News for 'Foreign Service'

Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells

Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose again on Sunday, days after a devastating flash flood struck Nepal, authorities warned, urging residents and rescue personnel in flood-hit districts to remain alert.

Crude price, US-Iran conflict to dictate market trends

Crude price, US-Iran conflict to dictate market trends

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Analysts predict that crude oil prices and the ongoing US-Iran conflict will be the primary drivers of stock market movements, with investors also closely watching the Jackson Hole symposium for cues on interest rates.

Nepal flood toll reaches 939; over 10,000 rescued so far

Nepal flood toll reaches 939; over 10,000 rescued so far

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has tragically risen to 903, with 4,247 people still reported missing, including security personnel and foreigners. India has dispatched an 18-member team of forensic experts to assist with DNA analysis and identification of victims.

How India Can Achieve A USD 55 Trillion Economy By 2047

How India Can Achieve A USD 55 Trillion Economy By 2047

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Former Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy V Subramanian outlines India's strategy to become a USD 55 trillion economy by 2047. The plan hinges on leveraging its young demographic in AI, dominating sunrise sectors like space and defence tech, attracting FDI, and achieving sustained 8% GDP growth.

India's Balance of Payments Deficit Expands to $8.1 Billion in Q1FY27

India's Balance of Payments Deficit Expands to $8.1 Billion in Q1FY27

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India's balance of payments (BoP) recorded an $8.1 billion deficit in the first quarter of 2026-27 (Q1FY27), a significant increase from a $4.5 billion surplus in the corresponding period of the previous year, primarily driven by a sharp reversal in portfolio flows.

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

Pickaxe Mountain next? Trump warns Iran nuclear site could be hit 'very soon'

Pickaxe Mountain next? Trump warns Iran nuclear site could be hit 'very soon'

Rediff.com4 days ago

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said the United States could "hit" Iran's heavily fortified underground nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain "very soon", days after Washington targeted Iranian military targets.

Why Is I-T Department Investigating 394 Entities, 36 Individuals?

Why Is I-T Department Investigating 394 Entities, 36 Individuals?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The income-tax department has launched a significant verification drive targeting 394 entities and 36 professionals over suspected irregularities in substantial foreign remittances made over the past three years, aiming to uncover potential tax evasion and fraudulent transactions.

Cabinet, Home Secretaries Get One-Year Extension

Cabinet, Home Secretaries Get One-Year Extension

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan have been granted a one-year extension in their service by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Somanathan's tenure is extended beyond August 2026, and Mohan's beyond August 2026, up to August 2027, under special provisions for key government officials.

ISRO, IN-SPACe Face Rocket Transfer Row

ISRO, IN-SPACe Face Rocket Transfer Row

Rediff.com1 days ago

There is no answer to the question of how IN-SPACe invited EOIs for ISRO's mature rockets and whether it was based on any government policy decision.

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shah assured that the bill would not be retrospective. Various church and minority organisations have expressed concerns about the bill's impact on NGOs, schools, and healthcare units, urging its withdrawal or referral to a joint parliamentary committee.

Geopolitical jitters, Iran sanctions weigh on Indian equities

Geopolitical jitters, Iran sanctions weigh on Indian equities

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed lower due to persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and elevated crude oil prices, with investors remaining cautious ahead of fresh US sanctions on Iran.

Sensex Jumps 331 Points as IT Stocks Lead Market Rebound

Sensex Jumps 331 Points as IT Stocks Lead Market Rebound

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, rebounded after a two-day losing streak, driven by strong buying in blue-chip IT stocks and positive global market cues, with the Sensex climbing 330.92 points.

H-1B visa fee could get costlier by $103,000

H-1B visa fee could get costlier by $103,000

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed an additional fee of USD 103,265 for all H-1B visa cap-subject applications, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption. This new fee aims to recover interagency costs for immigration programmes and would be paid in addition to existing fees. The proposal is open for public comments for 30 days and has drawn criticism from immigration advocates.

FPIs inject Rs 16,621 crore into Indian equities in early August

FPIs inject Rs 16,621 crore into Indian equities in early August

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have injected Rs 16,621 crore into Indian equities during the first half of August, continuing a buying spree driven by improving relative valuations, resilient corporate earnings, and expectations of softer US interest rates.

'Rs 12 Lakh Crore Disappeared from India's GDP'

'Rs 12 Lakh Crore Disappeared from India's GDP'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'The fundamental issue that I have raised, how come India's GDP in current prices went down from Rs 86 lakh crore down to Rs 80 lakh crore -- a staggering erasure of Rs 6 lakh crore. This disappearance of Rs 6 lakh crore has not been answered by anyone.'

Indian experts join rescue of trapped workers in Nepal power projects

Indian experts join rescue of trapped workers in Nepal power projects

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

An 11-member Indian team, including medical and tunnel-rescue specialists, has arrived in Nepal to assist in the rescue of workers trapped in hydropower project tunnels following devastating flash floods. The disaster has killed hundreds, left thousands missing, and damaged critical infrastructure, prompting Nepal to seek international aid for rescue and reconstruction.

RBI shuts FCNR(B) swap facility early as inflows hit $52.3 billion

RBI shuts FCNR(B) swap facility early as inflows hit $52.3 billion

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has prematurely closed its swap facility for foreign currency non-resident (bank) deposits, FCNR(B), one month ahead of schedule, after banks mobilised $52.3 billion under the scheme by August 13, indicating sufficient foreign currency reserves.

Rs 1 Trillion Club Swells

Rs 1 Trillion Club Swells

Rediff.com7 days ago

Newly listed companies Vedanta Aluminium Metal, SBI Funds Management and Manipal Health Enterprises have entered the Rs 1 trillion mcap list since March 2026.

What Subhash Chandra Hopes For...

What Subhash Chandra Hopes For...

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Subhash Chandra hoped that the lenders would discuss the matter with the borrowers, reconcile the outstanding accounts, and get paid by the borrowers.

Mohan Bhagwat: 'If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslim in Bharat...'

Mohan Bhagwat: 'If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslim in Bharat...'

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that a true Hindu believes in the unity of humanity and that all religious paths lead to the same goal, asserting that 'if any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu'.

'Growth Is For 3%-4%. 96% Are Suffering'

'Growth Is For 3%-4%. 96% Are Suffering'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'They are claiming that they are very good in governance. All governments do propaganda. This is the propaganda of the government that they are doing very well, in spite of all the troubles.'

'Growth Is For 3%-4%. 96% Are Suffering'

'Growth Is For 3%-4%. 96% Are Suffering'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'They are claiming that they are very good in governance. All governments do propaganda. This is the propaganda of the government that they are doing very well, in spite of all the troubles.'

Why UPI Should Be Kept Free

Why UPI Should Be Kept Free

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Making UPI payments fee-based for some transactions could enhance mental reservations against digital payments -- which have largely been overcome -- once more. Do we want to regress?, asks R Jagannthan.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Decline Amid Rising Crude Oil Prices, West Asia Tensions

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Decline Amid Rising Crude Oil Prices, West Asia Tensions

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw declines in early trade, influenced by rising crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Experts suggest that crude oil remains a primary concern, with Brent holding near USD 88 a barrel due to renewed US warnings against Iran, embedding a geopolitical risk premium in energy markets. Track Sensex, Nifty

Nepal floods: 1,050 dead, search on for 4,000 missing as rivers swell

Nepal floods: 1,050 dead, search on for 4,000 missing as rivers swell

Rediff.com7 days ago

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has surged to 1,050, with nearly 4,000 people, including foreigners and security personnel, still missing. Rescuers are struggling with intermittent rainfall, rising river levels, and difficult terrain, while expert teams from India and China assist in operations, particularly at hydropower project sites where many workers are believed to be trapped in tunnels.

Nepal flood toll reaches 788; over 275 Indians, 128 PIOs missing

Nepal flood toll reaches 788; over 275 Indians, 128 PIOs missing

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal has surged to 734, with nearly 2,500 people still missing. India has intensified its rescue and relief efforts, sending additional aid, technical teams, and forensic experts, while also working to locate and rescue over 275 missing Indian nationals.

India's Biggest Stock Market Booms And Busts

India's Biggest Stock Market Booms And Busts

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Every period of excessive optimism eventually gives way to a correction, while periods of extreme pessimism often create the best investment opportunities.'

US halts visa interviews globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

US halts visa interviews globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The US State Department has paused visa appointments worldwide to conduct a 'global training initiative' for consular officers, aiming to ensure applicants are not likely to become a 'public charge' and are comprehensively evaluated, intensifying President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

Govt revises visa rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days

Govt revises visa rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Union home ministry has updated the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, requiring foreigners staying in India beyond 180 days to register before their visa expires. The new rules also offer relief to children born to foreign parents and revise reporting requirements for medical institutions.

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

US Vice-President J D Vance's unexpected phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 8 has ignited speculation about a potential diplomatic overture, possibly seeking India's support amidst the escalating US-Iran conflict and a shifting global power landscape, suggests Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Mumbai firm get Nadcap nod, boosts aircraft component sourcing from India

Mumbai firm get Nadcap nod, boosts aircraft component sourcing from India

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Mumbai-based TCR Engineering Services has become the first independent company in India to receive Nadcap accreditation for materials testing at its Navi Mumbai and Vadodara laboratories, a crucial step for Indian suppliers to enter the global aerospace supply chain.

India sees Rs 4,896 crore FDI in 29 projects after easing China stake norms

India sees Rs 4,896 crore FDI in 29 projects after easing China stake norms

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth approximately 4,896 crore across 29 projects since May, following the government's relaxation of norms under Press Note 2 of 2026. The revised rules permit investment without government approval from entities with up to 10 per cent non-controlling ownership by land-bordering countries.

US Appeals Court Affirms $2 Billion Devas Award Against ISRO's Antrix

US Appeals Court Affirms $2 Billion Devas Award Against ISRO's Antrix

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A US appeals court has upheld a $562.5 million arbitral award, which has grown to over $2 billion with interest, in favour of Devas Multimedia against Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of ISRO, ruling that US courts have jurisdiction despite Antrix being government-owned.

HC quashes FCRA orders against two NGOs over funding Vizhinjam protests

HC quashes FCRA orders against two NGOs over funding Vizhinjam protests

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Kerala high court has set aside the Centre's decision not to renew the FCRA certificate of two NGOs, accused by central agencies of funding agitations against the Vizhinjam sea port, saying that financial support to a protest cannot be seen as diversion of foreign funds.

Sensex, Nifty Fall for 5th Day on Crude Price Surge, West Asia Crisis

Sensex, Nifty Fall for 5th Day on Crude Price Surge, West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, continued their downward trend for the fifth consecutive day, with the Sensex dropping 281 points and Nifty falling 78 points, primarily driven by surging crude oil prices and persistent geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Indian Equities Surge for Fourth Day Amid Falling Crude, FII Inflows

Indian Equities Surge for Fourth Day Amid Falling Crude, FII Inflows

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, extended their winning streak to a fourth day, with Nifty surging 1.60 per cent, driven by a sharp decline in crude oil prices and renewed foreign fund inflows.

Sensex tanks 493 points, Nifty falls for 6th day as crude oil jumps to $91/barrel

Sensex tanks 493 points, Nifty falls for 6th day as crude oil jumps to $91/barrel

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced significant declines, with the Sensex falling 493 points and the Nifty dropping for the sixth consecutive day, primarily due to elevated crude oil prices reaching USD 91 per barrel and diminishing hopes for a diplomatic resolution in West Asia.

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Two commercial vessels, an oil tanker and a cargo ship, carrying a total of 22 Indian nationals, were hijacked by armed pirates in separate incidents off Yemen and Somalia. All Indian crew members on both vessels are reported to be safe, according to the latest information from the shipping ministry and the External Affairs Ministry.

Air India picks leader who quadrupled Ethiopian Airlines' revenue

Air India picks leader who quadrupled Ethiopian Airlines' revenue

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Tewolde Gebremariam, a seasoned aviation professional with extensive experience at Ethiopian Airlines, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India. He is tasked with leading the airline's ambitious five-year transformation plan, Vihaan.AI, aimed at achieving significant growth and profitability, marking him as the second foreign national to helm Air India under Tata Group ownership.