News for 'Asia'

Ericsson CEO Stresses Tech Alignment For AI Security

Ericsson CEO Stresses Tech Alignment For AI Security

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Ericsson CEO Andres Vicente emphasised the critical need for technology alignment and ecosystem collaboration to ensure security in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Speaking on Wednesday, he highlighted that AI's benefits in productivity and innovation cannot be forgone, making shared security concerns across interconnected tech layers paramount. Ericsson is actively working with partners through the Trusted Tech Alliance to establish common AI-era security understandings.

RBI raises India's FY27 GDP growth forecast to 7.1% amid global headwinds

RBI raises India's FY27 GDP growth forecast to 7.1% amid global headwinds

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased its GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year (FY27) by 40 basis points to 7.1 per cent, acknowledging the resilience of domestic economic activity despite global headwinds and geopolitical tensions.

Smriti Mandhana takes helm as India women announce squads for Zimbabwe series

Smriti Mandhana takes helm as India women announce squads for Zimbabwe series

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Smriti Mandhana has been appointed captain of the Indian women's cricket team for both T20I and ODI formats, with Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma named vice-captains respectively. This follows Harmanpreet Kaur's decision to step down. The squads for the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe have also been announced, featuring new inclusions and notable exclusions due to injury.

PM Modi Praises Indian Contingent's Asian Games Performance

PM Modi Praises Indian Contingent's Asian Games Performance

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the Indian contingent for their commendable performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. He praised the athletes for their determination, passion, and sporting spirit, acknowledging their role in bringing immense joy to the nation. India secured fourth place with 85 medals, and Modi expressed hope that these Games would inspire future achievements and strengthen grassroots sports.

Can India Stop Buying Russian Oil?

Can India Stop Buying Russian Oil?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

'India should not trade away its energy security for temporary tariff relief. Neither signing a trade agreement nor stopping Russian oil purchases can protect it from future US action.'

Asian Games Boxing Heroes Return To Rousing Welcome

Asian Games Boxing Heroes Return To Rousing Welcome

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

India's Asian Games medal-winning boxers, including gold medallists Ankush Panghal, Parveen Hooda, and Lovlina Borgohain, received a grand welcome at the New Delhi airport. The team's performance, securing three golds and three bronzes, was lauded by BFI president Ajay Singh and coach Santiago Nieva, highlighting their strong preparation for the upcoming Olympics.

'BCCI Loves To Fool Indian Fans'

'BCCI Loves To Fool Indian Fans'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

During the Asia Cup final on Sunday, the cameras panned to the guest box at the Dubai international stadium and showed BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in conversation with Asian Cricket Council Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Asian Games Organisers Face Accommodation Crunch, Limit Contingent Sizes

Asian Games Organisers Face Accommodation Crunch, Limit Contingent Sizes

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The Olympic Council of Asia has advised national bodies, including India, to limit their contingent sizes for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, due to the host nation's inability to accommodate more than 15,000 participants. This impacts support staff numbers, with India's contingent of 492 athletes requiring strict adherence to the 33% support staff cap. Organisers are implementing innovative accommodation solutions like container huts and a cruise ship.

'If there is passion for motorsport in India, then it makes sense to host F1 race'

'If there is passion for motorsport in India, then it makes sense to host F1 race'

Rediff.com5 days ago

Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen, a veteran of Formula 1 since 1985, shares insights into his four-decade career, the sport's evolution from a niche interest to a global powerhouse, and the roles of Bernie Ecclestone and Liberty Media in its growth. He also discusses the potential return of the Indian Grand Prix, highlighting India's significant F1 fanbase.

Para-Cyclists To Protest Ministry's Asian Games Selection

Para-Cyclists To Protest Ministry's Asian Games Selection

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Seven para-cyclists, recommended by the national federation for the Asian Para Games, were largely omitted by the Sports Ministry, with only one receiving approval. The excluded athletes are planning a protest, alleging discrimination, while the Sports Authority of India (SAI) maintains selections were based strictly on performance criteria.

India Women begin Asian Games title defence against Japan

India Women begin Asian Games title defence against Japan

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Fresh from their record-extending Asia Cup triumph, defending champions India will begin their Asian Games title defence as overwhelming favourites against hosts Japan in the women's quarter-finals in Nagoya on Friday.

At UNGA, Sharif thanks Trump for 'timely intervention' in 2025 conflict with India

At UNGA, Sharif thanks Trump for 'timely intervention' in 2025 conflict with India

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his UN General Assembly address to thank former US President Donald Trump for his "timely intervention" in the 2025 conflict with India, a claim India consistently denies. Sharif also raised the Kashmir issue and discussed the Indus Waters Treaty, while touting Pakistan's role in mediating US-Iran peace.

OMCs Lose Rs 530 Crore Daily

OMCs Lose Rs 530 Crore Daily

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

'Elevated crude prices and unchanged domestic fuel prices would put pressure on the profitability and cash flows of OMCs.'

Asian Games Cricket: India face tricky final against Pakistan

Asian Games Cricket: India face tricky final against Pakistan

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

World champions India, featuring a strong line-up of T20 stars, are set to face Pakistan in the men's gold-medal cricket clash at the Asian Games, a match where a silver medal would be considered a 'royal embarrassment' for India.

GMR Aero Technic And StandardAero Forge Alliance For APAC On-Wing Engine MRO

GMR Aero Technic And StandardAero Forge Alliance For APAC On-Wing Engine MRO

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

GMR Aero Technic (GAT) and StandardAero have signed an agreement to establish an authorised service centre in India for on-wing engine support in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This partnership aims to combine StandardAero's engine aftermarket expertise with GMR Aero Technic's MRO capabilities, offering a comprehensive range of specialised engine maintenance services to minimise aircraft downtime and enhance operational efficiency for airlines and operators in the region.

China won't support India's permanent UNSC seat bid: Former US NSA

China won't support India's permanent UNSC seat bid: Former US NSA

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has stated that China is not prepared to back India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. He highlighted that any expansion of permanent membership would require a UN Charter amendment, which China could veto. Bolton also discussed the broader institutional challenges facing the UN and suggested that regime change in Iran is crucial for long-term stability in West Asia, linking Houthi attacks to Iran's "ring of fire" strategy.

Flying Economy Costs More Than Ever

Flying Economy Costs More Than Ever

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Economy passengers are paying more year-on-year while business travellers are paying less.

Indian Olympic Association Sets December 5 For Executive Council Elections

Indian Olympic Association Sets December 5 For Executive Council Elections

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that its new Executive Council will be elected on December 5, with Sanjay Kumar Srivastava appointed as the returning officer. The electoral process, which includes elections for the Athletes' Commission on November 3 and selection of Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs), will adhere to national sports governance acts and the amended IOA Constitution. The new council will serve a four-year term (2026-2030), with current President PT Usha highlighting the importance of good governance as India eyes hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

Trump backs India-Middle East-Europe corridor amid Iran war

Trump backs India-Middle East-Europe corridor amid Iran war

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), citing the necessity to move energy infrastructure away from Iranian checkpoints following attacks in West Asia. He made these remarks during a multilateral meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council at the UN General Assembly, emphasising the corridor's role in overcoming regional challenges.

Asian Games Kick Off With A Spectacle Of Innovation And Culture

Asian Games Kick Off With A Spectacle Of Innovation And Culture

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Japan inaugurated the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya with a vibrant opening ceremony that seamlessly blended advanced technology and rich cultural traditions, despite earlier organisational challenges.

Import-linked GST drives 18.1% surge in September revenue

Import-linked GST drives 18.1% surge in September revenue

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) receipts, after accounting for refunds, surged by 18.1 per cent annually to approximately 1.77 trillion in September, marking its fastest growth in six months. This increase was primarily driven by a significant rise in tax revenue from imports, which grew 26 per cent annually.

CM Mann Reviews Preparations For Asian Champions Trophy

CM Mann Reviews Preparations For Asian Champions Trophy

Rediff.com7 days ago

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued directives to various departments to ensure top-tier arrangements for the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, set to take place in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5. Mann emphasised the need for world-class facilities, robust security, and comprehensive crowd management, while also calling for a statewide trophy tour and student participation to foster public enthusiasm and showcase Punjab's rich sporting heritage. He personally inspected venues and stressed the importance of cleanliness, beautification, and hospitality for international delegations.

Which Indian City Had More Than 1 Lakh People In The 1700s?

Which Indian City Had More Than 1 Lakh People In The 1700s?

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

An urban map of the largest cities in the world, by population, in the early 1700s looked almost empty by today's standards.

MP's third cheetah habitat opens; CM Mohan Yadav releases two felines

MP's third cheetah habitat opens; CM Mohan Yadav releases two felines

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs, Vyom and Neera, into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, making it the state's third cheetah habitat. This expansion is part of India's Cheetah Project, which has seen the big cat population grow to 60. The initiative aims to boost wildlife tourism and local economies, with the government also supporting villagers through revenue sharing and homestay schemes.

Crude Oil Surge, Geopolitical Worries Drive Sensex Down 1,124 Points

Crude Oil Surge, Geopolitical Worries Drive Sensex Down 1,124 Points

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn, with the Sensex plunging 1,124 points to a six-month low and the Nifty closing below 22,800, driven by surging crude oil prices, escalating geopolitical uncertainties, and weak global market trends.

Smriti Mandhana named India captain at last, but has the elevation come too late?

Smriti Mandhana named India captain at last, but has the elevation come too late?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Smriti Mandhana takes over the captaincy of the Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur's resignation. The article discusses the timing of this elevation for Mandhana, who is considered the country's best batter, and the history of leadership transitions within the team, highlighting potential challenges and the team's aspirations for major tournament victories.

How Cyclones Impact Deep Coastal Aquifers

How Cyclones Impact Deep Coastal Aquifers

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A recent study by IIT Kharagpur researchers reveals that powerful cyclones can significantly impact groundwater quality up to 100 metres below the surface in deep coastal aquifers. Conducted in the climate-vulnerable Sundarbans region, the research highlights how extreme weather events disturb the freshwater-seawater balance, threatening drinking water security and necessitating depth-specific groundwater management strategies.

RBI Rate Hike to Test Housing Affordability, Buyer Sentiment During Festive Season

RBI Rate Hike to Test Housing Affordability, Buyer Sentiment During Festive Season

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Reserve Bank of India's 25-basis point increase in the repo rate to 5.5 per cent is expected to exert pressure on housing affordability and buyer sentiment, particularly affecting interest rate-sensitive segments and potentially moderating sales during the crucial festival season.

Festive travel may cost more as govt rules out airfare cap

Festive travel may cost more as govt rules out airfare cap

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that the government will not impose a cap on airfares during the upcoming festive season. Instead, airlines will be advised to maintain reasonable prices, considering the rising operating costs primarily due to increased Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, exacerbated by the West Asia crisis.

Mastercard Sells Entire 4.31% Stake in Fintech Firm Pine Labs for Rs 933 Crore

Mastercard Sells Entire 4.31% Stake in Fintech Firm Pine Labs for Rs 933 Crore

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Global payments solution major Mastercard has fully exited Indian fintech firm Pine Labs, selling its entire 4.31 per cent stake for Rs 933 crore through block deals on the BSE.

Asian Games: India women eye gold as Sri Lanka stand in way

Asian Games: India women eye gold as Sri Lanka stand in way

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

India's women's cricket team is set to face Sri Lanka in the Asian Games final, aiming to secure a gold medal and extend their continental dominance. While India enters as favourites with strong performances, Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, will look to challenge their supremacy in what promises to be an exciting clash.

Harmanpreet Kaur Redefined Women's Cricket

Harmanpreet Kaur Redefined Women's Cricket

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur's career has been defined by landmark innings, record-breaking longevity and milestones that have mirrored the rise of Indian women's cricket.

Charani retains top T20I bowling spot, Deepti climbs to second

Charani retains top T20I bowling spot, Deepti climbs to second

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Indian spinner Shree Charani has maintained her top position in the ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings with a career-best 804 rating points, while compatriot Deepti Sharma has risen four places to second, following their stellar performances in the Women's T20 Asia Cup.

Shree Charani sets new Indian record with 36 T20I wickets in a calendar year

Shree Charani sets new Indian record with 36 T20I wickets in a calendar year

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Indian spinner Shree Charani has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to claim more than 35 T20I wickets in a single calendar year, reaching her 36th wicket during the Women's Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka.

Why ICC sees China as cricket's next big opportunity

Why ICC sees China as cricket's next big opportunity

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively pursuing a strategy to expand cricket in China, leveraging the sport's recent inclusion in the Olympics. Plans include establishing a Centre of Excellence, supporting a Tier 2 event, and promoting women's cricket, with significant investment and collaboration with the Chinese Cricket Association to embed the sport deeper into the country's sporting system.

Brazil in Kolkata: India's biggest football test awaits

Brazil in Kolkata: India's biggest football test awaits

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India is set to host five-time world champions Brazil in a historic invitational football friendly in Kolkata. The match, while offering invaluable exposure for the Indian team, has also drawn criticism over its cost and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The event carries political significance and marks a key step in Brazil's rebuilding process.

Kolkata Gears Up For Historic India Vs Brazil Football Clash

Kolkata Gears Up For Historic India Vs Brazil Football Clash

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Five-time world champions Brazil are set to play India in an invitational friendly at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, marking their first-ever international meeting. The match, while a spectacle for Indian fans, has drawn criticism regarding its cost and impact on Indian football development, with former captain Bhaichung Bhutia questioning its value over long-term investment. For Brazil, it's part of a rebuilding process, while India aims to gain invaluable experience against a top-tier team.

Why Anthropic's Claude AI Is Now Processing Data Within India

Why Anthropic's Claude AI Is Now Processing Data Within India

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Artificial intelligence major Anthropic has launched AI inference capabilities in India through Amazon Bedrock, allowing its Claude AI models to process data within the country's jurisdiction. This strategic move addresses the growing demand from Indian entities, particularly in regulated sectors, for compliance with local data processing norms as per the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. The initiative strengthens Anthropic's commitment to the Indian market, enabling secure and compliant AI deployment for sensitive workloads and fostering trust among major enterprises like Reliance, CRED, and NPCI.

No enough understanding or empathy...: Jaishankar on India-US ties

No enough understanding or empathy...: Jaishankar on India-US ties

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted that India's primary concern regarding terrorism from its neighbour, Pakistan, if not fully appreciated by partners like the US, negatively impacts bilateral relations. Speaking at the Asia Society, Jaishankar discussed the turbulence in India-US ties, particularly in light of Washington's renewed engagement with Pakistan and the perceived lack of empathy for India's terrorism concerns, especially under the second Trump administration. He emphasized that addressing these sensitivities is crucial for improving the relationship.

Fusion CX Eyes Major Growth With AI, Prepares For IPO

Fusion CX Eyes Major Growth With AI, Prepares For IPO

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Customer experience firm Fusion CX is significantly investing in AI-enabled services and data infrastructure, aiming to increase its share in total turnover to 25% within 12-18 months. The company, which reported a turnover of Rs 1,818.13 crore in FY26, is preparing for an IPO of Rs 800-1,000 crore in October, driven by organic growth, acquisitions, and its AI strategy.