News for 'Asia Times'

Iran's Supreme Leader to skip father's funeral

Iran's Supreme Leader to skip father's funeral

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's, funeral due to security concerns stemming from Israeli threats. This decision follows a sharp warning from Iran's Foreign Minister to the United States, urging it to control Israel after its Defence Minister reportedly marked Khamenei for death. The incident highlights escalating tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate hostilities in West Asia.

West Asia Conflict Deepens India's Economic Challenges

West Asia Conflict Deepens India's Economic Challenges

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Even if there is an early agreement on a cessation of hostilities in West Asia, the price shock will not go away easily, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Bajaj Auto to expand annual capacity to over 9 million vehicles after record Q1 performance

Bajaj Auto to expand annual capacity to over 9 million vehicles after record Q1 performance

Rediff.com5 days ago

Bajaj Auto plans to increase its annual production capacity by nearly 25 per cent, from around 7 million to over 9 million vehicles, in the coming quarters. This expansion is driven by strong export demand and rapid growth in electric vehicles, which have stretched current capacity across key product segments.

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

Rediff.com20 hours ago

'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'

Retail Inflation Rises to 4.38% in June, Exceeds RBI's 4% Median Target

Retail Inflation Rises to 4.38% in June, Exceeds RBI's 4% Median Target

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's retail inflation rose to 4.38 per cent in June, driven primarily by costlier food items, pushing it above the Reserve Bank of India's median target of 4 per cent for the first time under the new series.

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.

Zero trust on US, prepared for full-scale defence: Iran

Zero trust on US, prepared for full-scale defence: Iran

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stressed on Friday (local time) that Tehran remains prepared for "full-scale defence" should the US betray the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries last month.

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.

IMF Lowers India's FY27 Growth Outlook to 6.4% on Higher Energy Costs

IMF Lowers India's FY27 Growth Outlook to 6.4% on Higher Energy Costs

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced India's growth forecast for FY27 to 6.4 per cent, citing the potential impact of higher energy prices offsetting the country's economic resilience. Despite this, India remains among the fastest-growing major economies.

Why Wipro's Q1 Net Profit Was Flat

Why Wipro's Q1 Net Profit Was Flat

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Wipro's net profit in the first quarter saw minimal growth, rising less than one per cent to 3,352 crore, while revenue increased by 10.6 per cent to 24,480 crore. The IT services segment, a key metric, grew by only one per cent year-on-year, falling short of analyst estimates amidst a challenging demand environment and longer decision cycles from clients.

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Why Indians Thrive Overseas

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India too can rise to the top if the 1.4 billion Indians back home are given better opportunities to use their innate talent and capacity to work hard, with right incentives in a more meritocratic rules-based system, asserts Ajay Chhibber.

Modi most beautiful looking man, like an angel: Trump

Modi most beautiful looking man, like an angel: Trump

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very tough negotiator" and hinted at a future visit to India during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where they discussed trade, defence, and the West Asia crisis.

Akasa Air targets IPO in 2-4 years, maintains 30-40% growth despite challenges

Akasa Air targets IPO in 2-4 years, maintains 30-40% growth despite challenges

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Akasa Air, despite facing headwinds from the West Asia conflict and rising aviation turbine fuel prices, expects to maintain a 30-40 per cent growth trajectory over the next five years and aims for an initial public offering (IPO) within two to four years, according to CFO Ankur Goel.

Indian Shuttlers Ready For Japan Open Challenge

Indian Shuttlers Ready For Japan Open Challenge

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's top badminton players, including the men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, singles stars Lakshya Sen, P V Sindhu, and rising talent Ayush Shetty, are set to compete at the USD 950,000 Japan Open Super 750 tournament. The event marks a crucial stage for many Indian shuttlers to make significant runs on the BWF World Tour.

Midcap, Smallcap Indices Scale Record Highs

Midcap, Smallcap Indices Scale Record Highs

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

'Midcaps and smallcaps are the 'go-to segments' for retail investors.'

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have significantly advanced the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, securing crucial agreements on defence, critical minerals, and maritime security, including BrahMos missile supply and Sabang port development.

July 8 Market Crash: 'Volatility Is Best Friend Of Investor'

July 8 Market Crash: 'Volatility Is Best Friend Of Investor'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

'Buy on dips, buy on dips and sell on rise.'

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The United States on Saturday (local time) launched a third round of strikes against Iran after alleging that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.

Air India May Restore Flight Cuts

Air India May Restore Flight Cuts

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

'We may be able to wind back some of the schedule reductions we'd taken in recent months.'

Foreign Universities Hire Indian Faculty

Foreign Universities Hire Indian Faculty

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Faculty recruitment is conducted directly by universities using global hiring standards while complying with Indian regulations.

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Kuwait, Bahrain attacked; Jordan downs 4 Iranian missiles

Kuwait, Bahrain attacked; Jordan downs 4 Iranian missiles

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Kuwait's air defence systems engaged 'hostile aerial targets', Jordan intercepted four missiles, and Bahrain sounded warning sirens after Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military installations in the region.

SIP Assets Rise Despite Slower Inflows

SIP Assets Rise Despite Slower Inflows

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

'The Rs 30,954 crore inflows recorded in May 2026 reflects around 16 per cent year-on-year rise.'

Stock Markets Plunge as West Asia Tensions, High Oil Price Fuel Sell-Off

Stock Markets Plunge as West Asia Tensions, High Oil Price Fuel Sell-Off

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, tumbled nearly 2 per cent for the fourth consecutive session, driven by elevated crude oil prices, escalating US-Iran tensions, unabated foreign fund outflows, and a depreciating rupee.

Stock Markets Plunge as West Asia Tensions, High Oil Price Fuel Sell-Off

Stock Markets Plunge as West Asia Tensions, High Oil Price Fuel Sell-Off

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, tumbled nearly 2 per cent for the fourth consecutive session, driven by elevated crude oil prices, escalating US-Iran tensions, unabated foreign fund outflows, and a depreciating rupee.

How International Exposure Is Elevating Indian Rugby

How International Exposure Is Elevating Indian Rugby

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Indian rugby player Sumit Kumar Roy highlights the critical role of international exposure and the Rugby Premier League in the team's recent success, including a silver medal in Asia's top rugby sevens competition. The team aims for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics, learning from global players and focusing on discipline. Uruguay's Diego Ardao also emphasizes the need for skilled coaches and dedicated players to develop the sport in India, acknowledging the nation's vast potential despite the long road ahead for Olympic aspirations.

Agnikul Partners With ICEYE To Develop, Launch Satellites

Agnikul Partners With ICEYE To Develop, Launch Satellites

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

'With this deal, we may see even 50 launches a year within the next few years.'

Jaishankar and Portuguese Foreign Minister Discuss West Asia Conflict

Jaishankar and Portuguese Foreign Minister Discuss West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel to discuss the West Asia conflict and explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Vishy Anand Won't Contest FIDE Deputy President Post

Vishy Anand Won't Contest FIDE Deputy President Post

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Viswanathan Anand will not seek re-election for a third term as Deputy President of FIDE.

Putin meets Iran's Araghchi, offers support to bring peace to West Asia

Putin meets Iran's Araghchi, offers support to bring peace to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his support to help bring peace to West Asia, praising the Iranian people for their resilience. This comes as Iran seeks to resolve the conflict with the US, following discussions with Pakistani and Omani leadership.

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Our leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, are in touch with all Opposition parties, including the DMK and the AAP.'

West Asia crisis, inflation weighed on RBI panel's decision on interest rate

West Asia crisis, inflation weighed on RBI panel's decision on interest rate

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Uncertainties stemming from the West Asia crisis and its potential impact on inflation and economic growth were key factors in the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision to maintain the status quo on interest rates, according to the recently released MPC meeting minutes.

Amid West Asia tensions, Iran FM Araghchi dials Jaishankar to discuss crisis

Amid West Asia tensions, Iran FM Araghchi dials Jaishankar to discuss crisis

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke with Indian counterpart S Jaishankar to discuss the West Asia crisis, following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Coach Dragan Mihailovic's Vision For Indian Volleyball's Future

Coach Dragan Mihailovic's Vision For Indian Volleyball's Future

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

India's men's volleyball team achieved an unbeaten run to the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup semi-finals, propelling them to World No. 42. Head coach Dragan Mihailovic attributes this success to discipline and a structured system but stresses the need for consistent international exposure, longer national camps, and a robust development pathway to sustain and build upon this momentum, especially amidst administrative uncertainty in Indian volleyball.

Why Foreign Students Don't Come To India

Why Foreign Students Don't Come To India

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

90 per cent of institutions recorded no improvement in international student metrics, despite government initiatives such as the Study in India programme, UGC regulations on internationalisation, and efforts to attract foreign students.

CBDT Targets Rs 26.97 Trillion Direct Tax Collection

CBDT Targets Rs 26.97 Trillion Direct Tax Collection

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Tax collection so far has been encouraging, with net direct tax receipts reaching Rs 5.21 trillion by June 17, nearly a 15 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Guwahati Misses Out On Hosting India-Japan Summit

Guwahati Misses Out On Hosting India-Japan Summit

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The visit was expected to project Assam as the gateway to Southeast Asia and reinforce the state's emergence as a preferred investment destination.

TVS Motor overtakes Hero, Honda in total two-wheeler sales for June

TVS Motor overtakes Hero, Honda in total two-wheeler sales for June

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

TVS Motor Company has emerged as India's largest two-wheeler manufacturer by total sales volume in June 2026, surpassing long-standing leaders Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, primarily driven by its strong international business performance.

Govt to lift curbs on petrol, diesel sales to commercial buyers from Jul 1

Govt to lift curbs on petrol, diesel sales to commercial buyers from Jul 1

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The government will lift restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel to commercial and industrial consumers from July 1, easing emergency measures imposed to manage fuel supplies.

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, attempting to balance its 'forever honeymoon' with the Israel-UAE-Bahrain axis against its historical ties with Iran, as evidenced by recent high-level visits and evolving geopolitical realignments in the Middle East, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.