News for 'Central Asia'

50:50 Chance Of An RBI Rate Cut

50:50 Chance Of An RBI Rate Cut

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'If it doesn't, it will continue with measures to infuse liquidity, signalling a new cycle,' predicts Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Art 370 fueled separatism in J-K, Modi govt ended terrorism: Amit Shah

Art 370 fueled separatism in J-K, Modi govt ended terrorism: Amit Shah

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 was crucial in ending terrorism in Kashmir. He stated that the provision fostered separatism among Kashmiri youth and impeded the region's full integration into India. Shah also highlighted the development initiatives undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370, including a reduction in terrorism, successful local body elections, and an increase in tourism and film production. He emphasized the significance of writing India's history with facts and evidence, countering narratives that had obscured the country's rich heritage.

Should you invest in gold? Read here to find out

Should you invest in gold? Read here to find out

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Goldman Sachs expects gold to reach $3,150 per ounce in the international market by December 2025, up around 19.1 per cent from its current level of $2,645, according to a recent report in Business Standard. Domestically, gold is trading at Rs 76,018 per 10 grams after delivering a remarkable 21.9 per cent return in the past year.

Sangam water unfit for bathing, contains faecal bacteria: Govt data

Sangam water unfit for bathing, contains faecal bacteria: Govt data

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Ganga water at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where lakhs of people are taking a holy dip every day during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, is currently unsafe for bathing as it exceeds the prescribed limit for biological oxygen demand (BOD), a key parameter to determine water quality, according to government data.

India to drive Asia Pacific growth as China's fortunes wane, says S&P

India to drive Asia Pacific growth as China's fortunes wane, says S&P

Rediff.com6 Dec 2023

India will drive growth in the Asia-Pacific (Apac) region as the growth engine is likely to shift from China to South and Southeast Asia in the coming years, S&P Global Ratings said in a report on Tuesday. The rating agency's report projected China's growth to slow down to 4.6 per cent by 2026 from an estimated 5.4 per cent in 2023. India is likely to clock 7 per cent economic growth from 6.4 per cent estimated for 2023.

Is foreign exchange rate stability desirable? Not really

Is foreign exchange rate stability desirable? Not really

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

The recent depreciation of the rupee along with sharp fall in the country's foreign exchange (FX) reserves has sparked a debate whether stability of the exchange rate is necessary and desirable. The rupee was one of the least volatile currencies among peers for almost two years before the current downward pressure started in September after the US Federal Reserve lowered interest rate.

Trump 2.0: Tough Navigation Lies Ahead For India

Trump 2.0: Tough Navigation Lies Ahead For India

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'As the global economy undergoes significant transformations in 2025, India's ability to navigate the complexities of trade wars, financial realignments, and emerging blocs will be pivotal,' explain Harsh V Pant and Soumya Bhowmik.

MotoGP's Indian Grand Prix called off!

MotoGP's Indian Grand Prix called off!

Rediff.com29 May 2024

MotoGP's Indian Grand Prix has been cancelled due to operational considerations, series organisers said on Wednesday.

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

Modi takes a selfie with his Kashmiri 'friend'

Modi takes a selfie with his Kashmiri 'friend'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2024

It was a dream-come-true moment for Kashmiri youth Nazim Nazeer on Thursday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only took a selfie with him but also referred to him as a 'friend'.

Gold set to extend record run; may hit Rs 90,000 in 2025

Gold set to extend record run; may hit Rs 90,000 in 2025

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Gold, a safe-haven bet, is likely to continue its record-smashing journey in the New Year, rising to Rs 85,000 per 10 grams and even Rs 90,000 level in domestic markets if geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties continue.

Market outlook 2025: Brokerages on opportunities, risks, investible themes

Market outlook 2025: Brokerages on opportunities, risks, investible themes

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

From the outcome of the general elections and then Union Budget to tepid corporate earnings in the September 2024 quarter (Q2-FY25), sticky inflation and Reserve Bank of India's stance on interest rates, extreme weather conditions, Indian stock markets have braved it all in calendar year 2024.

'Modi Bought A Reprieve, Not A Resolution'

'Modi Bought A Reprieve, Not A Resolution'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'Modi's intention was to create goodwill that will allow India to be seen by Trump as more than just a bad tariff problem.' 'He succeeded brilliantly on that count but none of these wins are unfortunately permanent.' 'Modi will have to do this again and again if Trump's grievances are to be durably assuaged.'

Exports up 1%; trade deficit widens to 4-month high

Exports up 1%; trade deficit widens to 4-month high

Rediff.com15 May 2024

India's merchandise exports in April 2024 marginally rose to $34.99 billion from $34.62 billion in the year-ago month, according to government data released on Wednesday. Imports too increased to $54.09 billion from $49.06 billion in April 2023.

'Freedom of choice': India on US criticism of Russia ties

'Freedom of choice': India on US criticism of Russia ties

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has a long-standing relationship with Russia which is based on "mutuality" of interests.

Russia backs Pak bid to join BRICS; will India resist this move?

Russia backs Pak bid to join BRICS; will India resist this move?

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

Dar also said Pakistan views Russia as an important player in the West, South and Central Asia, and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia remains an important priority for Pakistan's foreign policy.

STUNNING Travel Photographs

STUNNING Travel Photographs

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Wondeful shots of African women and giraffes roaming Kenyan grasslands were judged the most outstanding photographs of the year.

Obama passes law to appoint special envoy in Asia

Obama passes law to appoint special envoy in Asia

Rediff.com9 Aug 2014

United States President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill which calls for appointing a special envoy near East and South Central Asia to promote freedom of religious minorities.

Iran says it shot down Israel's attack, activates air defence

Iran says it shot down Israel's attack, activates air defence

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

State news agency IRNA said that Iran has successfully shot down 'adversial targets' in the airspace around Tehran province. Iranian state television noted hearing six loud sounds resembling explosions in parts of the capital, with the source of the noises currently unverified.

Sedans Ready To Take On SUVs

Sedans Ready To Take On SUVs

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Sedans and hatchbacks have both lost market share to SUVs, which now account for more than 50% share of the 4 million-odd-unit PV market in the country.

Rupee Declines. Add Gold To Portfolio

Rupee Declines. Add Gold To Portfolio

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

New investors should gradually build a 5 to 10 per cent allocation to gold.

RBI to Hold Rates Steady at 6.50%

RBI to Hold Rates Steady at 6.50%

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

'The RBI's MPC will maintain the current policy rates (6.50%) at the policy meeting, given ongoing inflationary pressures.'

Asia's 1st woman loco pilot runs Vande Bharat Express

Asia's 1st woman loco pilot runs Vande Bharat Express

Rediff.com14 Mar 2023

Surekha Yadav piloted the semi-high speed train between Solapur station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai on Monday.

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'A government whose policies are focused around making the life of ordinary citizens, specially the most deprived sections, richer; a government that prioritises education, health and transport, that doesn't treat its citizens as subjects who must come to it for everything, is rare in our country.' 'When such a government is thrown out, one is left stunned,' notes Jyoti Punwani.

Mahayuti Win Will Boost Adani's Dharavi Plan

Mahayuti Win Will Boost Adani's Dharavi Plan

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The Opposition had promised to scrap the Dharavi redevelopment project if it came to power. With the Mahayuti's massive mandate in the Maharashtra assembly election, that prospect has been laid to rest.

Half of top economists expect world economy to weaken in '24

Half of top economists expect world economy to weaken in '24

Rediff.com16 Jan 2024

More than half (56 per cent) of chief economists expect the global economy to weaken in 2024, with most saying the pace of geo-economic fragmentation will accelerate, according to the latest "Chief Economists Outlook" released on Monday at the World Economic Forum (WEF). The report indicates that the global economic prospects remain subdued and uncertain. Challenges include tight financial conditions, geopolitical rifts, and the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

India's forex reserves down to $684.80 billion

India's forex reserves down to $684.80 billion

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

India's foreign exchange reserves fell for the fourth consecutive week after reaching an all-time high last month. In the week ending October 25, the forex reserves declined by $3.46 billion to $684.80 billion, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday. In the three preceding weeks, reserves dropped by $3.7 billion, $10.7 billion, and $2.16 billion, respectively, the data showed.

Small, midcap rally may lose steam

Small, midcap rally may lose steam

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

After a strong run in the midcap and smallcap indices, which surged 46 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively, on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) during Samvat 2080, analysts suggest that the rally in these segments may pause to catch its breath in Samvat 2081.

'Already invited India to...': Zelenskyy to UNSC

'Already invited India to...': Zelenskyy to UNSC

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations Security Council that 'we have to prepare' the second peace summit to end the Russia-Ukraine war 'altogether' and he has invited India and other countries to join the peace process.

Make sure justice is done: US to India on Pannun murder plot

Make sure justice is done: US to India on Pannun murder plot

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

'We are at the moment working with India to encourage India to hold accountable, those responsible for this terrible crime'

Govt to set up private textile parks to curb China imports

Govt to set up private textile parks to curb China imports

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

To curb raw material imports from China and promote textiles, the Uttar Pradesh government is looking to set up nearly a dozen private textile parks in the state. The textile parks would be established under the UP Textile and Garmenting Policy 2022.

No dispute with neighbours, but shared future with BRI, says China

No dispute with neighbours, but shared future with BRI, says China

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

Lou also spoke about China's tensions with neighbouring countries without directly mentioning the eastern Ladakh border standoff with India since May 2020 which resulted in the Galwan Valley clash in June of that year.

Samvat 2081: Will Gold, Silver Sparkle?

Samvat 2081: Will Gold, Silver Sparkle?

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

'Higher interest rates make gold less attractive as it doesn't generate yield.' 'However, with rates set to fall, the tables are turning for gold.'

Yes, It Happened This Year

Yes, It Happened This Year

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Some glimpses from the year gone by.

Saina Nehwal's unstoppable journey to Asian Games Athletes' Committee

Saina Nehwal's unstoppable journey to Asian Games Athletes' Committee

Rediff.com16 Sep 2023

Asian Games Athletes' Committee poll: Saina set to win uncontested

RBI's Shaktikanta Das is Asia Pacific central banker of the year

RBI's Shaktikanta Das is Asia Pacific central banker of the year

Rediff.com4 Feb 2020

Nominating Das, the Banker magazine, which announced the award, said India's banks have faced a series of challenges, from non-performing loans to issues around fraud. Faced with these challenges, Shaktikanta Das has taken steps to bring banking in India up to standard via a restrained approach to governance.

In fresh escalation, Yemen fires missiles towards Israel

In fresh escalation, Yemen fires missiles towards Israel

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

As the situation in West Asia continues to escalate, Yemen launched a barrage of ballistic missiles towards Israel on Monday, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said.

Trump 2.0: Will Bulls Run Amok?

Trump 2.0: Will Bulls Run Amok?

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

'Investors looking at the next 6-12 months can be certain that the Fed will maintain its easing cycle, and we expect the overall environment to be conducive for fixed income investments for portfolio diversification.'

Festival demand boosts domestic sales of two-wheelers by up to 26%

Festival demand boosts domestic sales of two-wheelers by up to 26%

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Major two-wheeler manufacturers in India witnessed a double-digit increase in domestic sales in October, driven by the festival fervour.

'Not enough done': Biden slams Israel over killing of Gaza aid workers

'Not enough done': Biden slams Israel over killing of Gaza aid workers

Rediff.com3 Apr 2024

Seven aid workers who were working for the World Central Kitchen, a charity delivering food to besieged Palestinians, were killed in the Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Tuesday. The victims comprised three British nationals, an Australian, a Polish national, an American-Canadian dual citizen and a Palestinian.