News for 'Asia Times'

Hybrid Mutual Funds Attract Rs 1.55 Lakh Crore in FY26 as Investors Seek Diversified Strategies

Hybrid Mutual Funds Attract Rs 1.55 Lakh Crore in FY26 as Investors Seek Diversified Strategies

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Hybrid mutual fund schemes attracted significant inflows of Rs 1.55 lakh crore in FY26, a 29 per cent increase, as investors increasingly opted for diversified investment strategies to navigate volatile market conditions and geopolitical tensions.

Trump, Xi hold talks in the 'biggest summit ever'

Trump, Xi hold talks in the 'biggest summit ever'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to discuss a range of issues, including trade frictions and the war in Iran.

Why Deepika Kumari Will Miss The Asian Games

Why Deepika Kumari Will Miss The Asian Games

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Four-time Olympian Deepika Kumari, along with Atanu Das and Abhishek Verma, failed to secure a spot in India's archery squad for the Asian Games in Japan after a selection trial. Teenagers Kirti Sharma and Kumkum Mohod emerged as notable gainers in the women's recurve section.

US moves planes with ammo to Israel, readies for Iran strike

US moves planes with ammo to Israel, readies for Iran strike

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Dozens of US planes carrying ammunition landed in Tel Aviv, raising concerns about potential strikes on Iran. Negotiations between the US and Iran remain deadlocked over key issues, with both sides issuing fresh demands and warnings.

Exporters' body flags rising freight costs, seeks liquidity help from RBI

Exporters' body flags rising freight costs, seeks liquidity help from RBI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has appealed to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for liquidity support to Indian exporters, citing a significant increase in freight costs and extended payment cycles due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

PR Sreejesh Criticises Hockey India Over Foreign Coach Preference

PR Sreejesh Criticises Hockey India Over Foreign Coach Preference

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has criticised Hockey India's decision to replace him as U-21 coach with a foreign appointment, despite his successful tenure.

Hormuz Hopes Drive Market Surge

Hormuz Hopes Drive Market Surge

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Is the current rally telegraphing a durable peace plan in West Asia, boosted by United States (US) President Donald Trump's incoherent and contradictory posts on social media?

India's Forex Reserves Drop by $7.79 Billion to $690.69 Billion

India's Forex Reserves Drop by $7.79 Billion to $690.69 Billion

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant drop of USD 7.794 billion, settling at USD 690.693 billion for the week ending May 1, as reported by the RBI, reflecting the impact of global events and central bank interventions.

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.

Pak to replace Lahore streets' British, Hindu names with Islamic figures

Pak to replace Lahore streets' British, Hindu names with Islamic figures

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Pakistan's Punjab government has approved a plan to restore the names of several streets and roads in Lahore, aiming to revive the city's pre-Partition heritage, an official said on Monday.

Pukhraj Gill Eyes Asian Tour Card After Breakthrough Win

Pukhraj Gill Eyes Asian Tour Card After Breakthrough Win

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Indian golfer Pukhraj Gill, fresh off his Asian Development Tour title, is focused on securing a full Asian Tour card through consistent performance and leveraging international exposure.

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Advance At Thailand Open

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Advance At Thailand Open

Rediff.com13 May 2026

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and Kidambi Srikanth secured victories in their respective singles matches at the Thailand Open Super 500 tournament, while other Indian players experienced mixed results.

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

Rediff.com25 May 2026

'We should expect extreme heat, extreme rains, floods, landslides and maybe cyclones. Not just this year, in the coming year as well.'

India Is Now A Reverse Goldilocks Economy

India Is Now A Reverse Goldilocks Economy

Rediff.com18 May 2026

India emerged reasonably well from 2025. But now, the oil shock and war-related supply disruptions have again driven funds out of India and significantly weakened the rupee, points out Ajay Chhibber.

Affordable housing may lose more ground as costs rise

Affordable housing may lose more ground as costs rise

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The ongoing West Asia conflict is expected to severely impact the supply of affordable housing in India, as rising input costs further erode already thin developer margins. Fluctuations in crude oil and gas prices, coupled with higher freight costs, are driving up prices of essential construction materials like cement and steel, making new projects increasingly unviable for developers.

Trump holds off Iran strikes on 'Arab leaders' request'

Trump holds off Iran strikes on 'Arab leaders' request'

Rediff.com19 May 2026

US President Donald Trump announced he halted planned military strikes on Iran following requests from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, citing ongoing discussions that could lead to a deal.

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.

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The 'Finalissima' match between Spain and Argentina that was scheduled to be held in Qatar has been cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East while the South American side rejected multiple alternatives, UEFA said on Sunday.

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.

2026 will be a historic, landmark year for China-US ties, Xi tells Trump

2026 will be a historic, landmark year for China-US ties, Xi tells Trump

Rediff.com14 May 2026

US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss trade, technology, Taiwan, and the Iran war. Xi Jinping said that 2026 will be a 'historic, landmark year' for China-US relations.

'Frustrated' Trump considering resuming war on Iran: Report

'Frustrated' Trump considering resuming war on Iran: Report

Rediff.com12 May 2026

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering military action against Iran due to stalled negotiations and Tehran's approach to its nuclear issue, according to CNN sources. Divisions within the Trump administration have emerged over the next course of action, with some officials advocating for a more aggressive approach through targeted military strikes.

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.

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.

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.

Days after Trump trip, Putin to land in China on Tuesday for two-day visit

Days after Trump trip, Putin to land in China on Tuesday for two-day visit

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, shortly after US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing. The visit underscores the close strategic ties between China and Russia amid global tensions.

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

India restricts gold imports to 100 kg under Advance Authorisation scheme

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India has capped gold imports under the Advance Authorisation scheme at 100 kg, a day after significantly increasing import duties on precious metals. This move aims to tighten conditions for duty-free gold imports by jewellery exporters and curb non-essential imports amidst a ballooning import bill.

PV Sindhu And Lakshya Sen Advance At Thailand Open

PV Sindhu And Lakshya Sen Advance At Thailand Open

Rediff.com13 May 2026

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and Kidambi Srikanth progressed to the singles second round with straight-game wins on a mixed day for India at the Thailand Open Super 500 tournament.

'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.

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.

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Quad grouping has expanded cooperation in critical minerals and energy, while unveiling new measures to boost maritime surveillance and port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. This move comes against the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the region, with ministers reiterating strong opposition to destabilising actions and expressing serious concerns over militarisation of disputed features.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Frankly, was it really necessary in the middle of a fratricidal war for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to travel to Abu Dhabi for a one-on-one with the sheikh on April 12?Or, for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to follow up on April 26? Or, for PM Narendra Modi to follow through today? There are no easy answers, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

35 vessels transited via Hormuz in 24 hrs with our 'permission': IRGC Navy

35 vessels transited via Hormuz in 24 hrs with our 'permission': IRGC Navy

Rediff.com22 May 2026

As many as 35 vessels, including cargo carriers and oil tankers, successfully navigated through the strategic maritime chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz over the last 24 hours, according to Iran's state media reports citing a formal declaration by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that a US team is expected to visit India next month for trade talks, following an earlier Indian delegation's visit to Washington, DC, in April to finalise an interim pact and advance negotiations for a broader bilateral trade agreement.

US-China Rivalry Enters New Phase

US-China Rivalry Enters New Phase

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Beijing summit may have reduced immediate diplomatic uncertainty, but it did not resolve the deeper structural contest between the United States and China. That contest appears likely to define the coming decade, notes Varun Arya.

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.

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.