News for 'Indian Foreign Service'

Want A US Visa? Pray to Lord Hanuman!

Want A US Visa? Pray to Lord Hanuman!

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

As the US gets tougher with visas, the prayers of US-bound devotees in India are getting more fervent, and their purse strings looser. Called Visa Hanuman temples (there are half a dozen all over India), some of them ask for a 'fee'.

How the markets will fare this week

How the markets will fare this week

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Investors would track a host of macroeconomic data announcements scheduled this week, including inflation numbers, and also monitor global market trends, and trading activity of foreign institutional investors, analysts said. The ongoing quarterly earnings announcements and the rupee-dollar trend would also influence the markets.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

In an eventful week ahead, stock markets may face volatile trends before the RBI's interest rate decision and the US inflation data announcements, as investors continue to assess the broader implications of US tariffs on global economy and inflation, analysts said. Investors fear that a full-blown trade war will impact global trade and economic growth, according to market experts.

Soon, there will be no 'foreign' troops in Maldives: Muizzu

Soon, there will be no 'foreign' troops in Maldives: Muizzu

Rediff.com7 Feb 2024

President Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday said by bolstering the defence capabilities of the Maldives, the country will soon reach a point where there is no 'foreign' military presence, weeks after he sought the withdrawal of Indian defence personnel from the archipelago nation.

IMA seeks IAS-like all-India service for healthcare administration

IMA seeks IAS-like all-India service for healthcare administration

Rediff.com11 Jul 2020

The IMA feels that there is a dire need for a drastic change in health administration which can be realised by raising a new cadre of administrators, it said in a statement.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi appointed India's ambassador to UN in Geneva

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi appointed India's ambassador to UN in Geneva

Rediff.com17 Oct 2023

In Geneva, Bagchi would succeed Indra Mani Pandey who is set to return to New Delhi.

Fresh US tariff concerns spook markets; Sensex sinks 548 points

Fresh US tariff concerns spook markets; Sensex sinks 548 points

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

From the 30-share Sensex pack, Power Grid, Tata Steel, Zomato, Titan, Bajaj Finance, Mahindra & Mahindra, NTPC and Tata Motors were among the major laggards. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharti Airtel, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, ICICI Bank and Tata Consultancy Services were the gainers.

Bijnor's Special Place In Mayawati's Heart

Bijnor's Special Place In Mayawati's Heart

Rediff.com18 Apr 2024

The BSP leader won the Bijnor Lok Sabha seat in 1989, her first electoral triumph.

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government will send seven all-party delegations to key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council, later this month to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Kerala: The Puzzled Book Of Questions

Kerala: The Puzzled Book Of Questions

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Can a culture survive as a way of life, even as the language and writing at its core, alter with time? Can we be rational and Malayalee or do we have to necessarily be religious and proudly cultural to be Malayalee? asks Shyam G Menon.

New foreign secretary to join tomorrow

New foreign secretary to join tomorrow

Rediff.com1 Dec 2003

A 1966-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Shashank succeeds Kanwal Sibal, who retired on Sunday after an 18-month stint.

Shashank to succeed Sibal as foreign secretary

Shashank to succeed Sibal as foreign secretary

Rediff.com19 Nov 2003

Kanwal Sibal retires on November 30 this year.

'Will Abolish Darubandi In 15 Minutes'

'Will Abolish Darubandi In 15 Minutes'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

Prashant Kishor declares the 2025 Bihar assembly election will be a contest between his Jan Suraaj Party and the BJP-led NDA.

Russia agrees to discharge Indians serving in its army

Russia agrees to discharge Indians serving in its army

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Russia on Tuesday agreed to India's demand to ensure early release and return to home of the Indian nationals working in the Russian military as support staff after Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'very strongly' raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin.

India to ban foreign surrogate services

India to ban foreign surrogate services

Rediff.com28 Oct 2015

Foreigners cannot rent a womb in India, the central government told the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Sensex drops 122 points; Nifty falls to 23,045

Sensex drops 122 points; Nifty falls to 23,045

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Bajaj Finserv, Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, UltraTech Cement, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Tata Motors were among the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,486.41 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.

Trade war fears spook markets; Sensex falls 319 points

Trade war fears spook markets; Sensex falls 319 points

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

From Sensex shares, Larsen & Toubro, Tata Motors, Hindustan Unilever, Asian Paints, ITC, Power Grid, NTPC and Reliance Industries were the major laggards. Among the gainers, Bajaj Finance jumped over 5 per cent. Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Finserv, Bharti Airtel and Maruti also ended higher.

Sujata Singh to be India's next foreign secretary

Sujata Singh to be India's next foreign secretary

Rediff.com2 Jul 2013

Sujata Singh, currently envoy to Germany, will be India's next foreign secretary following an approval of her appointment by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, sending months of speculation on who will head the foreign services.

Trade war may fuel inflation: RBI bulletin

Trade war may fuel inflation: RBI bulletin

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Escalating trade tensions amid a tariff war after Donald Trump took over as President of the United States (US) could adversely impact global growth and fuel inflation, an article on the "State of the Economy" in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) monthly bulletin said.

India's envoy in Ramallah, Mukul Arya, found dead in embassy

India's envoy in Ramallah, Mukul Arya, found dead in embassy

Rediff.com7 Mar 2022

It was not immediately known how Arya, a 2008-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, died.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The resilience of the economy and strength of domestic demand will continue to make India an engine of growth amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape as a result of US tariffs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in London on Tuesday.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

Stock market participants would track global trends and foreign investors' trading activity in a holiday-shortened week ahead, amid lack of any major domestic trigger in sight, analysts said. Equity markets will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.

'India Should Hit Pakistan Army Targets'

'India Should Hit Pakistan Army Targets'

Rediff.com11 May 2025

'There's something called deterrence by punishment.' 'That means you hit in a manner calculated to raise costs and consequences for Pakistan, so that the next time it attempts a Pahalgam-like attack, it has to think ten times.'

Sensex, Nifty end flat on trade war worries

Sensex, Nifty end flat on trade war worries

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

From the Sensex pack, Zomato, IndusInd Bank, NTPC, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Titan, Power Grid, Hindustan Unilever, Tech Mahindra and ITC were among the gainers. On the other hand, Reliance Industries, Nestle India, Tata Motors, Adani Ports, Tata Steel, UltraTech Cement and Kotak Mahindra Bank were the laggards.

Markets join global selloff; Sensex sinks below 80k

Markets join global selloff; Sensex sinks below 80k

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Equity benchmark Sensex on Thursday plunged about 965 points to crash below the 80,000 level due to heavy selling in global equities after the US Federal Reserve signalled fewer rate cuts next year. Besides, deep losses in consumer durables, banking and IT stocks amid foreign fund outflows added to the gloom, analysts said.

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'The way our President was greeted, that itself shows how far India has come.' 'People were aware of who she is, people know who our prime minister is.' 'Everybody knows India now and everybody respects India.'

Institutional investment in real estate jumps 31% to $1.3bn

Institutional investment in real estate jumps 31% to $1.3bn

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The growth was primarily driven by domestic investments, which accounted for 60 per cent of the total inflows during the first quarter of the financial year.

FPIs withdraw nearly Rs 20,000 cr from equities in 5 trading sessions

FPIs withdraw nearly Rs 20,000 cr from equities in 5 trading sessions

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

The exodus of foreign investments from Indian equity markets continued unabated, with FPIs pulling out nearly Rs 20,000 crore in the last five trading sessions on higher valuations of domestic stocks and shifting their allocation to China. As a result, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have turned net sellers in the equity market, with total outflows reaching Rs 13,401 crore for 2024 so far. Going ahead, the FPI selling trend is likely to continue in the near term till data indicate the piossibility of a trend reversal.

'Trump Respects India's Friendship'

'Trump Respects India's Friendship'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'The cooperation in technology is one of the most important aspects of the visit.' 'It will have a long-lasting impact because it will shift the entire paradigm in the context of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.'

Punjab police raid 1,274 immigration firms, 7 illegal travel agents held

Punjab police raid 1,274 immigration firms, 7 illegal travel agents held

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Punjab Police conducted raids and search operations at 1,274 immigration firms across the state to protect aspiring immigrants from falling prey to unscrupulous travel agents. The massive operation, carried out on the directions of Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, was a response to the recent deportation of illegal Indian immigrants by the US. Many of the deportees from Punjab and Haryana have alleged they were duped by travel agents who promised legal entry to the US but instead used the "donkey route" - an illegal and risky pathway. Police have registered 24 FIRs against travel agents and arrested seven. The operation was conducted under the Punjab Travel Professionals' Regulation Act, 2012, which mandates travel agents to obtain a license, maintain records, and comply with other regulations. The police advised citizens to verify travel agents' credentials before entrusting them with documents and money.

Spike in crude oil price, FII outflows spook markets

Spike in crude oil price, FII outflows spook markets

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

From the 30-share blue-chip pack, Zomato cracked nearly 7 per cent. Power Grid, Adani Ports, Tata Steel, NTPC, Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, Mahindra & Mahindra, Asian Paints, Sun Pharma and UltraTech Cement were the other major laggards. In contrast, Axis Bank, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Consultancy Services and IndusInd Bank were the gainers.

David Beckham of Andamans pedals his way to gold!

David Beckham of Andamans pedals his way to gold!

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Elkatohchoongo was the best Indian cyclist at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, reaching to the quarter-finals.

Crypto use suspected in terrorism, secessionist activities: FIU report

Crypto use suspected in terrorism, secessionist activities: FIU report

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

A trends study conducted by India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has expressed suspicion that cryptocurrency is being used across the country in serious criminal acts like terrorist financing, fuelling secessionist activities, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, illegal betting and gambling. The report, which was based on suspicious transaction reports and operational analysis, shared these trends and credible intelligence with law enforcement agencies.

Will seriously consider release of Indian crew members: Iran

Will seriously consider release of Indian crew members: Iran

Rediff.com27 Apr 2024

The MEA had said there are certain "technicalities involved" in the return of the remaining 16 Indian crew members.

'Liquidity In The Market Is Drying'

'Liquidity In The Market Is Drying'

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

'The pain can be more in the days ahead.'

Intensity of FPI outflow reduces in Dec

Intensity of FPI outflow reduces in Dec

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Foreign investors have pulled out Rs 26,533 crore from the Indian equity market this month so far owing to increasing allocations to China, concerns over muted corporate earnings and elevated valuation of domestic stocks. While the sell-off continues, the quantum of net outflows has significantly reduced compared to October, when Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) withdrew Rs 94,017 crore ($11.2 billion) on a net basis.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

Trading activity of foreign investors and global trends will be the major driving factors for the equity markets in a holiday-shortened week ahead, according to analysts. Leading stock exchanges BSE and NSE have declared a trading holiday on November 20 for assembly elections in Maharashtra. Elections to the 288-member state legislative assembly will be held on November 20, and votes will be counted on November 23.

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

Fresh US tariffs unnerve investors; Sensex down 380 points

Fresh US tariffs unnerve investors; Sensex down 380 points

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

State Bank of India, Tech Mahindra, Larsen & Toubro, Tata Steel, Sun Pharma, Infosys, HCL Tech, Axis Bank, Tata Consultancy Services and NTPC were among the biggest laggards among Sensex shares. Nestle, Hindustan Unilever, Titan, Power Grid, UltraTech Cement and ITC were among the gainers.