News for '-francis'

India's services sector growth hits 15-year high in Aug

India's services sector growth hits 15-year high in Aug

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

The Indian services sector growth touched a 15-year high in August, driven by a sharp rise in new orders and output, amid substantial improvement in demand conditions, a monthly survey said on Wednesday. The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index was up from 60.5 in July to 62.9 in August, indicating the steepest rate of expansion since June 2010.

High tariffs, foreign fund outflows drag Sensex by 272 points

High tariffs, foreign fund outflows drag Sensex by 272 points

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty fell on Friday, extending their downward journey to the third day, as investors continued to reel under pressure caused by the imposition of high tariffs and relentless foreign fund outflows.

Modi mourns Pope's death, calls him 'a beacon of compassion'

Modi mourns Pope's death, calls him 'a beacon of compassion'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, died on Monday. He was 88.

SEBI Stands Firm Against Jane Street

SEBI Stands Firm Against Jane Street

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

'The investigation is at a very critical stage. We are not going to give every single document.'

'Gold, Silver Are Long-Term Insurance'

'Gold, Silver Are Long-Term Insurance'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

'The world is heading into a period of serious problems, and gold and silver are among the few ways to protect oneself.'

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

New lower GST rates kicked in from Monday, resulting in a slashing of prices of as many as 375 items ranging from toothpaste and shampoo to cars and television sets, a move seen as an attempt to boost consumption to cushion an economy facing tariff headwinds. Tax rates of 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent have been clubbed into two rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, resulting in a reduced price of 99 per cent of daily use items.

Sensex climbs 371 points on GST reform bid

Sensex climbs 371 points on GST reform bid

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Among Sensex firms, Tata Motors rose the most by 3.5 per cent while Adani Ports gained 3.16 per cent. Reliance Industries rose by 2.82 per cent. Eternal, Tech Mahindra, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Hindustan Unilever and Maruti were also among the gainers. However, Bajaj Finserv, Power Grid, Mahindra & Mahindra and HCL Tech were among the laggards.

Opal Suchata Chuangsri Is Thailand's First Ever Miss World

Opal Suchata Chuangsri Is Thailand's First Ever Miss World

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

'My people in Thailand, we've been waiting for the first Miss World crown for more than 72 years. I couldn't believe that it would be my honour to bring back home our first crown,' she said.

TCS to hike salaries of about 80% employees, effective Sep 1

TCS to hike salaries of about 80% employees, effective Sep 1

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

India's largest IT services company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Wednesday informed employees that it will roll-out wage hikes for about 80 per cent of workforce, covering mid to junior levels.

SC cancels bail granted to Dheeraj Wadhawan in loan scam case, directs him to surrender in 2 weeks

SC cancels bail granted to Dheeraj Wadhawan in loan scam case, directs him to surrender in 2 weeks

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court on Tuesday cancelled bail granted to former DHFL promoter Dheeraj Wadhawan in the multi-crore bank loan scam case. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Satish Chandra Sharma passed the order after perusing the report filed by a medical board and directed Wadhawan to surrender within two weeks.

SC upholds JSW Steel's takeover plan for Bhushan Power and Steel

SC upholds JSW Steel's takeover plan for Bhushan Power and Steel

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday upheld JSW Steel's Rs 19,700-crore resolution plan for debt-ridden Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BPSL), bringing down curtains to a prolonged legal battle that spanned nearly eight years.

Pope's bond with India: Canonisations, new Cardinal and unfulfilled visit

Pope's bond with India: Canonisations, new Cardinal and unfulfilled visit

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Pope Francis's connection with India was marked by a mix of hopes and challenges. His long-held wish to visit the country remained unfulfilled, but he made significant contributions to the Catholic community in India, including elevating Indian figures to sainthood and appointing an Indian priest as a Cardinal. While his efforts to resolve conflicts within the Syro-Malabar Church were unsuccessful, his legacy will be remembered for his efforts to promote unity and understanding in the Catholic Church.

A Football Game To Stun You!

A Football Game To Stun You!

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

On June 28, 2025, Chelsea FC Foundation claimed victory in a hard-fought amputee final with a 2-0 win over Everton in the Community at St George's Park, Burton upon Trent, UK.

Nuns' arrest: Court reserves order on bail plea in trafficking case

Nuns' arrest: Court reserves order on bail plea in trafficking case

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

A special NIA court in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district has reserved its order on a bail application filed by three persons, including two nuns from Kerala, arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.

Pope Trump? 'That would be my number 1 choice, says US Prez

Pope Trump? 'That would be my number 1 choice, says US Prez

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

There has never been a pope from the US.

Sensex rises 323 pts, Nifty rallies for 6th day

Sensex rises 323 pts, Nifty rallies for 6th day

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Among Sensex firms, Bharat Electronics rose the most by 4.26 per cent. HCL Tech gained 2.57 per cent, Bajaj Finance by 2.19 per cent, TCS by 1.99 per cent, Tech Mahindra by 1.88 per cent and Infosys by 1.85 per cent. Gains in Axis Bank and State Bank of India also supported the rally. However, Mahindra & Mahindra emerged as the biggest loser, falling by 2.47 per cent. Maruti dropped 1.53 per cent and Tata Motors by nearly 1 per cent due to profit-taking. UltraTech, Eternal and Power Grid were also among the laggards.

Sensex rises 419 pts to close above 81K

Sensex rises 419 pts to close above 81K

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Among Sensex firms, Tata Steel, BEL, Adani Ports, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, Bharti Airtel, HCL Technologies, Trent, Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance Industries, UltraTech Cement and Larsen & Toubro were the major gainers. However, Power Grid, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Hindustan Unilever were among the laggards.

Nuns' arrest fuels Chhattisgarh's push for tougher anti-conversion law

Nuns' arrest fuels Chhattisgarh's push for tougher anti-conversion law

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced plans for a new anti-conversion law following the arrest of two nuns from Kerala on charges related to religious conversion and human trafficking. The announcement comes amid political tensions and accusations of wrongful arrest.

Power consumption vs GDP: Some apparent paradoxes

Power consumption vs GDP: Some apparent paradoxes

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

There are some apparent paradoxes visible in the data from the first quarter of 2025-26 (Q1FY26). The gross domestic product (GDP) delivered a positive surprise with 7.8 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth.

'Ball Is In BJP's Court'

'Ball Is In BJP's Court'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

'They have to prove the credibility of their talk; whether they want to focus on the secular face of India, whether they want to focus on democracy and above all freedom of an individual to practice his or her religion.'

Sebi bans Wadhawan brothers for five years in DHFL fund diversion case

Sebi bans Wadhawan brothers for five years in DHFL fund diversion case

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has barred Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd's (DHFL) former promoters Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan for five years from the securities market for alleged diversion of funds. They have also been barred from holding any key position in a listed company.

Sensex, Nifty end in red on concerns over US tariff

Sensex, Nifty end in red on concerns over US tariff

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Thursday after US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on all goods coming from India starting August 1 and an unspecified penalty for buying Russian crude oil and military equipment.

Can India find new sponsor ahead of Asia Cup?

Can India find new sponsor ahead of Asia Cup?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

'It is a process that takes a certain amount of time and needs to be done keeping legal modalities in mind.'

Sebi Cracks Down on Top Finfluencer

Sebi Cracks Down on Top Finfluencer

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'We have carried out a big search operation on a big name in this industry.'

Jane Street deposits Rs 4,843 cr in escrow account; requests Sebi to lift curbs

Jane Street deposits Rs 4,843 cr in escrow account; requests Sebi to lift curbs

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

US-based hedge fund Jane Street, which allegedly made handsome gains through market manipulation, has deposited the mandated Rs 4,843.57 crore in an escrow account in favour of Sebi and requested it to lift certain restrictions. The watchdog is examining the request, Sebi said in a statement on Monday.

More than 300 hurt during Dahi Handi festivities in Mumbai

More than 300 hurt during Dahi Handi festivities in Mumbai

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Two people died and over 300 were injured during the 'Dahi Handi' festival in Mumbai and Thane. The festival involves forming human pyramids to break pots of curd suspended in the air.

Sebi mulls single window gateway for low risk foreign investors

Sebi mulls single window gateway for low risk foreign investors

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Markets regulator Sebi has proposed introducing a single window access for low risk foreign investors seeking to participate in the Indian securities market, a move aimed at simplifying compliance and enhancing the country's attractiveness as an investment destination.

Banks to clear cheques within few hours from Oct 4: RBI

Banks to clear cheques within few hours from Oct 4: RBI

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

The RBI will introduce a new mechanism from October 4 for clearance of cheques within hours of being presented to banks, reducing the current time period of up to two working days. Cheques will be scanned, presented, and passed in a few hours and on a continuous basis during business hours.

'Tariffs To Have Adverse Impact On Near-Term Growth'

'Tariffs To Have Adverse Impact On Near-Term Growth'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

'The statistical confidence bands of the fan charts of the forecasts will provide a better sense of the potential variability of outcomes.'

Amazing growth story of the Jindal group

Amazing growth story of the Jindal group

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

You have to grow, and grow fast - that's the DNA of the JSW group, chairman Sajjan Jindal said as JSW Cement made its debut on the stock market mid-August. The remark captured not just the moment but also the momentum of JSW's growth story.

The first million-pound signing in women's football

The first million-pound signing in women's football

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

Canadian forward Olivia Smith, 20, is the first female player to break the seven-figure barrier.

'US Is An Important Market For Us'

'US Is An Important Market For Us'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Businesses are testing new markets, tapping into domestic demand, and pushing the government for relief.

Why Ola Electric is likely to gain market share

Why Ola Electric is likely to gain market share

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

Ola Electric could gain market share in the near term with relatively less disruption expected due to rare earth magnets shortage, according to a report by Goldman Sachs. The company has successfully developed heavy rare earths (HRE) free motors which are scheduled for production deployment in Q3 FY26.

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'The way our President was greeted, that itself shows how far India has come.' 'People were aware of who she is, people know who our prime minister is.' 'Everybody knows India now and everybody respects India.'

RBI's mpc minutes: Status quo in August hinged on tariffs, rate-cut outcome

RBI's mpc minutes: Status quo in August hinged on tariffs, rate-cut outcome

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Uncertainties over the impact of the United States' (US') tariffs on India, along with the ongoing transmission of past rate cuts, prompted the members of the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to maintain the status quo during the August meeting, the minutes showed. While some of the external members highlighted their concern over growth, the internal members cited the one-year headline inflation rate overshooting the 4 per cent target.

2 Kerala nuns get bail in trafficking-conversion case

2 Kerala nuns get bail in trafficking-conversion case

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

A special court in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district granted bail to three persons, including two nuns from Kerala, arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.

A Rakhi For Gurudev

A Rakhi For Gurudev

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

BJP vs BJP over Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh

BJP vs BJP over Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Kerala BJP has contradicted the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's justification of the arrest of two Keralite Catholic nuns, stating they were not involved in human trafficking or forced conversion attempts and promising to help them.

Robert Prevost becomes first American Pope, takes name Leo XIV

Robert Prevost becomes first American Pope, takes name Leo XIV

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The voice of the six bells of St Peter's Basilca announced that the Church has its new Pope.

Trump's AI image dressed as Pope sparks outrage

Trump's AI image dressed as Pope sparks outrage

Rediff.com3 May 2025

US President Donald Trump has posted a seemingly AI-generated photo of himself in papal attire on his social media, sparking a dueling backlash and praise. The image, which was also posted from the White House's social media handle, prompted many social media users to call it "cosplaying as the next Pope." The photo comes days after Trump had jokingly said last week that he would be his own "number one choice" for the next pope. The president posted the picture at 10:29 pm Friday, without a caption or comment. The post immediately garnered positive and negative reaction online.