News for 'South Asia'

MEA Clarifies India's Participation In SAF Games 2027

MEA Clarifies India's Participation In SAF Games 2027

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India's participation in the 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan will be guided by the sports ministry's policy, which permits Indian athletes to compete in events with Pakistani participants and vice-versa. Separately, the MEA also commented on the ongoing legal proceedings for seven foreign nationals, including a US citizen and six Ukrainians, who were recently chargesheeted by the NIA for illegal entry and movement, though not under UAPA at this stage.

Al-Qaeda behind Red Fort terror attack that killed 15: UN report

Al-Qaeda behind Red Fort terror attack that killed 15: UN report

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

A new UN Security Council report has 'officially attributed' the November 2025 Red Fort terror attack in New Delhi, which killed about 15 people, to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The report highlights AQIS's evolution into a regional terrorist entity and its efforts to establish networks.

Civil Aviation Minister Highlights Immense Opportunities For MSMEs In India's Booming Aviation Sector

Civil Aviation Minister Highlights Immense Opportunities For MSMEs In India's Booming Aviation Sector

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced significant opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within India's rapidly expanding aviation sector. With Indian airlines ordering over 1,600 aircraft and the aerospace market projected to double by 2035, there's a massive scope for Indian suppliers to integrate into global aerospace supply chains, moving beyond assembly to design and manufacturing.

Indian sports ministry seeks diaspora support for Asian Games lodging

Indian sports ministry seeks diaspora support for Asian Games lodging

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian Sports Ministry has sought assistance from the Indian diaspora in Nagoya to help with athlete accommodation at the Asian Games, as several Indian and other athletes have faced delays and issues with their designated lodging due to a lack of a dedicated athletes' village.

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from major emerging economies to address global challenges like trade disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and the economic impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India, as chair, aims to position BRICS as an economic growth engine, focusing on the Global South's food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit also highlights the grouping's expansion and its growing influence in global governance.

BRICS summit begins at 2.35 pm on Saturday, ends with New Delhi declaration on Sunday

BRICS summit begins at 2.35 pm on Saturday, ends with New Delhi declaration on Sunday

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

India is hosting the BRICS summit, leveraging the platform to address global trade tensions and champion the developmental priorities of the Global South, including food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit, attended by leaders like President Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, will focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, with India aiming to strengthen intra-BRICS collaboration and discuss global matters. The expanded BRICS grouping represents a significant portion of the world's population and GDP, making its discussions crucial for global economic stability.

AI Is Changing Work, Not Cutting Jobs

AI Is Changing Work, Not Cutting Jobs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'It requires new skilling, new ways of working, and new structures. That's the reality.'

Saudi warns Houthis as drone intercepted over Mecca

Saudi warns Houthis as drone intercepted over Mecca

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Saudi-led coalition issued a stern warning to Yemen's Houthi rebels after intercepting a drone targeting Mecca, Islam's holiest city. Describing it as a "hostile and terrorist act," the coalition declared the security of holy sites a "red line" and vowed deterrent measures. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with both sides exchanging accusations of military operations and civilian targeting.

Wholesale Inflation Hits 9.92% in August, Driven by Food, Fuel, Manufactured Goods

Wholesale Inflation Hits 9.92% in August, Driven by Food, Fuel, Manufactured Goods

Rediff.com5 days ago

India's wholesale price-based inflation (WPI) increased to 9.92 per cent in August, up from 9.78 per cent in July, primarily due to rising prices across food, manufactured items, and fuel and power sectors.

India's AI Professionals Redefine Workflows, Outpacing Global Peers

India's AI Professionals Redefine Workflows, Outpacing Global Peers

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

A Microsoft Work Trend Index report reveals India has the highest share of "Frontier Professionals" globally, with 32% of its AI users employing AI agents in multi-step workflows, double the global average. Indian professionals are not just adopting AI but are actively redesigning work processes, demonstrating strong leadership alignment and a focus on human oversight and critical thinking. Major Indian IT firms like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro show rapid adoption and significant productivity gains with Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Up on Easing West Asia Tensions, Drop in Crude Oil Prices

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Up on Easing West Asia Tensions, Drop in Crude Oil Prices

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty saw a significant rebound in early trade, driven by a sharp decline in crude oil prices and easing geopolitical tensions in the West Asia, which improved market sentiment and reduced inflation fears. Track Sensex, Nifty on July 27.

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.

Sensex, Nifty end in red on US Tariffs, West Asia Tensions

Sensex, Nifty end in red on US Tariffs, West Asia Tensions

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, recorded their fifth consecutive day of losses, driven by investor caution over rising oil prices due to West Asia tensions and renewed concerns regarding US trade tariffs.

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.

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Goa Welcomes Asia-Oceania's Top Bridge Players For 5th Asia Cup

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Goa is set to host the 5th Asia Cup Bridge Championship from June 21 to 27, attracting 350 players from 16 Asia-Oceania countries. India, having previously hosted in 2018, will field strong 'A' and 'B' teams across various categories, including Asian Games medallists, aiming to add to its 20 previous medals.

Indian Equities Extend Losses as West Asia Tensions Fuel Crude Oil Price Hike

Indian Equities Extend Losses as West Asia Tensions Fuel Crude Oil Price Hike

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty extended their losses for the fourth consecutive session, with the Sensex declining 363.66 points and the Nifty dipping 126.65 points, primarily due to a sharp jump in Brent crude oil prices to USD 98.32 per barrel amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Slump on West Asia Tensions, Oil Price Rise

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Slump on West Asia Tensions, Oil Price Rise

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, driven by escalating tensions in West Asia and a sharp rise in crude oil prices, alongside a bearish trend in other Asian markets.

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

BRICS declaration reaches consensus amid Iran-Saudi- UAE rift

Rediff.com7 days ago

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.

Karnataka To Get New Samsung Innovation Campus For AI Skills

Karnataka To Get New Samsung Innovation Campus For AI Skills

Rediff.com5 hours ago

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.

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

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

Rediff.com4 days ago

Ambitious India out to match Hangzhou benchmark in Nagoya.

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"

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

BRICS Summit: When Geography Speaks Louder Than Words

Rediff.com5 days ago

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

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.

HDFC Bank, West Asia Crisis Pull Sensex, Nifty Down

HDFC Bank, West Asia Crisis Pull Sensex, Nifty Down

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, extended their losses for a second consecutive day, primarily due to HDFC Bank's disappointing quarterly earnings and escalating tensions in West Asia, coupled with persistent foreign fund outflows.

Indian Markets Tumble as West Asia Tensions Drive Oil Prices Higher

Indian Markets Tumble as West Asia Tensions Drive Oil Prices Higher

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant downturn as escalating tensions in West Asia led to a sharp surge in crude oil prices, coupled with fresh foreign fund outflows and a weakening rupee.

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

When Asian Games made headlines for all the wrong reasons

When Asian Games made headlines for all the wrong reasons

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

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

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

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

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.

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.

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.

7 stars to watch as Asian Games action begins in Japan

7 stars to watch as Asian Games action begins in Japan

Rediff.com3 days ago

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.

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.

The Prince And The Driver

The Prince And The Driver

Rediff.com3 days ago

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, 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.com1 days ago

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."

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.