News for 'Asia Times'

UN cuts India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.4%, cites global uncertainties

UN cuts India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.4%, cites global uncertainties

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The United Nations has revised downward India's economic growth forecast for 2026 to 6.4 per cent from an earlier 6.6 per cent, attributing the change to global uncertainties and economic shocks stemming from the ongoing West Asia crisis.

'India Is At The Tipping Point...'

'India Is At The Tipping Point...'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

'...when it is going to start witnessing a hockey stick growth in terms of music streaming and paid music streaming.'

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.

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.

Is All Well With US-Iran MoU?

Is All Well With US-Iran MoU?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Much will depend on how the protagonists use the current interlude to work proactively for the beginning of a durable settlement or, on the contrary, prepare for a new round of escalation, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Iran War Offers India Key Lessons

Iran War Offers India Key Lessons

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A lesson for India is to clearly define objectives beforehand, so that the adversary or other parties do not attempt to mitigate them midway.

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.

Govt's fertiliser subsidy bill may rise by Rs 70K cr in FY27

Govt's fertiliser subsidy bill may rise by Rs 70K cr in FY27

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India's fertiliser subsidy bill is projected to increase by approximately 70,000 crore, reaching around 2.41 trillion in FY27, primarily due to rising import costs exacerbated by the ongoing West Asia crisis.

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.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

The Furious Review: Best Action Film Of The Decade?

The Furious Review: Best Action Film Of The Decade?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Furious's jaw-dropping action scenes are so ferocious and inventive that they leave you gasping for breath, commends Sreeju Sudhakaran.

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.

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Indian embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave Iran.

Industrial output growth slows to 4.9% in April, new base year introduced

Industrial output growth slows to 4.9% in April, new base year introduced

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

India's industrial production expanded at a slower pace of 4.9 per cent in April, primarily due to tepid growth in the energy sector amidst the West Asia crisis. This data marks the first release under the newly revised base year of 2022-23 for the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

Trump calls off Iran strikes hours after threat; cites breakthrough in talks

Trump calls off Iran strikes hours after threat; cites breakthrough in talks

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Hours after warning that the United States could strike Iran "very hard tonight", President Donald Trump announced to halt planned military action, despite earlier threats to target Kharg Island and other key Iranian oil facilities.

Tributes Pour In For Sports Administrator Randhir Singh

Tributes Pour In For Sports Administrator Randhir Singh

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Indian sporting fraternity mourns the death of veteran administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh, with tributes pouring in from prominent figures like Abhinav Bindra and PT Usha.

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.

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.

India's Forex Kitty Jumps $938 Million to $682 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Jumps $938 Million to $682 Billion

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 938 million to USD 682.321 billion during the week ended May 28, according to the Reserve Bank of India, following a previous week's drop.

China's Real Choke Point Starts at Hormuz, Not Malacca: Report

China's Real Choke Point Starts at Hormuz, Not Malacca: Report

Rediff.com29 May 2026

A new report suggests China's maritime vulnerability lies in the Strait of Hormuz, not Malacca, creating strategic competition in the Indian Ocean.

FPIs withdraw Rs 21,000 cr in last four trading sessions amid West Asia conflict

FPIs withdraw Rs 21,000 cr in last four trading sessions amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Foreign investors pulled out Rs 21,000 crore (around $2.3 billion) from Indian equities over the last four trading sessions amid deteriorating global risk sentiment triggered by the West Asia crisis.

India Inc Battles Rising Gulf War Costs

India Inc Battles Rising Gulf War Costs

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Companies are already diversifying sourcing, raising prices, and reworking operating models as the disruption drags on.

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged states to balance the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence with the need to safeguard against social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the risks posed by El Nino conditions, calling for stronger water conservation measures and emphasising the collective resolve towards a 'Viksit Bharat'.

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.

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.'

Rohit backs Shreyas Iyer to lead India with aplomb

Rohit backs Shreyas Iyer to lead India with aplomb

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

'I'm sure looking at how he has captained in the last few years for his franchise, he's going to have a good time.'

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."

SAI And University Of Tsukuba Sign MoU For Sports Development

SAI And University Of Tsukuba Sign MoU For Sports Development

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan's University of Tsukuba to facilitate specialised training and exchange programmes for Indian athletes, coaches, and sports scientists. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in various sports-related fields and boost India's international competitiveness, especially in disciplines like athletics, archery, table tennis, swimming, and judo.

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.

Geopolitical Tensions, AI Risks Prompt Citi to Cut Nifty Target to 26,000

Geopolitical Tensions, AI Risks Prompt Citi to Cut Nifty Target to 26,000

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Global brokerage Citi has reduced its Nifty 50 index target to 26,000 from 27,000, citing persistent geopolitical tensions, risks to corporate earnings growth, and concerns about India's role in the global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Thousands and thousands and thousands of adults owe their lives to the commitment and medical fervour of Dr Armida Fernandez, who a grateful nation honoured with the Padma Shri this year.

P V Sindhu, Satwik-Chirag to headline India's Asian Games squad

P V Sindhu, Satwik-Chirag to headline India's Asian Games squad

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu and reigning men's doubles champion Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will headline the Indian badminton squad at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

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.

'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.

Crude oil prices projected to fall further this year

Crude oil prices projected to fall further this year

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Crude oil prices are projected to fall significantly this year, driven by hopes of a peace deal between the US and Iran, which could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a notable drop in Chinese demand for seaborne crude imports.

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.

World Cup 2026: Watch Out For These 6 Dark Horses!

World Cup 2026: Watch Out For These 6 Dark Horses!

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.

Don't want to be someone else or be under someone's shadow: Shreyas Iyer on T20 captaincy

Don't want to be someone else or be under someone's shadow: Shreyas Iyer on T20 captaincy

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Shreyas Iyer, named India's new T20I captain, states he will maintain his personality in the new role, embracing the challenge. Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly supports the decision, noting Iyer has earned the captaincy, replacing Suryakumar Yadav.

Manav Suthar: India uncover new spin star in big win

Manav Suthar: India uncover new spin star in big win

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar excelling on his Test debut is a testament to the robust structure that BCCI has created for talent identification, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Monday after the home team trounced Afghanistan inside three days in Mullanpur.

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.