panic Or Perfect Time To Invest?

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Do not get trapped in the fear-and-greed cycle. Let time and discipline do the heavy lifting, points out Harsh Roongta.

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.'

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 in red amid volatile trade

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 in red amid volatile trade

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced volatile trade, declining in early deals before fluctuating, as investors reacted to unabated foreign fund outflows and rising geopolitical uncertainties, particularly in West Asia.

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.

Sreejesh Slams Hockey India For Preferring Foreign Coaches

Sreejesh Slams Hockey India For Preferring Foreign Coaches

Rediff.com13 May 2026

P. R. Sreejesh has voiced his frustration after his contract as head coach of the India U-21 hockey team was not renewed, alleging Hockey India prefers foreign coaches despite his successful tenure.

Avoid destination weddings, prefer online classes: Modi continues austerity push

Avoid destination weddings, prefer online classes: Modi continues austerity push

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to adopt austerity measures, including avoiding destination weddings abroad and reducing edible oil consumption, to mitigate the impact of the West Asia crisis on India's economy.

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.

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.

Why India's Football Is Relegated To AFC Challenge League

Why India's Football Is Relegated To AFC Challenge League

Rediff.com22 May 2026

India's football faces a setback as it receives only one play-off slot for the 2027-28 AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asia's club structure, due to administrative issues and declining performance.

Monfils refuses to fade away after Roland Garros goodbye

Monfils refuses to fade away after Roland Garros goodbye

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Gael Monfils is determined to emulate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James by playing into his 40s and hopes to play at Wimbledon, Montreal and the U.S. Open before bringing down the curtain on his career on home soil at the Paris Masters.

Satheesan, Suvendu, Vijay Will Struggle To Fund Poll Promises

Satheesan, Suvendu, Vijay Will Struggle To Fund Poll Promises

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have been fiscally stressed for a considerable period of time, and there are no easy ways to mobilise revenues to meet the cost of the promised freebies, particularly in the prevailing difficult economic scenario, points out M Govinda Rao.

PF Withdrawal Through ATM, UPI Soon

PF Withdrawal Through ATM, UPI Soon

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The proposed facility seeks to simplify and speed up PF withdrawals by allowing Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscribers to access up to 75 per cent of their balance through ATMs and UPI-based systems, while retaining at least 25 per cent in their accounts.

WFH, no gold purchases, foreign travel, reduce fuel use: Modi calls for Covid-era methods

WFH, no gold purchases, foreign travel, reduce fuel use: Modi calls for Covid-era methods

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for restraint in the use of petro products due to the West Asia crisis, emphasising the need to save foreign exchange and reduce the impact of war. He also highlighted India's progress in solar power and ethanol blending, while assuring support to Telangana's development.

Expert Advice: Rebalance Your Portfolio Amidst Gold Surge, Equity Volatility

Expert Advice: Rebalance Your Portfolio Amidst Gold Surge, Equity Volatility

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Amidst a sharp run-up in gold and silver prices, investors are advised to rebalance their portfolios by booking partial profits in precious metals and reallocating to domestic equities and debt, according to financial experts.

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.

Yogasana Sets Sights On Becoming An Olympic Sport By 2036

Yogasana Sets Sights On Becoming An Olympic Sport By 2036

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Yogasana, the ancient Indian practice, is aiming to become a global sport and secure a place in the 2036 Olympics, with India hoping to host the Games in Ahmedabad. The sport has already been included in this year's Asian Games as a demonstration sport and is eyeing the 2030 Commonwealth Games. World Yogasana is working to meet the IOC's requirements for recognition, focusing on expanding its global reach and adhering to anti-doping standards.

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".

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.

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

Rediff.com29 May 2026

"Rather than worrying, preparation is required. Contingency plans will be made for affected districts and crop changes will be considered wherever necessary"

Indian Navy's Submarine Shortfall Dilemma

Indian Navy's Submarine Shortfall Dilemma

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Experts' worries intensified after Pakistan commissioned its first Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, last month.

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.

Asia on fire: Of finance, climate, cities in motion

Asia on fire: Of finance, climate, cities in motion

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

The initial public offering (IPO) market in India last year was hot, with companies raising over $22 billion in 2025. But half of the 350-plus companies that listed on the stock exchange last year traded below their offer price, according to a new research report released by HSBC Global Investment Research - a sobering fact despite what otherwise looked like a rush of companies eager to list on the bourses.

Panagariya: Don't Fear Rs 100 Dollar

Panagariya: Don't Fear Rs 100 Dollar

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'100 is just a number, like 99 and 101.'

India launches emergency mission to pull 13 ships out of Hormuz

India launches emergency mission to pull 13 ships out of Hormuz

Rediff.com29 May 2026

India on Friday launched a highly coordinated, priority operation to safely guide 13 Indian-flagged commercial vessels out of the volatile Strait of Hormuz, the ministry of ports, shipping, and waterways announced on Friday.

'They sought time': Trump extends pause on Iran strikes for 10 days

'They sought time': Trump extends pause on Iran strikes for 10 days

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed a request from the Iranian government and added that talks between the two sides were 'going very well'.

4 Reasons Why Market Recovered After March Crash

4 Reasons Why Market Recovered After March Crash

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'Once the market decides it wants to go up, it goes up -- no amount of bad news can really hold it back.'

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.

Iran to unveil new Hormuz traffic plan, says US-linked vessels may be barred

Iran to unveil new Hormuz traffic plan, says US-linked vessels may be barred

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee Ebrahim Azizi on Saturday said that Iran has prepared a "professional mechanism" to regulate maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through a designated route, which will be unveiled soon.

Rupee breaches 93/dollar for the first time, down 19 paise

Rupee breaches 93/dollar for the first time, down 19 paise

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee weakened to a record intra-day low against the US dollar due to a strengthening greenback, continuous foreign capital outflows, and elevated global crude oil prices amidst the West Asia conflict.

Retail Inflation Edges Up to 3.48% in April on Costlier Jewellery, Kitchen Staples

Retail Inflation Edges Up to 3.48% in April on Costlier Jewellery, Kitchen Staples

Rediff.com13 May 2026

India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), increased to 3.48 per cent in April, up from 3.40 per cent in March, primarily due to a surge in prices of gold and silver jewellery, as well as certain kitchen staples like tomatoes and cauliflower.

PV Sindhu Advances At Singapore Open; Satwik-Chirag Win

PV Sindhu Advances At Singapore Open; Satwik-Chirag Win

Rediff.com27 May 2026

PV Sindhu secured a straight-game victory at the Singapore Open, while Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also advanced. Other Indian shuttlers faced setbacks in the tournament.

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.

Iran vows to hit tourist destinations 'beyond' West Asia

Iran vows to hit tourist destinations 'beyond' West Asia

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The threat has raised concerns about possible asymmetric attacks outside the region. Iran has also stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf countries.

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.

Andrew Holland: 'I'd Lean Towards 60-70% in Largecaps'

Andrew Holland: 'I'd Lean Towards 60-70% in Largecaps'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'... with the rest split between mid and smallcaps, as valuations are becoming more attractive across segments.'

How Satwik-Chirag Overcame Challenge At Singapore Open

How Satwik-Chirag Overcame Challenge At Singapore Open

Rediff.com29 May 2026

PV Sindhu exited the Singapore Open after losing to An Se Young, while Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty progressed to the semi-finals.