News for 'Central Asia'

Indians Now Boarding For Central Asia

Indians Now Boarding For Central Asia

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

Just over a three-hour flight from Delhi, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia have seen a big jump in visitors.

PCB announces significant pay hike for centrally contracted players

PCB announces significant pay hike for centrally contracted players

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to significantly increase match fees and monthly retainers for centrally contracted players, particularly those in the red ball Track A category, for the 2026/27 cycle. The new contracts also introduce format-based categories and substantial bonuses for winning ICC and Asia Cup events.

Why India Is Central To Rockwell Automation's Global Growth Plans

Why India Is Central To Rockwell Automation's Global Growth Plans

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Rockwell Automation's CEO Blake Moret highlights India as the centrepiece of the company's Asian growth strategy, detailing its four-decade presence, significant employee base, and support for the 'Make in India' initiative. The company sees major opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automotive, food and beverage, and consumer products, with AI playing a crucial role in simplifying industrial automation and boosting productivity for Indian manufacturers, including MSMEs.

If India Becomes A Doormat, The US Will Tread On It

If India Becomes A Doormat, The US Will Tread On It

Rediff.com14 hours ago

The harsh truth is that the US is no longer a reliable partner, cautions Ramesh Menon.

West Asia on edge as US hits Iran again; Tehran vows fierce revenge

West Asia on edge as US hits Iran again; Tehran vows fierce revenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran, on Saturday (local time), at the commander in chief, US President Donald Trump's direction.

Moody's: Indian banks 'more exposed' to West Asia crisis impact

Moody's: Indian banks 'more exposed' to West Asia crisis impact

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Moody's Ratings has highlighted that Indian banks are among the most exposed in the Asia-Pacific region to the West Asia crisis, primarily due to India's high dependence on energy imports, which could lead to increased inflation, higher interest rates, and strained borrower cash flows.

India's Growth Pace May Dip as Global Economy Slows, Warns Moody's Analytics

India's Growth Pace May Dip as Global Economy Slows, Warns Moody's Analytics

Rediff.com6 days ago

Moody's Analytics predicts India will remain the fastest-growing major economy in 2026 and 2027, but its pace will moderate due to a global slowdown, geopolitical risks, and financial market volatility, despite the boost from AI demand.

8 Weird Football Terms

8 Weird Football Terms

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

As the sport's popularity spread across the world, it developed its own colourful language/expressions. From clever slang to bizarre nicknames, the game's changing culture has thrown up some rather unusual turn of phrase. Here are 8 of the strangest football terms ever used.

India's U-18 Hockey Teams Gear Up For Asia Cup

India's U-18 Hockey Teams Gear Up For Asia Cup

Rediff.com28 May 2026

India's Under-18 boys and girls hockey teams, mentored by Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal, are set to compete in the Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, after intensive training and exposure matches.

New Centre To Boost India-Kyrgyzstan Cultural And Academic Ties

New Centre To Boost India-Kyrgyzstan Cultural And Academic Ties

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR) has established the International Centre for Civilizational Studies "Manas and Mahabharata" in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with the Manas National Academy. The inauguration also saw the release of the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic "Manas," aiming to foster scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.

RBI 'keeping close watch' on West Asia conflict for policy action

RBI 'keeping close watch' on West Asia conflict for policy action

Rediff.com19 May 2026

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the central bank is closely monitoring whether the supply shock from the West Asia conflict will lead to a generalised price rise, potentially necessitating monetary policy action.

Ketan Kushwaha To Lead India At U18 Asia Cup

Ketan Kushwaha To Lead India At U18 Asia Cup

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Ketan Kushwaha has been appointed as the captain of the Indian U18 team for the upcoming Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan. The squad was selected after a national coaching camp in Bhopal, which included exposure matches against Australia U-18.

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

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

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.

In UAE, Modi offers help to end West Asia crisis

In UAE, Modi offers help to end West Asia crisis

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered India's support to bring peace to West Asia during talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both countries signed agreements to strengthen strategic collaborations in energy and defence.

MEA condemns attack on Indian crew in Strait of Hormuz

MEA condemns attack on Indian crew in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India has condemned an attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, which resulted in one Indian crew member going missing. The incident occurred amidst escalating hostilities between Iran and the US in West Asia, prompting India to call for immediate de-escalation and an end to targeting commercial shipping in the region.

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.

Iran insists Strait of Hormuz closed as US vows 'freedom of navigation'

Iran insists Strait of Hormuz closed as US vows 'freedom of navigation'

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed due to 'recent illegal movements' by the US military, demanding transit permits, while the US Central Command (CENTCOM) insists the strait is 'open to all vessels' and vows to ensure 'freedom of navigation'.

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.

US launches 'new airstrikes' on Iran after Iran attack kills 2 American soldiers

US launches 'new airstrikes' on Iran after Iran attack kills 2 American soldiers

Rediff.com4 days ago

The United States has launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in response to a deadly attack in Jordan that claimed the lives of two American service members, aiming to curb Tehran's maritime threats.

What Jaspreet Kaur's Doping Sanction Means For Indian Wrestling

What Jaspreet Kaur's Doping Sanction Means For Indian Wrestling

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian wrestler Jaspreet Kaur has been sanctioned by the International Testing Agency (ITA) after testing positive for prohibited stimulants, octodrine and heptaminol, during the Asian Beach Games. She accepted the anti-doping rule violation, leading to disqualification of her results, with further sanctions from United World Wrestling possible.

IRGC says it hit US air base in Jordan with 10 missiles after Tehran attack

IRGC says it hit US air base in Jordan with 10 missiles after Tehran attack

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday claimed it had struck the US Al-Azraq air base in northern Jordan with 10 ballistic missiles on what it described as an "enemy command and control centre in West Asia" in retaliatory strikes in response to a recent attack on Tehran by Washington.

West Asia Crisis To Hit India's Growth Hard

West Asia Crisis To Hit India's Growth Hard

Rediff.com12 May 2026

A prolonged supply shock can transmit to lower incomes, and dampen confidence and sentiment, warns Aditi Nayar, chief economist, head-research and outreach, ICRA.

Delhi Quad meet to focus on West Asia fallout, Indo-Pacific security

Delhi Quad meet to focus on West Asia fallout, Indo-Pacific security

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The economic fallout of the West Asia crisis, the prevailing security situation in the Indo-Pacific and ways to boost cooperation in critical minerals and technology are expected to top the agenda at a crucial meeting of the Quad foreign ministers on Tuesday.

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.

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.

First Dengue Vaccine Approved for India

First Dengue Vaccine Approved for India

Rediff.com2 days ago

The vaccine has been cleared for use in individuals aged 4 to 60 years and can be administered irrespective of whether the taker has had dengue before, eliminating the need for pre-vaccination screening.

India's Forex Kitty Drops by $5.65 Billion to $666.93 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Drops by $5.65 Billion to $666.93 Billion

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant drop of USD 5.654 billion, settling at USD 666.933 billion for the week ending June 26, following interventions by the RBI and public appeals by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conserve forex.

Geopolitical tensions, inflation data to dictate gold and silver prices

Geopolitical tensions, inflation data to dictate gold and silver prices

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gold and silver are expected to remain volatile with a corrective bias as investors assess the latest flare-up in the US-Iran conflict, movements in crude oil prices, and inflation data, which could reshape expectations for global interest rates, according to analysts.

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indonesian parliament, emphasising India's commitment to development over expansionism and advocating for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He highlighted the strong historical ties between India and Indonesia, calling for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including defence, technology, and counter-terrorism, amidst growing concerns over regional security.

20% too much, we'll be fair: Iran mocks Trump over Hormuz claim

20% too much, we'll be fair: Iran mocks Trump over Hormuz claim

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi mocked US President Donald Trump's claim of the US being the 'guardian' of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Iran has always been and will remain the sole guardian, while also suggesting that any entity providing security should be compensated, though Trump's proposed '20 per cent' levy is 'too much'.

RBI: US-Iran Deal Shifts Risk Balance Favourably, But Oil Price Spikes Could Raise FX Volatility

RBI: US-Iran Deal Shifts Risk Balance Favourably, But Oil Price Spikes Could Raise FX Volatility

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Reserve Bank of India's Financial Stability Report indicates that the interim peace deal between the US and Iran has favourably shifted the balance of risks, reducing headwinds from the West Asia conflict. However, it cautions that exchange rate volatility could increase if crude oil prices spike due to delayed normalisation of supply chain disruptions.

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.

How FIVB Recognition Elevates Prime Volleyball League's Global Stature

How FIVB Recognition Elevates Prime Volleyball League's Global Stature

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has been officially recognised by the FIVB as India's first division professional volleyball league, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. This recognition allows PVL clubs to compete in international tournaments and aligns the league with global standards. The fifth season of PVL is scheduled to begin on November 30, with a players' auction on August 17 in Goa. This development is expected to further strengthen Indian volleyball's performance on the international stage.

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.

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.

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Rediff.com6 days ago

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

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

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

Rediff.com3 days ago

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

GST Collections Hit Rs 1.95 Lakh Crore in June, Driven by Import Growth

GST Collections Hit Rs 1.95 Lakh Crore in June, Driven by Import Growth

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections saw a significant 14 per cent increase in June, reaching approximately Rs 1.95 lakh crore. This surge was primarily driven by a substantial 34.6 per cent growth in tax mop-up from imports, alongside a 6.5 per cent rise in domestic supplies, reflecting the country's economic resilience despite global uncertainties.

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

No rollback of E20 petrol, no selling pure petrol: Govt

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

It, however, conceded that 20 per cent blending of ethanol with petrol leads to 3-5 per cent lower mileage in vehicles than conventional petrol, but said the blend offers a significantly higher octane rating, superior anti-knock properties, faster combustion, better pickup, smoother acceleration, and cleaner engine operation.

West Asia War Pushes RBI into Growth-Inflation Dilemma

West Asia War Pushes RBI into Growth-Inflation Dilemma

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra is now confronting the classic growth-inflation tradeoff, a situation exacerbated by the West Asia war, which threatens to end the 'goldilocks period' of low inflation and robust growth.