News for 'Central Asia'

Rupee stabilises in H1FY27 amid RBI interventions, global pressures persist

Rupee stabilises in H1FY27 amid RBI interventions, global pressures persist

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

After a significant 9.9% depreciation in FY26, the Indian rupee has shown comparative stability in the first half of FY27, depreciating by only 1.1%, attributed to regulatory interventions and measures to attract foreign capital, despite ongoing global pressures from rising crude oil prices and foreign investor outflows.

On Sep 8, rupee suffers sharpest decline in eight weeks

On Sep 8, rupee suffers sharpest decline in eight weeks

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Indian rupee experienced its sharpest single-day decline in eight weeks, settling at 94.83 per dollar, primarily due to escalating crude oil prices and persistent risk-off sentiment driven by heightened geopolitical tensions and limited foreign inflows.

Gangster Goldy Brar in FBI's 10 most wanted list with $1mn bounty

Gangster Goldy Brar in FBI's 10 most wanted list with $1mn bounty

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The FBI has placed gangster Satinderjeet Singh, known as Goldy Brar, on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, offering a USD 1 million reward for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group's violent activities across North America.

Microsoft India President On AI's Future And Investment In The Nation

Microsoft India President On AI's Future And Investment In The Nation

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Microsoft India and South Asia President, Puneet Chandok, discusses the company's strong belief in human-centric AI development, significant investments in India's cloud and AI infrastructure, and the country's pivotal role as an AI market, talent hub, and technology builder. He highlights AI's impact on jobs and the need for responsible innovation.

India's Forex Kitty Soars to All-Time High of $729.3 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Soars to All-Time High of $729.3 Billion

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves have surged by $12.42 billion, reaching a new all-time high of $729.33 billion for the week ended August 21, driven by increases in foreign currency assets and gold reserves.

BRICS summit: Delhi hotels fully booked, rates soar

BRICS summit: Delhi hotels fully booked, rates soar

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Luxury hotels in Delhi are experiencing a significant room crunch and a sharp increase in tariffs ahead of the BRICS Summit. Many marquee properties show no availability or are quoting rates exceeding six figures per night around the September 12-13 event, highlighting a gap in India's hospitality infrastructure.

Moody's upgrades India's FY27 GDP growth to 7%, warns of crude, El Nino inflation

Moody's upgrades India's FY27 GDP growth to 7%, warns of crude, El Nino inflation

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Moody's Ratings has sharply increased India's GDP growth forecast for fiscal 2026-27 to 7 per cent, making it the fastest among G20 economies, driven by economic resilience despite the Middle East conflict. However, the agency flagged significant inflation risks stemming from elevated oil prices and potential El Nino disruptions.

Iran hits US base after missile strike on wedding celebration

Iran hits US base after missile strike on wedding celebration

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The United States Central Command announced strikes against Iranian military targets, including air defence and communication sites, in retaliation for alleged attacks on commercial shipping and US personnel. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry claims these strikes caused over 50 civilian casualties at a wedding and vowed a firm response. Iran's state media also reported retaliatory ballistic missile and drone attacks on US bases in Jordan and Bahrain, claims which were partially corroborated by Kuwait and Jordan reporting intercepted drones and missiles.

Forex Reserves Jump $45 Billion

Forex Reserves Jump $45 Billion

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

'This rise in foreign exchange reserves was expected given the amount of FCNR(B) flow.'

BRICS Summit: India's Dollar Dilemma

BRICS Summit: India's Dollar Dilemma

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The challenge for India lies in navigating complex landscape to its best advantage. The BRICS Summit will test its navigation skills, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Gold futures fall for 7th day, drop to Rs 1.5 lakh/10g amid US-Iran tensions

Gold futures fall for 7th day, drop to Rs 1.5 lakh/10g amid US-Iran tensions

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Gold futures experienced their seventh consecutive daily decline, falling to Rs 1.5 lakh per 10 grams, driven by escalating military exchanges between the US and Iran which have pushed oil prices higher and intensified concerns over inflation and potential interest rate hikes.

The Prince And The Driver

The Prince And The Driver

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A Kishore Kumar song, a birthday cake, a prince's break from protocol to thank his driver, a Persian painting on the ceiling of the presidential residence -- the BRICS Summit had many memorable moments.

Xi outlines four-point formula to reset India-China ties

Xi outlines four-point formula to reset India-China ties

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting, outlining a four-point approach for the steady and long-term development of China-India relations. The leaders stressed strategic understanding, win-win cooperation, mutual respect, and inclusive multilateral engagement, reaffirming their commitment to resolving the boundary question and addressing economic concerns. They also discussed global challenges and strengthening people-to-people ties.

SCO approves anti-terror security centre after Modi's warning

SCO approves anti-terror security centre after Modi's warning

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India has highlighted 13 key outcomes from the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, focusing on enhanced cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, and addressing transnational threats. These outcomes include the establishment of a Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to Security, a strong stance against state-sponsored terrorism, and agreements on narcotics control, climate change, and artificial intelligence, reinforcing India's engagement in the Eurasian region.

Hyundai Expects 8-10% H2 Sales Growth, Aims To Outpace PV Industry

Hyundai Expects 8-10% H2 Sales Growth, Aims To Outpace PV Industry

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Hyundai Motor India is set to outpace the broader passenger vehicle market, projecting an 8-10 per cent domestic sales growth in H2FY27, fueled by strategic launches of a new mid-size SUV and a dedicated electric vehicle, alongside increased production capacity.

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.

Cooperation must for regional security: Modi at Central Asia summit

Cooperation must for regional security: Modi at Central Asia summit

Rediff.com27 Jan 2022

India and five Central Asian countries on Thursday decided to establish a joint working group on Afghanistan at the senior officials' level, ministry of external affairs secretary (West) Reenat Sandhu said.

How Teen Craime Became Youngest Esports World Cup Champion

How Teen Craime Became Youngest Esports World Cup Champion

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Fifteen-year-old Chilean Jaime 'Craime' Bustos has become the youngest-ever Esports World Cup champion, winning the Street Fighter 6 title. Representing Team Falcons, Craime defeated Japan's Hibiki in the final, securing USD 250,000 and a spot in Capcom Cup 13. Other championships were also decided, with Team Falcons maintaining their lead in the Club Championship standings.

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

In many ways, 17th century India occupied a position in the global economy comparable to that of the United States today. Just as millions of people now look towards America because of its economic opportunities, merchants, adventurers and trading companies once looked towards India.

'India Doesn't Need To Fear Turkish Or Saudi Interventions In A Future India-Pakistan Conflict'

'India Doesn't Need To Fear Turkish Or Saudi Interventions In A Future India-Pakistan Conflict'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'It beggars belief that Saudi Arabia would deploy military force against India, a top partner and market.'

Gulf war simmers again: Houthi advance puts Saudi on edge

Gulf war simmers again: Houthi advance puts Saudi on edge

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Fighting in Yemen has intensified as Houthi rebels advance on strategic government-held areas like Marib and Taiz, putting pressure on Saudi Arabia to respond. The conflict is also linked to wider US-Iran tensions affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with former US President Trump commenting on the situation.

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.

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Bangladesh-China and Bangladesh-US relations have evolved from reluctant engagement to increasingly consequential strategic partnerships.

India's Forex Kitty Soars to New All-Time High of $740.8 Billion

India's Forex Kitty Soars to New All-Time High of $740.8 Billion

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves surged by USD 11.475 billion to a new record high of USD 740.803 billion for the week ended August 28, driven by the RBI's concessional forex swap initiatives.

RBI likely to hike rates by 50 bps as inflation breaches tolerance band

RBI likely to hike rates by 50 bps as inflation breaches tolerance band

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Economists widely anticipate the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee will increase the repo rate by 50 basis points, likely split between the October and December meetings, as retail inflation is projected to peak at 6.1 per cent in the third quarter, exceeding the RBI's tolerance limit.

Global Price Surge Depletes 58% of India's FY27 Fertiliser Subsidy Budget

Global Price Surge Depletes 58% of India's FY27 Fertiliser Subsidy Budget

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India has exhausted 58.04 per cent of its FY27 fertiliser subsidy budget in under five months, primarily due to a significant surge in global urea prices following the conflict in West Asia, necessitating potential additional government expenditure.

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Japan is deepening its defence relationship with India while simultaneously expanding its economic, infrastructure and security engagement with countries around India -- particularly Bangladesh. The result is an emerging Japanese conception of South Asia in which India remains the strategic anchor, but the geography surrounding India is becoming increasingly important, points out Varun Arya.

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The political confidence required to place high-end Japanese aircraft and personnel on Indian soil is itself a data point.
It indicates a level of trust that would have been difficult to imagine when India-Japan defence ties were largely symbolic, explains Varun Arya.

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.

'You Can't Over-Rule A Supreme Court Judgment By Making A Law'

'You Can't Over-Rule A Supreme Court Judgment By Making A Law'

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

'This government is in the very bad habit of doing so again and again. It has done so many times.'

BRICS 2026: India's Chance To Make Diplomatic Gains

BRICS 2026: India's Chance To Make Diplomatic Gains

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

For India, the goal is not simply to host another grand diplomatic gathering. It is to prove that a diverse coalition of emerging powers can still deliver.

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.

Centre deploys tool to prevent fertiliser shortage

Centre deploys tool to prevent fertiliser shortage

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

India's fertiliser ministry has introduced a new analytical tool and a national-to-retail dashboard to monitor fertiliser dispatches, movement, and inventories in real time, aiming to prevent localised shortages and ensure equitable access for farmers.

India, China hold first-ever dialogue on Central Asia

India, China hold first-ever dialogue on Central Asia

Rediff.com14 Aug 2013

This is the first time such a bilateral dialogue focusing on Central Asia where the two countries have long and historical ties was held, reflecting deepening diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours even as they try to sort out friction resulting from recent reported incursions by Chinese troops along the Ladakh border

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.

China, US, India must compensate Nepal for flash floods: Khanal

China, US, India must compensate Nepal for flash floods: Khanal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Nepal has launched a diplomatic initiative to secure climate-related compensation from major greenhouse gas emitters, asserting that post-disaster assistance for recent deadly flash floods should be viewed as a moral and legal liability, not charity. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal highlighted Nepal's disproportionate suffering from global warming despite negligible emissions, citing rapid glacier melt and extreme mountain disasters. The country has formally approached the Loss and Damage Fund board for urgent financial aid following a catastrophic flash flood in the Bhotekoshi river basin.

Pickaxe Mountain next? Trump warns Iran nuclear site could be hit 'very soon'

Pickaxe Mountain next? Trump warns Iran nuclear site could be hit 'very soon'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said the United States could "hit" Iran's heavily fortified underground nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain "very soon", days after Washington targeted Iranian military targets.

AMI To Deploy 9,000 Nvidia Rubin GPUs

AMI To Deploy 9,000 Nvidia Rubin GPUs

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The Hyderabad AI factory is being designed to run some of the world's largest and most sophisticated AI models, including trillion-parameter models and next-generation agentic AI applications.

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against the 'weaponisation' of technology and critical minerals at the BRICS summit, advocating for cooperation to foster shared prosperity. Concurrently, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans for an open-source AI ecosystem for BRICS nations, positioning Beijing as a key technology partner amid global AI competition.

Has Trump Chosen Pakistan Over India?

Has Trump Chosen Pakistan Over India?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

We are back to the 1971 moment with both China and the US supporting Pakistan, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).