News for 'Foreign Service'

UPI Transactions Surge To 22.35 Billion In April

UPI Transactions Surge To 22.35 Billion In April

Rediff.com4 May 2026

UPI transactions reached 22.35 billion in April, marking a 25 per cent increase compared to April 2025. UPI now accounts for 85 per cent of all digital transactions in India and is live in eight countries.

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 fall in early trade dragged by IT firms

Stock markets today: Sensex, Nifty50 fall in early trade dragged by IT firms

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced a decline in early trade, ending a three-day rally, primarily due to heavy selling in IT stocks and concerns over prolonged instability in West Asia.

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

'India is at a critical juncture in this century. I want to be a part of the diplomatic team that works to make India great.'

India-Pak truce a favour to Sharif, Munir: Trump repeats mediation claims

India-Pak truce a favour to Sharif, Munir: Trump repeats mediation claims

Rediff.com16 May 2026

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the 'ceasefire' that he got done between India and Pakistan was a favour to their army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

ED Attaches Assets In Global Media App Fraud Case

ED Attaches Assets In Global Media App Fraud Case

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth Rs 1.06 crore in connection with the 'Global Media App' fraud, an online earning platform that allegedly generated over Rs 45 crore through illicit means.

Why Army chief wants to open a cafe

Why Army chief wants to open a cafe

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi shared his vision for a cafe named 'Ahista Zindagi' in Madhya Pradesh, designed as a retreat for reflection and conversation in today's fast-paced world, during an interaction with youths in Delhi.

Sensex sheds 367 points on foreign fund outflows

Sensex sheds 367 points on foreign fund outflows

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

From the 30-Sensex firms, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, HCL Tech, Tata Consultancy Services, Eternal and Sun Pharma were among the biggest laggards. However, Titan, NTPC, Axis Bank, UltraTech Cement, Reliance Industries and Hindustan Unilever were the gainers.

$6-Billion Foreign Bet on India's Private Banks

$6-Billion Foreign Bet on India's Private Banks

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Cleaner balance sheets, regulatory support and strong growth prospects helped Indian private banks attract over $6 billion in foreign capital, with more deals expected in 2026.

Sensex rallies 356 points as state poll results align with market expectations

Sensex rallies 356 points as state poll results align with market expectations

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed higher, with the Sensex climbing 355.90 points, driven by positive state election results and better-than-expected Q4 earnings, despite ongoing geopolitical concerns.

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Mumbai TV Actor Alleges Theft By Maid Hired Online

Mumbai TV Actor Alleges Theft By Maid Hired Online

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

A television actor in Mumbai has filed a police complaint against a maid he hired online, alleging the theft of foreign currency and jewellery worth over Rs 7 lakh from his residence.

Credit Card Transactions Soar 2.6x, Private Banks Dominate

Credit Card Transactions Soar 2.6x, Private Banks Dominate

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Credit card transactions in India have surged over 2.6 times between 2021 and 2025, reaching 570 crore volumes and Rs 23.2 lakh crore in value, with private sector banks significantly increasing their market share, according to a recent RBI report.

Why Credit Card Usage Is Booming In India

Why Credit Card Usage Is Booming In India

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Credit card transactions in India have surged over 2.6 times between 2021 and 2025, driven by private sector banks, while debit card usage declines due to growing adoption of UPI and digital wallets, according to an RBI report.

Coolcations Drive Summer Travel Surge

Coolcations Drive Summer Travel Surge

Rediff.com13 May 2026

As temperatures soar, booking queries have surged by double digits -- going up to 125 per cent -- for destinations like Kashmir, Shillong, Gangtok, Munnar, Leh, Rishikesh, Guwahati, Imphal, Kodaikanal and the Andamans.

Key Arms Trafficking Operative with Pakistan Links Arrested in Delhi

Key Arms Trafficking Operative with Pakistan Links Arrested in Delhi

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have arrested Harsh Pal Singh, a key operative in a transnational arms trafficking and terror module with alleged links to Pakistan-based handlers. Singh is associated with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and is accused of receiving illegal arms consignments and mediating in extortion cases.

Oil Price Surge, FII Outflows Drag Indian Stock Markets Lower

Oil Price Surge, FII Outflows Drag Indian Stock Markets Lower

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced declines due to a sharp rally in crude oil prices, continuous foreign fund outflows, and geopolitical uncertainties. Regulatory developments in the banking sector, particularly the implementation of the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework, also contributed to the selling pressure.

Sensex ends lower on foreign fund outflows, selling in blue-chips

Sensex ends lower on foreign fund outflows, selling in blue-chips

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

From the 30-Sensex firms, Trent, Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Industries, InterGlobe Aviation, Maruti, ITC, Adani Ports and Bharat Electronics were among the biggest laggards. In contrast, Eternal, ICICI Bank, Tech Mahindra, State Bank of India and Tata Consultancy Services were among the gainers.

Iran War Hits Kerala Tourism Hard

Iran War Hits Kerala Tourism Hard

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

'We have lost 70-80 per cent of our business from foreign guests.'

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The broader conflict in West Asia, the largest international market for Indian carriers, has forced a sharp reduction in daily flights relative to the summer schedule.

India must not rent its intelligence future: Adani

India must not rent its intelligence future: Adani

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani group, emphasised that energy and intelligence are inseparable national priorities, asserting that India must build its own capabilities in these sectors rather than relying on external sources, especially in the context of global conflicts and shifting supply chains.

Iran: Why Trump Must Take A Leap Of Faith

Iran: Why Trump Must Take A Leap Of Faith

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

There are enough people at the top decision-making level in Tehran who are still willing to negotiate, provided Trump can create the right setting for the negotiation to acquire a dynamic of its own, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Sensex, Nifty Extend Losses as Surging Oil Prices and IT Sell-off Hit Markets

Sensex, Nifty Extend Losses as Surging Oil Prices and IT Sell-off Hit Markets

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled over 1 per cent for the third consecutive day, driven by a sharp rally in crude oil prices, massive selling in IT stocks, and unabated foreign fund outflows amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Putin meets Iran's Araghchi, offers support to bring peace to West Asia

Putin meets Iran's Araghchi, offers support to bring peace to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his support to help bring peace to West Asia, praising the Iranian people for their resilience. This comes as Iran seeks to resolve the conflict with the US, following discussions with Pakistani and Omani leadership.

Govt may hike FDI limit to 100% in pension sector; bill likely in Monsoon Session

Govt may hike FDI limit to 100% in pension sector; bill likely in Monsoon Session

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Indian government is reportedly considering increasing the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the pension sector to 100 per cent, bringing it in line with the insurance sector. A Bill to amend the PFRDA Act, 2013, is expected in an upcoming Parliament session.

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Will China Now Attack Taiwan?

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Chinese leaders, including its generals, will have to weigh whether they can win a war if they ever attack Taiwan and if at all, can they sustain the subsequent devastation, notes Rup Narayan Das.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

Sensex Down 757 Points on Heavy Selling in IT Shares

Sensex Down 757 Points on Heavy Selling in IT Shares

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, snapped a three-day rally, tumbling nearly 1 per cent due to heavy selling in IT stocks, a jump in crude oil prices, foreign fund outflows, and fears of prolonged instability in West Asia.

US-Iran talks: First phase concludes, both sides exchange texts

US-Iran talks: First phase concludes, both sides exchange texts

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The United States and Iran concluded the first phase of in-person talks in Islamabad, with both delegations exchanging written texts to formalise areas of understanding. The discussions, involving key representatives from both sides, are aimed at reducing tensions and exploring possibilities of a structured understanding.

RBI Citizen's Charter: Nearly All Applications Processed On Time

RBI Citizen's Charter: Nearly All Applications Processed On Time

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that it processed 99.7 per cent of applications within the prescribed timeline under its Citizen's Charter in April 2026. The central bank handled a total of 21,150 applications, showcasing its commitment to efficient service delivery.

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump seems to have estimated that Ghalibaf is a pragmatic politician who is receptive to close relations with the US and is enthusiastic about fostering business and economic ties in particular, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

China has welcomed the appointment of Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing optimism for improved Sino-India relations. Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat with experience in China, is expected to play a key role in managing complex bilateral issues and fostering cooperation.

Ready for 'negotiations with dignity': Iranian Prez

Ready for 'negotiations with dignity': Iranian Prez

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is considering various paths to address regional tensions, including negotiations conducted with dignity and authority, while emphasising that military gains should be reinforced through diplomacy.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge in Early Trade, Maruti Jumps 4%

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge in Early Trade, Maruti Jumps 4%

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Indian markets on Dalal Street rallied sharply as easing tensions in the US-Iran conflict and stable oil prices boosted sentiment. Track Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex performance and key global triggers.

9 Most Difficult Exams Across The Globe

9 Most Difficult Exams Across The Globe

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Success percentage rates of some of these toughest exams in the world is in single digits

US-Iran talks collapse, markets plunge on West Asia conflict fears

US-Iran talks collapse, markets plunge on West Asia conflict fears

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed nearly 1 per cent lower following the collapse of US-Iran negotiations, which heightened concerns of a prolonged conflict in West Asia and drove crude oil prices sharply higher.

Big boost to Aatmanirbharta! India to develop 1000-kg aerial bomb

Big boost to Aatmanirbharta! India to develop 1000-kg aerial bomb

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Indian defence ministry has initiated a project to indigenously design and develop a 1000-kg aerial bomb for the Indian Air Force (IAF), aiming to enhance self-reliance in the defence sector.

Near-term growth, margin triggers missing in Wipro's Q4 results

Near-term growth, margin triggers missing in Wipro's Q4 results

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Wipro reported Q4FY26 IT services revenue of $2.6 billion, a modest 0.2 per cent Q-o-Q constant currency growth, with adjusted operating profit margin beating estimates at 17.2 per cent. The company announced a significant share buyback of ~15,000 crore, but faces near-term growth challenges, particularly in the BFSI segment, and has issued a soft Q1FY27 revenue guidance.

Industrial credit growth may clock 9-13% in H1CY26

Industrial credit growth may clock 9-13% in H1CY26

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Indian banking sector is projected to experience a steady 9-13 per cent industrial credit growth in the first half of 2026, driven by capital expenditure, infrastructure development, and sectoral demand recovery, according to a Ficci-IBA survey.

'Impact of the spike in energy prices will be transient'

'Impact of the spike in energy prices will be transient'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

'As re-industrialisation gathers pace across regions like Asia, Europe and the US, a wide range of products and inputs will see demand.'

Foreign investors, currency movement, macro data to drive markets

Foreign investors, currency movement, macro data to drive markets

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Stock markets are likely to trade in a range-bound manner in a holiday-shortened week where trading activity of foreign investors, currency movement and global macroeconomic data announcements are expected to drive sentiments, analysts said. Several global markets may see subdued activity on account of Christmas and New Year holidays, an expert said.