News for 'Foreign Office'

Listed companies' rent, lease expenses down since pandemic

Listed companies' rent, lease expenses down since pandemic

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Companies' rent and lease expenses have seen a significant decline relative to the money they make since the pandemic.

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.

UK bars US Islamic preacher's entry for defending Hamas

UK bars US Islamic preacher's entry for defending Hamas

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Britain has banned the entry of an Islamic preacher, Dr. Shadee Elmasry, over his defence of Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel. The UK Home Office cited concerns about hate speech and extremist ideas.

'Pakistan Under Complete Army Control, Not Good News For India'

'Pakistan Under Complete Army Control, Not Good News For India'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

'Can a nuclear-armed nation sustain itself indefinitely under overt military rule without catastrophic consequences for itself and the region? History suggests otherwise.'

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.

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.

Khaleda Zia's funeral today; Jaishankar, Pak FM to attend

Khaleda Zia's funeral today; Jaishankar, Pak FM to attend

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

The funeral prayer for former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday in Dhaka. Foreign dignitaries are expected to attend.

Pakistan to join BRICS? Foreign Office replies

Pakistan to join BRICS? Foreign Office replies

Rediff.com26 Aug 2023

"We will examine the latest developments and make a determination about our future engagement with BRICS," Baloch said.

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.

J'khand man with links to foreign nuke scientist held in Delhi for spying

J'khand man with links to foreign nuke scientist held in Delhi for spying

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Delhi Police have arrested a 59-year-old man for alleged espionage activities and involvement in a fake passport racket operating from Jamshedpur. The accused had links with a foreign-based nuclear scientist.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Want To Invest In Largecap Funds In 2026?

Want To Invest In Largecap Funds In 2026?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Largecap equity funds remain suitable for conservative and moderate risk-taking investors seeking relatively stable returns.

Pak summons Afghan envoy over Kabul's joint statement with India

Pak summons Afghan envoy over Kabul's joint statement with India

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Pakistan summoned the Afghan ambassador to convey its strong reservations over the India-Afghanistan joint statement issued in New Delhi, particularly regarding references to Jammu and Kashmir.

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?

New Insurance Amendment Bill: Intermediaries with high commissions may see payouts drop

New Insurance Amendment Bill: Intermediaries with high commissions may see payouts drop

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Insurance intermediaries who receive disproportionately high commissions are likely to see a decline in their payouts, post the new Insurance Amendment Bill. The new Bill gives the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (Irdai) the power to disgorge unlawful gains made by insurers and intermediaries as well as the right to limit commissions paid to intermediaries.

Retail rush, SIPs drive Rs 14 lakh cr jump in mutual fund assets in 2025

Retail rush, SIPs drive Rs 14 lakh cr jump in mutual fund assets in 2025

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Mutual fund industry extended its bull run in 2025, adding a staggering Rs 14 lakh crore to its asset base and pushing total AUM to a record Rs 81 lakh crore by November, powered by surge in retail participation and record SIP inflows. Venkat Chalasani, chief executive officer of AMFI, told PTI that the industry's outlook remains positive, with steady SIP inflows continuing to offset foreign portfolio investor outflows and strengthening market resilience.

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.

Christmas event in Haridwar cancelled after Hindu groups protest

Christmas event in Haridwar cancelled after Hindu groups protest

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

A Christmas event scheduled to be held at a hotel run by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar has been cancelled following objections from Hindu outfits, a hotel official said on Monday.

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.

Police stop protesters' march towards Indian mission in Dhaka

Police stop protesters' march towards Indian mission in Dhaka

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A protest march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka was halted by police, prompting India to express strong concerns about the security of its mission. The protesters demanded the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others involved in the 'July Uprising'.

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.

Will Gold's Bull Run Continue in 2026?

Will Gold's Bull Run Continue in 2026?

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

'We expect modest returns in 2026 versus the steep gains seen over the past few years.'

Why Dhurandhar Is Unsettling

Why Dhurandhar Is Unsettling

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar does not ask audiences to cheer blindly, notes Kumar Abhishek. It asks them to see how power operates in grey zones, and at moral cost.

'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.'

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.