News for 'Asia Times'

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Hard Lessons For India

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Hard Lessons For India

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

We, Indians, forgot that for Pakistan, Kashmir dispute and blood feud with India is the raison detre for its existence. It is also the excuse with which the Pak army keeps its grip over the state. Peace in Kashmir and between India and Pakistan is against the interests of the Pak army, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Trump emphasised that diplomatic discussions remain ongoing. At the same time, he issued a stark warning, saying that failure to reach an agreement could trigger military action.

Pak pushes for talks even as Iran, Israel reject peace moves

Pak pushes for talks even as Iran, Israel reject peace moves

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in West Asia, offering to host talks between the US and Iran and engaging with regional leaders to promote peace and stability.

Missing F-15 crew member rescued, says Trump

Missing F-15 crew member rescued, says Trump

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

The United States Special Forces have rescued the second F-15 crew member alive, who went missing after Iran downed the jet amid the West Asia conflict, President Donald Trump has confirmed.

US Special Envoy Meets Sri Lankan President Amidst Regional Tensions

US Special Envoy Meets Sri Lankan President Amidst Regional Tensions

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

US Special Representative Sergio Gor met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and Sri Lanka's stance on the Middle East crisis. The visit occurs amidst regional tensions and US efforts to secure trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Air India and Air India Express are introducing a fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights due to rising jet fuel prices, impacting travel costs for passengers.

Search Continues for Rally Champion Hari Singh After Maldives Boat Mishap

Search Continues for Rally Champion Hari Singh After Maldives Boat Mishap

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Five-time Indian National Rally champion Hari Singh remains missing after a speedboat crash in the Maldives. Industrialist Gautam Singhania was among those on board.

Modi speaks to Arab leaders as conflict widens

Modi speaks to Arab leaders as conflict widens

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with leaders from Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, expressing concern over attacks in West Asia and discussing the safety of the Indian community.

Mohamed Nasheed: Democratic Institutions, Not Bombing, Can Bring Change

Mohamed Nasheed: Democratic Institutions, Not Bombing, Can Bring Change

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed advocates for building democratic institutions over military intervention in resolving international conflicts, particularly in the context of the escalating West Asia crisis. He also discusses the impact of the conflict on the Maldives' tourism-dependent economy and calls for a stronger, more understanding India in the Indian Ocean Region.

'Tools Change, But The Role Of A Designer Doesn't'

'Tools Change, But The Role Of A Designer Doesn't'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, can it really replace a designer's instinct?

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

India's merchandise exports experienced a slight decrease in February, while imports surged due to increased gold and silver purchases, leading to a widened trade deficit. The West Asia crisis is expected to further impact trade in the coming months.

Prince Deep Singh: Yet to play for India, still nominated for top awards!

Prince Deep Singh: Yet to play for India, still nominated for top awards!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Young Indian hockey goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh discusses how his nominations for two Hockey India awards have boosted his confidence and fuelled his ambition, despite not yet making his senior international debut.

Asia's 6 Coolest Neighbourhoods Of 2025

Asia's 6 Coolest Neighbourhoods Of 2025

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

From TimeOut's latest global line-up of 39 hip, exciting localities, here are 6 standout Asian stars...

Iranian parliament speaker warns against US ground invasion

Iranian parliament speaker warns against US ground invasion

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

He also warned the Gulf countries, which are allowing the US to launch an attack from their soil, vowing to "punish" the regional partners.

Iranian cluster bomb attack damages kindergarten in Israel

Iranian cluster bomb attack damages kindergarten in Israel

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Initial reports suggested that shrapnel caused significant damage to the structure; however, no direct missile impact was reported.

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-intensity election campaign in Tamil Nadu concluded with accusations and counter-accusations between the DMK and AIADMK, while new entrant TVK made its presence felt. Key issues included state autonomy, corruption, law and order, and the delimitation bill.

Gold price volatility: Lenders demand more collateral or partial repayment if LTVs breached

Gold price volatility: Lenders demand more collateral or partial repayment if LTVs breached

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Lenders are actively monitoring gold price volatility, prompting them to ask borrowers for additional gold collateral or partial principal repayment when loan-to-value (LTV) thresholds are breached, particularly for loans disbursed in February.

Asia Cup: How India Are Preparing For Pakistan

Asia Cup: How India Are Preparing For Pakistan

Rediff.com13 Sep 2025

With the much-anticipated Group A clash against arch-rivals Pakistan looming, India is sparing no effort in their training sessions, honing skills and strategising tactics.

Israel Military on Verge of 'Collapse' Due to Troop Shortage: IDF Chief

Israel Military on Verge of 'Collapse' Due to Troop Shortage: IDF Chief

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

IDF chief stressed the urgent need for legislative measures, including a conscription law, a reserve duty law, and an extension of mandatory military service.

Tesla Stalls in India as BYD, VinFast Race Ahead

Tesla Stalls in India as BYD, VinFast Race Ahead

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Despite India's electric passenger vehicle market experiencing an 83.6% year-on-year surge in FY26, new foreign entrants VinFast and BYD have significantly outpaced Tesla, which struggles with high import duties, a limited retail footprint, and a lack of local manufacturing commitment.

Stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, Pak PM tells MBS in 'restricted meeting'

Stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, Pak PM tells MBS in 'restricted meeting'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to express Pakistan's support for the Kingdom amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, reaffirming their mutual defence pact and commitment to regional stability.

'We Switched Off...' How India Handled Asia Cup Chaos

'We Switched Off...' How India Handled Asia Cup Chaos

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

'Almost all the players switched off their social media accounts.'

Euro Nations Cup on cards as Ireland eyes 2027 launch

Euro Nations Cup on cards as Ireland eyes 2027 launch

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Cricket Ireland is planning a Euro Nations Cup, with chairman Brian MacNeice targeting a 2027 launch.

Can Bangladesh finally win their maiden Asia Cup?

Can Bangladesh finally win their maiden Asia Cup?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Bangladesh will see this as an opportunity to start on a strong note and settle into the tournament.

How Shabana Azmi Celebrates Holi This Year

How Shabana Azmi Celebrates Holi This Year

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

'Javed (Akhtar) and I are inviting only very close friends for Holi this time.'

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to mediate between the US and Iran to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in West Asia, following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran. Sharif has been in contact with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other nations to promote dialogue and diplomacy.

Gurjant Singh announces retirement from international hockey

Gurjant Singh announces retirement from international hockey

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist Gurjant Singh has retired from international hockey after a successful career, citing a back injury and the desire to give younger players a chance.

Pakistan Brokers Ceasefire In Iran War

Pakistan Brokers Ceasefire In Iran War

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

'On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I express gratitude and appreciation for my dear brothers HE Prime Minister of Pakistan Sharif and HE Field Marshal Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region.'

Paris heartbreak still haunts Deepika ahead of Asian Games

Paris heartbreak still haunts Deepika ahead of Asian Games

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Indian archer Deepika Kumari is prioritising mental conditioning as she prepares for the Asian Games, aiming to overcome past Olympic disappointments and secure a podium finish.

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Chaffing under public ridicule in the US as well as internationally for having 'lost' the war, Trump is under immense pressure to do something, cautions Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Boycott Asia Cup trends ahead of India-Pak face-off

Boycott Asia Cup trends ahead of India-Pak face-off

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

On any other occasion, there would have been a build-up of excitement from cricket fans. But not this time.

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host talks between the US and Iran to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following reports of Pakistan's involvement in backchannel diplomacy.

8 killed, 95 injured in US-Israeli strikes on Iran bridge

8 killed, 95 injured in US-Israeli strikes on Iran bridge

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

At least eight civilians have been reported killed, and 95 others have sustained injuries following United States-Israeli strikes, Iranian state media Press TV reported.

Oil surges over 25% to $116.5 per barrel

Oil surges over 25% to $116.5 per barrel

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Brent crude prices surged sharply on Monday, rising by more than 25 per cent to $116.5 per barrel, amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has made crude prices bullish.

PM Modi, Gambhir congratulate India on Asia Cup triumph

PM Modi, Gambhir congratulate India on Asia Cup triumph

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Hockey India announced INR 3 lakh each to players and Rs 1.5 lakh to the support staff.

Asia Cup: When Gavaskar, Khanna Stole The Show

Asia Cup: When Gavaskar, Khanna Stole The Show

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

'Scoring those half-centuries and winning the trophy for India is indeed special.'

US urged India to buy Russian oil: Trump's Energy Secretary

US urged India to buy Russian oil: Trump's Energy Secretary

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The United States has encouraged India to purchase Russian oil already at sea to mitigate supply shortages and price increases amid the West Asia conflict, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright. This move is described as a short-term effort to stabilise the market without altering Washington's policy towards Russia.

India Sweeps Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup with Zeel Desai's Debut Win

India Sweeps Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup with Zeel Desai's Debut Win

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

India secured a dominant 3-0 victory against Mongolia in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie, with Zeel Desai making a successful singles debut. India now faces Korea in their final match, hoping to keep their playoff chances alive.

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Office has refuted media reports suggesting that its efforts to facilitate peace talks between the US and Iran have stalled, calling the reports baseless and speculative.

Geopolitical tensions, Iran war impact hotel stocks; analysts cut profit expectations

Geopolitical tensions, Iran war impact hotel stocks; analysts cut profit expectations

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Indian hotel companies are experiencing a sharp correction in share prices due to the Iran war and broader geopolitical tensions, leading analysts to cut operating profit expectations and valuations, despite structurally positive medium-term prospects.