News for 'South Asia'

How AI And Cloud Are Democratising Capabilities For Indian Businesses

How AI And Cloud Are Democratising Capabilities For Indian Businesses

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Arundhati Bhattacharya, Salesforce President and CEO for South Asia, stated that cloud and AI are democratising capabilities, offering India a unique opportunity to leapfrog in technology. Speaking at the IMC Chamber of Commerce, she emphasised that AI will create more jobs and urged Indian businesses to transform using technology, rather than merely digitising. She also highlighted the significant economic potential of AI adoption for India.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Sink as Brent Breaches $108/barrel

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Sink as Brent Breaches $108/barrel

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced significant declines in early trade, driven by soaring crude oil prices amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, coupled with weak global market trends and foreign fund outflows.

British parentage, Indian ownership: The Royal Enfield Story

British parentage, Indian ownership: The Royal Enfield Story

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

"When Royal Enfield turned 100, we were struggling for survival"

Microsoft Boosts India's Digital Infrastructure With Fourth Cloud Region

Microsoft Boosts India's Digital Infrastructure With Fourth Cloud Region

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Microsoft has launched its fourth cloud region in India, located in Hyderabad, significantly expanding its hyperscale cloud presence. This move is part of a USD 20.5-billion investment in India's digital and AI infrastructure, aiming to support the country's rapid digital growth and meet increasing demand from major enterprises.

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

BRICS nations have successfully reached a consensus on a joint statement following extensive negotiations, with India playing a crucial role in bridging differences, particularly among West Asian members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, despite regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

5 arrested near UK base hosting US Air Force over terror charges

5 arrested near UK base hosting US Air Force over terror charges

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

UK counter-terror police are leading an investigation after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terror offences and under the Explosives Act, following a call about three suspicious vehicles. The incident prompted a major response, including the Army's Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit and the evacuation of 85 households.

Can India overtake 107-medal tally at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games?

Can India overtake 107-medal tally at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games?

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Ambitious India out to match Hangzhou benchmark in Nagoya.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Tumble as Crude Nears $100/barrel

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Tumble as Crude Nears $100/barrel

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Indian stock markets, including the Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant tumble in early trade, driven by escalating tensions in West Asia that pushed crude oil prices close to the USD 100-per-barrel mark, alongside selling in IT stocks and fresh foreign fund outflows.

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

New Delhi was told it had given something up; in reality it had stopped talking about it, notes Dr Abhishek Puri.

Karnataka To Get New Samsung Innovation Campus For AI Skills

Karnataka To Get New Samsung Innovation Campus For AI Skills

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Samsung India has launched an Innovation Campus in Karnataka, in partnership with Nrupathunga University, to train 2,000 young individuals in industry-relevant AI skills. This initiative aims to support Karnataka's goal of building an AI-native ecosystem and developing a future-ready technology workforce, expanding access to practical AI education.

After Asian Games medal, India eyes soft tennis inclusion in 2030 Commonwealth Games

After Asian Games medal, India eyes soft tennis inclusion in 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India's national soft tennis federation is pushing for the sport's inclusion in the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, following a historic Asian Games medal. Special Advisor Harshang Khodadhara highlighted India's strong global ranking and its position as the leading Commonwealth nation in soft tennis, expressing confidence in winning gold medals if included.

India's Regional Air Connectivity Set To Soar With Electric Seaplanes

India's Regional Air Connectivity Set To Soar With Electric Seaplanes

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

SkyHop Aviation has partnered with Norwegian firm NOEMI Aerospace to explore deploying electric seaplanes in India and South Asia, aiming to enhance regional air connectivity. The collaboration includes evaluating NOEMI's aircraft for SkyHop's fleet, with plans to induct up to 10 by FY2030, and exploring manufacturing opportunities in India.

Indian Stock Markets End Flat Amid West Asia Tensions, Rising Oil Prices

Indian Stock Markets End Flat Amid West Asia Tensions, Rising Oil Prices

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed largely flat on Monday, recovering from early losses, as escalating tensions in West Asia and a sharp rally in crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment, despite resilience in IT and consumer durables stocks.

Boonson claims Asian Games sprint double, Yan Ziyi stuns Olympic champion

Boonson claims Asian Games sprint double, Yan Ziyi stuns Olympic champion

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Thailand's Puripol Boonson made history by winning the 200 metres gold, completing an Asian Games sprint double and matching the Asian record, while China's 18-year-old javelin sensation Yan Ziyi defeated an Olympic champion for her first gold.

4.9 million children died before turning five in 2024: Journal

4.9 million children died before turning five in 2024: Journal

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A new series of research papers in The British Medical Journal reveals that global progress in reducing preventable deaths among newborn babies and children has slowed substantially since 2015, with an estimated 4.9 million children dying before age five in 2024, including 2.3 million neonatal deaths.

Goa Welcomes Asia's Top Bridge Players For Championship

Goa Welcomes Asia's Top Bridge Players For Championship

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The 5th Bonus Asia Cup Bridge Championships are set to begin in Goa, featuring nearly 300 players from 16 countries. Defending champions India will compete across various categories, facing strong contenders like Hong Kong and Indonesia. The event, described as the "Asian Games of bridge," highlights India's growing role in the sport.

Citron Targets 75% Sales From Smaller Cities In 5 Years

Citron Targets 75% Sales From Smaller Cities In 5 Years

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Citron, a brand under Stellantis, anticipates that three-fourths of its sales in India will originate from Tier-II, Tier-III, and smaller cities within the next five years, a significant increase from its current 55 per cent, as it expands its retail network beyond major urban centres.

India Must Diversify Services Exports For Sustainable Growth

India Must Diversify Services Exports For Sustainable Growth

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal highlighted the critical need for India to diversify its services exports beyond the dominant IT/ITeS and professional services sectors. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, he emphasised the vast potential in the global financial services market, where India currently holds a small share, and stressed how fintech solutions, like UPI, can drive growth, reduce remittance costs, and support MSME trade finance, ultimately leading to sustainable economic expansion.

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The highlight of the successful BRICS Summit was its ability to deliver a joint statement that all members, including Iran and the United Arab Emirates, embroiled in the war in West Asia, signed.

5 suspects arrested for terror plot at UK air base are British nationals

5 suspects arrested for terror plot at UK air base are British nationals

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Five British nationals arrested on suspicion of terror charges related to an explosives threat near RAF Fairford have been released on police bail. The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation is ongoing, with stringent conditions placed on the suspects. Iran has denied any involvement, while former US President Donald Trump claimed US intelligence assisted in the arrests.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Sink on US-Iran Crisis

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Sink on US-Iran Crisis

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, mirroring a bearish trend in global equities, as escalating conflict in West Asia drove up crude oil prices and intensified investor concerns.

Maruti Suzuki's Q1 net profit falls 9% despite sales jump, as West Asia conflict drives up costs

Maruti Suzuki's Q1 net profit falls 9% despite sales jump, as West Asia conflict drives up costs

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) reported a 9.1 per cent year-on-year decline in net profit for the April-June quarter of 2026-27, marking its second consecutive quarterly fall. This dip occurred despite a significant 29.3 per cent jump in sales volume, primarily due to escalating commodity prices, increased energy costs, and logistics disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict.

Sensex, Nifty Extend Losses as Geopolitical Concerns, Crude Prices Weigh

Sensex, Nifty Extend Losses as Geopolitical Concerns, Crude Prices Weigh

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty recorded their second consecutive day of decline, with the Sensex dropping 555.23 points and the Nifty falling 144.05 points, primarily due to rising crude oil prices and ongoing US-Iran hostilities in West Asia.

When Asian Games made headlines for all the wrong reasons

When Asian Games made headlines for all the wrong reasons

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Asian Games, a major multi-sport event, has a long history of controversies extending beyond the sporting arena. From diplomatic disputes and selection rows to doping scandals and disputed decisions, these incidents have often highlighted the intersection of politics, national interests, and sports.

No Cage, No Elbows: Why Asian Games MMA Is Different

No Cage, No Elbows: Why Asian Games MMA Is Different

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The Asian Games' mixed martial arts competition features modified rules, including traditional uniforms and shin guards, to make the sport more palatable for potential Olympic inclusion. While intense, this version differs significantly from UFC fights. The sport faces challenges, including rival governing bodies vying for Olympic recognition, but FIMMA hopes the current format will appeal to IOC officials.

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.

Asian Games: Cruise Ship, Container Huts To House Athletes In Nagoya

Asian Games: Cruise Ship, Container Huts To House Athletes In Nagoya

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Organisers of the Asian Games in Nagoya are actively addressing complaints regarding athlete accommodation, including issues with bed sizes in container huts and cabin sizes on the newly docked cruise ship, Costa Serena, which will house 4,000 participants.

DBSA Unveils New Format For Delhi State Snooker Championship

DBSA Unveils New Format For Delhi State Snooker Championship

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Delhi Billiards & Snooker Association (DBSA) has announced a new format for the Delhi State 15-Red Snooker Championship, which will now be held in memory of Raja Randhir Singh. The championship will feature a zonal qualification system leading to a 16-player main draw and offers a total prize money of Rs. 3 lakh.

Exports to Asia, Africa bolster India's trade balance

Exports to Asia, Africa bolster India's trade balance

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India's latest trade data reveals a significant geographical realignment, with trade surpluses growing decisively with Asian and African nations, even as surpluses with traditional partners like the US and Netherlands narrow.

7 stars to watch as Asian Games action begins in Japan

7 stars to watch as Asian Games action begins in Japan

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, are set to feature top athletes across various disciplines. This preview highlights key contenders like swimmers Pan Zhanle, javelin throwers Haruka Kitaguchi and Arshad Nadeem, badminton star An Se-young, gymnastic sensation Carlos Yulo, tennis prodigy Alexandra Eala, and the formidable Indian cricket teams, all poised to make a significant impact.

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.

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 Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

For India, the guiding principle should remain clear: Engage Bangladesh as a sovereign nation and society rather than through the prism of any individual leader or political party, suggests Manoj Mohanka.

Xi, Putin, Pezeshkian: BRICS' power-packed guest list

Xi, Putin, Pezeshkian: BRICS' power-packed guest list

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together numerous world leaders including presidents from China, Russia, South Africa, Iran, and Egypt, along with prime ministers and foreign ministers from other nations. The summit will feature bilateral talks and highlights the expanded BRICS grouping's growing global influence and India's significant role as a founding member and current chair.

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

India has once again raised alarms over the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area and strongly condemned Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabian territory, "including on civilians and economic assets."

How India's Real-Time Payments Can Create Global Fintech Giants

How India's Real-Time Payments Can Create Global Fintech Giants

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Razorpay CEO Harshil Mathur highlights India's leadership in real-time payments, stating it can foster numerous billion-dollar fintech companies capable of expanding globally. He draws parallels with the US internet boom and discusses how India's unique regulatory and private sector collaboration, exemplified by UPI, can be replicated in other emerging markets. Mathur also touches upon the opportunities and risks associated with leveraging AI in business.

Microsoft's Hyderabad Data Centre Goes Live, Bolstering India's AI Ambitions

Microsoft's Hyderabad Data Centre Goes Live, Bolstering India's AI Ambitions

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Microsoft has announced the activation of its latest data centre in Hyderabad, significantly expanding its Cloud infrastructure in India and enabling organisations to leverage AI-era services with enhanced local choice and security.

Jay Meena's Unlikely Path To India's First Soft Tennis Asian Games Medal

Jay Meena's Unlikely Path To India's First Soft Tennis Asian Games Medal

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Jay Meena, once a mischievous schoolboy rusticated for a prank, has made history by winning India's first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis. His journey from a troubled youth to a bronze medallist at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is a testament to destiny and the guidance of his coach. Meena hopes his achievement will boost the sport's profile in India and pave the way for its inclusion in future events like the Commonwealth Games.

Gulf tensions drive NRI luxury home investments back to India

Gulf tensions drive NRI luxury home investments back to India

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Non-resident Indians are increasingly investing in luxury homes in India, driven by geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the Iran war. This trend is observed across major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and the National Capital Region, with developers noting a significant rise in NRI pre-sales. While some see it as a temporary shift, others believe India is becoming a stable, long-term investment destination for NRIs, especially those from West Asia.

Will Volkswagen be 4th time lucky with Indian partner?

Will Volkswagen be 4th time lucky with Indian partner?

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Volkswagen, a long-standing but minor player in India's fiercely competitive automotive sector, is now exploring a strategic partnership with the JSW group, aiming to revitalise its market presence, enhance profitability, and potentially establish India as a key export hub for electric vehicles.