News for 'Indian Foreign Service'

Why gold import computation went wrong

Why gold import computation went wrong

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

The government's initiative to migrate SEZ data from NSDL software to ICEGATE system for streamlined reporting of import data caused double counting of gold imports, resulting in inflated figures and the issue has now been largely rectified, government sources said. The downward revision has provided the actual picture of trade deficit (difference between imports and exports), which was earlier looking very high. The deficit for November will now be revised downwards from $37.84 billion to about $32.8 billion. Similarly, there will be a revision in overall import numbers as well.

Foreign Media: Enemy Of India?

Foreign Media: Enemy Of India?

Rediff.com6 Mar 2023

Much of the the-foreign-media-is-biased hysteria that we see on social media these days is provoked by the bad press the regime is getting in the West, points out Vir Sanghvi.

The Nehruvian Who Fell Out With Sonia Gandhi

The Nehruvian Who Fell Out With Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

Because of his proximity to Indira Gandhi, he was able to intervene directly at the level of the PMO, which he did in the days leading up to the partition of Pakistan in 1971 when he transferred crucial information about Pakistan's moves via information handed to him by an East Pakistani diplomat in Poland where he was posted.

Paytm to reapply for RBI's payments aggregator licence

Paytm to reapply for RBI's payments aggregator licence

Rediff.com15 Sep 2024

Paytm will focus on its core business of payments and cross-selling financial services as it works to achieve "profitability soon", said Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder and chief executive officer of the fintech, on Thursday. "The past six months have taught us many lessons, giving us the opportunity to thoroughly examine our business processes, compliance, and the way we operate from the inside out.

'Nifty Pullback Needs To Be Taken In Stride'

'Nifty Pullback Needs To Be Taken In Stride'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

'The biggest near-term risk to Indian equities is the outflow of investments to China as tactical trades by foreign investors.'

Trump picks China hawk, India's friend as NSA, Secy of State

Trump picks China hawk, India's friend as NSA, Secy of State

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

By picking Rubio and Waltz as his top diplomat and NSA guarantees a continuation of bi-partisan support and further strengthening of India-US relationship under the second Trump administration.

At UN, Canada envoy raises issue of 'foreign interference'

At UN, Canada envoy raises issue of 'foreign interference'

Rediff.com27 Sep 2023

Canada's envoy to the United Nations, Robert Rae, during his address to world leaders at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday raised the issue of 'foreign interference' adding that the rules of state-to-state relations, cannot be bent for 'political expediency'.

Will Trump's Tariffs Threat Bite India?

Will Trump's Tariffs Threat Bite India?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The impact of Trump's announcement of increasing import tariffs will have negligible benefit for India not because of companies trying to shift from China to other countries or their supply chains being affected due to their Chinese operations but because of our faulty policies, explains Mudit Jain.

Sensex, Nifty rise on buying in banking stocks

Sensex, Nifty rise on buying in banking stocks

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty settled higher on Thursday, powered by a rally in banking and power stocks amid a largely firm trend in global markets. The stock markets mostly traded range-bound in the absence of any major trigger and persistent foreign capital outflows, traders said. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 144.31 points, or 0.18 per cent, to settle at 81,611.41.

Maldives assumes control of Indian chopper, civilian crew post military exit

Maldives assumes control of Indian chopper, civilian crew post military exit

Rediff.com7 Mar 2024

The principal director of plans, policy, and resources management for the Maldives National Defence Force, Colonel Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed said that discussions are underway for withdrawing Indian troops from the Maldives.

What Are MNC Funds?

What Are MNC Funds?

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

MNC funds invest in companies where foreign promoters have more than 50 per cent shareholding.

3 Indians accused of killing Nijjar appear in court

3 Indians accused of killing Nijjar appear in court

Rediff.com8 May 2024

All three agreed to have the proceedings heard in English and each of them nodded that they understood the charges of first-degree murder and conspiring to murder Nijjar, the report said.

Insurance Broker Fined Rs 1 Crore

Insurance Broker Fined Rs 1 Crore

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

According to IRDAI, Marsh India had held the premium received from the clients in an Insurance Bank Account for more than 15 days and did not remit the premium to the insurer/reinsurer within the time limit of 15 days.

Trump's 'America First' agenda may lead to higher tariffs

Trump's 'America First' agenda may lead to higher tariffs

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

With Donald Trump all set to become US president, Indian exporters may face high customs duties for goods like automobiles, textiles and pharmaceuticals if the new US administration decides to pursue the 'America First' agenda, opined trade experts. Experts also said that Trump could also tighten H-1B visa rules, impacting costs and growth for Indian IT firms. Over 80 per cent of India's IT export earnings come from the US, making it vulnerable to changes in visa policies.

First batch of Indian military personnel leave Maldives

First batch of Indian military personnel leave Maldives

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

There was no immediate confirmation from India's defence ministry on the withdrawal of the first batch of Indian military personnel from the Maldives as reported by the media in Maldives.

Markets settle lower dragged by IT stocks ahead of US Fed decision

Markets settle lower dragged by IT stocks ahead of US Fed decision

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

From the 30 Sensex firms, Tata Consultancy Services and HCL Technologies dropped over 3 per cent each. Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Sun Pharma and Tata Motors were the other major laggards. Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Nestle, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and State Bank of India were among the biggest gainers.

Modi Breaks Fresh Ground In Foreign Policy

Modi Breaks Fresh Ground In Foreign Policy

Rediff.com23 Mar 2022

'The big power struggle in faraway Europe erupted at a most critical juncture when India has been increasingly sceptical about American policies and statesmanship,' argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

IT aims for the sky after Accenture's Q4 results

IT aims for the sky after Accenture's Q4 results

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

Global firm Accenture's fourth quarter results prove that the worst is behind for the Indian information technology (IT) sector, said analysts on Friday (September 27). While the pace and the broadness of recovery is debatable, they said Accenture's results and revenue growth guidance for the next financial year (FY25) reduce downside risks for Indian IT companies.

How OCIs Are Taxed

How OCIs Are Taxed

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

'Any earnings, regardless of location, will be subject to Indian income tax.'

Harsh Vardhan Shringla takes charge as new foreign secretary

Harsh Vardhan Shringla takes charge as new foreign secretary

Rediff.com29 Jan 2020

Shringla last served as India's envoy to the US. He will be serving a two-year term. In the course of a diplomatic career spanning 35 years, Shringla has held a variety of positions in New Delhi and abroad, and is considered an expert on India's neighbourhood.

BSE, NSE end marginally lower in highly volatile trade

BSE, NSE end marginally lower in highly volatile trade

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

From the 30-share pack, Adani Port, Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Reliance Industries, Infosys, UltraTech Cement, HDFC Bank, HCL Technologies and ICICI Bank were among the laggards. Tata Motors, Axis Bank, Maruti, Larsen & Toubro, ITC and Tata Steel were among the gainers.

A reluctant foreign secretary takes leave -- quietly

A reluctant foreign secretary takes leave -- quietly

Rediff.com1 Oct 2019

KPS Menon (Jr) had a quiet humility and playfulness, and was not motivated by money or power, recalls Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Amid row, Maldives seeks info on Indian coast guard's activity

Amid row, Maldives seeks info on Indian coast guard's activity

Rediff.com3 Feb 2024

On January 31, the Indian Army intercepted a Maldivian fishing boat engaged in fishing activities within the Maldives' Special Economic Zone (EEZ), located 72 nautical miles northeast of Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, the Maldives' defence ministry claimed in a statement on Friday.

The Last Indian Villages On Tibet Border

The Last Indian Villages On Tibet Border

Rediff.com23 May 2024

'It is a breathtaking journey towards the Tibet border, especially since the Border Road Organisation has accomplished a fabulous feat in black-topping the road till the border.' 'One is left with a salute for the dauntless Indian soldiers who spend the winter in these majestic, though inhospitable areas (we were told that the temperature comes down to minus 40 in winter),' recounts Claude Arpi.

India-focused funds log first weekly redemption in 19 mths

India-focused funds log first weekly redemption in 19 mths

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

India's stock markets are experiencing a shift in investor sentiment, with a 30 per cent surge in Chinese stocks, prompting investors to move money from domestic markets to China. This reversal of fortunes is a notable change from the past three years, where China's losses benefited India.

Private consumption is back; to boost economy: RBI Bulletin

Private consumption is back; to boost economy: RBI Bulletin

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Private consumption is back driven by festive spending, and the medium-term economic outlook remains bullish as the innate strength of the macro-fundamentals reasserts itself, the Reserve Bank Bulletin said on Wednesday. Global economic activity remained resilient during Q4:2024 amidst fragile confidence and rising protectionism, said an article on 'State of the Economy' published in the November Bulletin.

Friday's Sensex Crash: Anything To Worry?

Friday's Sensex Crash: Anything To Worry?

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

'The economy is clearly at a very soft spot, and earnings growth is disappointing every day.' 'After three great years, the Indian economy has hit a rough patch.'

Atalji@100: Vajpayee's Unmatched Legacy

Atalji@100: Vajpayee's Unmatched Legacy

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

It was good fortune for India to have Atal Bihari Vajpayee lead the government at a crucial moment in our history. He avoided India meeting the fate of Iraq or Ukraine, asserts military historian Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

US Vice President Kamala Harris visits Indian grandfather's house in Zambia

US Vice President Kamala Harris visits Indian grandfather's house in Zambia

Rediff.com1 Apr 2023

US Vice President Kamala Harris remembered her maternal grandfather PV Gopalan, an Indian Foreign Service official, during her tour to Zambia and paid a visit to the Gopalan's family house in Lusaka.

Why Did Biden Spurn R-Day Invite?

Why Did Biden Spurn R-Day Invite?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

Biden is not risking his reputation in a crucial election year, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

1 Indian killed, 2 others injured in anti-tank missile attack in Israel

1 Indian killed, 2 others injured in anti-tank missile attack in Israel

Rediff.com5 Mar 2024

The missile hit a plantation in Margaliot, a moshav (collective agricultural community), in the Galilee region in the north of Israel around 11 am on Monday, Zaki Heller, spokesperson for rescue services Magen David Adom (MDA), told PTI.

'In Equity Markets, One Has To Be Patient'

'In Equity Markets, One Has To Be Patient'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

'While investors need to be prepared for making some losses, they should not lose big money chasing euphoria amid fear of missing out.'

FPI selling tops $10 bn in Oct amid China shift

FPI selling tops $10 bn in Oct amid China shift

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have net sold domestic shares worth over $10 billion so far this month amid a shift to China, which not only offers attractive valuations compared to India but has also announced several measures to support the economy and the stock market in recent weeks. If the trend doesn't reverse, this will be the first time that overseas funds will yank out more than $10 billion from Indian equity markets in a month.

FPIs inflow in equities drops to Rs 7,320 cr in August

FPIs inflow in equities drops to Rs 7,320 cr in August

Rediff.com1 Sep 2024

Foreign investors have adopted a cautious stance and infused Rs 7,320 crore in the Indian equities in August owing to high valuation of stocks and the unwinding of the Yen carry trade after Bank of Japan raised interest rates. This investment was way lower than Rs 32,365 crore in July and Rs 26,565 crore in June, according to data with the depositories. While September is likely to see continued interest from FPIs, the flows would be shaped by a combination of domestic political stability, economic indicators, global interest rate movements, market valuations, sectoral preferences, and the attractiveness of the debt market, Vipul Bhowar, Director Listed Investments, Waterfield Advisors, said.

Maha Kumbh: 3.5 crore seers, devotees take Amrit Snan

Maha Kumbh: 3.5 crore seers, devotees take Amrit Snan

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Seers from various 'akharas' took the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Maha Kumbh on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday as an unbroken stream of people converged at the Triveni Sangam on the occasion with around 3.5 crore devotees taking a dip.

Credit card payments on foreign tours to attract TCS

Credit card payments on foreign tours to attract TCS

Rediff.com24 Mar 2023

Credit card payments for foreign travel will be brought under the purview of the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) of the Reserve Bank, to ensure that such expenses do not escape TCS (Tax Collection at Source). While moving the Finance Bill 2023 for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Reserve Bank has been asked to look into ways to bring credit card payments on foreign tours under the LRS. "It has been represented that payments for foreign tours through a credit card are not being captured under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and such payments escape tax collection at source (TCS)," she said.

Indian civilian team in Maldives to replace military personnel

Indian civilian team in Maldives to replace military personnel

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

There are 88 military personnel manning the three Indian platforms that have been providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives for the last few years using two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.

BJP MP wants MHA to probe if ISI, China prompting massive feedback to Waqf bill

BJP MP wants MHA to probe if ISI, China prompting massive feedback to Waqf bill

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

Raising concern over the nearly 1.25 crore feedback submissions received by the parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Bharatiya Janata Party member Nishikant Dubey has called for a probe into their sources, including in the possible role of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and China.

'As Long As Trudeau Is PM, There Won't Be De-escalating'

'As Long As Trudeau Is PM, There Won't Be De-escalating'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

'Canada doesn't want to de-escalate and neither does India. There is war when one party wants it, but peace is won by both parties.'

VP Dhankhar condemns 'Bangladesh can happen in India' remarks

VP Dhankhar condemns 'Bangladesh can happen in India' remarks

Rediff.com10 Aug 2024

'How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament, and the other who has seen enough of Foreign Service takes no time in saying that what happened in the neighbourhood will happen in India'