News for 'Economic Affairs'

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Ajit Pawar became a ray of hope for Muslims, the only man in power who could resolve their grievances.

Ashok Chawla is secretary of economic affairs

Ashok Chawla is secretary of economic affairs

Rediff.com10 Sep 2008

The first indication that the United Progressive Government may opt to hold the General Election before schedule came on Tuesday, when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appointed Ashok Chawla s secretary, economic affairs instead of picking up a full-fledged finance secretary.

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India is evaluating its involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran due to potential US tariffs. The US had granted India a waiver for the project, but it expires soon. India is exploring options to continue supporting the port's development while minimizing exposure to US sanctions.

India urges citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions

India urges citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

India has strongly advised its nationals to avoid travelling to Iran due to the deteriorating security situation and widespread anti-government protests.

'Very difficult time': Indians return from Iran amid deadly protests

'Very difficult time': Indians return from Iran amid deadly protests

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Several Indians, including students, have arrived in Delhi from Iran amid widespread protests and a government crackdown. The Indian government has issued advisories urging citizens to leave Iran.

High drama in Karnataka assembly as guv walks out over speech row

High drama in Karnataka assembly as guv walks out over speech row

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Gehlot had on Wednesday refused to deliver the address to the Karnataka legislature, leading to a stalemate over the fate of the customary speech that outlines the government's policies.

Trouble for India? Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trade partners

Trouble for India? Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trade partners

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Trump said that the decision would be "immediately" in effect and that the "order is final and conclusive."

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from over 60 international organisations, including United Nations bodies and the India-France-led International Solar Alliance, calling the institutions 'redundant' and 'contrary' to America's interests.

Pankaja, O'Sey Balamma Make It To Sundance

Pankaja, O'Sey Balamma Make It To Sundance

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Pankaja and O'Sey Balamma bring deeply personal yet universally resonant stories to Sundance. They represent a new wave of South Indian storytelling, blending cultural authenticity with cinematic innovation, and mark an important step in amplifying regional voices on the international stage.

GST 2.0 bolstered momentum, economy on stable footing

GST 2.0 bolstered momentum, economy on stable footing

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) rates has increased the momentum in India's economic activity both on the supply and demand sides, while robust agricultural activity - reflected in the strong onset of rabi sowing and adequate reservoir levels - has reinforced the outlook for food supply and rural incomes, the finance ministry said on Thursday.

'If US can do it...': Experts on Trump's action in Venezuela

'If US can do it...': Experts on Trump's action in Venezuela

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Indian strategic affairs experts criticize the US strike on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, warning of a 'bad precedent' and potential for similar actions by other powers.

We have to 'avenge' our painful history: NSA Doval

We have to 'avenge' our painful history: NSA Doval

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval emphasized the need to strengthen India's security across all sectors, including the economy, to address historical vulnerabilities. He highlighted the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the importance of strong leadership.

R Gopalan is Secretary, Dept of Economic Affairs

R Gopalan is Secretary, Dept of Economic Affairs

Rediff.com28 Jan 2011

R Gopalan has been appointed as Secretary Economic Affairs. He will hold this position, in addition to his current charge as Secretary Financial Services.

Beijing dodges India's Indus Treaty move at China-Pak strategic talks

Beijing dodges India's Indus Treaty move at China-Pak strategic talks

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

China and Pakistan concluded their strategic dialogue, reiterating their opposition to unilateral actions in South Asia and discussing Kashmir, Afghanistan, and trilateral cooperation.

2025: Modi's Busiest Foreign Travel Year In A Decade

2025: Modi's Busiest Foreign Travel Year In A Decade

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

The PM's overseas visits in 2025 picked up sharply after May, particularly following Operation Sindoor.

Amit Shah calls for unified ATS structure for police across India

Amit Shah calls for unified ATS structure for police across India

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasizes the need for a unified anti-terrorism structure and a strong anti-terrorism grid across India to effectively counter terror attacks. He also announced a new plan to combat organized crime.

India Still Features In Trump's Security Plan

India Still Features In Trump's Security Plan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The new US national security strategy signals a retreat from global dominance while reaffirming continuity in India's role in Indo-Pacific security and Quad cooperation, points out former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

'My Enemy's Enemy Is My Friend' Is Bangladesh's Dictum'

'My Enemy's Enemy Is My Friend' Is Bangladesh's Dictum'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'Pakistan's role in Bangladesh will always be negative, since it's a one-point agenda is hostility against India.'

China claims it mediated India-Pakistan tensions in May

China claims it mediated India-Pakistan tensions in May

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China mediated tensions between India and Pakistan, a claim disputed by India which maintains that the matter was resolved bilaterally.

India free to buy oil from sources it deems beneficial, says Russia

India free to buy oil from sources it deems beneficial, says Russia

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his visit to India, during which he assured that Moscow would remain a reliable energy supplier, the Kremlin on Monday said that India, as a sovereign nation, is free to buy oil from sources it deems beneficial. It expressed confidence that New Delhi will continue to prioritise its economic interests.

Left parties: US attack on Venezuela 'act of international terrorism'

Left parties: US attack on Venezuela 'act of international terrorism'

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Left parties on Saturday denounced the United States for attacking Venezuela and capturing its President Nicholas Maduro, with Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary M A Baby terming the nighttime military action an 'act of international terrorism by US-led imperialism'.

India's NCDEX eyes 20% stake in Sri Lanka's first commodity exchange

India's NCDEX eyes 20% stake in Sri Lanka's first commodity exchange

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

India's leading agriculture commodity exchange, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), has decided to acquire around a 20 per cent stake in a new commodities and financial derivatives exchange being set up in Sri Lanka, subject to regulatory and governmental approvals. The move aims to deepen NCDEX's footprint in the financial ecosystem of its neighbouring country.

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Next week's three-nation foreign tour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will see India and Oman sign a free trade deal. The visit will also pave the way for agreements with Ethiopia and Jordan to increase India's bilateral trade and investments.

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The real story of 2025 is that India officially stopped being a 'market of the future' and started acting as the world's primary economic engine.'

Will Putin's India visit complicate US trade talks? Jaishankar answers

Will Putin's India visit complicate US trade talks? Jaishankar answers

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

On President Putin's two-day trip to India, Jaishankar said for a "big" and "rising" country like India, it is important to maintain good cooperation with as many important players as possible in the world in line with freedom of choice.

SFIO questions IndusInd execs on accounting discrepancies

SFIO questions IndusInd execs on accounting discrepancies

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Private-sector lender IndusInd Bank had said the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) interacted with its officials this week and would send a written communication seeking specific details related to the accounting discrepancies identified at the bank.

China hails Putin's India visit, calls for closer trilateral ties

China hails Putin's India visit, calls for closer trilateral ties

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

China has reacted positively to Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, emphasizing the importance of trilateral ties between China, Russia, and India for regional and global peace and stability.

'We will defend our people against terror': Jaishankar at SCO meet

'We will defend our people against terror': Jaishankar at SCO meet

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, advocating for a 'zero tolerance' approach to terrorism and emphasizing the need for the SCO to adapt to the changing global landscape.

GST reforms expected to ignite animal spirits in financial sector: DEA secy

GST reforms expected to ignite animal spirits in financial sector: DEA secy

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Noting that recent uncertainties created by global tariffs have not impacted the Indian economy severely, Anuradha Thakur, secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, said the central government is hopeful that the recent goods and services tax (GST) rationalisation will ignite the much needed animal spirits in the financial sector.

'No law should...': Modi's 'Reform Express' pitch at NDA meet

'No law should...': Modi's 'Reform Express' pitch at NDA meet

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed NDA parliamentarians, emphasizing that laws and regulations should serve the convenience of the common people and not cause harassment.

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The ministries of Road Transport & Highways and Railways have exceeded the national average capital expenditure (capex) by spending 63 per cent and 57 per cent of Budget estimates (BE), respectively, in the first half of 2025-26 (FY26). The total capital expenditure for April-September of FY26 stood at 52 per cent of the BE, according to the latest data by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

Odisha Gives MLAs A 200% Pay Hike

Odisha Gives MLAs A 200% Pay Hike

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

In terms of MLA salaries, Odisha is followed by Telangana (about Rs 2.7 lakh), Maharashtra (Rs 2.6 lakh), Manipur (Rs 2.5 lakh), and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 2.4 lakh).

Putin-Modi selfie speaks thousand words: US representative

Putin-Modi selfie speaks thousand words: US representative

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

United States representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove while talking about the famous car selfie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it spoke a thousand words.

India calls for ceasefire, hostage release; hails Gaza peace plan

India calls for ceasefire, hostage release; hails Gaza peace plan

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

India has called for a ceasefire, release of all hostages, and peaceful resolution of the Israel-Hamas conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The Centre informed Parliament that India welcomed the agreement on the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan. The article also covers India's energy sourcing strategy and the release of Indian fishermen by Pakistan.

Is India Standing Alone in 2025?

Is India Standing Alone in 2025?

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The 2025 US National Security Strategy marks a major pullback, with America turning backward and effectively allowing China greater dominance in Asia. while long-time partners like India are left to face an increasingly unstable global order largely on their own, observes Rajeev Srinivasan.

Cabinet nod for first digital caste census in 2027

Cabinet nod for first digital caste census in 2027

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved Rs 11,718 crore for conducting the Census of India, 2027, which would include the caste enumeration for the first time.

Trump-era H1B fee, tariffs hurt India ties, say US lawmakers

Trump-era H1B fee, tariffs hurt India ties, say US lawmakers

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

US lawmakers have expressed concerns that policies enacted by the Trump administration, such as the H1B visa fee and tariffs on India, are detrimental to American businesses and threaten the relationship between the United States and India.

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

India and Russia are poised to sign multiple agreements to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including trade and healthcare, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Discussions will also address the Ukraine conflict and efforts to increase Indian exports to Russia.

Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024-25 in LS

Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024-25 in LS

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday presented the Economic Survey 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha. The Economic Survey is an annual document presented by the government ahead of the Union Budget to review the state of the economy.

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Putin's State visit will centre on fixing the huge India-Russia trade imbalance, with both sides pushing to lower duties, ease non-tariff barriers, and seal a landmark mobility pact to send more Indian workers to Russia.