News for 'Asia Times'

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.

'Let's Conquer Asia!': Captain SKY Sounds Clarion Call

'Let's Conquer Asia!': Captain SKY Sounds Clarion Call

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

India captain Suryakumar Yadav called upon his team to live up to their top billing and emerge champions in the Asia Cup.

IPL 2026 to open with RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru on March 28

IPL 2026 to open with RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru on March 28

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026.

Will the Iran War Disrupt IPL 2026?

Will the Iran War Disrupt IPL 2026?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The ongoing Iran-US conflict is casting a shadow over global cricket, potentially disrupting the IPL 2026 due to travel disruptions and logistical challenges.

India shifts majority of Indian students out of Tehran

India shifts majority of Indian students out of Tehran

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

India has relocated the majority of its students from Tehran due to the escalating conflict in West Asia. The Indian embassy has arranged for their transportation, food, and accommodation outside of Tehran. An advisory remains in place for other Indian nationals in Iran to stay indoors and exercise caution.

RBI Projects $85 Crude Oil, Rupee at 94 by FY27

RBI Projects $85 Crude Oil, Rupee at 94 by FY27

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected that crude oil prices will average USD 85 per barrel and the rupee will weaken to 94 against the dollar by FY27, according to its bi-annual Monetary Policy report.

IndiGo's Profitability Under Pressure from Fuel, Rupee, and Geopolitical Headwinds

IndiGo's Profitability Under Pressure from Fuel, Rupee, and Geopolitical Headwinds

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) is experiencing significant financial pressure, with its stock falling 18 per cent since the start of the Iran war, due to rising Brent crude prices, a weakening rupee, and disruptions to its West Asia and European flight networks caused by geopolitical tensions.

Delhi Police Dismantles International Cyber Fraud Ring Using SIM Box Technology

Delhi Police Dismantles International Cyber Fraud Ring Using SIM Box Technology

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have dismantled a major international cyber fraud syndicate using illegal 'SIM Box' technology to defraud people through digital arrest scams and fake investment schemes. Two individuals have been arrested, and the investigation revealed links to handlers in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries.

Airfares May Rise as Jet Fuel Price Surge

Airfares May Rise as Jet Fuel Price Surge

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices have more than doubled to a record high, impacting airlines and consumers, while commercial LPG rates also see a significant increase.

Iran hits over 10 sites in Israel's Haifa; 2 killed

Iran hits over 10 sites in Israel's Haifa; 2 killed

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

An Iranian missile strike on Haifa has resulted in casualties and intensified conflict between Iran and Israel, prompting search operations and ceasefire discussions.

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India is one of the few nations, and perhaps the only nation, that has good relations with America, Israel and Iran. Knowing that a war in the Gulf would damage our economy, hurt supply of fertilisers and fuel, and cause general chaos, we should have tried to ensure this war did not begin, asserts Aakar Patel.

Vaishnavi Adkar Shines but India Misses Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs

Vaishnavi Adkar Shines but India Misses Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

India's chances of reaching the Billie Jean King Cup World Cup Play-offs were dashed despite Vaishnavi Adkar's victory over Sohyun Park, as Ankita Raina's loss to Dayeon Back proved decisive.

Don't rush me to end Iran war; won't use nukes: Trump

Don't rush me to end Iran war; won't use nukes: Trump

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump stated he would not set a deadline for ending the conflict with Iran, claiming Iran's military capabilities have been severely weakened. He also said he would not use nuclear weapons and maintained the US has complete control over blockade measures against Iran.

India's forex reserves drop $11.41 billion to $698.346 billion

India's forex reserves drop $11.41 billion to $698.346 billion

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves decreased by USD 11.413 billion to USD 698.346 billion during the week ending March 20, primarily due to a significant reduction in gold reserves, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

If Trump wants peace with Iran, Pakistan will offer to help. If Trump seeks Pakistan's aid to spy on Iran, then too Munir will not hesitate to chip in. At the same time, the ISI will not hesitate to tip off Iran now and then, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

One of the most uncivilised characteristics of this war has been the total disregard for international law and the laws of armed conflict, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Rahul wearing T-shirt in Parliament is not nice: Rijiju

Rahul wearing T-shirt in Parliament is not nice: Rijiju

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticises Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary conduct, accusing him of being unduly influenced by advisors and questioning his casual attire in the House.

LPG Ships Clear Hormuz, India Supply Stable

LPG Ships Clear Hormuz, India Supply Stable

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers still remain in the western Persian Gulf region

'Great surprise' awaits Trump: Iran warns against ground attack

'Great surprise' awaits Trump: Iran warns against ground attack

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

As the security situation continues to evolve in West Asia and the Gulf region, an Iranian military source has warned the United States against any ground aggression on Iran, calling it a red line and saying a 'surprise' would await US President Donald Trump, Tasnim News Agency reported on Saturday.

Elon Musk joined Trump-Modi phone call on Gulf War: Report

Elon Musk joined Trump-Modi phone call on Gulf War: Report

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Elon Musk reportedly participated in a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Iran crisis, raising questions about his involvement in diplomatic discussions.

In a fresh message, Khamenei extols sacrifice and martyrdom

In a fresh message, Khamenei extols sacrifice and martyrdom

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday extolled the sacrifice and martyrdom of senior Iranian armed forces leaders as the conflict in West Asia enters into its second month.

India Inc hits pause on factory expansion in March

India Inc hits pause on factory expansion in March

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India's new manufacturing project announcements more than halved in the fourth quarter of FY26, falling 60 per cent sequentially and 78 per cent year-on-year to approximately 1.7 trillion, driven by global uncertainties, geopolitical conflicts in West Asia, and existing unutilised manufacturing capacity.

Historic! Iraq seals last FIFA World Cup spot after 40 years

Historic! Iraq seals last FIFA World Cup spot after 40 years

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in an inter-confederation playoff to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Aymen Hussein scored the winning goal, securing Iraq's place in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.

Trophy row: BCCI fumes at Naqvi over Asia Cup snub

Trophy row: BCCI fumes at Naqvi over Asia Cup snub

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

BCCI demanded trophy be handed over to India, but ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi "still hasn't agreed", an ACC source.

Will FY27 Be The Year Of Equities?

Will FY27 Be The Year Of Equities?

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Fixed deposits from nationalised banks delivered higher returns than equities, outperforming both inflation and stock market benchmarks.

Iran's new Supreme Leader injured in airstrikes?

Iran's new Supreme Leader injured in airstrikes?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of the Iranian President, has confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is 'safe and sound'. This comes after certain reports claimed that he had been injured during the ongoing strikes by the United States and Israel, according to Al Jazeera.

'My favourite thing...': Trump hints at seizing Iran's Kharg Island

'My favourite thing...': Trump hints at seizing Iran's Kharg Island

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of the US seizing Iran's key oil export hub on Kharg Island, suggesting it could be done with minimal resistance. He also expressed his desire to take Iran's oil resources, while indicating potential negotiations and a possible deal with Iran.

Ready-to-eat foods fill qcom baskets amid LPG curbs

Ready-to-eat foods fill qcom baskets amid LPG curbs

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Quick commerce platforms are experiencing a significant increase in demand for ready-to-eat food items as urban households face disruptions in cooking gas supply and a temporary outflow of migrant domestic help.

Elevated Energy Prices May Influence India's FY27 Fiscal Position: Icra

Elevated Energy Prices May Influence India's FY27 Fiscal Position: Icra

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Elevated global crude oil and natural gas prices, driven by geopolitical developments in West Asia, could significantly influence the Government of India's fiscal position for 2026-27, according to a report by ratings agency Icra.

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

'Watch what happens to these scumbags today': Trump as war enters 13th day

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Friday signalled the US intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

SCARY! Weak Monsoon Threatens Water Security

SCARY! Weak Monsoon Threatens Water Security

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

'Monsoon is the pran (life) of our water system.' 'A weak monsoon will have a very negative impact on crops and people's lives.'

Iran claims 'over 500 US troops targeted' in Dubai; US reacts

Iran claims 'over 500 US troops targeted' in Dubai; US reacts

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran claims to have inflicted heavy casualties on US forces in Dubai, a claim vehemently denied by the US Central Command, raising concerns about regional stability.

Rupee closes at record low of 94.05 against US dollar

Rupee closes at record low of 94.05 against US dollar

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar due to sustained foreign fund outflows and uncertainties in West Asia, although lower crude oil prices and a positive opening in domestic equity markets limited the losses.

Vaishnavi Adkar's Victory Leads India to Billie Jean King Cup Win Over South Korea

Vaishnavi Adkar's Victory Leads India to Billie Jean King Cup Win Over South Korea

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Vaishnavi Adkar's inspiring victory over Sohyun Park led India to a 2-1 win against South Korea in the Billie Jean King Cup, although the team missed out on qualifying for the World Group Play-offs.

Vaishnavi Adkar's Victory Leads India to Billie Jean King Cup Win Over South Korea

Vaishnavi Adkar's Victory Leads India to Billie Jean King Cup Win Over South Korea

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Vaishnavi Adkar's inspiring win over Sohyun Park propelled India to a 2-1 victory against South Korea in the Billie Jean King Cup, despite Ankita Raina's earlier defeat.

FC Goa Carry India's Flag into Asia Amid Troubled Times

FC Goa Carry India's Flag into Asia Amid Troubled Times

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

It will take FC Goa nothing short of a miracle to pull off a win against the Omanis, and a victory will be a the perfect Independence Day present for Indian football fans.

Rupee on March 24, 2026: Rupee Declines as Dollar Strengthens and Crude Prices Rise

Rupee on March 24, 2026: Rupee Declines as Dollar Strengthens and Crude Prices Rise

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar due to a strengthening dollar, high crude oil prices, and foreign fund outflows amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The US blockade on Iranian ports is aimed to curb Iranian energy exports, thereby crippling its economy to force Iran back to the negotiating table, points out Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Iranian crude arrives in Indian ports after 7 years

Iranian crude arrives in Indian ports after 7 years

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Historically, India was a major buyer of Iranian crude, importing significant volumes of Iranian light and heavy grades due to strong refinery compatibility and favourable commercial terms.

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Beijing has been wary of Sanae Takaichi's efforts to boost Japan's military profile since taking office six months ago, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.