News for 'Foreign Office'

India Inc lauds Budget for bold bets on AI, data centres

India Inc lauds Budget for bold bets on AI, data centres

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

India Inc on Sunday hailed the Union Budget 2026-27 as a 'structural shift' in the country's technology landscape, noting that the government is moving beyond fragmented pilots to build foundational layers where AI serves as a 'horizontal enabler' for the entire economy.

Eight soldiers injured in encounter with terrorists in J-K

Eight soldiers injured in encounter with terrorists in J-K

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

The intense exchange of fire between the two sides lasted several hours before the guns fell silent. Reinforcements have been deployed to strengthen the cordon and neutralise the terrorists, the officials said.

Mark Tully Was India's Voice To The World

Mark Tully Was India's Voice To The World

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'Mark had such a profound understanding of India, which was, of course, the land of his birth as well as of his death... He loved India, and lived two-thirds of his life here.'

Pakistan presses Taliban in Istanbul talks over cross-border terror

Pakistan presses Taliban in Istanbul talks over cross-border terror

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Pakistan has handed over evidence-based demands to mediators in Istanbul talks with the Afghan Taliban, aiming to end cross-border terrorism. The talks follow recent border clashes and aim to defuse tensions between the two sides.

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

I am inclined to believe that the Venezuela adventure is not an indication of American strength, alas, but rather of American weakness, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

Maduro's Link to Sathya Sai Baba...

Maduro's Link to Sathya Sai Baba...

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Long before he became Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro's life intersected with India in a profound personal way.

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India resumed hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, addressing the use of Aadhaar and concerns about voter deletions.

A long-game Budget

A long-game Budget

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Union Budget for 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, which was a first, had an excellent domestic macro backdrop. According to the first advance estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) in constant prices is projected to grow 7.4 per cent in the current financial year, against 6.5 per cent in 2024-25.

Not foreign hand, unruly youths behind violence: Leh Apex Body

Not foreign hand, unruly youths behind violence: Leh Apex Body

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) is demanding a judicial probe into the recent violence in Leh, which resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries. The LAB co-chairman, Chering Dorjay, denies any foreign involvement and alleges excessive force by police and CRPF personnel.

Mutual fund SIP inflows surge to Rs 3.34 lakh cr in 2025; contributions peaked in Dec

Mutual fund SIP inflows surge to Rs 3.34 lakh cr in 2025; contributions peaked in Dec

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Mutual fund investment through systematic investment plans (SIPs) has surged to an all-time high of Rs 3.34 lakh crore in 2025, driven by growing investor appetite for disciplined, long-term wealth creation.

Reits keep lights on for India's office leasing as market flickers

Reits keep lights on for India's office leasing as market flickers

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

With average returns of 18 per cent over the past year, listed real estate investment trusts (Reits) have clearly outperformed both the Nifty Realty index and the Sensex. Over the same period, Nifty Realty fell 15.5 per cent, while the benchmark index was largely unchanged. Steady office leasing, the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (Sebi's) decision to reclassify Reits as equity instruments, and ongoing portfolio expansion have strengthened the sector's appeal.

Weaker Rupee: Plan Overseas Goals

Weaker Rupee: Plan Overseas Goals

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Investors must account for currency depreciation in their financial plans and use instruments that can cushion the erosion in purchasing power.

India flags 'huge mountain of debt' in developed nations as matter of concern

India flags 'huge mountain of debt' in developed nations as matter of concern

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The "huge mountain of debt" in developed economies and the risk of a possible unravelling is a matter of concern for India, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday, pointing to the recent spike in Japanese bond yields.

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and setting up of 'mechanisms' to ensure lasting peace after days of violent clashes along the border that left several soldiers, civilians, and terrorists dead on both sides, officials said on Sunday.

Switzerland Mourns New Year Tragedy

Switzerland Mourns New Year Tragedy

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

On the night of January 1, more then 40 people died and over 100 others injured in a non-arson fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Will India continue to remain an attractive FDI destination in 2026?

Will India continue to remain an attractive FDI destination in 2026?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

FDI inflows into India are expected to register robust growth in 2026, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, big-ticket investment announcements, sustained efforts to improve the ease of doing business, and a new generation of investment-linked trade pacts.

First-time luxury buyers power BMW to record sales

First-time luxury buyers power BMW to record sales

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The share of first-time luxury customers in BMW's portfolio has risen sharply -- from around 43 per cent in 2024 to nearly 49 per cent in 2025. In some models, the figure is even higher.

Three key drivers for the equity markets this week

Three key drivers for the equity markets this week

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Macroeconomic data announcements, global trends and trading activity of foreign investors would be major driving factors for market movement this week, analysts said. Unabated capital infusion by domestic institutional investors have supported the positive trend in the stock market last week, traders said.

Godman used threats, foreign trip promises to assault EWS students

Godman used threats, foreign trip promises to assault EWS students

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The self-styled godman on the run after allegedly sexually assaulting several female students of a management institute in New Delhi, allegedly pressured them with threats of lower grades and lured them with promises of foreign trips, an officer said on Wednesday.

Nepal PM Karki dials Modi in 1st foreign outreach

Nepal PM Karki dials Modi in 1st foreign outreach

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

PM Modi congratulated Karki on her historic appointment as the first female Prime Minister of Nepal.

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Over 10.56 lakh voters have been deleted from Assam's electoral rolls following a Special Revision, ahead of upcoming assembly elections. The revision included house-to-house verification and aims to create an error-free electoral roll.

India, UK hold annual foreign office consultations

India, UK hold annual foreign office consultations

Rediff.com1 Jun 2012

India and the UK on held their annual foreign office consulations during which they discussed a number of key bilateral issues with focus on trade and visa besides regional matters.

Be ready for SIR rollout by Sep 30: EC tells state officers

Be ready for SIR rollout by Sep 30: EC tells state officers

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are due in 2026.

Hindu youth jumps into canal to escape mob in Bangladesh, dies

Hindu youth jumps into canal to escape mob in Bangladesh, dies

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

A 25-year-old Hindu man died after jumping into a canal to escape a mob which accused him of theft in northwestern Bangladesh, in the latest incident of violence targeting the minority community. The incident highlights rising concerns about communal violence in the lead-up to general elections.

Mercedes-Benz Hits Speed Bump In 2025, Vows To Stay Course

Mercedes-Benz Hits Speed Bump In 2025, Vows To Stay Course

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Despite a 2.8 per cent fall in 2025 volumes, Mercedes-Benz India reported its best-ever revenue and profitability, led by top-end models, AMG growth and higher BEV mix.

Musharraf gave control of Pak's nukes to US: Ex-CIA officer

Musharraf gave control of Pak's nukes to US: Ex-CIA officer

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

'The United States loves working with dictators' 'Because then you don't have to worry about public opinion and you don't have to worry about the media anymore'

Rupee recovers 55 paise from all-time low to close at 90.38/USD

Rupee recovers 55 paise from all-time low to close at 90.38/USD

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The rupee recovered 55 paise from its all-time low level to close at 90.38 against the US dollar after a volatile trade on Wednesday, amid suspected aggressive central bank intervention.

A Long-Term Portfolio Should Include...

A Long-Term Portfolio Should Include...

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'...a mix of asset classes.' 'Include equities for growth (across market caps), debt for stability and liquidity, gold as a hedge against macro and currency risk, and global assets for geographical and economic diversification.'

Modi, Merz set for Ahmedabad talks amid rising global tensions

Modi, Merz set for Ahmedabad talks amid rising global tensions

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

In their talks, Modi and Merz are likely to deliberate on trade and investment ties as New Delhi is looking at deepening economic engagement with Europe against the backdrop of Washington's 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, people familiar with the matter said.

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Why China's Claim On Shaksgam Valley Is Baseless

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Today's situation in the Shaksgam Valley is the consequence of what happened in Gilgit in 1947. But is India ready to militarily get back its territories? asks Claude Arpi.

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban resume peace talks in Istanbul

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban resume peace talks in Istanbul

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have resumed peace talks in Istanbul, aiming to address cross-border terrorism and prevent further escalation. The talks follow recent clashes and a temporary ceasefire, with Pakistan demanding that Afghan soil not be used for terrorism.

3 Afghan cricketers among several killed in Pak airstrikes

3 Afghan cricketers among several killed in Pak airstrikes

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Pakistan launched fresh air strikes targeting terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, killing several people, including three cricketers, casting a shadow over the expected talks in Doha amid a fragile ceasefire that had temporarily halted hostilities between the two sides.

PSBs' staff count rises for 1st time in 5 years

PSBs' staff count rises for 1st time in 5 years

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Public sector banks' (PSBs') employee count grew for the first time in five years while private sector banks' staff strength saw a decline in 2024-25 (FY25), according to latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The employee count of state-owned lenders rose 0.22 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to 757,641 at the end of March 31, 2025 from 756,015 in FY24.

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.

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to 48-hour ceasefire

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to 48-hour ceasefire

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

Pakistan announced a 48-hour ceasefire with Afghanistan following deadly border clashes. The agreement aims to facilitate dialogue and find a resolution to the conflict.

Russia shares 'evidence' of attack on Putin's residence with US

Russia shares 'evidence' of attack on Putin's residence with US

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Days after Russia alleged that Ukraine targeted President Vladimir Putin's official residence in a drone attack, Russian authorities on Thursday said they had shared what they described as evidence related to the incident with the United States, Anadolu Agency reported.

Pakistan desires stability of Afghanistan: Foreign Office

Pakistan desires stability of Afghanistan: Foreign Office

Rediff.com5 Dec 2011

Pakistan boycotted the Bonn Conference to emphasise to the world community the importance of its sovereignty even though it wants peace and stability in Afghanistan, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said on Monday.

Will have to do something hard way: Trump on Greenland

Will have to do something hard way: Trump on Greenland

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

United States President Donald Trump reiterated the claims of having to do 'something' about Greenland, saying that if US doesn't take any action, Russia and China would spring in and that Washington, DC does not want to have them as neighbours.

Goa nightclub fire: Kazakh dancer performed without business visa

Goa nightclub fire: Kazakh dancer performed without business visa

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

A video was earlier circulated on social media showing the bursting of electric firecrackers and the blaze appearing from the roof of the nightclub. It shows Kristina, who was performing belly dance, and band members, rushing out in panic as the fire spread rapidly.

8 Countries With World's Most Frequent Travellers

8 Countries With World's Most Frequent Travellers

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Who are the biggest world wanderers?