News for 'Foreign Ministry'

TOPS shake-up: Neeraj Chopra retained but big names axed

TOPS shake-up: Neeraj Chopra retained but big names axed

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is among only three track and field athletes retained in the sports ministry's revamped TOPS core group.

Don't cross the red line: Taliban warn Pakistan

Don't cross the red line: Taliban warn Pakistan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Barmal district of Paktika province, which left 46 dead and six injured, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan on Wednesday summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

Tighter norms, rising compliance failures driving scrutiny for startups

Tighter norms, rising compliance failures driving scrutiny for startups

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, once hailed as rising stars in India's clean energy sector, are now facing serious regulatory action.

Israeli foreign minister cuts short India visit following 'security update'

Israeli foreign minister cuts short India visit following 'security update'

Rediff.com9 May 2023

'In light of the events in Israel, Foreign Minister Cohen decided to cut short his diplomatic visit to India and return to Israel after the meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that will take place today'

'Maritime Development Fund to generate Rs 1.5 trillion investment by 2030'

'Maritime Development Fund to generate Rs 1.5 trillion investment by 2030'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'Additionally, the significant employment multiplier will boost direct and indirect jobs of up to 1.1 million.'

US trade official begins India visit days before Trump's reciprocal tariff kicks in

US trade official begins India visit days before Trump's reciprocal tariff kicks in

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Brendan Lynch, the assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia, will pay a five-day visit to India beginning Tuesday, days before US President Donald Trump's tit-for-tat tariff kicks in. The senior US trade official is expected to hold talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal besides meeting a number of senior Indian officials.

FCRA licence of NGOs will be scrapped if..., warns govt

FCRA licence of NGOs will be scrapped if..., warns govt

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

FCRA registration will also be cancelled if any NGO is not utilising foreign funding as per the aims and objectives of the NGO or if it has not uploaded the annual returns, the ministry said.

Bank Deposits: Govt Plans To Increase Insurance

Bank Deposits: Govt Plans To Increase Insurance

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Currently, deposits of up to Rs 5 lakh are covered under the deposit-insurance scheme.

India To Develop 50 Tourism Sites

India To Develop 50 Tourism Sites

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

In a continued push to spiritual tourism, there will be a focus on destinations related to the life and times of Lord Buddha.

ISKCON temple set afire, idol damaged near Dhaka

ISKCON temple set afire, idol damaged near Dhaka

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

A group of people set fire to an ISKCON temple in Dhaka district in Bangladesh in the early hours of Saturday.

Amid Covid spurt, China to reopen for foreign travellers from Jan 8

Amid Covid spurt, China to reopen for foreign travellers from Jan 8

Rediff.com28 Dec 2022

Days after it faced nationwide anti-government protests against its stringent zero-Covid policy, China in a major shift of its coronavirus response policies has announced that it will scrap quarantine for international travellers from January 8 as it reopens its borders and comes out of international isolation after nearly three years.

China holds 'warning' drills around Taiwan

China holds 'warning' drills around Taiwan

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

China on Monday conducted day-long large-scale military drills aimed at surrounding Taiwan by deploying an aircraft carrier group, besides army, navy, air force and missile forces, in an apparent response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's remarks that Beijing has no authority to represent Taipei.

2 Chinese workers killed in Karachi blast, Beijing 'shocked'

2 Chinese workers killed in Karachi blast, Beijing 'shocked'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the blast was a suicide attack targeting a convoy of Chinese engineers and investors leaving the Jinnah International Airport.

Taliban order all NGOs to stop employing women

Taliban order all NGOs to stop employing women

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

The Taliban have announced they will close all national and foreign nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) employing women in Afghanistan.

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The resilience of the economy and strength of domestic demand will continue to make India an engine of growth amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape as a result of US tariffs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in London on Tuesday.

India, Taliban govt meet in Dubai; discuss Chabahar Port, cricket and aid

India, Taliban govt meet in Dubai; discuss Chabahar Port, cricket and aid

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

India has said it will consider engaging in development projects in Afghanistan and provide material support to the country in the health sector. The announcement came after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with the Taliban regime's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai.

India, China to resume Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights

India, China to resume Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

India and China on Monday decided to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as the two sides agreed to take certain people-centric steps to 'stabilise and rebuild' ties.

Three Pak hockey players seek asylum in Europe, banned by PHF

Three Pak hockey players seek asylum in Europe, banned by PHF

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

The former Olympian acknowledged that while the PHF's financial situation was challenging and that players had faced delays in their travel allowances and daily subsistence payments, these issues did not justify abandoning the national team and bringing disrepute to the country.

Iran: Trump Talks Tough, But Keeps Door Open

Iran: Trump Talks Tough, But Keeps Door Open

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The stage may be set for a recalibrated US-Iran relationship, suggests Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The finance minister, in her Budget speech, should focus more on what she is directly responsible for, rather than on programmes where her role is largely supportive, notes Nitin Desai.

Outward foreign direct investment by Indian companies stabilises in FY24

Outward foreign direct investment by Indian companies stabilises in FY24

Rediff.com22 Apr 2024

The outward foreign direct investment (FDI) by Indian companies stabilised in 2023-24 (FY24) after witnessing a fall in 2022-23 (FY23). The actual outward FDI inched up slightly to $13.75 billion in FY24 from $13.49 billion in the previous financial year (FY23), according to finance ministry data. This stability came after a sharp fall in outward flows in FY23 from $18.52 billion in 2021-22 (FY22).

New-age, standardised courses in skill ministry's 100-day plan

New-age, standardised courses in skill ministry's 100-day plan

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

In the first 100 days of the next government, the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship (MSDE) is planning to introduce new-age courses to suit the changing industry needs. It is set to standardise skilling courses to facilitate easier migration of workers and introduce counselling and mentorship on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi - during a Cabinet meeting - was reported to have instructed his ministers to draft roadmaps for the first 100 days and next five years of the next government.

Ministry urges Covid-19 insurance cover for foreign tourists

Ministry urges Covid-19 insurance cover for foreign tourists

Rediff.com8 Dec 2020

Indian and global airlines such as SpiceJet, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic among others too are marketing Covid-19 insurance products to attract passengers.

India hopes for temporary tariff waiver as US official comes calling

India hopes for temporary tariff waiver as US official comes calling

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

India and the United States will finalize the contours, schedule of negotiations, and terms of reference for a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) during a three-day meeting beginning Tuesday. The agreement is expected to be finalized in two tranches, with the first phase focusing on goods trade. The US team, led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, will be in India from March 25-29 to discuss the agreement. Both countries are aiming to conclude the first phase of the agreement by fall 2025.

'Positive progress' made to resolve border row: China

'Positive progress' made to resolve border row: China

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

China and India have made 'positive progress' to resolve the border standoff, with both sides maintaining close communication through diplomatic and military channels, a senior foreign ministry official said in Beijing on Friday.

Indian national killed in mosque shooting in Muscat

Indian national killed in mosque shooting in Muscat

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

An Indian national was among six people killed in a rare shooting attack by Islamic State militant group near a Shia Muslim mosque in Oman's capital.

Can China broker Pak-Iran peace deal post-missile strikes?

Can China broker Pak-Iran peace deal post-missile strikes?

Rediff.com22 Jan 2024

The foreign ministry's statement came amidst the reported visit of Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to Pakistan on a mediation mission.

Jaishankar to attend Trump's swearing-in ceremony

Jaishankar to attend Trump's swearing-in ceremony

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States on January 20.

Why a Pakistani man living in police station in Mumbai

Why a Pakistani man living in police station in Mumbai

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

A 65-year-old Pakistani man, Nadir Munir Khan, has been residing in a room at the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg police station in Mumbai for the past four months, awaiting deportation after serving a sentence for illegal entry into India. He was arrested in April 2024 for being found roaming suspiciously near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus without a visa or necessary documents. Khan claims he was cheated in Nepal, assaulted, and robbed, leading him to enter India illegally. The police have contacted Pakistani authorities and are awaiting their response for Khan's deportation.

Modi gifts Gangajal from Kumbh to Mauritius Prez Dharam Gokhool

Modi gifts Gangajal from Kumbh to Mauritius Prez Dharam Gokhool

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day state visit to Mauritius, presented President Dharam Gokhool with Gangajal from the Maha Kumbh Mela. The visit marks Modi's return to Mauritius after nearly a decade, showcasing the strong relationship between India and Mauritius.

Ladakh Disengagement: What's The Reality?

Ladakh Disengagement: What's The Reality?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

The government needs to answer the critical question of whether it has accepted any restrictions on its infrastructure creation activities, asserts Ajai Shukla.

India lists theatre commands, simpler defence procurement for 2025

India lists theatre commands, simpler defence procurement for 2025

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

India has declared 2025 as the year of defence reforms, aiming to establish integrated theatre commands to enhance synergy among the three armed forces and transform the military into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force. The reforms will also focus on streamlining acquisition procedures, promoting collaboration, and leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics.

Day after, this is what China has to say on Modi-Xi meet

Day after, this is what China has to say on Modi-Xi meet

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

China on Thursday said the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia's Kazan on Wednesday carries a "great significance" as they reached an "important common understandings" to improve the bilateral ties.

China confirms, standoff in Ladakh is over

China confirms, standoff in Ladakh is over

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

China on Tuesday confirmed that it has reached an agreement with India to end the standoff between the two armies in eastern Ladakh.

Why China conveyed 'heartfelt appreciation' to Indian Navy

Why China conveyed 'heartfelt appreciation' to Indian Navy

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

China on Thursday conveyed its 'heartfelt appreciation' to the Indian Navy for rescuing a critically injured Chinese mariner from a cargo ship off the Mumbai coast and providing him with timely medical treatment.

Bulldozer will roll if needed: Fadnavis on Nagpur violence

Bulldozer will roll if needed: Fadnavis on Nagpur violence

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Fadnavis further said it was too early to comment on a foreign or Bangladeshi link to the riots as the probe is underway.

BFI vs IOA: Why Indian boxing is in turmoil

BFI vs IOA: Why Indian boxing is in turmoil

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Abuse of power, financial misconduct, and the never-ending turf wars are now coming to light as Boxing Federation of India's officials jostle to escape blame for the shocking turn of events.

Crypto use suspected in terrorism, secessionist activities: FIU report

Crypto use suspected in terrorism, secessionist activities: FIU report

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

A trends study conducted by India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has expressed suspicion that cryptocurrency is being used across the country in serious criminal acts like terrorist financing, fuelling secessionist activities, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, illegal betting and gambling. The report, which was based on suspicious transaction reports and operational analysis, shared these trends and credible intelligence with law enforcement agencies.

Reconsider denial of Agnipath records, CIC tells defence ministry

Reconsider denial of Agnipath records, CIC tells defence ministry

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

Durve argued that the word 'secret' is nowhere in the exemption clause under which information could be denied to an applicant.