News for 'Foreign Service'

Immigration Bill introduced in LS amid Oppn protest

Immigration Bill introduced in LS amid Oppn protest

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The legislation is aimed at streamlining various services related to immigration and foreigners, including their entry, exit and stay in India.

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.

US judge blocks Indian student's deportation over Hamas ties

US judge blocks Indian student's deportation over Hamas ties

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

In his petition, Suri's lawyer said that he is being punished as his wife, who is a US citizen, is of Palestinian heritage and because the government suspects that he and his wife are against the US foreign policy towards Israel.

Sensex climbs 260 points on FII buying, hopes of India-US trade deal

Sensex climbs 260 points on FII buying, hopes of India-US trade deal

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Bajaj Finance, IndusInd Bank, State Bank of India, Maruti, Tata Motors, ITC, Tata Steel and Reliance Industries were also among the gainers. Nestle, NTPC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Power Grid and Titan were among the laggards.

AI plane crash death toll hits 270 as families wait for bodies

AI plane crash death toll hits 270 as families wait for bodies

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The process of identification of victims by matching the DNA samples is currently underway, and the bodies will be handed over to their relatives once the process is complete.

Punjab Kings poised for play-offs as RR play for pride

Punjab Kings poised for play-offs as RR play for pride

Rediff.com17 May 2025

Punjab Kings will look to renew their bid for a play-off berth with another commanding performance in Jaipur on Sunday against Rajasthan Royals, who have failed to rise above mediocrity despite possessing the resources this season.

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Rediff.com22 May 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has underscored the importance of not equating the victims and perpetrators of terror attacks, highlighting the need for global unity in combating terrorism. Speaking at Raisina Tokyo 2025, Misri expressed appreciation for Japan's support following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He also cautioned against the trend of some Western countries hyphenating India and Pakistan in the context of their recent military confrontation. Misri further outlined India's economic aspirations and its commitment to becoming a factor of stability in a turbulent world.

June 22 GST Council meet may give relief to foreign airlines

June 22 GST Council meet may give relief to foreign airlines

Rediff.com21 Jun 2024

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, scheduled to meet on June 22, could take a call on ending uncertainty on taxing foreign airlines and shippers as regards certain services, a senior official in the know told Business Standard. He said the Council was expected to decide on exempting the services in question from GST - aircraft lease rentals, maintenance, crew salaries, etc. These services are provided by foreign airlines to their Indian operations.

Why Foreign Financial Firms Quit India

Why Foreign Financial Firms Quit India

Rediff.com24 May 2024

There was no smooth surge in middle class prosperity for foreign businesses to tap into because of the Indian economy was mismanaged, argues Debashis Basu.

Putin Has To Tread Carefully With Trump

Putin Has To Tread Carefully With Trump

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

'There is no question that Putin's preference will be to avoid unpleasantness with Trump, leave alone a collision course,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Markets end higher on inflation fig; Sensex gains 182 points

Markets end higher on inflation fig; Sensex gains 182 points

Rediff.com14 May 2025

From the Sensex firms, Tata Steel, Eternal, Tech Mahindra, Maruti, Mahindra & Mahindra, Infosys, IndusInd Bank, HCL Tech, Tata Consultancy Services and Bharti Airtel were the major gainers. Telecom operator Bharti Airtel climbed nearly 1 per cent after it posted about a five-fold jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 11,022 crore in the March 2025 quarter, mainly due to the tariff hike impact and one-time gain on tax benefits. However, Asian Paints, Tata Motors, Kotak Mahindra Bank, NTPC and Power Grid were among the laggards.

Civil services, armed forces must unite against cyberattacks: President Murmu

Civil services, armed forces must unite against cyberattacks: President Murmu

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said cyberattacks have emerged as a major threat to national security and the civil services and armed forces must join hands to create a secure nationwide system capable of thwarting them.

Gogoi's wife collected sensitive info for Pakistan: Sarma

Gogoi's wife collected sensitive info for Pakistan: Sarma

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi's British wife of collecting intelligence documents on behalf of the Pakistani climate lobby. Sarma claims to have documentary evidence of Gogoi and his wife's ties with Pakistan and will reveal everything publicly by September 10. Gogoi has denied the allegations, calling them a "C-grade Bollywood movie" and stating that he has only visited Pakistan once 12 years ago. Sarma alleges that Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth Colburn, worked for the climate lobby and had a close relationship with Pakistan.

India Set For Rs 32 Trillion Defence Budget... In 2047

India Set For Rs 32 Trillion Defence Budget... In 2047

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'Make-in-India played a key role in India's effective action against terrorism during Operation Sindoor.'

India's export performance remains uninspiring amid weak global position

India's export performance remains uninspiring amid weak global position

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

March 31 marked 10 years since the Modi government introduced its first Foreign Trade Policy (FTP 2015-20) that lasted for 8 years before the current FTP 2023 came in. Here is a brief assessment. In 2015, the government said that it aims to increase India's exports of merchandise and services from $465.9 billion in 2013-14 to approximately $900 billion by 2019-20 and to raise India's share in world exports from 2 per cent to 3.5 per cent.

'Clients Are In Risk-management Mode'

'Clients Are In Risk-management Mode'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

'Entering India is exciting, but it's also challenging. You have to be prepared for long-term investment.'

FTA talks may figure in Sitharaman's London meetings

FTA talks may figure in Sitharaman's London meetings

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Issues related to the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) and bilateral investment treaty between India and the UK are expected to figure during the three-day visit of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to London from April 8-10, official sources said. The minister will attend a host of meetings, including the India-United Kingdom Economic and Financial Dialogue, in London.

Pakistan will face ire of Indian Navy this time: Rajnath

Pakistan will face ire of Indian Navy this time: Rajnath

Rediff.com30 May 2025

In an interaction with naval warriors on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off Goa, Singh sent a stern warning to Islamabad saying India will not hesitate to use the methods to deal with terrorism that Pakistan cannot even think of.

Will German Visa Rules Affect Students?

Will German Visa Rules Affect Students?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Ritika Gupta, a study abroad expert and founder of Aaera Consultants, explains how Germany's new visa rules will affect international students and working professionals.

Former foreign minister Natwar Singh passes away

Former foreign minister Natwar Singh passes away

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

Former External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh passed away on Saturday night after a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 93.

Man who led funeral of terrorists is on US wanted list

Man who led funeral of terrorists is on US wanted list

Rediff.com13 May 2025

In trying to portray a globally sanctioned terrorist as a 'common man', Pakistan was exposed when its top official publically outed crucial details about Hafiz Abdul Rauf, including his national identity number which matched details in the database of the United States sanction list of terrorists.

India maintains high import duty on American goods: US report

India maintains high import duty on American goods: US report

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

India maintains "high" import duties on a wide range of American goods such as agricultural items, drug formulations, and alcoholic beverages, besides imposing non-tariif barriers, a US report has said. A day before announcing reciprocal tariffs, the US Trade Representative (USTR) released the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on March 31.

Sensex, Nifty surge on rally in US markets, foreign fund inflows

Sensex, Nifty surge on rally in US markets, foreign fund inflows

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

Among the 30 Sensex firms, HCL Technologies, NTPC, Bajaj Finserv, Tech Mahindra, JSW Steel, Titan, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro and Tata Consultancy Services were the biggest gainers. Kotak Mahindra Bank, IndusInd Bank, Maruti and Hindustan Unilever were among the laggards.

Indian markets spring back to life with best weekly gains since 2021

Indian markets spring back to life with best weekly gains since 2021

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Indian equity benchmarks rose nearly 2 per cent on Thursday, capping a truncated trading week with their strongest weekly performance in over four years. The rally was sparked by renewed risk-on sentiment following progress in trade negotiations and expanded tariff exemptions.

Will US Host India-Pakistan Talks In Washington?

Will US Host India-Pakistan Talks In Washington?

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Acutely conscious that he's left with less than four years to create his legacy, Trump is undoubtedly a man in a hurry, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

No air defence guns deployed in Golden Temple: Army

No air defence guns deployed in Golden Temple: Army

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The Army Tuesday said no air defence guns or any other air defence resource were deployed within the Golden Temple premises during Operation Sindoor.

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and firmed up the responses to the terror attack.

Sensex rises 148 points on gains in HDFC Bank, RIL

Sensex rises 148 points on gains in HDFC Bank, RIL

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

From the Sensex pack, Tata Steel, Zomato, Power Grid, UltraTech Cement, IndusInd Bank, Larsen & Toubro, Adani Ports, NTPC, State Bank of India and Reliance Industries were among the major gainers. On the other hand, Tech Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services, ITC, Infosys, Sun Pharma, Maruti, HCL Tech, and Nestle were among the laggards.

Factors that will drive the markets this week

Factors that will drive the markets this week

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Geopolitical developments between India and Pakistan, quarterly earnings and macro data will be the key drivers of stock markets in the holiday-shortened week, say analysts.

Netanyahu's Gaza Plan: Trap For Trump?

Netanyahu's Gaza Plan: Trap For Trump?

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'Netanyahu lured Trump into a trap by enticing him with a seductive scenario of massive lucrative business in Gaza's reconstruction.' 'Trump's imagination is running riot, completely disconnected from ground realities,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

IPL SUSPENDED amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions

IPL SUSPENDED amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been officially suspended due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan.

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.

Navy was poised to hit Karachi, other targets: DG of naval ops

Navy was poised to hit Karachi, other targets: DG of naval ops

Rediff.com11 May 2025

Indian Navy's carrier battle group, submarines and aviation assets were immediately deployed at sea with full combat readiness in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, a top Navy official said on Sunday.

Generic industry unlikely to be affected by Trump's EO: Indian drug cos

Generic industry unlikely to be affected by Trump's EO: Indian drug cos

Rediff.com14 May 2025

A fresh US executive order (EO) which seeks to bring down prices of prescription drugs in the country by up to 90 per cent -- on par with other developed nations -- will affect innovator companies, while sparing the Indian generic drug makers in the short term. US President Donald Trump signed the EO on Monday, directing the US Trade Representative and the Secretary of Commerce to act against foreign countries that "purposefully and unfairly undercut market prices", driving price hikes in the US.

Factors that will drive the markets this week

Factors that will drive the markets this week

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Trading sentiment in the equity market will largely be driven by domestic corporate quarterly earnings, any update related to US tariffs and foreign fund movements this week, analysts said. Investors would also focus on world market trends, movement of global oil benchmark Brent crude and the rupee-dollar trend for further cues, experts noted.

Operation Sindoor: 300 flights cancelled, 25 airports shut

Operation Sindoor: 300 flights cancelled, 25 airports shut

Rediff.com7 May 2025

More than 300 flights have been cancelled and at least 25 airports, including Srinagar, have been temporarily shut for operations amid restrictions in the wake of the armed forces launching missile attacks on terror targets in Pakistan on Wednesday morning.

Gadkari favours 51% stake to foreign cos in tunnel construction JV

Gadkari favours 51% stake to foreign cos in tunnel construction JV

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday favoured giving a majority 51 per cent stake to foreign partners in joint ventures for building tunnels and detailed project reports to improve work quality. Gadkari said providing a majority stake to a foreign partner in the joint venture is necessary to ensure that only serious and technically qualified players bid for tunnel projects.

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation.

IAF martyr's parents feel 'ignored', seek policy change

IAF martyr's parents feel 'ignored', seek policy change

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The parents of Squadron Leader Abhimanyu Rai, an IAF pilot who died in a trainer jet crash in December 2023, have expressed their anguish over being ignored for entitlements and honours that were given to their daughter-in-law. They believe the government policy should be revised to include parents of martyred soldiers. Group Captain Amitabh Rai (retd) and his wife Chitralekha, the bereaved parents, say they have received no condolences from the government despite losing their only son. They argue that the current policy unfairly favors the martyr's wife, often leading to neglect of the parents. The Rais claim their son's death is not being recognized as a "battle casualty" and therefore he is not being treated as a martyr. They also raise concerns about the pressure on IAF trainers to complete training programs successfully, even when cadets are not prepared, potentially endangering both the trainer and the cadet.

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. The US State Department said Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation" and telling them "not to escalate the situation."