News for 'First in Economics'

Drought: Is Maharashtra Growing The Wrong Crops?

Drought: Is Maharashtra Growing The Wrong Crops?

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

'Nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra has been drought-prone on and off, and climate change is making it worse.'

'Monetary Policy Can Bring Inflation To The Target'

'Monetary Policy Can Bring Inflation To The Target'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

'In fact, when monetary policy has been deployed, it does not distinguish between types of shocks. It goes straight for the kill.'

How Much Did FPIs Sell In September?

How Much Did FPIs Sell In September?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

They had bought Rs 29,631 crore worth of shares in August.

Astrobase Unveils India's First Private FFSC Rocket Engine

Astrobase Unveils India's First Private FFSC Rocket Engine

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Astrobase Space Technologies, a Bengaluru-based startup, has unveiled 'EVEREST', India's first privately built full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) LOX-Methane rocket engine. This advanced engine, designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles, aims to enhance India's position in the global space economy by providing high-performance propulsion systems for future satellite deployments.

F1 returns to Africa after 33 years, with Rwanda set to host Grand Prix from early 2030s

F1 returns to Africa after 33 years, with Rwanda set to host Grand Prix from early 2030s

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Formula One will return to Africa after 33 years, with Rwanda securing a 10-year deal to host a Grand Prix from the early 2030s, promising tourism, investment and jobs.

Hyundai to invest additional Rs 4,000 crore in Maharashtra, doubling Pune plant capacity

Hyundai to invest additional Rs 4,000 crore in Maharashtra, doubling Pune plant capacity

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Korean auto major Hyundai plans to invest an additional Rs 4,000 crore in Maharashtra by 2030, aiming to nearly double capacity at its new Pune manufacturing plant to 320,000 units per annum in a phased manner, a top company executive said.

'Rotate Strike': How West Indies Plan To Counter India's Spin Threat

'Rotate Strike': How West Indies Plan To Counter India's Spin Threat

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul urged his batters to "rotate the strike" and rely on their better players of spin to "counter" India's three-pronged spin-bowling attack.

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively courting Sri Lanka's Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist party with strong Sinhalese nationalist roots, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations despite ideological differences. This engagement, highlighted by a recent high-profile visit by JVP leader Tilvin Silva, aims to foster cooperation on economic projects and address New Delhi's concerns over slow progress in India-aided initiatives in the island nation.

Western Australia Premier Highlights Cricket's Role In Strengthening India-Australia Relations

Western Australia Premier Highlights Cricket's Role In Strengthening India-Australia Relations

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook emphasised cricket's pivotal role in enhancing India-Australia relations, fostering business development, economic ties, and trade. He highlighted the upcoming Big Bash League match in Chennai and the opening of the University of Western Australia campus in Mumbai as key initiatives strengthening bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange.

'Our Bodies Are Wild Beings'

'Our Bodies Are Wild Beings'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

'Growing up in Bangladesh, I always felt that I was a piece of meat. As soon as I walked down the street, I could be the president of Bangladesh and I would still be a piece of meat because I am a woman.'

Nifty 50 trails Asian peers: What's holding back Indian equities?

Nifty 50 trails Asian peers: What's holding back Indian equities?

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Indian equities, particularly the Nifty 50, have significantly underperformed their Asian and global counterparts over the past year, with the index down 10.6 per cent. This lag is attributed to factors like rising global oil prices, rupee depreciation, and a lack of participation in the global chipmaker rally that boosted markets like South Korea and Taiwan.

'Best environment' despite complaints? OCA defends Aichi-Nagoya Games

'Best environment' despite complaints? OCA defends Aichi-Nagoya Games

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Olympic Council of Asia defended the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games despite accommodation and transport complaints, saying mega multi-sport events always face challenges.

Finance Ministry to begin pre-Budget meetings from Oct 12

Finance Ministry to begin pre-Budget meetings from Oct 12

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry is set to commence its pre-budget meetings on October 12, initiating preparations for the Union Budget 2027-28, which will be the fourth budget of the Modi 3.0 government and the tenth for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Xi concludes US visit, says talks with Trump added 'new substance' to ties

Xi concludes US visit, says talks with Trump added 'new substance' to ties

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his three-day visit to the US, stating that his discussions with President Donald Trump had injected "new substance" into the China-US relationship. Both leaders expressed optimism for future cooperation, with agreements reached on certain trade goods and discussions held on AI capabilities.

Pak, Turkiye to deploy forces in Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Pak, Turkiye to deploy forces in Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to deploy military forces in Saudi Arabia as part of the Makkah Alliance for Defence. This decision follows recent attacks by Houthi rebels and aims to strengthen collective deterrence against threats to Saudi Arabia. The alliance, formed in August, considers an attack on one member as an attack on all.

Why RBI Should Increase Rates In October

Why RBI Should Increase Rates In October

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A 25-basis-point increase would restore some real monetary restraint when expected inflation has risen, liquidity remains easy and growth is strong, points out Amarendu Nandy.

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, strongly criticised Pakistan for its support of terrorism, asserting India's right to self-defence and stating that friendship cannot coexist with terrorism. He also highlighted India's global responsibilities, contributions to the Global South, and its stance on reformed multilateralism and AI.

Mumbai-Navi Mumbai Flight Shift Put On Hold

Mumbai-Navi Mumbai Flight Shift Put On Hold

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The process agreed on Tuesday will require MIAL to first build stakeholder agreement on the transition before taking the plan through the regulatory approval process.

Did Gandhiji's use of 'Ram Rajya' put off Muslims?

Did Gandhiji's use of 'Ram Rajya' put off Muslims?

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Historian Ramachandra Guha, at the launch of his book "Arguments with Gandhi", discussed Mahatma Gandhi's use of "Ram Rajya", acknowledging it could be "off-putting to Muslims" despite Gandhi's interfaith practice. Guha highlighted Gandhi's pluralistic approach, his efforts to protect minorities after Partition, and his contributions to the anti-untouchability campaign, often overlooked in contemporary discourse. The book also examines Gandhi's disagreements with figures like Ambedkar, Savarkar, Nehru, and Bhagat Singh.

Rashtrapati Bhavan rolls out all-veg Kashmiri banquet for Swiss president

Rashtrapati Bhavan rolls out all-veg Kashmiri banquet for Swiss president

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

President Droupadi Murmu hosted Swiss President Guy Parmelin at a banquet featuring exquisite delicacies from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The curated menu highlighted unique regional ingredients and culinary traditions, serving as a cultural exchange alongside significant bilateral discussions on trade, migration, nuclear energy, and defence.

Indian Factories Pull Back on New Investments in FY25, Prioritising Employment Growth

Indian Factories Pull Back on New Investments in FY25, Prioritising Employment Growth

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Indian factories saw an 8 per cent decline in gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) in FY25, marking the first drop since the pandemic, despite achieving record high employment generation, according to the latest Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data.

Indian Stars Gill, Abhishek, Charani, Shafali Vie for ICC Player of the Month

Indian Stars Gill, Abhishek, Charani, Shafali Vie for ICC Player of the Month

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Indian cricketers Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sree Charani, and Shafali Verma have been shortlisted for the ICC Men's and Women's Player of the Month awards for September, recognising their exceptional performances in recent international matches.

India's Real Estate Sector Attracts Record $9.5 Billion Inflows in Q3 2026

India's Real Estate Sector Attracts Record $9.5 Billion Inflows in Q3 2026

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

India's real estate sector recorded an unprecedented $9.5 billion in capital inflows during Q3 2026, primarily driven by foreign investors' strong interest in data centres, according to a CBRE Group report.

How Young Professionals And Women Are Reshaping India's Investment Landscape

How Young Professionals And Women Are Reshaping India's Investment Landscape

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

A new EY India report highlights how young professionals, women wealth creators, entrepreneurs, ESOP beneficiaries, and digitally active consumers from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are fundamentally changing India's wealth ecosystem. This shift is evidenced by increased participation of young and women investors, a rise in disciplined investing via SIPs, and the crucial role of Digital Public Infrastructure in democratizing access to long-term wealth creation. The report predicts over 100 million new investors by 2035.

Pakistan, Turkiye vow to defend Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Pakistan, Turkiye vow to defend Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Top defence officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye have affirmed their commitment to the Makkah Defence Alliance, a trilateral pact aimed at collective security against threats, particularly from Yemen's Houthi rebels. The alliance, formed last month, considers an attack on one as an attack on all, and its members met in Riyadh to discuss intelligence sharing, military coordination, and capability integration to defend Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

How BRICS evolved from an acronym to a major global powerhouse

How BRICS evolved from an acronym to a major global powerhouse

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

This article details the quarter-century journey of BRICS, from its inception as an economic acronym by a Goldman Sachs economist to its current status as an expanded eleven-member international bloc. It highlights its growth, key historical moments, and the significance of its upcoming summit, particularly with Iran's renewed importance in discussions.

Rupee stabilises in H1FY27 amid RBI interventions, global pressures persist

Rupee stabilises in H1FY27 amid RBI interventions, global pressures persist

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

After a significant 9.9% depreciation in FY26, the Indian rupee has shown comparative stability in the first half of FY27, depreciating by only 1.1%, attributed to regulatory interventions and measures to attract foreign capital, despite ongoing global pressures from rising crude oil prices and foreign investor outflows.

Iranian President reaches Delhi for BRICS Summit, to meet Modi today

Iranian President reaches Delhi for BRICS Summit, to meet Modi today

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS summit, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance trade and strengthen overall relations. His visit is particularly significant given the heightened tensions in West Asia and recent US economic sanctions against Iran. Pezeshkian highlighted BRICS' role in fostering economic resilience and reducing dependence on the US dollar, while the summit itself aims to address global challenges and bolster collective resilience in critical sectors.

BRICS represents 50% of world population, 40% of GDP: Ramaphosa

BRICS represents 50% of world population, 40% of GDP: Ramaphosa

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday described BRICS as an important global forum, highlighting the grouping's growing demographic and economic weight and noting that its members account for around half of the world's population and 40 percent of global GDP.

India Inc's credit quality robust in H1FY27, but global risks loom

India Inc's credit quality robust in H1FY27, but global risks loom

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Indian corporate sector demonstrated strong credit quality in the first half of FY27, driven by robust balance sheets and healthy liquidity, despite facing risks from elevated crude prices, inflation, and global interest rates.

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The political confidence required to place high-end Japanese aircraft and personnel on Indian soil is itself a data point.
It indicates a level of trust that would have been difficult to imagine when India-Japan defence ties were largely symbolic, explains Varun Arya.

India shifts Ukraine strategy, engages with Kyiv, Moscow

India shifts Ukraine strategy, engages with Kyiv, Moscow

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has publicly acknowledged India's intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, engaging directly with both Kyiv and Moscow. India is focusing on critical issues like Black Sea shipping safety, grain exports, and energy supplies, moving beyond its previous advocacy role. Jaishankar also highlighted India's historical ties with Russia and discussed the evolving global geopolitical landscape, including the repositioning of the US and the rise of China.

WOMEN INTERRUPTED: Building Bridges For Women To Return To The Workplace

WOMEN INTERRUPTED: Building Bridges For Women To Return To The Workplace

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

A career break does not erase the experience that came before it. But the labour market can act as though it does. The more women invest in building professional careers, the more costly an interruption can become. How, then, do we enable women to make a comeback? Whose responsibility is it? asks Radha Roy Biswas.

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Wars, tariffs test BRICS unity as leaders gather in Delhi

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from major emerging economies to address global challenges like trade disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and the economic impact of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India, as chair, aims to position BRICS as an economic growth engine, focusing on the Global South's food, energy, and supply chain security. The summit also highlights the grouping's expansion and its growing influence in global governance.

Modi-Pezeshkian meet: India calls for dialogue in West Asia, safe navigation

Modi-Pezeshkian meet: India calls for dialogue in West Asia, safe navigation

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New Delhi for talks focusing on the West Asia situation, bilateral relations, and BRICS cooperation. The meeting, Pezeshkian's first visit to India as president, comes amidst heightened tensions in West Asia due to new US sanctions on Iran and concerns over global oil supplies from the Strait of Hormuz. Both leaders emphasised regional stability and economic resilience.

How IIT-Kanpur's AI System Can Revolutionise Welfare Delivery

How IIT-Kanpur's AI System Can Revolutionise Welfare Delivery

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

IIT-Kanpur has developed an AI-powered "Family Score" system to identify households needing welfare support using existing government data. This system, demonstrated in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh government, aims to provide a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional surveys for assessing socio-economic conditions and ensuring targeted welfare delivery.

STAGE Pioneers AI Filmmaking With Sir Chhotu Ram Biopic

STAGE Pioneers AI Filmmaking With Sir Chhotu Ram Biopic

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Regional OTT platform STAGE is set to release India's first AI-made biopic on farmer leader Sir Chhotu Ram. The project leverages artificial intelligence for various aspects of filmmaking, from visualisation to character generation, aiming to reduce production costs and expand storytelling possibilities for underserved cultures and languages.

My Twin Won Gold, Silver, Bronze And Broke A Record

My Twin Won Gold, Silver, Bronze And Broke A Record

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Vithya Ramraj won three medals at the Asian Games and broke P T Usha's 42-year-old record. Her twin Nithya, an international athlete herself, ruled out of the Games by an injury, looks back at their journey from a rented home to a podium finish.

Meesho's unique value-commerce model faces stiff competition, premium valuations

Meesho's unique value-commerce model faces stiff competition, premium valuations

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Meesho, a value-commerce platform targeting middle- and lower-income geographies, is poised for significant growth driven by its asset-light model and low fulfilment costs, but faces intense competition from e-commerce giants and high valuations.

Moody's upgrades India's FY27 GDP growth to 7%, warns of crude, El Nino inflation

Moody's upgrades India's FY27 GDP growth to 7%, warns of crude, El Nino inflation

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Moody's Ratings has sharply increased India's GDP growth forecast for fiscal 2026-27 to 7 per cent, making it the fastest among G20 economies, driven by economic resilience despite the Middle East conflict. However, the agency flagged significant inflation risks stemming from elevated oil prices and potential El Nino disruptions.