News for 'Indian Foreign Service'

UPI payments to remain free, charges to apply only on...: Govt

UPI payments to remain free, charges to apply only on...: Govt

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Indian government has clarified that consumers will not be charged for UPI transactions, and most merchant transactions will also remain free. This comes amidst speculation following an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Any future merchant discount rate (MDR) would be nominal, threshold-based, and aimed at ensuring UPI's long-term sustainability and infrastructure development.

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, attempting to balance its 'forever honeymoon' with the Israel-UAE-Bahrain axis against its historical ties with Iran, as evidenced by recent high-level visits and evolving geopolitical realignments in the Middle East, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

HDFC Bank, West Asia Crisis Pull Sensex, Nifty Down

HDFC Bank, West Asia Crisis Pull Sensex, Nifty Down

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, extended their losses for a second consecutive day, primarily due to HDFC Bank's disappointing quarterly earnings and escalating tensions in West Asia, coupled with persistent foreign fund outflows.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Tumble as Crude Oil Breaches $100

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Tumble as Crude Oil Breaches $100

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant decline in early trade, with the Sensex falling over 500 points and the Nifty over 150 points, as Brent crude oil prices surged past USD 100 per barrel due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the West Asia. track sensex, Nifty on July 24.

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'It is not because of the war in West Asia, which began on February 28.' 'Petroleum product prices are already going through the roof. They are bound to have a serious inflationary impact.' 'A country's leadership is tested in trying times. It is here that the current leadership is failing.'

How Generative AI Will Reshape India's Job Market

How Generative AI Will Reshape India's Job Market

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

A Goldman Sachs report indicates that up to 12% of India's non-agricultural workforce is at risk of substitution by generative AI, while 42-48% could be complemented. The report highlights uneven impacts across sectors and job types, with IT-enabled services facing higher risk and physical tasks remaining less affected. Gen-AI is projected to boost India's labour productivity growth over the next decade.

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Improved law and order and transparent governance have helped change UP's investment image.'

'Ethanol Blending Has Not Led to Sugar's Price Rise'

'Ethanol Blending Has Not Led to Sugar's Price Rise'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'The ethanol blended with petrol programme should not be halted or reconsidered.' 'India is not experiencing a structural sugar shortage, and the ethanol blending roadmap does not compete with food security or drive domestic price increases.'

India Hires Foreign Wrestling Coaches For Asian Games Prep

India Hires Foreign Wrestling Coaches For Asian Games Prep

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India has appointed three foreign coaches and a High Performance Director to enhance national camps in preparation for the Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Gain on IT Stocks' Rally

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Gain on IT Stocks' Rally

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rallied in early trade, primarily driven by strong buying in IT stocks after Tech Mahindra reported a significant 28.4 per cent rise in its consolidated net profit for the June quarter.

Vikram Doraiswami appointed as India's ambassador to China

Vikram Doraiswami appointed as India's ambassador to China

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Vikram Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat, has been appointed as India's new ambassador to China, succeeding Pradeep Kumar Rawat. This decision comes as both countries attempt to improve bilateral relations following a period of strain.

Indian Techies Face Green Card Uncertainty

Indian Techies Face Green Card Uncertainty

Rediff.com25 May 2026

This could come as a setback to thousands of Indian engineers who have waited for years for their work visas to pave the way for the coveted Green Card.

UPSC introduces face authentication, eligibility changes for civil services exam

UPSC introduces face authentication, eligibility changes for civil services exam

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced mandatory face authentication for all candidates at examination centers and introduced stricter eligibility criteria for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026.

'A Student's Life Can't Be Held Hostage To A 3-Hour Performance'

'A Student's Life Can't Be Held Hostage To A 3-Hour Performance'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Education sector experts agree that using the "best technology" was essential to ensure students did not have to sit for an examination all over again because of a question paper leak.

Equity MF Inflows Fall 15% In July

Equity MF Inflows Fall 15% In July

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Net inflows into smallcap funds surged 39 per cent M-o-M to a record Rs 7,768 crore, while midcap fund inflows rose marginally to Rs 6,192 crore.

Sensex Climbs 374 Points on Heavyweight Buying, Nifty Ends Flat

Sensex Climbs 374 Points on Heavyweight Buying, Nifty Ends Flat

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Indian stock market indices closed on a mixed note, with the Sensex gaining 374 points driven by buying in Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank, while the Nifty remained flat. This divergence is attributed to a new Closing Auction Session (CAS) mechanism introduced by stock exchanges, impacting market liquidity and price discovery.

India's Net FDI Jumps Fourfold to $6.58 Billion in April

India's Net FDI Jumps Fourfold to $6.58 Billion in April

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

India's net foreign direct investment (FDI) surged more than fourfold to $6.58 billion in April 2026, driven by a significant increase in equity inflows and reduced repatriation by foreign investors, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

N R Narayana Murthy: 'There Is Lot Of Confusion About AI'

N R Narayana Murthy: 'There Is Lot Of Confusion About AI'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'At the end of the day, it is just another technology produced by the human mind.'

21, mostly foreigners, killed in massive fire at Delhi hotel

21, mostly foreigners, killed in massive fire at Delhi hotel

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The building suffered extensive damage in the fire, with debris, shattered glass and burnt materials strewn in the vicinity. A large crowd gathered near the site as authorities cordoned off the spot and diverted traffic to facilitate rescue operations.

Volatile trading session on RBI's big day, Sensex holds steady with 152-point gain

Volatile trading session on RBI's big day, Sensex holds steady with 152-point gain

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its key policy rates for the fourth consecutive time, keeping the repo rate at 5.25 per cent, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed 152 points higher in a volatile session, recovering from an intraday dip.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Rebound in Early Trade Amid FII Inflows, Blue-Chip Buying

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Rebound in Early Trade Amid FII Inflows, Blue-Chip Buying

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on Thursday, recovering from a sharp fall in the previous session, driven by foreign fund inflows and buying in key blue-chip stocks. Track Sensex, Nifty on July 9, 2026.

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

Indian LNG carrier safely crosses Hormuz, first since US-Iran ceasefire

Indian LNG carrier safely crosses Hormuz, first since US-Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

A Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier, chartered by an Indian firm, safely transited through the Strait of Hormuz -- the first Indian LNG tanker to cross the war-hit narrow shipping lane since the war in West Asia broke out more than three and a half months back.

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

Relief likely for India from US tariffs over forced labour

Relief likely for India from US tariffs over forced labour

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

India anticipates a reduction in the United States' proposed tariffs on Indian goods under the Section 301 investigation, following New Delhi's recent notification to restrict the import of products made with forced labour.

Asia's Oldest Football Tournament Set To Kick Off

Asia's Oldest Football Tournament Set To Kick Off

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, will commence on July 25 and conclude on August 23. This edition will feature 24 teams, including two foreign sides, with matches spread across five cities, including debutant host Ranchi. The tournament continues to be a vital platform for Indian football talent.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty down on geopolitical tensions

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty down on geopolitical tensions

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced a decline in early trade due to uncertainty surrounding the upcoming US-Iran negotiations in Doha. Foreign fund outflows and a dip in major IT stocks further contributed to the market's cautious sentiment, despite mixed performance in global markets.

HDFC Bank, Axis Bank drag Sensex down amid margin concerns, US-Iran tensions

HDFC Bank, Axis Bank drag Sensex down amid margin concerns, US-Iran tensions

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed lower due to significant selling in HDFC Bank and Axis Bank shares, driven by margin-related concerns and escalating US-Iran tensions, which also pushed crude oil prices higher.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Zoom on IT Stocks Rally

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Zoom on IT Stocks Rally

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade, with the Sensex jumping nearly 700 points, primarily driven by strong buying in IT stocks following TCS's positive June-quarter results and optimistic demand outlook. Track Sensex, Nifty on July 10, 2026.

N-plants save blushes for India's Q1 investment outlay

N-plants save blushes for India's Q1 investment outlay

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

India's fresh investment plans in Q1FY27 surged 71 per cent to 14.77 trillion, primarily driven by four large nuclear power projects worth 6.5 trillion, according to investment monitoring firm Projects Today. Excluding these nuclear projects, fresh investment plans actually declined 4.27 per cent quarter-on-quarter.

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

It is an unusual choice to depute a retired general for the funeral of a revered religious figure but a thoughtful one in an attempt to inject verve into the bilateral relationship and restore the equilibrium in India's West Asian policies, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Bank Stocks and Lower Oil Prices Fuel Sensex, Nifty Rally

Bank Stocks and Lower Oil Prices Fuel Sensex, Nifty Rally

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty extended their winning streak to a fourth consecutive day, driven by strong buying in blue-chip bank stocks and a decline in global crude oil prices. Fresh foreign fund inflows also contributed to the optimistic sentiment in the domestic equity market.

'India is among Standard Chartered's top five wealth markets globally'

'India is among Standard Chartered's top five wealth markets globally'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

"With the leverage available, I believe the scheme remains reasonably attractive," said P D Singh, India and South Asia Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, regarding the Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR (B) deposits.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Slump on West Asia Tensions, Oil Price Rise

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Slump on West Asia Tensions, Oil Price Rise

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, driven by escalating tensions in West Asia and a sharp rise in crude oil prices, alongside a bearish trend in other Asian markets.

E20 petrol safe, no engine failure reported, Gadkari tells Parliament

E20 petrol safe, no engine failure reported, Gadkari tells Parliament

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Indian government has defended its E20 ethanol blending programme, stating that extensive testing and field experience show no evidence of abnormal engine wear, corrosion, or reduced vehicle life, despite a potential 2-6% reduction in fuel economy.

Indians' overseas travel spending dips to $1.09 billion in March amidst rupee depreciation concerns

Indians' overseas travel spending dips to $1.09 billion in March amidst rupee depreciation concerns

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Overseas travel spending by Indians, including holiday trips, decreased by $212.43 million to $1.09 billion in March compared to February, according to the Reserve Bank of India's latest data.

Indian Equities Close Lower as Geopolitical Tensions, FII Outflows Weigh

Indian Equities Close Lower as Geopolitical Tensions, FII Outflows Weigh

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, ended lower in choppy trade, with the Sensex declining 114 points, as investors reacted to unabated foreign fund outflows and rising geopolitical uncertainties.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex Jumps Over 500 Points, Nifty above 24K

Stock Markets Today: Sensex Jumps Over 500 Points, Nifty above 24K

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty saw a significant rebound in early trade, driven by softer-than-expected US inflation data which has reinforced expectations of a less aggressive monetary policy stance from the Federal Reserve, providing relief to global risk assets.

Indian Equities Snap Losing Streak, End Marginally Higher

Indian Equities Snap Losing Streak, End Marginally Higher

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed marginally higher, breaking a four-day losing streak, despite elevated crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. The market saw a temporary pause in panic selling, though cautious sentiment persists.

India records $7.1 billion current account surplus in Q4 FY26

India records $7.1 billion current account surplus in Q4 FY26

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

India achieved a current account surplus of USD 7.1 billion, or 0.7 per cent of GDP, in the January-March quarter of 2025-26, primarily boosted by robust services exports and increased remittances from overseas Indians, according to recent Reserve Bank of India data.