News for 'Asia Times'

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

koda Auto Volkswagen India aims to capture a 5 per cent share of India's passenger vehicle market by 2030, driven by new product launches, including alternate fuel vehicles, and a potential entry into the high-volume sub-4 metre SUV segment.

'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.

Pak gets 2nd tranche of $1bn loan from Saudi Arabia

Pak gets 2nd tranche of $1bn loan from Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Pakistan has received the second and final tranche of USD 1 billion from Saudi Arabia, completing a USD 3 billion aid package aimed at boosting its foreign reserves, the state bank said.

Want A Credit Card? Read This

Want A Credit Card? Read This

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'First-time applicants may witness longer approval times or higher rejection rates and requests for more documentation.'

Sarfaraz sets tone ahead of Pakistan's Test tour

Sarfaraz sets tone ahead of Pakistan's Test tour

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Sarfaraz Ahmed highlights the importance of trust and clear communication with players as he takes on the role of Pakistan's Test format head coach, ahead of the series against Bangladesh.

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, concluding a Budget session marked by the passage of key legislations and the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The session saw frequent opposition protests and discussions on various issues, including the West Asia conflict.

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.

India now has two strong men's singles players in Ayush and Lakshya: Vimal Kumar

India now has two strong men's singles players in Ayush and Lakshya: Vimal Kumar

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

India's Ayush Shetty secured a spot in the Badminton Asia Championships final after defeating top seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a thrilling three-game match.

Gulf War: Modi to assess impact on India's critical supplies

Gulf War: Modi to assess impact on India's critical supplies

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the impact of the West Asia conflict on India's food, energy, and fuel security with senior cabinet ministers. The meeting follows previous discussions and concerns raised about global energy crises and supply chain disruptions.

Chandrasekaran addresses Air India staff, stresses transformation & safety

Chandrasekaran addresses Air India staff, stresses transformation & safety

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran addressed Air India employees, acknowledging the airline's challenging phase while reaffirming the Tata Group's commitment to its long-term transformation, focusing on service quality, safety, and operational improvements.

Ayush Shetty Upsets Li Shi Feng; Sindhu and Prannoy Advance

Ayush Shetty Upsets Li Shi Feng; Sindhu and Prannoy Advance

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Ayush Shetty defeated world No. 7 Li Shi Feng at the Badminton Asia Championships, while PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy also advanced. Other Indian players faced setbacks in the opening round.

'Impact of the spike in energy prices will be transient'

'Impact of the spike in energy prices will be transient'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

'As re-industrialisation gathers pace across regions like Asia, Europe and the US, a wide range of products and inputs will see demand.'

India Bids To Host The 2038 Asian Games

India Bids To Host The 2038 Asian Games

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India has officially submitted its expression of interest to host the 2038 Asian Games, according to a top official of the national Olympic body, marking a significant step in the country's broader strategy to become a global hub for major multi-sporting events.

No petrol, diesel price hike after assembly polls: Govt

No petrol, diesel price hike after assembly polls: Govt

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The government has dismissed speculation of an imminent increase in petrol and diesel prices, assuring citizens that there are no plans for a hike despite rising crude oil costs.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of 'Compromised' Foreign Policy and Insensitivity to COVID-19 Suffering

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of 'Compromised' Foreign Policy and Insensitivity to COVID-19 Suffering

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy and his remarks referencing the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the West Asia situation.

Iran gives fresh proposal as Trump 'still not satisfied'

Iran gives fresh proposal as Trump 'still not satisfied'

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Iran has presented a multi-layered proposal to the US in an attempt to break the deadlock in peace talks, focusing on de-escalation and nuclear programme discussions.

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.

Goa's Sadhvi Sail Crowned Femina Miss India World

Goa's Sadhvi Sail Crowned Femina Miss India World

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Sadhvi Satish Sail, model and entrepreneur, is crowned Femina Miss India World 2026.

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, addressing topics ranging from ceasefire efforts to maritime security and the safe return of Indian nationals. The MEA also addressed the UN Climate Change Conference and the delimitation bill.

Bajaj Auto gears up for festival season with new Pulsar models

Bajaj Auto gears up for festival season with new Pulsar models

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Bajaj Auto is set to launch new Pulsar motorcycles in the 125cc and 150-250cc segments in Q2 FY27, aiming to capitalise on the upcoming festival season surge. This move follows strong growth in the 150cc-plus segment, where refreshed Pulsar models already account for over 50 per cent of Bajaj's sales.

India Face Japan In Thomas Cup Quarterfinal Clash

India Face Japan In Thomas Cup Quarterfinal Clash

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

India will aim to continue their quest for a second title when they face Japan in the quarterfinals of the Thomas Cup Finals. India progressed to the quarterfinals after finishing second in Group A and will face Japan, who, like them, have won the title once.

'No preference for a foreign coach': Hockey India rejects Sreejesh's claim

'No preference for a foreign coach': Hockey India rejects Sreejesh's claim

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said P R Sreejesh had been offered the role of coach for the development team but he had refused to take up the role.

'Oil Is Not The Problem. The Bigger Problem Is Gold'

'Oil Is Not The Problem. The Bigger Problem Is Gold'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'Every year we import approximately $70 billion worth of gold -- closer to $72 billion in 2025-2026, an all-time record.' 'There is no parallel for this anywhere in the world. And this love for gold will not disappear overnight.'

Why Sreejesh Is Unhappy With Hockey India

Why Sreejesh Is Unhappy With Hockey India

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for allegedly favouring foreign coaches over Indian talent, despite his successful tenure with the junior men's team. Hockey India has rejected the claims.

Why Sreejesh Is Unhappy With Hockey India

Why Sreejesh Is Unhappy With Hockey India

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for allegedly favouring foreign coaches over Indian coaches, despite his successful tenure with the junior men's team. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims.

US, Iran likely to resume talks in Islamabad next week

US, Iran likely to resume talks in Islamabad next week

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The United States and Iran could resume negotiations as early as next week in Islamabad, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with the matter.

ED Returns 63,000 Crore To Victims Of Financial Crimes

ED Returns 63,000 Crore To Victims Of Financial Crimes

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has reported a staggering 170 per cent surge in asset attachments, reaching 81,422 crore in the last financial year (FY26), underscoring its intensified efforts against financial crimes and its significant role in restituting funds to victims.

Lebanon ceasefire, asset release among Iran's conditions

Lebanon ceasefire, asset release among Iran's conditions

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Iran has reiterated that key preconditions must be met before negotiations with the United States can begin to resolve the conflict in West Asia, including a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets.

Why Mirabai Chanu Is Skipping Asian Championships

Why Mirabai Chanu Is Skipping Asian Championships

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Mirabai Chanu will miss the Asian Championships due to a shoulder injury sustained during the National Championships. Komal Kohar is expected to replace her in the Indian team.

Staggered Jet Fuel Price Hike to Shield Passengers from Steep Fare Rises

Staggered Jet Fuel Price Hike to Shield Passengers from Steep Fare Rises

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that public sector oil marketing companies will implement a partial and staggered increase in jet fuel prices for domestic airlines, aiming to protect passengers from steep fare hikes.

Over 800 Indians evacuated from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

Over 800 Indians evacuated from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that nearly 880 Indian nationals, including students, have been evacuated from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Stock markets rally as US-Iran talks progress, crude oil prices tumble

Stock markets rally as US-Iran talks progress, crude oil prices tumble

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, rallied significantly following a sharp decline in crude oil prices. This decline was triggered by US President Donald Trump's announcement of progress in negotiations with Iran towards a peace agreement, which led to renewed optimism in global markets.

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the Middle East crisis, with a focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

George, Malhotra set up India-Pak date in U-19 Asia Cup final

George, Malhotra set up India-Pak date in U-19 Asia Cup final

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra's exhilarating stroke-play was well complemented by Aaron George's composure as India set up an Under-19 Asia Cup summit date with arch-rivals Pakistan after crushing Sri Lanka by eight wickets in a rain-curtailed semi-final, in Dubai, on Friday.

After GST-led surge, car sales growth may decelerate in FY27

After GST-led surge, car sales growth may decelerate in FY27

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

India's passenger vehicle (PV) industry is projected to experience moderated growth in FY27, following a strong rebound in H2FY26, primarily due to the high base effect, absorbed pent-up demand, and the lingering impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India Coaching Decision

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India Coaching Decision

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 17 months, questioning the preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India's Coaching Decisions

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India's Coaching Decisions

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for removing him from his role as junior men's team coach after just 17 months, questioning the organisation's preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating that his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.

Trump lands in Beijing to rare VIP welcome amid trade and Iran talks

Trump lands in Beijing to rare VIP welcome amid trade and Iran talks

Rediff.com13 May 2026

US President Donald Trump received a red carpet welcome in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade, the Iran war, and other key issues. The visit underscores the importance both nations place on their relationship amid ongoing tensions.

Why Tim Cook Is 'Over The Moon Excited' About India

Why Tim Cook Is 'Over The Moon Excited' About India

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Apple CEO Tim Cook expresses strong optimism about the Indian market, citing its potential for growth and the company's recent successes in the region.

Mojtaba Khamenei's face disfigured but 'mentally sharp': Report

Mojtaba Khamenei's face disfigured but 'mentally sharp': Report

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's Supreme Leader, is reportedly recovering from injuries sustained in an attack. Reports indicate he is participating in meetings and decision-making despite his condition.