News for 'Asia Times'

India's young guns ready for BWF World Championships

India's young guns ready for BWF World Championships

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Simran Singhi, and Kavipriya Selvam are set to make their BWF World Championships debut as India hosts the prestigious badminton event after 17 years, offering a significant platform for these rising stars.

'Attack on one is attack on all': Pak, Saudi, Turkiye sign joint defence pact

'Attack on one is attack on all': Pak, Saudi, Turkiye sign joint defence pact

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on Friday signed a key joint defence agreement under which an attack against one of them will be treated as an attack against all of them, amid increasing security concerns in the wake of escalating tensions in West Asia.

Davis Cup: India To Battle South Korea On Hard Courts

Davis Cup: India To Battle South Korea On Hard Courts

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

India will face South Korea in the Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 2 on September 18-19 in Seoul. South Korea, ranked 16th, chose hard courts for the tie, a surface they traditionally prefer. India, ranked 19th, secured their spot with a dramatic win over the Netherlands, while Korea upset Argentina. The winner of this tie will advance to the Davis Cup Final 8 in November.

U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: India men seal final berth with stunning win over Pakistan

U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: India men seal final berth with stunning win over Pakistan

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India beat Pakistan 5-3 in thrilling semi-final to enter U18 Men''s Asia Cup final

Harmanpreet Singh is India's 'trump card' at Hockey World Cup, says Jugraj Singh

Harmanpreet Singh is India's 'trump card' at Hockey World Cup, says Jugraj Singh

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former India drag-flicker Jugraj Singh has lauded current captain Harmanpreet Singh as a 'trump card' for the upcoming FIH World Cup, citing his aggressive playing style and consistent performance in crucial moments. Jugraj, who sees his own reflection in Harmanpreet's game, rates him among the world's top three drag-flickers and believes the team is well-prepared to end India's long wait for a World Cup medal.

Retail inflation climbs to 4.45% in July, driven by soaring food prices

Retail inflation climbs to 4.45% in July, driven by soaring food prices

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 4.45 per cent in July, up from 4.38 per cent in June, primarily due to higher food prices, particularly onions and ginger. This marks the second consecutive month the inflation rate has remained above the Reserve Bank's median target.

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei critical, hospitalised: Israeli media

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei critical, hospitalised: Israeli media

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Reports have surfaced in Israeli media claiming that Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in critical condition and has been rushed to a hospital.

U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: India Men Rout Chinese Taipei 13-1

U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: India Men Rout Chinese Taipei 13-1

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Indian men's U-18 hockey team secured a dominant 13-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match, earning a spot in the semifinals of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026. Ashish Tani Purti scored a hat-trick, leading a strong offensive performance.

Microsoft Boosts India's Digital Infrastructure With Fourth Cloud Region

Microsoft Boosts India's Digital Infrastructure With Fourth Cloud Region

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Microsoft has launched its fourth cloud region in India, located in Hyderabad, significantly expanding its hyperscale cloud presence. This move is part of a USD 20.5-billion investment in India's digital and AI infrastructure, aiming to support the country's rapid digital growth and meet increasing demand from major enterprises.

Apple achieves record June quarter revenue, but faces challenges

Apple achieves record June quarter revenue, but faces challenges

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Tech giant Apple reported a record June quarter revenue of USD 109.4 billion, a 16 per cent year-on-year increase, with significant double-digit growth in emerging markets like India. However, the company anticipates business risks in the coming quarters due to rising memory chip prices and ongoing supply constraints.

Ashish Purti's hat-trick powers India to men's Under-18 Asia Cup hockey crown

Ashish Purti's hat-trick powers India to men's Under-18 Asia Cup hockey crown

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

India's men's Under-18 hockey team defeated hosts Japan 4-1 in the final to win the Asia Cup title, with Ashish Purti scoring a hat-trick. Captain Ketan Kushwaha also scored, while Hockey India announced cash awards for the gold-winning men's team and the bronze-winning women's U-18 team.

Fitch affirms India's 'BBB-' rating, flags debt and youth unemployment

Fitch affirms India's 'BBB-' rating, flags debt and youth unemployment

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Fitch Ratings has affirmed India's sovereign credit rating at 'BBB-' with a stable outlook, acknowledging robust growth prospects and strong external finances. However, the agency highlighted concerns over elevated government debt, lagging structural metrics, and potential fiscal spending pressures due to rising youth unemployment.

Mohun Bagan to face East Bengal in 2026 Durand Cup opener

Mohun Bagan to face East Bengal in 2026 Durand Cup opener

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Trophy Tour for the 135th Durand Cup has concluded in Kolkata, marking the final stop before Asia's oldest football tournament begins. Kolkata will host 16 matches, including the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby and the final. The tournament features 24 teams from across five cities, with West Bengal sports minister and the organising committee chairman emphasising the city's deep connection to football and the tournament's legacy.

BWF Worlds: Ayush Shetty reveals his plan to take on Shi Yuqi

BWF Worlds: Ayush Shetty reveals his plan to take on Shi Yuqi

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Young Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty is actively working to transform his 'natural laid-back approach' into a more aggressive playing style as he prepares for his World Championship debut, where he faces current world No. 1 Shi Yuqi of China in his opening match.

India's Sangram Singh Battles Pakistan's Abid Ali For MMA Championship

India's Sangram Singh Battles Pakistan's Abid Ali For MMA Championship

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Indian MMA fighter Sangram Singh is set to face Pakistan's Mohammed Abid Ali for the prestigious STRIKE Asia Champion Title in Kuala Lumpur. This highly anticipated fight marks a significant step in Singh's transition from professional wrestling to MMA, where he holds an unbeaten 3-0 record.

Microsoft's Hyderabad Data Centre Goes Live, Bolstering India's AI Ambitions

Microsoft's Hyderabad Data Centre Goes Live, Bolstering India's AI Ambitions

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Microsoft has announced the activation of its latest data centre in Hyderabad, significantly expanding its Cloud infrastructure in India and enabling organisations to leverage AI-era services with enhanced local choice and security.

PSBs' Profit Nearly Trebles in Five Years to Record Rs 1.98 Trillion

PSBs' Profit Nearly Trebles in Five Years to Record Rs 1.98 Trillion

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's public sector banks (PSBs) have seen their net profit nearly treble over the past five years, reaching a record Rs 1.98 trillion in FY26, driven by significant improvements in asset quality and sustained lending growth across key economic sectors.

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $6.12 Billion to $682.35 Billion

India's Forex Reserves Jump by $6.12 Billion to $682.35 Billion

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 6.118 billion, reaching USD 682.354 billion for the week ending July 24, according to the Reserve Bank of India.

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

'India should hold several high-level chess tournaments that would attract the world's top players so that the country will have a say in the game.'

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Indian government has approved the introduction of one billion polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations for field trials, aiming to enhance durability. This move comes as the Finance Minister also addressed Parliament on declining retail inflation, GST reforms, and other fiscal measures taken to support the economy and household consumption.

Shakib Al Hasan's Home Attacked After Sheikh Hasina Vows Return to Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan's Home Attacked After Sheikh Hasina Vows Return to Bangladesh

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan's ancestral home was attacked with petrol bombs and smashed windows after he participated in an online media interaction where ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina vowed to return to Bangladesh despite facing a death sentence.

Lodha Developers targets Rs 10,000 crore from Palava data centre park land sales

Lodha Developers targets Rs 10,000 crore from Palava data centre park land sales

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Lodha Developers plans to generate approximately 10,000 crore in sales over the next three to four years by monetising about 150 acres of land at its data centre park in Palava, part of the Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR). This strategy is a planned recurring pillar of their business, funding the build-out of 1 gigawatt of powered shell capacity and aiming for over 2,000 crore in annual rental income by FY32.

Can VinFast Sustain Its Blistering India Start?

Can VinFast Sustain Its Blistering India Start?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

VinFast has gone from an unknown brand to India's fifth-largest EV carmaker in just seven months, but its toughest battle is only beginning.

Tilak Varma: 'My play is based on conditions and match situations'

Tilak Varma: 'My play is based on conditions and match situations'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India T20 vice-captain Tilak Varma stated that his batting approach is dictated by conditions and match situations, especially after the team's struggles with early wickets in the UK and Ireland. He emphasised the responsibility of playing for the country and adapting to overseas conditions after extensive play in Asia.

Indian nationals urged to put off Iran travel amid tensions

Indian nationals urged to put off Iran travel amid tensions

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

India has advised its nationals to postpone travel to Iran and urged those already there to consider leaving due to increasing instability and conflict in the region. The advisory from the Indian Embassy in Tehran highlights heightened caution and the need to monitor the security situation.

India Will Become A Leader In Applied AI: Nilekani

India Will Become A Leader In Applied AI: Nilekani

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'Applying AI to change the lives of Indians and at population scale -- just like we did with DPI [digital public infrastructure] -- is really where it's going to go.'

5 Young Underdogs Who Could Steal the Show At Badminton Worlds

5 Young Underdogs Who Could Steal the Show At Badminton Worlds

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

As New Delhi prepares to host the BWF World Championships from August 17-23, 2026, five young talents - Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Alwi Farhan, Tomoka Miyazaki, and Kalyana Nalbantova - are identified as potential breakout stars capable of challenging the sport's biggest names and redefining their careers.

Shipping firms asked to avoid sending Indian sailors on vessels through Hormuz

Shipping firms asked to avoid sending Indian sailors on vessels through Hormuz

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has instructed shipping companies to avoid deploying Indian sailors on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, following recent attacks on two vessels carrying Indian seafarers.

India's Forex Kitty Jumps $964 Million to $675.15 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Jumps $964 Million to $675.15 Billion

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 964 million to USD 675.157 billion in the week ending July 10, according to the Reserve Bank of India.

Volatile trading session on RBI's big day, Sensex holds steady with 152-point gain

Volatile trading session on RBI's big day, Sensex holds steady with 152-point gain

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its key policy rates for the fourth consecutive time, keeping the repo rate at 5.25 per cent, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed 152 points higher in a volatile session, recovering from an intraday dip.

Indian drugmakers in no rush to shift to US despite tariff threat

Indian drugmakers in no rush to shift to US despite tariff threat

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Indian pharmaceutical companies are not rushing to relocate manufacturing to the United States despite former President Donald Trump's renewed threat of tariffs up to 200 per cent on imported generic drugs. Instead, they are leveraging existing US plants, contract manufacturers, and making selective investments in complex products while maintaining India as their primary production hub.

'We Can Beat Any Team': India Men Confident Of Ending 51-Year Jinx At Hockey World Cup

'We Can Beat Any Team': India Men Confident Of Ending 51-Year Jinx At Hockey World Cup

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton is focused on ending the 51-year World Cup medal drought, aiming for consistency and a strong performance at the upcoming tournament in the Netherlands and Belgium.

'Investors Should Prepare For Frequent Market Swings'

'Investors Should Prepare For Frequent Market Swings'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

'Rather than deploying all their money at once, investors should invest gradually.' 'A staggered approach is the better strategy because volatility is likely to persist.'

ICICI Bank raises $1 bn in largest dollar issue this year, signalling strong investor confidence

ICICI Bank raises $1 bn in largest dollar issue this year, signalling strong investor confidence

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

ICICI Bank has successfully raised $1 billion through a five-year senior unsecured US dollar bond, marking its first public dollar bond issuance since 2017 and the largest single-tranche US dollar bond issuance by an Indian issuer so far this year.

32 dead as as 7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Philippines; triggers tsunami warnings across Southeast Asia

32 dead as as 7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Philippines; triggers tsunami warnings across Southeast Asia

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A powerful 7.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines, killing at least four people, injuring over 200, damaging buildings, and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia.

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Dinesh Trivedi's success or failure in this fragile diplomatic equilibrium will have consequences extending well beyond the Indian high commission in Dhaka. It will shape India's eastern strategic environment for years to come.

BPCL, HPCL Report Huge Q1FY27 Losses Due to High Crude Oil Prices

BPCL, HPCL Report Huge Q1FY27 Losses Due to High Crude Oil Prices

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

State-owned refiners Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) have reported substantial losses for the first quarter of financial year 2026-27 (Q1FY27), primarily driven by a sharp increase in crude oil prices exacerbated by the ongoing West Asia crisis and suppressed marketing margins on petroleum products.

Dr Reddy's Labs plunges 69% to Rs 443 crore, hit by lenalidomide exit and semaglutide issues

Dr Reddy's Labs plunges 69% to Rs 443 crore, hit by lenalidomide exit and semaglutide issues

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Dr Reddy's Laboratories reported a 68.7 per cent year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 443.5 crore in Q1 FY27, primarily due to the end of its lenalidomide sales agreement, a Rs 240-crore provision for semaglutide API inventory quality issues, and elevated freight costs.

Chhoti SIP Growth Faces High Exit Rates

Chhoti SIP Growth Faces High Exit Rates

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

'Periods of heightened volatility, driven by global events such as tariffs and geopolitical tensions over the past year-and-a-half, can make some investors pause or discontinue their investments.'

African Football Chiefs Back Gianni Infantino Despite FIFA Governance Crisis

African Football Chiefs Back Gianni Infantino Despite FIFA Governance Crisis

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Leading African football administrators have publicly expressed their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, offering him crucial backing ahead of next March's presidential election, despite his recent decision to abandon a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue.