News for '-european-union'

A stringent patent rule is latest hurdle for India-UK free trade agreement

A stringent patent rule is latest hurdle for India-UK free trade agreement

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

Negotiations for a trade deal between India and the UK have run into fresh controversy, after the proposals under a leaked chapter of the deal on intellectual property (IP) are believed to put access to affordable, lifesaving generic medicines from India at risk. According to the draft IP chapter put out by an international trade portal bilaterals.org, the UK is seeking continuous extension of patent period and rights through small tweaks in the drug, known as evergreening. This may prevent patents from expiring, impacting cheaper drug availability and its production by Indian generic drug manufacturers.

Tasks Cut Out For New Commerce Secretary

Tasks Cut Out For New Commerce Secretary

Rediff.com26 Sep 2022

The government is targeting export of goods and services worth $2 trillion by 2030.

Russia to withdraw troops from Ukraine's Kherson

Russia to withdraw troops from Ukraine's Kherson

Rediff.com10 Nov 2022

Notably, Ukrainian forces disabling bridges across the Dnipro river and attacking Russian supply lines made it very difficult for Russia to defend the occupied territory.

India to Germany for remarks on Zubair: Uninformed comments are unhelpful

India to Germany for remarks on Zubair: Uninformed comments are unhelpful

Rediff.com7 Jul 2022

India on Thursday trashed Germany's criticism over fact-checker Mohammed Zubair's arrest, saying the independence of the country's judiciary is well recognised and that "uninformed" comments are "unhelpful" and should be avoided.

Lankan court lifts ban on Russia's Aeroflot flight from leaving Colombo

Lankan court lifts ban on Russia's Aeroflot flight from leaving Colombo

Rediff.com6 Jun 2022

The Airbus A330-343 aircraft, scheduled to depart from the Colombo airport to Moscow on June 2 with 191 passengers and 13 crew members, was not allowed as the owner of the aircraft -- Celestial Aviation of Ireland -- had filed a case against Aeroflot, pending arbitration on the lease of the aircraft in London.

French Open champion Swiatek urges Ukraine to 'stay strong'

French Open champion Swiatek urges Ukraine to 'stay strong'

Rediff.com4 Jun 2022

Swiatek, who is on a 35-match winning run, had addressed the situation in Ukraine following her title win in Doha on February 26, two days after Russian troops had launched the invasion.

Run-up to Budget: Economic Survey may peg FY24 GDP growth at 6-7%

Run-up to Budget: Economic Survey may peg FY24 GDP growth at 6-7%

Rediff.com31 Oct 2022

The Economic Survey 2022-23 (FY23), to be presented a day before Union Budget 2023-24 (FY24), is likely to project India's real gross domestic product (GDP) growth between 6 per cent and 7 per cent for FY24, Business Standard has learnt. The broader theme of the Survey could be on how India has dealt with two years of a global pandemic and the ongoing geopolitical disturbance, the strengths and weaknesses that emerged, and what lessons may be learnt. The much-awaited Survey will be the first one by Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran and his team in the finance ministry's economic division.

Arvind Panagariya warns against cutting trade ties with China

Arvind Panagariya warns against cutting trade ties with China

Rediff.com22 Dec 2022

Amid demands for snapping trade ties with China for its transgressions on the border, former Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya has opined that cutting trade with Beijing at this juncture would amount to sacrificing India's potential economic growth. Instead, Panagariya suggested that India should try to enter into free trade agreements (FTA) with countries such as the UK and the European Union to expand its trade. "Engaging China in a trade war at this juncture will mean sacrificing a considerable part of our potential growth... purely on economic grounds, it will be unwise to take any action in response to it (transgressions on the border)," the eminent economist told PTI.

Why India can't cut trade ties with China despite border clash

Why India can't cut trade ties with China despite border clash

Rediff.com22 Dec 2022

Former Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya has opined that cutting trade with Beijing at this juncture would amount to sacrificing India's potential economic growth.

Grim global situation casts shadow on Budget 2023

Grim global situation casts shadow on Budget 2023

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

Ahead of the Union Budget for 2023-24, Budget makers have welcomed the global consensus view that India will remain one of the bright spots in calendar year 2023. But there is some alarm over the grim global situation and how that might impact the Centre's projections and assessments for next financial year. The big global headwinds include a deep and sustained recession in the West, including India's biggest trading partners in North America and Europe, continuing volatility in commodity markets, and renewed Covid-19 fears, as lifting of strict curbs by China could potentially lead to a massive spread again.

G20 summit: Delhi civic body makes big plans to fight dengue

G20 summit: Delhi civic body makes big plans to fight dengue

Rediff.com10 Jan 2023

Municipal authorities have envisioned a comprehensive and pro-active plan to combat dengue this year with focussed fumigation at monument sites and markets in Delhi, which will host the G20 summit in September.

Do FTAs boost manufacturing, exports? Not always

Do FTAs boost manufacturing, exports? Not always

Rediff.com20 Nov 2022

Countries negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) need to keep in mind eight "myths" which surround these pacts, like they lead to accelerated increase in exports and promote domestic manufacturing, according to a report by think-tank GTRI. The report by Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) claims to dispel these 'myths', including that FTAs weaken the WTO (World Trade Organisation), countries are rushing to do FTAs, and these pacts promote investment and lower prices. It is "erroneously" believed that most world trade happens through the FTA route, but in reality, it is less than 20 per cent, said the report titled 'FTAs: Fabulous, Futile, or Flawed?'.

Modi to discuss 'key issues' with G20 leaders in Bali

Modi to discuss 'key issues' with G20 leaders in Bali

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

In a statement ahead of his visit to the Indonesian city for the G20 leaders' summit, Modi said he will also highlight India's achievements and its 'unwavering commitment' to collectively address key global issues.

'Devastating': UN, EU human rights officials on Stan Swamy's death

'Devastating': UN, EU human rights officials on Stan Swamy's death

Rediff.com6 Jul 2021

Swamy died at the Holy Family Hospital, where he was admitted on May 29, in Mumbai on Monday, a day after he suffered a cardiac arrest and was put on ventilator support.

Ukraine war an important point of discussion at G20 FMs' meet: India

Ukraine war an important point of discussion at G20 FMs' meet: India

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Wednesday refused to speculate on whether the G20 foreign ministers' meeting would be able to come out with a joint communique against the backdrop of widening differences between the West and Russia on the Ukraine conflict.

Publicise undertaking given to govt in 2021: SC to WhatsApp on privacy policy

Publicise undertaking given to govt in 2021: SC to WhatsApp on privacy policy

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph asked the mobile messaging app to give advertisement in five newspapers to publicise its undertaking given to the government.

India's deep discounts on Russian crude will stay

India's deep discounts on Russian crude will stay

Rediff.com6 Dec 2022

Even as the Group of Seven (G7) price cap on Russian crude oil enters into force as of December 5, India has been assured it will continue to receive the existing deep discounts on Russian oil, for the time being, informed officials. "We have been assured by our Russian partners of uninterrupted crude supplies at the existing rates for the time being. "There were a lot of reports of changes in (India's) buying patterns after the global price cap took hold.

IMF cuts India's growth forecast to 6.8% in 2022

IMF cuts India's growth forecast to 6.8% in 2022

Rediff.com11 Oct 2022

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday cut its projection of India's economic growth in 2022 to 6.8 per cent, as it joins other global agencies that have trimmed forecasts. The IMF had in July projected a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 7.4 per cent for India in the fiscal year that started in April 2022. Even that forecast was lower than 8.2 per cent projected in January this year. India had grown at 8.7 per cent in 2021-22 fiscal (April 2021 to March 2022).

Rupee slides to all-time low of 82.30 against dollar

Rupee slides to all-time low of 82.30 against dollar

Rediff.com7 Oct 2022

The rupee depreciated further by 13 paise to hit a new life-time closing low of 82.30 against the US dollar on Friday as a firm American currency and risk-averse sentiment among investors weighed on the local unit. Moreover, a negative trend in domestic equities and elevated crude oil prices sapped investor appetite, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local currency opened at 82.19, then fell further to 82.43. It finally settled at an all-time low of 82.30 against the American currency, registering a decline of 13 paise over its previous close.

The Man Who Fought Al-Qaeda, Taliban

The Man Who Fought Al-Qaeda, Taliban

Rediff.com4 Mar 2023

Ahmed Shah Massoud's assassination, 9/11 and the defeat and ejection of the Taliban suggested a break in Afghanistan's history, but the events of August 2021 and the Taliban's return shows how deeper continuities remained in place, points out T C A Raghavan, former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan.

Spike in oil price breaking India's back: Jaishankar

Spike in oil price breaking India's back: Jaishankar

Rediff.com28 Sep 2022

India is deeply concerned over the spike in the price of oil due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and it is "breaking our back," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said. Addressing a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after holding bilateral talks, Jaishankar on Tuesday said there is a very deep concern among developing countries about how their energy needs are addressed. Speaking about the Ukraine war, he said: "We have taken the position privately, publicly, confidentially and consistently that this conflict is not in anybody's interest."

'Russia not bothered by West's oil price cap'

'Russia not bothered by West's oil price cap'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2022

Russia on Thursday said it was not bothered at a possible price cap on its crude oil proposed by the West, saying Moscow will negotiate directly with its partners like India and China as the price should be decided between the producers and consumers, and "not someone who just decided to punish someone." Members of the G7 have agreed to impose a price cap on Russian oil in a bid to hit Moscow's ability to finance the war in Ukraine. Countries want to reach an agreement ahead of December 5, when Europe's embargo on Russian crude travelling by sea takes effect.

Raj rules: Indians account for most foreign-born residents in UK

Raj rules: Indians account for most foreign-born residents in UK

Rediff.com8 Nov 2022

Nearly one in six people living in England and Wales last year were born outside the country and Indians constituted the largest chunk at 1.5 per cent of residents, according to latest statistics based on the country's 2021 census data.

Imran Khan lauds India's 'independent foreign policy' on Ukraine

Imran Khan lauds India's 'independent foreign policy' on Ukraine

Rediff.com21 Mar 2022

Khan said that India, which is a part of Quad, has imported oil from Russia despite American sanctions.

'Not the time for aggressive fiscal consolidation'

'Not the time for aggressive fiscal consolidation'

Rediff.com28 Dec 2022

The government should not go in for an 'aggressive fiscal consolidation' in the upcoming Budget as global risks have not abated, RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Member Ashima Goyal said on Wednesday. Goyal further said subsidies are expected to come down as food and energy inflation moderates. WPI inflation in food articles in November was 1.07 per cent against 8.33 per cent in the previous month.

PM Modi is all set to resume international travel, first call Dhaka

PM Modi is all set to resume international travel, first call Dhaka

Rediff.com3 Mar 2021

Now that the vaccination drive is in full force and Covid-19 restrictions are easing up, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to follow a busy diplomatic calendar in the coming days.

G20 communique papers over differences on Russia-Ukraine war

G20 communique papers over differences on Russia-Ukraine war

Rediff.com16 Nov 2022

The G20's Bali Declaration Wednesday acknowledged differences among members on the Russia-Ukraine war but said it was essential to adhere to international law, including protection of civilians caught in conflicts.

Russia admits to 'significant' troop losses in Ukraine war

Russia admits to 'significant' troop losses in Ukraine war

Rediff.com8 Apr 2022

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov briefly admitted that Russia had suffered a 'significant' loss of its troops in Ukraine, calling the casualties 'a huge tragedy' for the country in an interview with Sky News.

New survey gives Liz Truss wider lead over Rishi Sunak

New survey gives Liz Truss wider lead over Rishi Sunak

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

A new survey of Conservative Party members, who will be casting their ballots to pick the new Tory leader to succeed Boris Johnson as British Prime Minister, on Wednesday shows a widening lead for Foreign Secretary Liz Truss over Rishi Sunak in the leadership contest.

With 101 votes, Rishi Sunak wins 2nd round in race to become UK PM

With 101 votes, Rishi Sunak wins 2nd round in race to become UK PM

Rediff.com14 Jul 2022

Rishi Sunak tightened his grip on the race to replace Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader and British prime minister as he bagged 101 votes to again emerge as the winner of the latest voting round on Thursday.

India has excellent diplomatic service, they know what to do: German envoy

India has excellent diplomatic service, they know what to do: German envoy

Rediff.com6 Mar 2022

Putin's idea was to attack his neighbouring country, he has to stop and then only we can find a solution, said the German ambassador.

At $4.3 bn, imports from Russia jump nearly 7 times in June

At $4.3 bn, imports from Russia jump nearly 7 times in June

Rediff.com20 Aug 2022

India imported goods worth $4.23 billion in June from sanctions-hit Russia, up 6.8 times as compared to last year, as demand for shipments of crude oil grew at the fastest pace during the month. Crude oil worth $3.02 billion was imported in June, which translates into a share of 71 per cent of the total imports from Russia, commerce and industry ministry data showed. Similarly, during the April-June quarter, India's imports from Russia were valued at $9.27 billion, up 369 per cent on year.

Ukraine crisis: US and allies target Putin's daughters, Russian banks

Ukraine crisis: US and allies target Putin's daughters, Russian banks

Rediff.com7 Apr 2022

These sweeping financial sanctions follow the action earlier this week to cut off Russia's frozen funds in the United States to make debt payments.

After F1, Chess Federation cancels Olympiad in Russia

After F1, Chess Federation cancels Olympiad in Russia

Rediff.com25 Feb 2022

FIDE said it will do its utmost to find another organiser for the Olympiad and will provide more information in due time.

Explosions rock Ukraine; 137 killed, says Ukraine prez

Explosions rock Ukraine; 137 killed, says Ukraine prez

Rediff.com25 Feb 2022

Zelenskyy says that despite Russia's claim it is attacking only military targets, civilian sites also have been struck.

How Will Modi Shape The G20 Opportunity?

How Will Modi Shape The G20 Opportunity?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2023

Will G20 showcase an India that is inclusive, culturally rich, diverse and tolerant, asks Ramesh Menon.

Russia offers oil at even cheaper rates to India

Russia offers oil at even cheaper rates to India

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

"In principle, the ask in return is that India should not support the G7 (Group of Seven) proposal. "A decision on this issue will be taken later following talks with all the partners," an official with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.These "substantial discounts" will be steeper than those offered by Iraq in the past two months, officials said.

Emmanuel Macron Is Ready for Sunday's Bout

Emmanuel Macron Is Ready for Sunday's Bout

Rediff.com22 Apr 2022

French President Emmanuel Macron is in the fight of his brief political life.

Fresh batch of foreign envoys to visit J-K this week

Fresh batch of foreign envoys to visit J-K this week

Rediff.com10 Feb 2020

The delegation will comprise envoys mainly from the European Union as well as from Gulf countries.

Trade pact with Israel 'only when we get a good deal', says Goyal

Trade pact with Israel 'only when we get a good deal', says Goyal

Rediff.com7 Sep 2022

The proposed India-Israel trade pact should be beneficial to both nations and until New Delhi gets a good deal, it would not do an agreement, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said. India and Israel are negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) since May 2010. "With Israel, until we get a good deal, we will not do an FTA. It has to be reciprocally beneficial," the minister said in San Francisco on Tuesday while interacting with the Indian community.