News for 'Key Points External'

India lodges strong protest with Russia over 4 seafarers' killing

India lodges strong protest with Russia over 4 seafarers' killing

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India has lodged a strong protest with Russia following the killing of four Indian seafarers aboard a Guinea Bissau-flagged merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the civilian ship, MV Golden Leo, which also left one Indian national critically injured.

How much did Modi's 23 foreign trips in 2025 cost? Here's the breakdown

How much did Modi's 23 foreign trips in 2025 cost? Here's the breakdown

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Over Rs 180 crore was incurred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to 23 countries including the US, the UK, France, China and Japan in 2025, according to data shared by the government.

RBI likely to hold rates in August, maintain hawkish tone as inflation risks persist

RBI likely to hold rates in August, maintain hawkish tone as inflation risks persist

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is widely expected to keep its benchmark repo rate unchanged in the August monetary policy review, with economists citing elevated inflation risks and the pending closure of the FCNR(B) deposit scheme as key factors. Most anticipate a 'Neutral' policy stance but with a hawkish tone due to geopolitical tensions, high crude oil prices, and an uneven monsoon.

From farm laws to NEET: When Modi government yielded to pressure

From farm laws to NEET: When Modi government yielded to pressure

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

The article details instances where the Narendra Modi government has yielded to public and political pressure since 2014, leading to policy reversals and ministerial resignations. It highlights the recent resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak, alongside past events like the withdrawal of land acquisition amendments, M.J. Akbar's resignation, the repeal of farm laws, and other policy retreats.

Unable to find Old Monk rum in stores? This is why

Unable to find Old Monk rum in stores? This is why

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Several popular rum and whisky brands, including variants of Old Monk Rum and McDowell's No 1, have been prohibited from sale after laboratory tests found their samples did not conform to prescribed standards, primarily due to the addition of artificial flavouring substances.

FCNR (B) Inflows May Surpass 2013 Levels in 45 Days, SBI Research Raises Estimates

FCNR (B) Inflows May Surpass 2013 Levels in 45 Days, SBI Research Raises Estimates

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank), or FCNR (B), deposits mobilised under the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) concessional swap facility may have already surpassed the amount raised during the 2013 scheme in just about 45 days, prompting SBI Research to sharply raise its estimate for inflows under the facility to $65-70 billion.

Hasina extradition request under review, Centre tells parliamentary panel

Hasina extradition request under review, Centre tells parliamentary panel

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A parliamentary committee has noted Bangladesh's extradition request for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces a death sentence in absentia. The Indian government has confirmed the request is under examination, reiterating its humanitarian approach of offering refuge while ensuring no political activity is conducted from Indian soil. The committee has urged the government to keep it apprised of the matter.

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'They want to sabotage the caste census and bury Muslim backward classes, Hindu backward classes, Sikh backward classes and Buddhist backward classes.'

The Film That Cost My Family Its Home

The Film That Cost My Family Its Home

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

My family produced a Malayalam movie in 1986. It had big actors in it. The songs were sung by K J Yesudas himself. The film starred two newcomers as the lead pair. It bombed.

'Baghel go back' chants disrupt Punjab Congress meet as crisis deepens

'Baghel go back' chants disrupt Punjab Congress meet as crisis deepens

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

An organisational meeting of the Punjab Congress in Ludhiana, aimed at preparing for the 2027 assembly elections, was marred by protests and "go back" slogans against senior leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, highlighting the party's persistent internal divisions.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to commercialise its events and offer stakes to external investors, has drawn significant criticism from governing bodies like UEFA and CONCACAF, who accuse FIFA of a lack of transparency and attempting to 'sell the soul of football'.

India's tricolour embarks on global time-zone relay from Fiji on I-Day

India's tricolour embarks on global time-zone relay from Fiji on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India launched 'Suryapath Tiranga', a unique initiative involving over 50 Indian missions globally, to digitally relay images of the tricolour across multiple time zones, starting from Fiji, to mark the country's 80th Independence Day.

CJP stir foreign funded? Delhi HC to hear PIL on Friday

CJP stir foreign funded? Delhi HC to hear PIL on Friday

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court will hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an investigation into the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Jantar Mantar. The PIL alleges that the protest, initially framed as a student agitation, involved political leaders, foreign-funded organisations, and resulted in public disruption and damage, raising concerns about national security and public order.

13 Indian sailors stranded in Ukraine port amid attacks

13 Indian sailors stranded in Ukraine port amid attacks

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Indian embassy in Ukraine is actively monitoring the critical situation of 13 Indian seafarers aboard MV AMIR1, who are reportedly under threat from drone and missile attacks near Ukraine's Black Sea coast.

India Named in US China Transshipment Network

India Named in US China Transshipment Network

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'All these reports and announcements by the US seem like attempts to gain a lever in trade deal negotiations with India.'

India Inc navigates West Asia conflict: Rising costs, price hikes, and margin pressures

India Inc navigates West Asia conflict: Rising costs, price hikes, and margin pressures

Rediff.com6 days ago

India Inc's first-quarter earnings season was significantly impacted by the West Asia conflict, leading to rising costs, calibrated price increases, and margin pressures across various sectors including FMCG, automotive, steel, and cement. Companies are implementing price hikes to protect profitability, with many anticipating further escalations if input costs remain elevated.

Govt to file Ahmedabad air crash report with SC in October

Govt to file Ahmedabad air crash report with SC in October

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has been informed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's final draft report on the June 2025 Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad will be submitted in October. The court is hearing petitions seeking an independent probe into the accident, which claimed 260 lives.

Black Sea attack victim's remains reach Kanpur; family refuses last rites

Black Sea attack victim's remains reach Kanpur; family refuses last rites

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The mortal remains of Merchant Navy chief officer Sagar Gupta, who was killed in a Black Sea attack amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, were brought to his native place in Kanpur on Wednesday, 18 days after the incident, with his family demanding 'martyr' status and compensation.

BCI chief apologises for letter banning NALSAR graduates

BCI chief apologises for letter banning NALSAR graduates

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has issued an apology to law students, particularly those from NALSAR, for any hurt caused by the recent controversy surrounding their convocation and enrolment, urging them to make independent decisions.

Why FIFA's $20B Plan Has UEFA Up in Arms

Why FIFA's $20B Plan Has UEFA Up in Arms

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, aims to democratise global football finance but has been condemned by UEFA as selling the game's "soul."

FIFA clarifies 'no sale of football' amid UEFA boycott threats over investment plans

FIFA clarifies 'no sale of football' amid UEFA boycott threats over investment plans

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

FIFA has issued a clarification regarding its FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, stating it would 'never entertain' selling football to private parties and aims to ensure meaningful commercial ownership for all member nations, following strong criticism and boycott threats from UEFA and CONCACAF.

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.

'The Next Chairman Does Not Need To Build Tata'

'The Next Chairman Does Not Need To Build Tata'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

'... that work is done. The task is to reallocate what has been built, with the courage of a founder and the discipline of an owner.'

From Flood-Hit Home To Karate Gold: Assam Teen Janmoni's Inspirational Story

From Flood-Hit Home To Karate Gold: Assam Teen Janmoni's Inspirational Story

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Seventeen-year-old Janmoni Konwar from Assam won a gold medal at the National Karate Championship in Delhi, a remarkable achievement given her family lost their home and livelihood to devastating floods just weeks before the competition.

India summons Iran envoys, protests strikes on vessels in Hormuz

India summons Iran envoys, protests strikes on vessels in Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India has lodged a 'strong protest' with Iran over recent strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and injuries to several others, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic engagement.

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.

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The government is considering sending 'The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' to a joint committee of both houses of Parliament for further examination, even as the Congress and some other opposition parties have demanded that it be withdrawn, sources said on Tuesday.

Modi reviews global conflict impact on India's energy, supply chains

Modi reviews global conflict impact on India's energy, supply chains

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday discussed with a group of senior ministers the prevailing global security situation and how to maintain supply chain uninterrupted despite conflicts in different zones, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Black Sea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Three NCPI MPs skip NDA meeting amid rift among Trinamool rebels

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and leaders of the National Democratic Alliance allies on Tuesday attended the ruling coalition's weekly meeting of parliamentarians, where the absence of three Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) MPs stood out amid signs of differences within the 20-member group of Trinamool Congress rebels over its association with the alliance.

RBI directs bank boards to sharpen strategic focus, effective Oct 2026

RBI directs bank boards to sharpen strategic focus, effective Oct 2026

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued amended directions for bank boards, effective October 1, 2026, to rationalise agenda items and enable more focused engagement on strategy and risk governance, while explicitly defining matters reserved for board approval and periodically reviewing delegated powers.

Sun Pharma sees 27% profit surge in Q1FY27, driven by India and innovative medicines

Sun Pharma sees 27% profit surge in Q1FY27, driven by India and innovative medicines

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries reported a 27 per cent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to 2,894.7 crore for Q1FY27, with revenue growing 10 per cent to 15,299.8 crore, driven by strong performance in India and innovative medicines.

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Four Indian nationals have been killed in an attack on the vessel MV Golden Leo during departure from the port of Odesa in Ukraine on Sunday evening, while one is critically injured.

Our endeavour is to bring inflation in line with target over the medium term

"Our endeavour is to bring inflation in line with target over the medium term"

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

"Our endeavour is to bring headline inflation in line with the target over the medium term," said RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, addressing concerns about the central bank's policy stance and economic outlook.

Govt bars telecom infra firms from overseas data transfer

Govt bars telecom infra firms from overseas data transfer

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India's government has implemented stringent new regulations under the Telecommunications Act 2023, mandating that all communication infrastructure providers, including those utilising cloud-based networks, must store telecommunication data exclusively within the country, a move expected to significantly impact domestic data centre demand.

'India's First Substantive Judicial Engagement With AI'

'India's First Substantive Judicial Engagement With AI'

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

The judgment is India's first to examine AI companies' use of copyrighted works for foundation models, setting an analytical framework for Section 52 of the Copyright Act.

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has affirmed India's commitment to ensuring issues like a free, open, and rule-based maritime order, seafarer safety, and countering terror financing receive due attention at the UN Security Council during its 2028-29 term.

Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium Undergoes Major Renovation for Badminton World Championships

Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium Undergoes Major Renovation for Badminton World Championships

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Organisers of the upcoming BWF World Championships have undertaken extensive upgrades at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi, including anti-bird measures, non-toxic gels, and even 'monkey whisperers', to prevent a repeat of the hygiene and disruption issues experienced during the India Open earlier this year.

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Rediff.com6 days ago

Japan is deepening its defence relationship with India while simultaneously expanding its economic, infrastructure and security engagement with countries around India -- particularly Bangladesh. The result is an emerging Japanese conception of South Asia in which India remains the strategic anchor, but the geography surrounding India is becoming increasingly important, points out Varun Arya.

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.

Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Blames 'Unfair' Refereeing for World Cup Elimination

Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Blames 'Unfair' Refereeing for World Cup Elimination

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Egypt's national football coach, Hossam Hassan, has vehemently blamed 'unfair' refereeing decisions and 'external factors' for his team's dramatic World Cup elimination by Argentina, stating he will no longer watch the tournament.