News for 'Department of International Relations'

IRCTC moves to monetise passenger data

IRCTC moves to monetise passenger data

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

In a first of its kind move, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the ticket booking arm of the Indian Railways, is looking to monetise its bank of passenger data while conducting business with private and government companies. IRCTC has a large bank of data related to every online railway ticket ever generated as it is the country's only railway ticketing platform, an IRCTC official told Business Standard. The public sector undertaking, which has sought the services of a consultant to assist with the monetisation process, plans to raise Rs 1,000 crore through this exercise.

Fog, cold wave grip north India; air, rail traffic hit; 4 killed in UP

Fog, cold wave grip north India; air, rail traffic hit; 4 killed in UP

Rediff.com9 Jan 2023

Around 29 trains have been delayed by two to five hours due to foggy weather, a railway official said.

HARASS Tax-Payers with Notices is New I-T Game

HARASS Tax-Payers with Notices is New I-T Game

Rediff.com17 Aug 2021

In a most perverse example of tax bullying, someone I know has got by three such notices reopening his assessment minutes before the midnight deadline of June 30, reveals Debashis Basu.

'Closely monitoring' India-China border row, says US

'Closely monitoring' India-China border row, says US

Rediff.com17 Jun 2020

The US hopes that the differences will be resolved peacefully, officials said in Washington.

'Deeply concerned' about security of Chinese in Pakistan, Xi tells Sharif

'Deeply concerned' about security of Chinese in Pakistan, Xi tells Sharif

Rediff.com2 Nov 2022

On his maiden visit to Beijing, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which the two leaders agreed to strengthen the all-weather friendship and the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

UK all set to kickstart FTA talks with Modi govt

UK all set to kickstart FTA talks with Modi govt

Rediff.com25 May 2021

The UK government said on Tuesday that it has kicked off preparations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with India, launching a 14-week consultation to seek the views of the public and business before formal negotiations begin later this year. UK Trade Secretary Liz Truss said Britain wants a trade deal with India that pushes new frontiers and welcomes wide input from consumers and businesses across all sectors, which will help craft a deal that includes closer cooperation in "future-focused industries" such as science, technology and services, creating high-value jobs across the country. "We're firing the starting gun on a free trade deal with India - the world's largest democracy, fifth-biggest economy, a nation of 1.4 billion people and a huge market for British goods like whisky, cars and services," said Truss.

Xi-Trudeau conversation was candid, normal, no threats held out, says China

Xi-Trudeau conversation was candid, normal, no threats held out, says China

Rediff.com17 Nov 2022

China on Thursday played down what appeared to be a tense conversation between President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 summit a day earlier, saying the conversation is "candid, normal" and should not be interpreted as criticism or threat.

China warns of 'war' if Taiwan moves towards 'independence'

China warns of 'war' if Taiwan moves towards 'independence'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2019

The 'One-China' policy states that Taiwan and Tibet are part of China's mainland.

She has become the first woman in Pakistan to join Bomb Disposal Unit

She has become the first woman in Pakistan to join Bomb Disposal Unit

Rediff.com11 Dec 2016

Rafia Qaseem Baig, who joined the police force as a constable seven years ago, will work in BDU after completing her 15-day training along with 31 other male members at Nowshera's School of Explosive Handling, media reports said.

Can India Be A 'Vishwaguru'?

Can India Be A 'Vishwaguru'?

Rediff.com4 May 2022

Many of the stories, the pictures going out of India worldwide lately with these provocative processions, taunting of Muslims, bulldozers targeting mostly their properties, the sweeping 'othering' of a community of 200 million are painting the front pages and TV screens in the democratic world. That is where most of the friends we covet lie. Soon enough, these will also make our vital friends among the Muslim nations, from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, uneasy. The best time for course correction is now, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Gita Gopinath to take No 2 role at IMF as First Deputy Managing Director

Gita Gopinath to take No 2 role at IMF as First Deputy Managing Director

Rediff.com3 Dec 2021

Gita Gopinath, the IMF's Indian-American chief economist has been promoted as its First Deputy Managing Director recognising her exceptional intellectual leadership in helping the global economy and the Fund to navigate the "twists and turns" of the "worst economic crisis of our lives". Gopinath would replace Geoffrey Okamoto who plans to leave the International Monetary Fund early next year, Kristalina Georgieva, IMF's managing director announced on Thursday. Gopinath, who was scheduled to return to her academic position at Harvard University in January 2022, has decided to stay, she said. Gopinath, 49, has served as the first female chief economist of the Washington-based global lender for three years.

Tatas top bidder for Air India, but no govt nod yet

Tatas top bidder for Air India, but no govt nod yet

Rediff.com1 Oct 2021

Tata Sons has emerged as the top bidder for the takeover of debt-laden State-run airline Air India but the bid is yet to be approved by a group of ministers headed by Home Minister Amit Shah, sources said.

Cairn Energy CEO Thomson to meet FM next week over arbitration award

Cairn Energy CEO Thomson to meet FM next week over arbitration award

Rediff.com10 Feb 2021

A senior company executive said the company waited for seven years for the verdict and its shareholders needed to know when it would be concluded.

India, US ask Pakistan to act decisively against terror

India, US ask Pakistan to act decisively against terror

Rediff.com12 Apr 2022

The demand for action by Pakistan was made through a joint statement issued after the 2+2 ministerial attended by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Varun Chakravarthy set to debut in first Sri Lanka T20

Varun Chakravarthy set to debut in first Sri Lanka T20

Rediff.com24 Jul 2021

Having lost the third ODI to Sri Lanka, Shikhar Dhawan's men will be looking to go one better against Sri Lanka with a T20 team that is ahead in almost all departments.

India abstains from UNSC vote on Ukraine, Russia exercises veto

India abstains from UNSC vote on Ukraine, Russia exercises veto

Rediff.com26 Feb 2022

Eleven countries voted in favour of the resolution while three countries - India, China and the UAE abstained.

Australia captain Paine fined for dissent

Australia captain Paine fined for dissent

Rediff.com10 Jan 2021

Paine admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon

SC suggests Project Tiger-like plan to save great Indian bustard from extinction

SC suggests Project Tiger-like plan to save great Indian bustard from extinction

Rediff.com30 Nov 2022

Coming to the rescue of the critically endangered great Indian bustard (GIB), the Supreme Court on Wednesday mooted the idea of launching 'Project GIB' on the lines of 'Project Tiger', which was started in 1973 to save the big cats, and sought the government's view on the proposal.

'Taliban will ignore India'

'Taliban will ignore India'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2021

'It will remain hostile to Indian interests owing to its close proximity to China.'

ED stops scribe Rana Ayyub at airport from flying abroad, asks to join probe

ED stops scribe Rana Ayyub at airport from flying abroad, asks to join probe

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

The federal probe agency wants to question and record Ayyub's statement in a money laundering case against her.

Everything you wanted to know about Google Street View

Everything you wanted to know about Google Street View

Rediff.com23 Aug 2022

In other countries, Street View's content comes from two sources -- Google and individual contributors. However, in India, these will be collected by the tech giant's new local partners.

Mumbai terror attack handler Majeed Mir awarded 15-yr jail in Pakistan

Mumbai terror attack handler Majeed Mir awarded 15-yr jail in Pakistan

Rediff.com25 Jun 2022

Mir was called "project manager" of the Mumbai attacks.

What's keeping govt from appealing against Vodafone verdict?

What's keeping govt from appealing against Vodafone verdict?

Rediff.com23 Nov 2020

The government may be waiting for the outcome of an arbitration initiated against its levy of Rs 10,247 crore retrospective tax on UK's Cairn Energy Plc before deciding on appealing against losing a tax case against Vodafone Group, sources said. An international arbitral tribunal is expected to give a decree within next few days on Cairn Energy Plc's challenge to the Indian government seeking Rs 10,247 crore in retrospective taxes. If the arbitration award in the Cairn cases goes against India, the government has to pay the British firm over Rs 7,600 crore to reverse the dividend and tax refund it had ceased and shares it sold to recover part of the tax demand.

US apologises for Kabul drone strike that killed 7 kids

US apologises for Kabul drone strike that killed 7 kids

Rediff.com19 Sep 2021

The strike by a Hellfire missile in Kabul on August 29, which was launched in an effort to kill ISIS-K planners, instead killed 10 civilians, he said.

FDI inflows seen to grow further in the New Year

FDI inflows seen to grow further in the New Year

Rediff.com21 Dec 2021

A series of steps taken by the government to promote ease of doing business and liberalisation of foreign direct investment norms have helped India receive record FDI inflows so far this year, and implementation of measures like PM Gati Shakti, single window clearance and GIS-mapped land bank are expected to further push investments in 2022. Notwithstanding the global slowdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, total foreign direct investments into India rose to a record $81.72 billion in 2020-21. During April-July this fiscal, FDI (foreign direct investment) into the country increased by 62 per cent to $27.37 billion.

AMU's Governance Structure Is Democratic, Not Divine

AMU's Governance Structure Is Democratic, Not Divine

Rediff.com18 Mar 2023

These self-appointed well-wishers of AMU are basically for the control or police model of university governance. They have no faith whatsoever in the democratic functioning of the universities, observes Faizan Mustafa, former dean, Faculty of Law, and Registrar, Aligarh Muslim University.

MNCs breathe easy; SC offers them tax relief

MNCs breathe easy; SC offers them tax relief

Rediff.com3 Nov 2017

The case relates roughly to assessment years 2000-01 to 2002-03 and 2004-05 to 2007-08

Terror groups JeM, LeT targeting India still operate from Pak: US

Terror groups JeM, LeT targeting India still operate from Pak: US

Rediff.com17 Dec 2021

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in the 2020 Country Reports on Terrorism issued on Thursday, said that regionally, terrorist groups continued to operate from Pakistan.

Time For RBI To Change Penalty Rules

Time For RBI To Change Penalty Rules

Rediff.com11 Nov 2021

Penalty must act as a deterrent. If it is too low, it could encourage the regulated entities to lap up penalty instead of complying with the norms, suggests Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Does US Want India-China Ties Boiling?

Does US Want India-China Ties Boiling?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2021

Washington is signalling to Delhi that it can rely on American support in any great game vis-a-vis China. Delhi shouldn't fall into the trap, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

US Wants To Be Friends With Taliban?

US Wants To Be Friends With Taliban?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2022

Regional States will be worried that the US's nascent engagement with the Taliban behind the fig leaf of humanitarian aid enables the return of US intelligence personnel to Afghanistan, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Biden picks Kashmiri-origin Sameera Fazili in WH team

Biden picks Kashmiri-origin Sameera Fazili in WH team

Rediff.com16 Jan 2021

In December, Aisha Shah was named as Partnerships Manager at the White House Office of Digital Strategy.

Football friendlies: Suarez scores on international return; Donovan bids farewell

Football friendlies: Suarez scores on international return; Donovan bids farewell

Rediff.com11 Oct 2014

Luis Suarez returned for Uruguay for the first time since his infamous World Cup biting incident and scored in a 1-1 friendly draw against Saudi Arabia.

Economist Kalpana Kochhar to retire from IMF in July

Economist Kalpana Kochhar to retire from IMF in July

Rediff.com2 Jun 2021

Indian economist Kalpana Kochhar, who heads the Human Resources Department of the International Monetary Fund, is leaving the organisation to join the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the IMF announced on Wednesday. Kochhar, who served in various senior positions during her three decades at the IMF, will retire on July 30, it said.

'I told them India was like a giant jumbo jet. It would take off slowly and be unstoppable'

'I told them India was like a giant jumbo jet. It would take off slowly and be unstoppable'

Rediff.com10 Jan 2023

This doctor couple put their faith in India. And in return India has put faith in them.

Will Supreme Court's AIADMK rule apply to Shiv Sena too?

Will Supreme Court's AIADMK rule apply to Shiv Sena too?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

The case of the two Shiv Sena factions for legitimacy and the party symbol, 'Bow and Arrow', is now before the Election Commission. Whichever way the EC findings go, the other can be expected to move the Supreme Court. They would need a final verdict before the parliamentary polls, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Rainbow flags may be confiscated at Qatar World Cup

Rainbow flags may be confiscated at Qatar World Cup

Rediff.com1 Apr 2022

Rainbow flags could be taken from fans at the World Cup in Qatar to protect them from being attacked for promoting gay rights

India may not get to play a major role in reconstruction of Ukraine

India may not get to play a major role in reconstruction of Ukraine

Rediff.com16 Mar 2022

Reconstruction efforts after the Russia-Ukraine war will be dominated by the heft of the membership of major nations across international organisations. India is hamstrung because it does not play host to any major global institution nor does it hold positions of significant influence in the ones in which it has membership. As a result, the world's sixth largest economy is obliged to follow the rules set by most of them.

'US-India should focus on trade to counter China'

'US-India should focus on trade to counter China'

Rediff.com14 Dec 2020

'I hope that the incoming Biden-Harris Administration works with India to address some of the most profound geopolitical transboundary challenges.'

Over 1000 Myanmarese cross over to Mizoram since coup

Over 1000 Myanmarese cross over to Mizoram since coup

Rediff.com30 Mar 2021

Mizoram shares a 510 km long porous border with Myanmar's Chin state and most of the Myanmarese nationals who have taken refuge in the state belong to the Chin, also known as the Zo, community. They share the same ancestry and culture as the Mizos of Mizoram.