News for 'Foreign Office'

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

The Indo-Pak Hyphen Became Blurred

The Indo-Pak Hyphen Became Blurred

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'We are too important to want to be paired with Pakistan but too intensely connected to it to successfully detach ourselves,' asserts Aakar Patel.

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Hours after being dismissed from service for 'concealing' his marriage with a Pakistani woman, Central Reserve Police Force trooper Munir Ahmed said he solemnised his marriage nearly a month after getting permission from the force's headquarters last year.

Trump's 'Gold Card': Get US residency in $5 million

Trump's 'Gold Card': Get US residency in $5 million

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will introduce a 'gold card' for wealthy foreigners, granting them the right to live and work in the country, with a pathway to citizenship, in exchange for a $5 million fee, CNN reported.

Shouldn't harm us, warns China after Modi-Trump meet

Shouldn't harm us, warns China after Modi-Trump meet

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

No one should make China an issue in their bilateral relations and their cooperation should not harm the interests of another country, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday reacting to queries on the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Trump.

Operation Sindoor: The Precision Of Surprise

Operation Sindoor: The Precision Of Surprise

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'You can be sure that the Pakistanis knew when the Indian Air Force aircraft took off, which type these were, and what their likely targets were.' 'The question was: How would they determine that the IAF wanted to fire, and when to bounce them?', notes Shekhar Gupta.

The Magnificent 7: FPIs' Wild Ride In Selloff

The Magnificent 7: FPIs' Wild Ride In Selloff

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Since October, FPIs have offloaded Indian equities worth Rs 2.1 trillion.

Has US Averted India-Pakistan War?

Has US Averted India-Pakistan War?

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The 'mediation' by the United States from behind the scene on the diplomatic track appears to be once again working, which calls on both Delhi and Islamabad to show restraint and pull back from a military confrontation, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Evera Cabs bets on BluSmart EVs to drive Rs 100 crore revenue in FY26

Evera Cabs bets on BluSmart EVs to drive Rs 100 crore revenue in FY26

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Delhi-based electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing firm Evera Cabs, which grabbed headlines after acquiring 500 cars from the now-defunct cab service BluSmart, is stepping up its presence in the EV cab segment. The company is aiming for revenue of Rs 100 crore in the ongoing financial year (2025-26), up from Rs 18 crore in 2024-25.

Private equity's next leap hinges on local fund needs and buyouts

Private equity's next leap hinges on local fund needs and buyouts

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

India's private equity industry is evolving, with local funds securing substantial capital and achieving consistent returns. During a panel discussion at TiEcon Mumbai 2025, industry leaders emphasised growing opportunities in scaling buyouts and expanding domestic investor participation.

India's next big business op: Hub for undersea cables?

India's next big business op: Hub for undersea cables?

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

While India has become the largest data generating nation, and hosts more than 152 data centres, it is fed by only 18 undersea cables.

Cognizant looks to break into top four IT services companies by 2027

Cognizant looks to break into top four IT services companies by 2027

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Cognizant has said it aims to be back among India's top four IT services companies by 2027 by improving revenue, market share, bagging large deals, and gradual margin expansion. The Nasdaq-listed company does a major part of its business in India, but has trailed peers such as Tata Consultancy Services and Accenture over the last few years as growth tapered, margins squeezed, and attrition soared.

Navy Seeks To Build Bonds With African Nations

Navy Seeks To Build Bonds With African Nations

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The maiden Africa India Key Maritime Engagement exercise will be held from April 13 to 18 off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

We can defend ourselves: Pak reacts to Rajnath

We can defend ourselves: Pak reacts to Rajnath

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

A statement by the foreign office in Islamabad said that Pakistan has always demonstrated its commitment to peace in the region but its desire for peace should not be misconstrued.

US sanctions Indian national for shipping Iranian oil

US sanctions Indian national for shipping Iranian oil

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The US has sanctioned an Indian national based in the United Arab Emirates and two India-based entities for operating as part of Iran's shadow fleet and involved in shipping Iranian oil. The US Department of the Treasury said Jugwinder Singh Brar, who owns multiple shipping companies, operates as part of Iran's shadow fleet, which the US said is used to evade sanctions and transport Iranian oil. Brar also owns or controls India-based shipping company Global Tankers Private Limited and petrochemical sales company B and P Solutions Private Limited. The sanctions come as part of a US campaign of maximum pressure on Iran and target the country's petroleum and petrochemical sectors.

India foils Pak's drone strikes at 26 sites; Punjab family hurt

India foils Pak's drone strikes at 26 sites; Punjab family hurt

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Meanwhile, a precautionary blackout has been enforfced in the multiple areas amid the esclating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Don't Blame Tax Rate For Market Volatility

Don't Blame Tax Rate For Market Volatility

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'Tax rate and stock markets are entirely two different things.'

'US Wants To Use India To Beat Up China'

'US Wants To Use India To Beat Up China'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'Don't play the American game... India is too big for a US game.'

Exiting Markets Now Could Cost You

Exiting Markets Now Could Cost You

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Investors should avoid making drastic changes to their asset allocation during a market correction.

'Trump Admires Only Himself'

'Trump Admires Only Himself'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'He may respect others, but he is unlikely to admire them'

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Terrorism and insurgency in J&K had subsided when India demolished East Pakistan -- for the simple reason that Pakistan understands power. We need to follow Chanakya's dictum of Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed for strategising against Pakistan, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd). The ground truth is that unless we are prepared to acknowledge our shortcomings, including massive intelligence failures, punish those responsible and take corrective actions, we will continue in the same vein, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd).

Sena leader Nirupam claims Bangladesh links to Nagpur violence

Sena leader Nirupam claims Bangladesh links to Nagpur violence

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has alleged the involvement of individuals with links to Bangladesh in the recent violence in Nagpur. Nirupam also claimed the violence was "pre-meditated" and was part of a larger conspiracy. He further expressed concerns about the broader implications of the stance of the Shiv Sena (UBT), suggesting the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has shifted to an "anti-Hindu" position. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, said it was too early to comment on a foreign or Bangladeshi link to the Nagpur violence.

Behind Trump's 26% tariff: India 'very tough, Modi great friend, but...'

Behind Trump's 26% tariff: India 'very tough, Modi great friend, but...'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

"Their Prime Minister just visited -- he's a great friend -- but I told him, 'You're not treating us right. You charge us 52%, while for years, decades even, we've c'harged you next to nothing. It wasn't until seven years ago, when I took office, that we started pushing back, beginning with China.'"

Trump shares video of Modi's podcast with Lex Fridman

Trump shares video of Modi's podcast with Lex Fridman

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

US President Donald Trump shared a video link of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with US-based popular podcaster and computer scientist Lex Fridman on his social media platform Truth Social. During the interaction lasting over three hours, Modi on Sunday said he and Trump connect well as both put their respective countries first and asserted that their mutual trust remained unshaken even when the Republican leader was out of office during Joe Biden's presidency. Modi recalled that during Trump's first term, he ignored security protocol and agreed to Modi's request to take a lap around the stadium hosting the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston. Modi also lauded Mahatma Gandhi's legacy and described himself as a peacemaker who has nudged both Russian and Ukrainian leaders to come to the negotiating table. In the podcast, Modi also opened up on a host of foreign affairs issues and touched on various aspects of his life journey.

'We Have Doubled Our Exposures To India'

'We Have Doubled Our Exposures To India'

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'Expect India to keep doing well irrespective of geopolitics.'

Trump admin freezes $50 mn fund for condoms in Gaza

Trump admin freezes $50 mn fund for condoms in Gaza

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

DOGE Leader Elon Musk said, "My guess is that a lot of that money ended up in the pockets Hamas, not actually condoms.

US judge stops Indian student's deportation weeks before graduation

US judge stops Indian student's deportation weeks before graduation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Krish Lal Isserdasani is an engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

How Sebi plans to ensure greater transparency and ease of doing business

How Sebi plans to ensure greater transparency and ease of doing business

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Under its new chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has gravitated towards greater transparency and ease of doing business, setting an objective of "effective and optimum" regulation. On Monday, during its first board meeting under Pandey, the regulator has decided to constitute a high-level committee (HLC) to review conflicts of interest and unveiled initiatives to simplify regulatory processes.

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Wake-Up Call For India-US Ties

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The real intention of the 'Tariff Man' (as Trump calls himself) may not even be to put the 'Tariff King' (as he describes India) on the mat with a knockout punch but to arm-twist the Indian leadership to agree to some multi-billion dollar mega arms deal, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'If the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation cuts funds, there could be more impact.'

ICC asks BCCI to explain why India won't go to Pakistan

ICC asks BCCI to explain why India won't go to Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

The ICC has officially asked for a written explanation from BCCI regarding its decision to not send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan.

Citi is keen to allocate more global roles to India

Citi is keen to allocate more global roles to India

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

US-based Citigroup is likely to allocate more global roles to India than to any other centre it operates in due to the country's strong talent pool, said Jane Fraser, chief executive officer of Citigroup, on Wednesday in an interaction with CNBC-TV18. Fraser also expressed confidence that India will remain the world's fastest-growing economy.

RBI conducts $10 bn forex swap to inject liquidity

RBI conducts $10 bn forex swap to inject liquidity

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) $10 billion US dollar-rupee buy-sell swap auction for three years received bids worth $16.23 billion on Friday, reflecting robust demand amid persistent liquidity deficit in the banking system. This was the second swap auction by the central bank after it infused $5 billion via six month-swap on January 31.

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.

L&T Q4 net profit jumps 25% to Rs 5,497 crore, beats Street estimates

L&T Q4 net profit jumps 25% to Rs 5,497 crore, beats Street estimates

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported a 25 per cent rise in net profit attributable to the owners of the company for the January-March quarter of 2024-25, owing to higher revenues and an exceptional gain. For the quarter under review, L&T posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 5,497.3 crore, while revenue rose 10.9 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 74,392.28 crore.

The Diplomat Review: John Abraham Plays It Safe

The Diplomat Review: John Abraham Plays It Safe

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The possibilities of this serviceable thriller are immense but the makers prefer to play it safe and hold back the daredevil in the diplomat's clothing, observes Sukanya Verma.

China vows to protect its firms after India, others ban DeepSeek

China vows to protect its firms after India, others ban DeepSeek

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

China has defended its newly-released AI tool DeepSeek, after several countries, including India, imposed restrictions on government officials accessing it. Beijing claims actions against DeepSeek amount to "politicisation" of trade and tech issues and vowed to protect the interests of its companies. India's Finance Ministry directed officials to avoid using DeepSeek on office devices, citing confidentiality risks. The tool has garnered global attention for its low-cost model and efficient use of resources, surpassing ChatGPT in popularity on Apple's Appstore.

FPIs Sold $10 Bn Stocks In 2025 So Far

FPIs Sold $10 Bn Stocks In 2025 So Far

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

'Expect FPIs to continue selling for several months until the rupee stabilises.'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

US firms can now hire Indian graduates from top universities

US firms can now hire Indian graduates from top universities

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

US President Donald Trump has said that the newly proposed 'gold card' initiative will allow American companies to hire Indian graduates from top US universities like Harvard and Stanford. Trump on Wednesday unveiled the 'gold card' initiative for wealthy foreigners, giving them the right to live and work in the country and offering a path to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million fee.