News for 'Pacific News Service'

India's imports from OPEC at all-time low as Russian oil buy peaks

India's imports from OPEC at all-time low as Russian oil buy peaks

Rediff.com7 May 2023

Oil producers cartel OPEC's share in India's oil imports fell to an all-time low of 46 per cent in April as purchases of cheaper Russian oil peaked, industry data showed. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) nations, mainly in the Middle East and Africa, had a 72 per cent share of all crude oil India imported in April 2022. This share slid to 46 per cent in April 2023, according to energy cargo tracker Vortexa.

Apollo to scale up IT's role in services

Apollo to scale up IT's role in services

Rediff.com18 Jun 2013

Announcing that the Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, has bagged the HIMSS Analytics Asia Pacific Award for its IT capabilities, Sangita Reddy, executive director -- operations, Apollo Hospitals Groups, said, "We will have 6,000 beds covered with the system and capabilities by the end of the year and in another six months from that all 9,000 beds of Apollo Hospitals will be covered."

'The level of isolation in North Korea was amazing'

'The level of isolation in North Korea was amazing'

Rediff.com2 May 2023

'In 1984, Pyongyang just had one hotel and one could not move out without an official escort.' 'India was the only country with an embassy, apart from the socialist countries.'

How IBM's Bengaluru unit is priming companies for cyberattacks

How IBM's Bengaluru unit is priming companies for cyberattacks

Rediff.com27 Mar 2022

Located in a small township in the eastern part of Bengaluru is IBM's new Security Command Centre, which is surrounded by offices of multinational tech companies. This unit is the centrepiece of IBM's multi-million dollar investment to help businesses prepare for the growing threat of cyberattacks across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This facility is the first of its kind in the region. It helps train in cybersecurity response techniques through highly realistic and simulated cyberattacks.

Reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity: Biden

Reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity: Biden

Rediff.com22 Feb 2023

US President Joe Biden, who arrived in a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday, reaffirmed America's unwavering commitment to Ukraine's democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

India's Russian oil imports now double of Iraq

India's Russian oil imports now double of Iraq

Rediff.com9 Apr 2023

India's imports of crude oil from Russia touched a new high of 1.64 million barrels per day in March and is now double of the purchases from Iraq - the nation's traditional top oil supplier. But the purchases appear to have plateaued as growth has slowed. Russia continued to be the single largest supplier of crude oil, which is converted into petrol and diesel at refineries, for a sixth straight month by supplying more than one-third of all oil India imported, according to energy cargo tracker Vortexa.

Kerala CM to receive UN award for public service

Kerala CM to receive UN award for public service

Rediff.com26 Jun 2013

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will receive the United Nations Global Award for Public Service from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon at a ceremony to be held in Bahrain on Thursday.

Grace period for retrenched H1-B workers to be extended to 180 days

Grace period for retrenched H1-B workers to be extended to 180 days

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

A presidential advisory sub-committee has recommended the federal government to extend the grace period for H1-B workers, who have lost their jobs, from the existing 60 days to 180 days so that the workers have enough opportunities to find a new job or other alternatives. "The immigration subcommittee recommends the Department of Homeland Security and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to extend the grace period for H1-B workers, who have lost their jobs, from 60 days to 180 days," Ajay Jain Bhutoria, member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, said on Tuesday. In his presentation, Bhutoria highlighted the significant challenges faced by H1-B workers laid off from their jobs.

Nirmalaji, the defence services need more money!

Nirmalaji, the defence services need more money!

Rediff.com31 Jan 2020

'The government must provide more funds to enable the armed forces to fight and win tomorrow's wars,' states Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (retd).

Wrong to assume that sacked H-1B staffers have to leave America within 60 days: USCIS

Wrong to assume that sacked H-1B staffers have to leave America within 60 days: USCIS

Rediff.com28 Mar 2023

Amid mass layoffs in the tech sector, the federal agency for immigration services has said it is wrong to assume that sacked workers holding the much-sought-after H-1B visas have to leave the country within 60 days, asserting they have multiple options to stay in the US. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Wipro appoints Satya Easwaran as India head

Wipro appoints Satya Easwaran as India head

Rediff.com18 Apr 2022

IT major Wipro Limited has appointed Satya Easwaran, a former senior executive at consultancy KPMG, as its India head. Easwaran will be in charge of strengthening Wipro's business in India across key industry sectors through strategic consulting, transformation and modernisation engagements, it said in a statement on Monday. "India is a strategic market for Wipro and I am excited to welcome Satya to champion our bold ambition for growth and leadership here.

India in danger of becoming Hindu nationalist State: US Congressman

India in danger of becoming Hindu nationalist State: US Congressman

Rediff.com16 Dec 2022

'I am a lover of Hinduism, a lover of Jainism, Buddhism and other religions that were born in India, but we need to protect the rights of all people there. Whether they're Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Jains'

With eye on China, PM's Op-Ed hails India-Japan ties

With eye on China, PM's Op-Ed hails India-Japan ties

Rediff.com23 May 2022

Prime Minister Modi, who is in Japan on a two-day visit to attend a summit of the Quad leaders at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, penned an op-ed on the vibrant relations between India and Japan in the Yomiuri Shimbun.

'Market has so far surprised everyone'

'Market has so far surprised everyone'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2022

'This resilience should be viewed as reflecting the strength of the structural story.'

What's Time Zone Politics?

What's Time Zone Politics?

Rediff.com11 Apr 2023

In a world without politics, time zones would change by an hour for a shift of 15 degrees of longitude. But, of course, political considerations apply, explains Devangshu Datta.

IT services end-user spending grows by 8.2% in 200

IT services end-user spending grows by 8.2% in 200

Rediff.com13 May 2003

India's IT services end-user spending grew by 8.2 per cent in revenue, which totaled $1.4 billion in 2002, according to research and advisory firm Gartner Inc.

Apple's India revenue almost doubles in Q1

Apple's India revenue almost doubles in Q1

Rediff.com29 Jul 2022

Technology giant Apple, which recorded $83 billion in revenue for the quarter ended June 2022, has reported a "near doubling" of revenue in India. Announcing financial results for its fiscal 2022 quarter ended June 25, Apple on Thursday said it has achieved a revenue record of $83 billion, up 2 per cent year-over-year. Apple CEO Tim Cook, during an earnings call, said the 83 billion dollar revenue was "better than we expected despite supply constraints, strong foreign exchange headwinds and the impact of our business in Russia."

India-China LAC tension worst in 40 years: US admiral

India-China LAC tension worst in 40 years: US admiral

Rediff.com10 Mar 2022

The statement of Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Aquilino on Wednesday came ahead of the 15th round of high-level military talks between India and China on March 11.

US readies plan to facilitate H-1B, L1 visa holders

US readies plan to facilitate H-1B, L1 visa holders

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

The US is planning to resume the process of domestic visa revalidation in certain categories, like H-1B and L1 visas, on a pilot basis later this year, a move that will benefit tens of thousands of foreign tech workers, particularly from India. Until 2004, certain categories of non-immigrant visas, particularly the H-1B, could be renewed or stamped inside the US. After that, for the renewal of these visas, in particular, those on H-1B, the foreign tech workers have to go out of the country, mostly to their own country to get the H-1B extension stamped on their passport.

Jaishankar holds talks with US NSA, reviews ties

Jaishankar holds talks with US NSA, reviews ties

Rediff.com28 May 2021

'Sullivan and Jaishankar welcomed the cooperation in recent weeks that resulted in deliveries of over USD 500 million in COVID-19 relief supplies from the US federal and state governments, US companies and private citizens across America for the people of India'

GMR to divest stake in Philippines' Cebu airport

GMR to divest stake in Philippines' Cebu airport

Rediff.com2 Sep 2022

GMR Group on Friday said it will divest its entire 40 per cent stake in Cebu international airport in Philippines for an upfront payment of Rs 1,330 crore as well as earnouts to be received over a period of more than four years. The airport is being operated by GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) and GMR Airports International BV (GAIBV) holds a 40 per cent stake in the venture. A definitive agreement has been signed between GMR Airports International BV (GAIBV) and Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc (AIC) for the divestment of stake in Cebu airport.

India Inc may go for cautious hiring in Q12023

India Inc may go for cautious hiring in Q12023

Rediff.com5 Jan 2023

Corporate India is indicating cautious hiring in the March quarter of 2023 as concerns rise over possible recession and steady inflation, a survey said on Thursday. According to the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, based on interviews with nearly 3,030 public and private employers, hiring intentions will decrease in the quarter both on year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter basis. During the quarter, 48 per cent employers expect to increase their staffing levels, 16 per cent anticipate a decrease in hiring intent and 34 per cent do not anticipate any change in hiring, resulting in a net employment outlook of 32 per cent.

Where Indian Army Scores Over PLA

Where Indian Army Scores Over PLA

Rediff.com15 Nov 2022

In the confrontation in Doklam, where Indian and Chinese soldiers were lined up eyeball-to-eyeball, senior Indian commanders recount they could sense the uncertainty in the Chinese. While Indian soldiers had to be restrained from pushing the Chinese troops back, our chief interpreter heard the Chinese officers threatening to open fire on PLA soldiers who wavered or withdrew, reveals Ajai Shukla.

Eyeing China, India-Japan ink mutual military logistics pact

Eyeing China, India-Japan ink mutual military logistics pact

Rediff.com10 Sep 2020

The agreement provides for creation of an enabling framework for closer cooperation and interoperability, besides allowing militaries of the two countries to use each other's bases and facilities for repair and replenishment of supplies, the official said.

Amazon readies plan for 100% dependence on renewable energy by 2025

Amazon readies plan for 100% dependence on renewable energy by 2025

Rediff.com22 Sep 2022

As part of its road map to achieve 100 per cent dependence on renewable energy by 2025, Amazon on Wednesday announced its first utility-scale renewable energy projects in India - three solar farms located in Rajasthan. These include a 210-megawatt (Mw) project to be developed by India-based developer ReNew Power, a 100 Mw project to be developed by local developer Amp Energy India, and a 110 Mw project to be developed by Brookfield Renewable Partners. By the end of 2021, the company had reached 85 per cent renewable energy across its business.

How India Can Tackle Security Challenges

How India Can Tackle Security Challenges

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

India has the ability in all respects to be a great power and address our security challenges in the best national interests, says Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Thousands of toys from Hamleys, Archies fail quality test

Thousands of toys from Hamleys, Archies fail quality test

Rediff.com12 Jan 2023

The government on Thursday said 18,600 toys have been seized in the last one month from major retail stores, including those of Hamleys and Archies, at airports and malls across India for lack of BIS quality mark and use of fake licences. Meanwhile, consumer protection regulator CCPA has also issued notices to three major e-commerce players -- Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal -- for alleged violation of toys quality control order, it said. Since January 1, 2021, the government has made it mandatory for toys to conform with safety norms specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a national standard setting body.

Moody's warns of India's vulnerability to volatile food, energy prices

Moody's warns of India's vulnerability to volatile food, energy prices

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

Moody's Investors Service has warned that India, along with the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam are highly vulnerable to volatile food and energy prices in the Asia-Pacific region as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to disrupt supplies and raise the cost of agricultural products, especially cereals and vegetable oils, as well as fertilizers and other agricultural inputs. This is so because these countries have a higher weighting of energy and food prices in their consumer price index (CPI) baskets, Moody's said in its report released on Tuesday. The weighting of energy and food in overall Indian CPI stands at over 55 per cent.

ADB cuts India's GDP forecast for FY23 to 7%

ADB cuts India's GDP forecast for FY23 to 7%

Rediff.com21 Sep 2022

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday slashed India's GDP growth forecast for FY23 to 7 per cent from the earlier estimate of 7.2 per cent mainly on account of higher inflation and a tight monetary policy. India's economy grew 13.5 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2022-23, reflecting strong growth in services, ADB said in its second supplement to Asian Development Outlook Report 2022 (ADO 2022). "However, GDP growth is revised down from ADO 2022's forecasts to 7 per cent for FY2022 (ending March 2023) and 7.2 per cent for FY2023 (ending March 2024) as price pressures are expected to adversely impact domestic consumption, and sluggish global demand and elevated oil prices will likely be a drag on net exports," ADB said.

Pentagon appreciates India's UN vote on Russia

Pentagon appreciates India's UN vote on Russia

Rediff.com10 Mar 2022

Top Pentagon officials have shown an understanding of India abstaining at the UN on resolutions against the Russian aggression against Ukraine but had a hard time pacifying many US lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on the Indo-Pacific on New Delhi's repeated abstention at the world body in New York.

Biden nominates Desi lawyer to head office of personnel management

Biden nominates Desi lawyer to head office of personnel management

Rediff.com24 Feb 2021

United States President Joe Biden has nominated Indian-American lawyer and rights activist Kiran Ahuja to head the Office of Personnel Management, a federal agency that manages America's more than two million civil servants.

FPIs regain risk appetite, pump in nearly Rs 8,430 crore in October

FPIs regain risk appetite, pump in nearly Rs 8,430 crore in October

Rediff.com9 Nov 2022

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) turned net buyers in October after being net sellers in the previous month. In October, FPIs bought shares worth nearly Rs 8,430 crore ($1 billion) against net selling of Rs 13,405 crore ($1.6 billion) in September. Positive flows during three of the previous four months have pushed the domestic markets towards fresh all-time highs. At present, the Sensex and Nifty are less than 2 per cent shy of breaching record highs logged in October 2021. A rally in equity markets in the US and Europe is in hopes that the Federal Reserve may go soft on rate hikes after its November meeting.

CCI orders probe into Google's revenue share with news publishers

CCI orders probe into Google's revenue share with news publishers

Rediff.com25 Mar 2022

The Competition Commission of India has ordered a probe into complaints against Google for allegedly abusing its dominant position in the online news market.

Plans to expand Asia Pacific business

Plans to expand Asia Pacific business

Rediff.com30 Aug 2007

The company already had set up an office in Shanghai which it plans to operationalise by December this year, Kamal Karanth, Head of APAC operations, Ma Foi, told PTI.

UK's PM-in-waiting Liz Truss remains committed to India ties

UK's PM-in-waiting Liz Truss remains committed to India ties

Rediff.com5 Sep 2022

Newly-elected Conservative Party leader and prime minister in waiting Liz Truss is among the senior British politicians known for championing deeper India-UK strategic and economic ties, describing them as a "sweet spot" of global trade dynamics.

BlackBerry ties up with Mumbai Indians for chat service

BlackBerry ties up with Mumbai Indians for chat service

Rediff.com10 Apr 2014

The BBM Channel will be available for all BlackBerry users, iOS and Android OS platforms.

Encouraging Indian leaders to stand up against Russian invasion: US

Encouraging Indian leaders to stand up against Russian invasion: US

Rediff.com17 Mar 2022

At her daily news conference on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was asked how the world's largest and oldest democracies are working together to bring peace in the region amidst the war in Ukraine.

UK PM likely to visit India later this month

UK PM likely to visit India later this month

Rediff.com5 Apr 2022

The visit, which is expected around April 22, is long overdue after Johnson was forced to cancel planned visits to India twice last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India's forex reserves can withstand pressure on credit worthiness: S&P

India's forex reserves can withstand pressure on credit worthiness: S&P

Rediff.com25 Aug 2022

India has built up buffers against cyclical difficulties and has ample foreign exchange reserves to withstand pressure on credit worthiness, S&P Global Ratings said on Thursday. Speaking at the India Credit Spotlight 2022 webinar, S&P Sovereign & International Public Finance Ratings director Andrew Wood said the country has a strong external balance sheet and limited external debt, making debt servicing not so expensive. "The country has built up buffers against cyclical difficulties like those, which we are experiencing right now," Wood said.