News for 'Asia Times'

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A US trade representative described India as a 'tough nut to crack' during trade agreement negotiations in Washington, highlighting India's protection of its agricultural markets and the ongoing discussions on specific commodities.

US Trying To Patch Up Ties With India

US Trying To Patch Up Ties With India

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump's call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi signals a concerted effort to reset strained Washington-New Delhi ties, with a focus on 'big-ticket' energy and trade deals, including increased Indian imports of US LNG and LPG, and potential cooperation on small modular reactors.

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

Iran refuses to send delegation for peace talks in Pakistan

Iran refuses to send delegation for peace talks in Pakistan

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Iran has denied sending a delegation to Islamabad for peace talks with the United States, contradicting Pakistan's claims of mediating the negotiations. The denial highlights a lack of confidence in Pakistan's ability to ensure security for high-level participants and underscores the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran.

Argentina Steps Up LPG Supply To India

Argentina Steps Up LPG Supply To India

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Argentina has significantly increased its LPG exports to India to help mitigate shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. This partnership is becoming increasingly important for India's energy security.

Jewish men stabbed near London synagogue; police probe terror link

Jewish men stabbed near London synagogue; police probe terror link

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Two Jewish men were stabbed near a synagogue in north-west London, in an attack declared by police as a 'terrorist' incident. A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

'48 hours before...': Trump's Hormuz ultimatum to Iran

'48 hours before...': Trump's Hormuz ultimatum to Iran

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Trump's message, posted on his Truth Social platform, is a reminder of his 10-day ultimatum given to the Islamic Republic earlier to make progress toward a deal or reopen the vital shipping lane.

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Afghanistan's anti-doping programme has collapsed since the Taliban's return to power, with no tests conducted for three years and the country's exiled anti-doping chief admitting there is currently 'no hope'. The programme faces numerous challenges, including a lack of Doping Control Officers, logistical issues, and political instability.

How Atiqa Mir Achieved A Historic Karting Result

How Atiqa Mir Achieved A Historic Karting Result

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Atiqa Mir, an 11-year-old Indian racing prodigy, achieved a historic P2 finish at the World Series Karting (WSK) Euro Series in Italy, marking the highest-ever race finish by an Indian in her category.

Auto cos delivered record 2,96,71,064 units in FY26; 13.3% jump YoY

Auto cos delivered record 2,96,71,064 units in FY26; 13.3% jump YoY

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

India's auto retail sector achieved record-breaking sales of 2,96,71,064 units in FY26, a 13.3% increase, primarily driven by the implementation of GST 2.0 which reduced the tax burden on mass-segment vehicles, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).

IPL 2026: Tilak Varma: Batter Who Understands Tempo

IPL 2026: Tilak Varma: Batter Who Understands Tempo

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Tilak Varma's innings turned the night into a spectacle, his knock erupting after a slow start. The way he changed gears to accelerate the run flow was a beauty.

Sindhu, Lakshya in squad for Badminton Asia Team Championships

Sindhu, Lakshya in squad for Badminton Asia Team Championships

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Two-time Olympics medallist P V Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and the star pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty form the core of India's squad for the Badminton Asia Team Championships, in Qingdao, China, from February 3-8.

Oil Price Tumbles as US-Iran Ceasefire Eases Geopolitical Tensions

Oil Price Tumbles as US-Iran Ceasefire Eases Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Crude oil prices experienced a significant drop following the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to heavy selling by traders.

'Iran's missiles can now reach London, Paris or Berlin'

'Iran's missiles can now reach London, Paris or Berlin'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Iranian terrorist regime launched a long-range missile for the first time since the start of Operation Roaring Lion that could reach a distance of ~4,000 km, Israel said.

After Spain, Italy denies US aircraft access to military base

After Spain, Italy denies US aircraft access to military base

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Italy has denied the United States the use of the Sigonella military base for flights heading to West Asia, citing a lack of consultation and concerns over the nature of the flights. This decision reflects Italy's stance on avoiding escalation in the region, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government emphasises its desire to stay out of war.

India bears brunt of global equity outflows as geopolitical tensions rise

India bears brunt of global equity outflows as geopolitical tensions rise

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

India has emerged as the most impacted market within emerging economies, experiencing $3.7 billion in outflows over the past three weeks, matching the total outflows from the entire emerging market basket, as global equity funds turn negative for the first time since January 2026 due to escalating geopolitical tensions.

Open the fu*** Strait, you crazy b***ds: Trump to Iran

Open the fu*** Strait, you crazy b***ds: Trump to Iran

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

In a post on Truth Social, Trump used unusually harsh language to convey his message, reminding Tehran of his deadline to 'make a deal' or 'open the Strait'.

Indian exporters may not get US tariff refunds

Indian exporters may not get US tariff refunds

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Indian exporters are unlikely to receive direct tariff refunds from the US's $166 billion payout, but the rollback of reciprocal duties is enhancing their pricing power and improving order prospects, particularly in textiles, apparel, and engineering goods.

Russian crude oil imports soar to 9-month high in March

Russian crude oil imports soar to 9-month high in March

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Indian companies, however, are now paying a premium of $6-$7 a barrel for Russian oil, compared with discounts of $8-$10 a barrel before the start of the conflict.

IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's ice cream secret exposed by Jitesh

IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's ice cream secret exposed by Jitesh

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Jitesh Sharma provides a glimpse into the life of young cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, highlighting his on-field talent and off-field teenage habits.

Uber and Flipkart Team Up to Reward Riders with SuperCoins

Uber and Flipkart Team Up to Reward Riders with SuperCoins

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Flipkart and Uber have announced a partnership to integrate Flipkart's 'SuperCoins' reward programme into Uber's mobility services, allowing users to earn rewards on rides.

India men cruise to Thomas Cup quarters, women struggle in Uber Cup

India men cruise to Thomas Cup quarters, women struggle in Uber Cup

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

India's men's team secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Australia to reach the Thomas Cup quarterfinals, while the women's team faces a tough road in the Uber Cup after PV Sindhu's defeat against Wang Zhiyi.

Uber and Flipkart Team Up: Earn Rewards on Rides with SuperCoins

Uber and Flipkart Team Up: Earn Rewards on Rides with SuperCoins

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Flipkart and Uber have announced a partnership to integrate Flipkart's SuperCoins reward programme into Uber's mobility services, allowing users to earn rewards on rides.

How India Reached Thomas Cup Semifinals

How India Reached Thomas Cup Semifinals

Rediff.com1 May 2026

India's badminton team advances to the Thomas Cup semifinals after a decisive 3-0 victory over Chinese Taipei, fuelled by standout performances from Ayush Shetty and Lakshya Sen.

Vimal Kumar Slams Badminton's New Scoring System

Vimal Kumar Slams Badminton's New Scoring System

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Former chief coach Vimal Kumar has expressed his disappointment with the Badminton World Federation's decision to change the scoring system, arguing it dilutes the sport and fails to address its real challenges.

Why London Synagogue Stabbing Is Being Treated As Terror

Why London Synagogue Stabbing Is Being Treated As Terror

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

A stabbing incident near a synagogue in north-west London, which left two Jewish men injured, has been declared a terrorist incident by UK counter-terror police. A 45-year-old man is in custody as authorities investigate whether the Jewish community was deliberately targeted.

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Indian government addressed opposition concerns regarding the West Asia crisis in an all-party meeting, outlining its strategy for ensuring the security of the Indian diaspora, fulfilling energy needs, and maintaining diplomatic relations with key partners. The government also dismissed Pakistan's reported mediation efforts.

Brands chase flyers as new airports open a runway to revenue for retail

Brands chase flyers as new airports open a runway to revenue for retail

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Indian airports are rapidly becoming a significant growth avenue for the country's retail sector, with brands across various consumer segments actively opening stores to tap into the increasing number of flyers and strong domestic tourism momentum.

War, Elections Take Backseat As IPL Fever Reigns Supreme

War, Elections Take Backseat As IPL Fever Reigns Supreme

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

In crowded Mumbai trains, passengers, despite being crushed and unable to breathe, watch the IPL action on their phones. Oxygen may be optional, but the live score is not.

Strait of Hormuz opens to ships but marine covers to stay pricey

Strait of Hormuz opens to ships but marine covers to stay pricey

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Despite Iran allowing 'non-hostile vessels' through the Strait of Hormuz, marine insurance premiums are expected to remain elevated due to persistent high-risk classifications and ongoing geopolitical tensions, with experts cautioning that the threat of attacks and collateral damage still exists.

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

How India Secured Victory Over Canada In Thomas Cup

How India Secured Victory Over Canada In Thomas Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India secured a 4-1 victory against Canada in their opening Group A tie of the Thomas Cup Finals, with wins from Ayush Shetty and the doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.

'Massive strike' in Tehran 'terminated' Iranian military leaders: Trump

'Massive strike' in Tehran 'terminated' Iranian military leaders: Trump

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has claimed that a significant number of Iranian military officials were killed during a "massive strike" conducted in Tehran.

Bank credit grows at 16.08% in FY26, deposits rose by 13.47%, fastest since FY24

Bank credit grows at 16.08% in FY26, deposits rose by 13.47%, fastest since FY24

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Indian bank credit expanded by 16.08 per cent year-on-year in FY26, marking its fastest pace since FY24, while deposits grew by 13.47 per cent, according to RBI data. Experts caution that year-end figures may be inflated due to reporting date changes, but acknowledge strong momentum in corporate, MSME, and retail segments.

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

As Iran heads into crucial peace talks with the United States of America, here are the six men who decide the Islamic Republic's course.

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'As result, Netanyahu 'convinced' Trump to go to war with the help of overoptimistic Israeli intelligence assessments, essentially explaining to him that they only need to bomb Iran for 3-4 days, and the regime would then collapse.' 'Rather unsurprisingly, Netanyahu is ever since blaming his own intel service for the entire operation failing.'

Costs could rise...: Skoda India director on shipping disruptions

Costs could rise...: Skoda India director on shipping disruptions

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'So far our production is not affected. But every day the situation prolongs, it does bring risks in terms of shipments getting delayed.'

Raghu Rai: The Genius Who Captured India For Eternity

Raghu Rai: The Genius Who Captured India For Eternity

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

He was childlike with a camera in his hands -- not nave, but wonderstruck, as though the world were always on the verge of delivering something unrepeatable. Pulitzer Prize nominee Namas Bhojani recalls his long association with Raghu Rai, the legendary photographer who passed into the ages on Sunday.

Indian boxers clinch four gold medals at Asian Championships

Indian boxers clinch four gold medals at Asian Championships

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Indian women boxers dominated the Asian Boxing Championships, securing four gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. Minakshi Hooda, Preeti Pawar, Priya Ghanghas, and Arundhati Choudhary all won gold in their respective weight categories.

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Karex, the Malaysian company that makes roughly one in five of the world's condoms -- about five billion a year, supplying Durex and Trojan among others -- announced this week that it is raising prices by up to 30 percent. The reason is the Strait of Hormuz.