News for 'Overseas Indian Affairs'

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Over 10K Indians languishing in foreign jails; 50% in Saudi and UAE

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Indian government has informed Parliament that there are currently over 10,000 Indian prisoners, including undertrials, in foreign jails. The Ministry of External Affairs shared country-wise data, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE having the highest number of Indian prisoners. The government has assured that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and provides consular assistance, legal aid, and financial support to those imprisoned.

Govt mulls scheme to support overseas workers

Govt mulls scheme to support overseas workers

Rediff.com29 Sep 2011

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said the diaspora community has been contributing significantly to India's economy by sending billion of dollars in remittances and government is launching the scheme to support them on their return to the country.

NRI affairs ministry renamed

NRI affairs ministry renamed

Rediff.com9 Sep 2004

It will now be called the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.

Why Short-Sellers Are Key For Balanced Market

Why Short-Sellers Are Key For Balanced Market

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

When shorts are based on perceived corporate mismanagement or malfeasance, as in cases like Enron and Satyam, they enable the financial system to work efficiently, points out Devangshu Datta.

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The Centre has defended in the Delhi high court its decision to cancel the overseas citizen of India (OCI) card of United States-based journalist Raphael Satter saying he maligned Indian institutions in the international arena through journalistic activities.

India plans newer bases for overseas jobs

India plans newer bases for overseas jobs

Rediff.com1 Dec 2009

"Mobility partnership is a new instrument and we intend to sign more agreements with European nations," G Gurucharan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, told reporters.

Buttler, Coetzee set to join GT; Russell, Narine to link with KKR in Bengaluru

Buttler, Coetzee set to join GT; Russell, Narine to link with KKR in Bengaluru

Rediff.com13 May 2025

GT's other overseas players, including Rashid Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Kagiso Rabada and Karim Janat, stayed with the rest of the squad in India.

Now, Trump threatens India with 'secondary sanctions'

Now, Trump threatens India with 'secondary sanctions'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

United States President Donald Trump has said India is 'very close' to China in terms of its purchases of Russian oil and will pay tariffs of 50 per cent as he indicated that 'you are going to see so much secondary sanctions'.

Only link with J-K...: India on Pak Army chief's 'jugular vein' remark

Only link with J-K...: India on Pak Army chief's 'jugular vein' remark

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India has strongly rejected Pakistan's claims on Kashmir, calling it a Union Territory and dismissing the Pakistan Army Chief's statement about it being the country's "jugular vein." India also rejected Pakistan's claim that Tahawwur Rana, a Mumbai terror attack accused, is a Canadian citizen and that it has nothing to do with him. India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson stated that Pakistan's reputation as the "epicentre" of global terrorism will not diminish. Rana's extradition is a reminder that Pakistan needs to bring other perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks to justice, according to India.

'Depressed' IFS officer dies by suicide

'Depressed' IFS officer dies by suicide

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

An Indian Foreign Services (IFS) officer, identified as Jitendra Rawat, died by suicide by jumping from the fourth floor of a building in the Chanakyapuri area of Delhi. Police confirmed the death and said no foul play was suspected. Sources said Rawat was undergoing treatment for depression and his mother was staying with him. His wife and children are staying in Dehradun.

India plans new migration law amid US deportations

India plans new migration law amid US deportations

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The proposed legislation on Emigration (Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024) seeks to replace the Emigration Act of 1983 with a view to facilitate the circular mobility of people intending to emigrate for overseas employment.

No postal ballot for overseas voters in assembly polls

No postal ballot for overseas voters in assembly polls

Rediff.com24 Mar 2021

Postal ballot facility for eligible overseas Indian electors cannot be extended for the upcoming assembly polls as the matter is still under discussion with the Ministry of External Affairs to iron out logistical challenges in implementing the proposal, Lok Sabha was informed.

New e-Zero FIR to speed up cyber crime crackdown: Amit Shah

New e-Zero FIR to speed up cyber crime crackdown: Amit Shah

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Started as a pilot project for Delhi, the new system will automatically convert into FIRs cyber financial crimes filed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and helpline number 1930, initially above the threshold limit of Rs 10 lakh, he said.

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Inspired by Modi's..., says President of Slovakia

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Slovak Republic's President, Peter Pellegrini, has expressed interest in adopting a tree-planting initiative similar to India's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The inspiration came during a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who was on a two-day state visit to Slovakia. During a tree-planting ceremony in Nitra, Murmu highlighted Modi's initiative to plant trees in the name of mothers. Pellegrini was impressed and suggested that Slovakia could consider a similar program. The initiative, launched on World Environment Day last year, encourages people to plant a tree in their mother's name as a symbolic gesture of love and respect.

Virat Kohli's Glorious Seven, Outpacing The Don

Virat Kohli's Glorious Seven, Outpacing The Don

Rediff.com13 May 2025

From July 2016 to October 2019, in just 1,176 days, Kohli crafted seven double centuries, including six at home. He still holds the record for most Test double centuries by a captain and an Indian cricketer.

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Indian origin Hindus living in Europe and US are mulling opening overseas chapters of Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' in their countries. On the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday, the idea of opening a Ram Naam Bank was discussed among the devotees in Sweden.

PM reaches out to Indian community in Tanzania

PM reaches out to Indian community in Tanzania

Rediff.com26 May 2011

He said that his government is deeply committed to the welfare and prosperity of the Indian community in Tanzania.

20,000 Indians return having lost jobs abroad

20,000 Indians return having lost jobs abroad

Rediff.com26 Feb 2009

Though the exact number of people who have returned is not available, there are reports which indicate that between 16,000 to 20,000 Indians have come back here after the economic slowdown, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vyalar Ravi told the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour.

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.

355 foreign employers harassing Indians

355 foreign employers harassing Indians

Rediff.com15 Jul 2009

The government has identified 355 foreign employers who were found to be harassing Indian workers abroad, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Parliamentary panel chooses to examine review of personal laws

Parliamentary panel chooses to examine review of personal laws

Rediff.com27 Oct 2023

The parliamentary panel, headed by Bharatiya Janata Party's Sushil Kumar Modi, has also decided to examine remote voting and e-postal ballots for Indians residing abroad.

Needed: A new policy for the Indian Diaspora

Needed: A new policy for the Indian Diaspora

Rediff.com20 Jan 2020

On matters relating to the Diaspora, the Centre needs to call the shots, suggests Ambassador T P S Sreenivasan.

When Cricket Legends Walked Away Without A Roar

When Cricket Legends Walked Away Without A Roar

Rediff.com15 May 2025

While Sachin Tendulkar's 2013 farewell became a national pilgrimage, a vibrant celebration befitting a cricketing deity, the exits of many other Indian icons this century have been quieter journeys into the twilight.

Tough Time Ahead for Banking Sector?

Tough Time Ahead for Banking Sector?

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Net NPAs increased to Rs 36,260 crore in the December quarter from Rs 34,843 crore in September and Rs 33,116 crore in December 2023, observes Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

16 nations, 40 youth, the Indian connection

16 nations, 40 youth, the Indian connection

Rediff.com13 Jan 2010

The 'Know India Programme' organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is a three-week orientation trip for Diaspora youth to promote awareness about the different facets of life in India.

Vayalar given additional charge of science and technology

Vayalar given additional charge of science and technology

Rediff.com10 Aug 2012

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi was today given additional charge of ministries of science and technology, earth sciences and micro, small and medium enterprises following ill health of Vilasrao Deshmukh.

Minimum wage for Indian workers abroad not fixed'

Minimum wage for Indian workers abroad not fixed'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2008

Ravi, who attended the Ministerial Consultations on Overseas Employment and Contractual Labour for Countries of Origin in Asia in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, said the (wage) figure should be 'realistic' and needs to reflect the conditions in each of the countries where the workers are employed.

Why Indian Diaspora meet in Mauritius matters

Why Indian Diaspora meet in Mauritius matters

Rediff.com25 Oct 2012

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi stated that the focus areas of the PBD in Mauritius would be to deliberate ways and means of further strengthening economic engagement, role of youth in maintaining the vital PIO links and cultural heritage as well as look at mutual areas of exploration where Mauritius could serve as a gateway for doing business with Africa.

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

Cruise ship disaster: 130 more Indians come home

Cruise ship disaster: 130 more Indians come home

Rediff.com20 Jan 2012

The second batch of 130 Indians rescued from the Italian cruise ship 'Costa Concordia', which hit a rock and sank off the Tuscan coast in Italy last week, returned home on Friday.

266 Indians return; 3 more flights head to Libya

266 Indians return; 3 more flights head to Libya

Rediff.com1 Mar 2011

Vayalar Ravi, who is also the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, was at the terminal 2 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport to receive the Indians evacuated from the Libyan capital Tripoli.

Indian govt funds US research on migration

Indian govt funds US research on migration

Rediff.com18 Feb 2010

In an unprecedented act of philanthropy to an American academic institution, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has given a $2 million grant to the University of Pennsylvania's Centre for the Advanced Study of India, headed by Devesh Kapur to support its research on international migration from India.

81,000 Indians deported from the Gulf

81,000 Indians deported from the Gulf

Rediff.com29 Nov 2007

Over 81,000 Indians were deported from the Gulf this year on various grounds, including non-possession of visas, resident permits and violation of local laws, the government said on Thursday.

423 more Indians arrive from Lebanon

423 more Indians arrive from Lebanon

Rediff.com25 Jul 2006

Out of those who arrived from Lebanon at 2.15 AM, 269 were from Tamil Nadu, 139 from Punjab, nine from Kerala, three from Goa and one each from Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Soon, 24-hr help line for Indian students in Aus

Soon, 24-hr help line for Indian students in Aus

Rediff.com24 Jun 2009

In a meeting with Minister for Overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi in New Delhi on Tuesday, Australian Education Secretary Lisa Paul said her country is committed to have a help line for Indian students to lodge their complaints and to seek other support.

Govt all set to welcome 1,500 delegates at PBD '11

Govt all set to welcome 1,500 delegates at PBD '11

Rediff.com5 Jan 2011

All the chief ministers from the northeast states have confirmed that will be attending the 9th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said on Wednesday.

Govt to take steps for return of Indians stranded in Angola

Govt to take steps for return of Indians stranded in Angola

Rediff.com15 May 2012

The government on Tuesday said it is aware of the plight of the 1,200 Indian workers stranded in Angola and will take all necessary steps for their return. "The government is taking steps for their return," Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said in the Rajya Sabha.

Law to help Indians in Gulf planned

Law to help Indians in Gulf planned

Rediff.com4 Apr 2006

India will soon make a comprehensive amendment to emigration laws to protect its labour force abroad, especially in the Gulf region, from being exploited by unscrupulous recruiting agents.