News for 'Pacific News Service'

India-Japan 2+2 dialogue: An eyesore for China

India-Japan 2+2 dialogue: An eyesore for China

Rediff.com3 Dec 2019

The India-Japan 2+2 dialogue added strategic heft to the special relationship in the wake of growing Chinese assertiveness on regional affairs, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Malaysia Airlines has one of Asia's best safety records

Malaysia Airlines has one of Asia's best safety records

Rediff.com11 Mar 2014

Malaysia Airlines, the operator of Flight MH370 that went missing en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on Saturday, has established a record as one of the Asia-Pacific's best full-service carriers in terms of safety and service.

Why is Gen Rawat rushing with Theatre Commands?

Why is Gen Rawat rushing with Theatre Commands?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2021

The tearing hurry to form theatre commands has to be replaced by a balanced and deliberate approach. We need to accept that this process will take time if executed correctly and in the best interests of the Indian armed forces, argues Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Navy controversy: What is US telling India?

Navy controversy: What is US telling India?

Rediff.com13 Apr 2021

The USS John Paul Jones acted like a dog marking the lamp post, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Full text: President Murmu's address to Parliament's Budget Session

Full text: President Murmu's address to Parliament's Budget Session

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

'Wherever in the world there is political instability, those countries are beset with severe crises today. But India is in a much better position than the rest of the world due to the decisions taken by my government in the national interest,' President Droupadi Murmu said in her address to both Houses of Parliament.

Apple creates record, sells nearly 800,000 iPhones in India in Q1

Apple creates record, sells nearly 800,000 iPhones in India in Q1

Rediff.com30 Oct 2020

The US-based company, in collaboration with partners like Wistron and Foxconn, had recently started assembling iPhone 11 in India.

In Sebi's Fire: Vivek & Roopa Kudva

In Sebi's Fire: Vivek & Roopa Kudva

Rediff.com23 Jun 2021

After Chanda and Deepak Kochchar, the Kudvas are the second power couple in the financial world to come under the regulatory glare.

India, US to ink landmark defence pact on Tuesday

India, US to ink landmark defence pact on Tuesday

Rediff.com26 Oct 2020

On Tuesday, Pompeo and Esper will hold the 2+2 talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, covering the entire expanse of defence and security ties as well as key regional and global issues.

'ISI is rarely questioned in Pakistan'

'ISI is rarely questioned in Pakistan'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2021

'But India, increasingly, is not that far behind, which is a story I never expected to tell.'

Explained: WhatsApp's New Privacy Policy

Explained: WhatsApp's New Privacy Policy

Rediff.com24 May 2021

A WhatsApp spokesperson said the update 'does not impact the privacy of personal messages for anyone'.

Shiv Nadar steps down from HCL board, named Chairman Emeritus

Shiv Nadar steps down from HCL board, named Chairman Emeritus

Rediff.com19 Jul 2021

HCL Technologies on Monday said its founder Shiv Nadar will take on the role of Chairman Emeritus and Strategic Advisor to the company's board. Nadar, chief strategy officer and managing director of the company, on completing 76 years of age, has tendered his resignation as the MD as well as the Director with effect from close of business hours on July 19, according to a regulatory filing. "In order to continue to benefit from his vast knowledge, experience, and wisdom in an advisory role, the Board of Directors in its meeting held today, after considering the recommendations of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, has approved the appointment of Shri Shiv Nadar as the 'Chairman Emeritus and Strategic Advisor to the Board' for a term of five years with effect from July 20, 2021," it added.

A plan for CDS Rawat to consider

A plan for CDS Rawat to consider

Rediff.com2 Jan 2020

As India's international role expands, so must our capabilities, says Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (retd).

Jefferies' Chris Wood cuts back on India exposure over Covid

Jefferies' Chris Wood cuts back on India exposure over Covid

Rediff.com3 Apr 2021

However, despite Covid, Indian markets registered their best financial year performance in a decade, with the Sensex and Nifty50 rallying 68 per cent and 71 per cent, respectively, in FY21.

Business travel takes off again on a wing and a prayer

Business travel takes off again on a wing and a prayer

Rediff.com2 Nov 2021

Business executives are finally dusting off their long-unused suitcases to resume travel, thanks to a good vaccination rate, a drop in fresh cases, and an easing of travel restrictions. It comes as a huge relief for the ravaged aviation, travel and hospitality sectors. "We are witnessing a 40 per cent recovery on pre-covid volumes from our business travellers, signalling the return of corporate confidence in air travel," said Indiver Rastogi, president & group head, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India) & SOTC.

Wanted: Aircraft Carrier To Confront China

Wanted: Aircraft Carrier To Confront China

Rediff.com12 Nov 2021

In New Delhi's corridors of power, debate continues on whether the navy even needs a third aircraft carrier.

Why is Modi pushing Rajapaksa on the Tamils?

Why is Modi pushing Rajapaksa on the Tamils?

Rediff.com2 Oct 2020

Mahinda Rajapaksa is a democratically elected leader who received a massive mandate of 71% of votes, and he owes nothing to Delhi or Washington for staging his political comeback, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Should Women Fight Wars?

Should Women Fight Wars?

Rediff.com23 Sep 2021

Should we be exposing our women volunteers to the barbarity of actual combat?

India, UK unveil 10-year roadmap to boost trade

India, UK unveil 10-year roadmap to boost trade

Rediff.com4 May 2021

Britain has finalised 1 billion pounds worth of new trade and investment with India, creating over 6,500 jobs in the UK, to be signed off at a virtual summit between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday. The investments confirmed by Downing Street on Monday evening form part of an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), which will set the ambition to double the value of UK-India trade by 2030 and declare a shared intent to begin work towards a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). "Like every aspect of the UK-India relationship, the economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer," Johnson said.

India Inc earns 72% of revenue from the domestic market: Morgan Stanley

India Inc earns 72% of revenue from the domestic market: Morgan Stanley

Rediff.com16 Jun 2021

72 per cent of the revenue of Indian firms (India Inc) is derived from the domestic / home market - the sixth highest in percentage terms in the emerging market (EM) and the Asian region, said a recent report by Morgan Stanley. The balance, according to the report titled 'Global Exposure Guide 2021' co-authored by analysts led by Jonathan F Garner, their chief Asia and emerging market strategist, is split between the developed markets (DMs) and other EMs. The report is based on an analysis of 3,300 companies globally that have revenue exposure in 17 different regions.

Ukraine Crisis: US Playing A 'Game Of Chicken' With Russia

Ukraine Crisis: US Playing A 'Game Of Chicken' With Russia

Rediff.com3 Feb 2022

If a workable compromise is found and Russia'S Western borders are left undisturbed with a suitable buffer, it will indicate that the US is indeed serious about its focus on China, observes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

How Abe enabled the India-Japan nuclear deal

How Abe enabled the India-Japan nuclear deal

Rediff.com15 Sep 2020

Prime Ministers Modi and Abe enjoyed a close and empathetic relationship and this certainly gave a sustained momentum to the India-Japan strategic partnership. It is necessary for India to reach out and engage with his successor as early as possible, advises former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

How Zeta acquired Unicorn status in the very first round of funding

How Zeta acquired Unicorn status in the very first round of funding

Rediff.com14 Jul 2021

In the start-up world, hitting the $1-billion mark, which accords the "Unicorn" tag, is a milestone. Enterprises typically reach the milestone only by series C or series D, or three to four funding rounds later. Zeta achieved it at the first one. On May 25, the six-year-old banking tech firm raised $250 million from Japanese conglomerate SoftBank, at a post-money valuation of $1.45 billion. "This is the first time we have raised institutional money," Zeta co-founder Bhavin Turakhia beamed on the conference call. This trajectory is uncommon in start-ups.

Why US, Russia Want India On Its Side

Why US, Russia Want India On Its Side

Rediff.com7 Mar 2022

'India enjoys the maneuverability of a coming big power.' 'It is this possibility that has persuaded Moscow to humour India and stayed Washington from getting punitive about India's neutrality on the Ukraine issue.'

UN report sees India growing at 7.6% in 2017

UN report sees India growing at 7.6% in 2017

Rediff.com2 Dec 2016

"India's economy is projected to sustain a 7.6 per cent growth rate in both fiscal years 2016-17 and 2017-18," says the year-end update of the flagship report Economic and Social Survey for Asia and the Pacific 2016 of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Rise of Taliban poses serious threat: Rajnath to Austrian delegation

Rise of Taliban poses serious threat: Rajnath to Austrian delegation

Rediff.com10 Sep 2021

The India delegation flagged concerns over the possible implication of the Taliban's capture of power for the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir as there are apprehensions about spill-over of terrorist activities from Afghanistan to the union territory, the sources said.

INS Visakhapatnam: India's Most Potent Destroyer

INS Visakhapatnam: India's Most Potent Destroyer

Rediff.com23 Nov 2021

INS Vishakapatnam's ground attack and anti-ship capabilities are achieved through a bank of BrahMos cruise missiles that can be fired at targets up to 295 km away.

US approves sale of $1.9-bn Integrated Air Defence Weapon System to India

US approves sale of $1.9-bn Integrated Air Defence Weapon System to India

Rediff.com11 Feb 2020

It also comes ahead of a possible visit by President Donald Trump to India later this month. Trump is set to visit India on a two-day trip between February 23 and 26 and both sides are in the process of fine-tuning his schedule, according to sources in New Delhi.

To attend Parliament, Piyush Goyal cancels China visit

To attend Parliament, Piyush Goyal cancels China visit

Rediff.com29 Jul 2019

Goyal was to visit Beijing from August 2 to 3 to take part in the RCEP Intersessional Ministerial meet.

Franklin Templeton AMC's senior officials, trustee fined

Franklin Templeton AMC's senior officials, trustee fined

Rediff.com14 Jun 2021

Sebi on Monday imposed a penalty totalling Rs 15 crore on senior officials of Franklin Templeton AMC and its trustee for violating regulatory norms in the case of winding up of six debt schemes in 2020. However, a spokesperson of Franklin Templeton said they disagree with the findings in Sebi's order and intend to file an appeal with the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). A fine of Rs 3 crore has been levied on Franklin Templeton Trustee Services Pvt Ltd and Rs 2 crore each on Franklin Asset Management (India) Pvt Ltd President Sanjay Sapre and its chief investment officer Santosh Kamat, according to the Sebi order. In addition, the regulator imposed a penalty of Rs 1.5 crore each on fund managers -- Kunal Agarwal, Pallab Roy, Sachin Padwal Desai and Umesh Sharma -- as well as former fund manager Sumit Gupta.

India a key pillar of Trump's foreign policy: Pompeo

India a key pillar of Trump's foreign policy: Pompeo

Rediff.com23 Jul 2020

The United States, he said, 'desires a new age of ambition' in its relationship with India. Asserting that the US has never been more supportive of India's security, he said New Delhi too, is an important partner and a key pillar of President Trump's foreign policy.

Bhutan-China Treaty: Setback For India

Bhutan-China Treaty: Setback For India

Rediff.com19 Oct 2021

Thimpu apparently didn't think it necessary to take Delhi into confidence. Bhutan is loathe to getting dragged into the geopolitical rivalry between India and China. And for Beijing, this was too good an opportunity to be missed to thumb its nose at the powers-that-be in Delhi, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

India to become 5th largest economy this year

India to become 5th largest economy this year

Rediff.com3 Jun 2019

India will also play an increasingly important role as one of the Asia-Pacific region's major economic growth engines, helping to drive Asian regional trade and investment flows.

2nd COVID wave poses downside risks to India's economic growth: S&P

2nd COVID wave poses downside risks to India's economic growth: S&P

Rediff.com28 Apr 2021

S&P Global Ratings on Wednesday said the second wave of COVID infections poses downside risks to India's GDP and heightens the possibility of business disruptions. The second wave brings in uncertainty and a drawn-out COVID outbreak will impede India's recovery, it said.

Check out what India is buying for its defence services!

Check out what India is buying for its defence services!

Rediff.com9 Feb 2016

'The range of purchases throw a light on India's threat perception as also its perceived role of being a stabilising influence in the region,' says Brigadier S K Chatterji (retd).

General Rawat: Hasten slowly with theatre commands

General Rawat: Hasten slowly with theatre commands

Rediff.com5 Dec 2020

Before migrating into the theatre command concept, it would be worthwhile to study the shortfalls experienced by the Tri Services Command in the Andaman and Nicobar islands and make good the deficiencies, suggests Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Obama nominates IIT alumni to key post

Obama nominates IIT alumni to key post

Rediff.com9 May 2015

United States President Barack Obama has nominated an IIT alumni to his advisory commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

'A smaller version of Kargil might happen'

'A smaller version of Kargil might happen'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2020

'If the situation escalates, then mini-scale firing might happen.'

India holds out at final RCEP talks, all eyes on Modi

India holds out at final RCEP talks, all eyes on Modi

Rediff.com3 Nov 2019

The agenda prepared by ministers will be discussed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other RCEP leaders in Nonthaburi, a city north of Bangkok, on November 4, the official deadline to close talks.

US-India: Why 2+2 may not always be 4

US-India: Why 2+2 may not always be 4

Rediff.com23 Dec 2019

'This is a historic juncture when the US is in great need of an alliance with India to strengthen its hands in the fierce struggle with China in the Asian theatre,' points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

All you need to know before Trump arrives

All you need to know before Trump arrives

Rediff.com18 Feb 2020

'If there is one certainty in this visit, it is that Trump does not follow a script. He is unpredictable,' highlights Ambassador B S Prakash.