News for 'Department of Economic Affairs'

At G20 meet, PM will sell India as a hot investment destination

At G20 meet, PM will sell India as a hot investment destination

Rediff.com29 Nov 2018

The G20 chair has suggested three areas for the talks in Argentina - the future of work, infrastructure for development and a sustainable food future, areas where India has a lot at stake.

FDI in retail may not be allowed, hints Nirmala

FDI in retail may not be allowed, hints Nirmala

Rediff.com27 May 2014

The BJP-led government may not permit foreign retailers to open mega stores in the country as such a move may adversely impact small traders and farmers, new Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman indicated.

Indian cos bear brunt of H1B visa denial, shows study

Indian cos bear brunt of H1B visa denial, shows study

Rediff.com5 Mar 2020

While the denial rate has dropped slightly to 21 per cent in 2019 from 24 per cent in 2018, the National Foundation for American Policy has said it is much higher for Indian IT companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Wipro and very low for American companies like Amazon and Google. For instance, the denial rate for TCS and Infosys in 2019 was 31 per cent and 35 per cent respectively, whereas for Wipro it was 47 per cent and 37 per cent for Tech Mahindra. On the other hand, the denial rate for the new H-1B petitions in 2019 was just four per cent each for Amazon and Google. The denial rate for Microsoft during the same period was six per cent, and Facebook along with Walmart was just three per cent each.

PM Modi has a jam-packed schedule in Singapore

PM Modi has a jam-packed schedule in Singapore

Rediff.com13 Nov 2018

Modi will have a number of high-profile multilateral and bilateral meetings with global leaders including United States Vice President Mike Pence and Singapore premier Lee Hsein Loong.

Modi keen to take lessons from Malaysia on reforms

Modi keen to take lessons from Malaysia on reforms

Rediff.com13 Nov 2014

As part of his endeavour to constantly evaluate the performance of his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking a cue from the Malaysian model, calling it an "excellent example".

Need India to be a net security provider in Indo-Pacific: Trump admin

Need India to be a net security provider in Indo-Pacific: Trump admin

Rediff.com7 Sep 2017

The Trump regime has informed the Congress that it 'strongly supports' transfers of F-18 and F-16 fighter proposals put forth by Boeing and Lockheed Martin respectively.

How will Biden deal with China?

How will Biden deal with China?

Rediff.com24 Aug 2020

It is premature to make the assumption that Biden's policy toward China will not be a break with Trump, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

No change on gas price hike decision: Moily

No change on gas price hike decision: Moily

Rediff.com11 Jul 2013

Amidst Finance Ministry raising prospects of forcing Reliance Industries to sell gas at old price of $4.2, Oil Minister M Veerapa Moily on Thursday said there was no rethinking in the government on the decision to double gas rates from April 1, 2014.

India records largest reduction in poverty in 10 yrs, says UN report

India records largest reduction in poverty in 10 yrs, says UN report

Rediff.com17 Jul 2020

The data, released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), shows that 65 out of 75 countries studied significantly reduced their multidimensional poverty levels between 2000 and 2019.

The US Nexus: India Must be Careful

The US Nexus: India Must be Careful

Rediff.com27 Oct 2020

Indians at large harbour a notion that their country is cherrypicking out of the American basket of goodies, but the policymakers in Delhi and the political leadership are well aware that it can only be a pipe dream since a military alliance with a superpower is a profound irrevocable commitment, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Govt releases guidelines for lockdown 2.0

Govt releases guidelines for lockdown 2.0

Rediff.com15 Apr 2020

Fresh guidelines were issued by the government on Wednesday for enforcing the second phase of the coronavirus lockdown, with the Union home ministry barring all kinds of public transport and prohibiting opening of public places during this period.

India needn't match China bullet for bullet

India needn't match China bullet for bullet

Rediff.com16 Oct 2020

All that India must aim for is to match China's military prowess adjusted to equal Beijing's India-specific military capability, argues Vivek Gumaste.

Can Doval change defence planning in India?

Can Doval change defence planning in India?

Rediff.com22 Apr 2018

'Defence does not new 'planning commissions'; it needs an implementation commission.'

PM poses with Merkel at Brandenburg Gate before leaving Berlin

PM poses with Merkel at Brandenburg Gate before leaving Berlin

Rediff.com30 May 2017

The Gate has now come to represent German unity and freedom since the end of the Cold War and divided country.

RBI sees retail inflation falling below 4% by mid-FY21

RBI sees retail inflation falling below 4% by mid-FY21

Rediff.com17 Apr 2020

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday said that inflation is on a declining trajectory, as it has fallen by 170 basis points from its January 2020 peak. Retail inflation fell to four-month low of 5.91 per cent in March over the previous month, mainly due to easing food prices.

India's growth to reach 6.3 per cent in 2016: UN report

India's growth to reach 6.3 per cent in 2016: UN report

Rediff.com19 Jan 2015

India will see a gradual growth acceleration with its GDP expected to reach 5.9 per cent this year.

Will go by national interest: Jaishankar to Pompeo on S-400

Will go by national interest: Jaishankar to Pompeo on S-400

Rediff.com26 Jun 2019

"We have many relationships...they have a history. We will do what is in our national interest and part of that strategic partnership is the ability of each country to comprehend and appreciate the national interest of the other," Jaishankar said.

Why are global retailers in wait-and-watch mode for India?

Why are global retailers in wait-and-watch mode for India?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2014

The Indian government has simplified FDI policy inorder to attract global retail chains.

Modi Hai to Vishvas Hai!

Modi Hai to Vishvas Hai!

Rediff.com19 Nov 2021

Modi is seen as exceptional not only on account of his acts but also owing to his style. He appears to sacrifice his life for the people -- like a fakir, a figure he came to epitomize even more in 2020 by growing a long white beard. Charisma is above accountability, and Modi has grasped these dynamics.

How Economy Stalled Under Manmohan & Modi

How Economy Stalled Under Manmohan & Modi

Rediff.com11 Jul 2019

The Indian economy was on an impressive growth path through the first decade of this century till it was brought to an abrupt halt by the policy inertia during UPA2 and the Modi government's inability to restore economic and financial momentum. Fascinating glimpses of what went wrong from Puja Mehra's must-read book The Lost Decade: How India's Growth Story Devolved Into Growth Without A Story.

Congress-JD(S) reach power sharing deal, announce tie-up for 2019

Congress-JD(S) reach power sharing deal, announce tie-up for 2019

Rediff.com1 Jun 2018

The Congress has conceded the plum Finance portfolio to its junior partner, resolving a thorny issue, after its president Rahul Gandhi intervened and spoke to Kumaraswamy.

Why Modi staying in power matters for naval ties with US

Why Modi staying in power matters for naval ties with US

Rediff.com1 Mar 2017

The Center for Naval Analyses in its latest report has warned that the thriving relationship might come to a halt if the BJP does not win the 2019 general election.

Demonetisation: SC snubs Centre; says people are frantic

Demonetisation: SC snubs Centre; says people are frantic

Rediff.com18 Nov 2016

The Supreme Court on Friday dubbed as a "serious issue" the long queues outside banks and post offices and expressed its reservation on the Centre's plea seeking a direction that no other court in the country should entertain petitions challenging the November 8 notification demonetising Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes.

All you need to know about COVID-19 testing

All you need to know about COVID-19 testing

Rediff.com14 Apr 2020

Two kinds of diagnostic tests are being currently used in India -- RT-PCR test and rapid antibodies test -- as per the global health norms.

US IT cos seek action on discriminatory Indian policies

US IT cos seek action on discriminatory Indian policies

Rediff.com25 Sep 2013

The American influential IT and telecom industry sought intervention of the Obama Administration against what they alleged are "discriminatory" Indian policies, which they claimed has resulted in several hundred millions of dollars of losses in the last quarter.

Things you must know about the Land Acquisition Bill

Things you must know about the Land Acquisition Bill

Rediff.com9 Sep 2013

The definition of affected family includes farm labourers, tenants, sharecroppers and workers in the area for three years prior to acquisition.

WTO talks on ITA-II collapse, India heaves sigh of relief

WTO talks on ITA-II collapse, India heaves sigh of relief

Rediff.com14 Dec 2014

India has been opposing the pact as ITA will only benefit the country when its domestic manufacturing is robust.

Modi should focus on wealth creation, not wealth distribution

Modi should focus on wealth creation, not wealth distribution

Rediff.com20 Jul 2020

'When you start distributing wealth, you end up distributing poverty.'

Sujatha Singh in US, says it's up to Karzai to sign security pact

Sujatha Singh in US, says it's up to Karzai to sign security pact

Rediff.com13 Dec 2013

Aziz Haniffa reports from Washignton, DC, on Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh's three-day visit to the US capital.

Govt panel for hiking FDI limits in defence, retail, telecom

Govt panel for hiking FDI limits in defence, retail, telecom

Rediff.com18 Jun 2013

A government panel on Tuesday proposed raising foreign investment limits in sectors like defence, multi-brand retail and telecommunications, to spur investment in the country and tide over the Current Account Deficit woes.

Work can wait, family can't, say stranded migrants

Work can wait, family can't, say stranded migrants

Rediff.com16 Apr 2020

Daily wagers are running out of resources, including ration and cash, and the state governments might not be able to sustain their needs for a longer period of time, given the lockdown has already been extended until May 3.

Jet-Etihad deal hits Sebi, DIPP roadblocks

Jet-Etihad deal hits Sebi, DIPP roadblocks

Rediff.com26 Jul 2013

Concerns over effective control not addressed in the second revised shareholders' agreement, says DIPP; Sebi opposes commercial cooperation pact

PNB fraud: 'Probability of bank scams is much higher in PSBs'

PNB fraud: 'Probability of bank scams is much higher in PSBs'

Rediff.com19 Feb 2018

The RBI expects the assessment to show if the systemic failure was only in PNB or in the overall banking universe

Parliament's Budget session to begin on February 23

Parliament's Budget session to begin on February 23

Rediff.com30 Jan 2015

Budget session will begin on February 23 and conclude on May 8

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

160 killed, 28 missing in heavy rains, floods in China

160 killed, 28 missing in heavy rains, floods in China

Rediff.com7 Jul 2016

Hail and rainstorm killed 160 people in 11 provincial regions, mainly along the mighty Yangtze River and its distributaries, and have left 28 missing, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Textiles sector gets a Rs 6,000 cr package

Textiles sector gets a Rs 6,000 cr package

Rediff.com22 Jun 2016

'The package will help in realising the true potential of employment generation in the textile and apparel sector.'

India-Pak SCO entry may create a negative effect: Chinese daily

India-Pak SCO entry may create a negative effect: Chinese daily

Rediff.com17 Jun 2016

With Shanghai Cooperation Organisation set to admit India and Pakistan amid growing rancour over their Nuclear Supplies Group membership bid, a Chinese state-run daily expressed concern on Friday that the hostility between them may have a "negative effect" on the security grouping.

'Sale of F-16s to Pak in limbo'

'Sale of F-16s to Pak in limbo'

Rediff.com12 May 2016

Diplomatic and Congressional sources tell Rediff.com that for all intents and purposes, the F-16 sale is dead.

China, Iran cosy up: India is the loser

China, Iran cosy up: India is the loser

Rediff.com18 Jul 2020

Iran's decision to keep India out and welcome China to the scene is a huge strategic setback for India, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.