News for 'Pacific News Services'

Vodafone Idea defers Rs 8,837 cr AGR dues payment

Vodafone Idea defers Rs 8,837 cr AGR dues payment

Rediff.com23 Jun 2022

Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea has decided to defer payment of additional adjusted gross revenues of Rs 8,837 crore dues by a period of four years. The company in a late night filing on June 22, said that the DoT on June 15, has raised adjusted gross revenue (AGR) demand for additional two financial years beyond 2016-17, which were not covered under the Supreme court order on the statutory dues. Vodafone Idea (VIL) in the filing said that its board of directors "has approved the exercise of the option of deferment of the AGR related dues by a period of four years with immediate effect, in accordance with the said DoT Letter.

Wipro to acquire Australia-based Ampion $117 mn

Wipro to acquire Australia-based Ampion $117 mn

Rediff.com1 Apr 2021

Information technology, consulting and business process services company, Wipro on Thursday announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Ampion, an Australia-based provider of cyber security, DevOps and quality engineering services. "Ampion has a successful track record and enjoys immense credibility with leading enterprises in the region, a collaborative work culture, and significant local subject matter expertise. "We see Ampion as a complementary force that will help us expand our footprint and accelerate our journey in the Asia Pacific region," CEO APMEA, Wipro, N S Bala said. Wipro's new operating model emphasises strategic investments in focus geographies, proximity to customers, agility, scale and localisation, the Bengaluru-headquartered company said in a statement.

India trade deal eludes another British prime minister

India trade deal eludes another British prime minister

Rediff.com20 Oct 2022

Britain's third female prime Minister, Liz Truss, was out of office on Thursday after the shortest tenure at 10 Downing Street in London and without a cherished India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) under her belt as a Brexit prize.

Nuclear Or Conventional Submarines: What Should India Pick?

Nuclear Or Conventional Submarines: What Should India Pick?

Rediff.com13 Jun 2023

The status of the current submarine force level is alarming and we need to address the threat perceptions expeditiously. Critical decisions pertaining to national security cannot be delayed any further due to the rapidly changing maritime threat perceptions and growing strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region, asserts Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

FTA: UK, India not working towards Diwali deadline

FTA: UK, India not working towards Diwali deadline

Rediff.com14 Oct 2022

The free trade agreement (FTA) talks with India are no longer working towards a Diwali deadline though negotiations are progressing well, UK Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has said as New Delhi expressed confidence on Friday of an "early date" for a mutually beneficial deal. "There are ongoing negotiations as we know on the FTA. There is interest on both sides to see if we can work towards a deal, an FTA, that is beneficial to both the countries at an early date," external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told reporters in New Delhi. It came as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his UK counterpart, James Cleverly, and referenced the Roadmap 2030 bilateral agreement signed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former UK PM Boris Johnson in May last year, with no specific reference to the FTA.

Was This The Right Time For Agnipath?

Was This The Right Time For Agnipath?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2022

'Given the possibility that our unstable northern and western borders may become 'live' at short notice, any major systemic change which impacts combat effectiveness should be brought about in a cautious and progressive manner.'

India's economy could prove to be 'most resilient' in subregion over long term: UN

India's economy could prove to be 'most resilient' in subregion over long term: UN

Rediff.com29 Dec 2020

India's economy could prove to be the "most resilient" in the subregion of South and South-West Asia over the long term, according to a report by the UN, which says a positive but lower economic growth post COVID-19 pandemic and the country's large market will continue to attract investments. The report titled 'Foreign Direct Investment Trends And Outlook In Asia And The Pacific 2020/2021', and compiled by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), stated that inward FDI flows to South and South-West Asia slightly decreased by 2 per cent in 2019, from $67 billion in 2018 to $66 billion in 2019. The growth, however, was mainly driven by India, which accounted for 77 per cent of the total inflows to the subregion and received $51 billion in 2019, up 20 per cent from the previous year.

Does US Want India-China Ties Boiling?

Does US Want India-China Ties Boiling?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2021

Washington is signalling to Delhi that it can rely on American support in any great game vis-a-vis China. Delhi shouldn't fall into the trap, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'IRCTC to be one-stop shop for travel services'

'IRCTC to be one-stop shop for travel services'

Rediff.com17 May 2016

Fifty-nine per cent of reserved tickets on Indian Railways are now booked online.

Harley back in saddle: Rides with Hero for 'most affordable' bike

Harley back in saddle: Rides with Hero for 'most affordable' bike

Rediff.com16 Nov 2022

Two years after it hitched a ride with Hero MotoCorp (Hero), Harley-Davidson (Harley) and the Pawan Munjal-led firm are gearing up to ride into the middleweight (midweight) motorcycle segment (350-850cc) in the world's largest two-wheeler market.

US defence secretary hits ground running, meets PM Modi, NSA Doval

US defence secretary hits ground running, meets PM Modi, NSA Doval

Rediff.com20 Mar 2021

United States Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India on Friday on a three-day visit, aimed at further boosting bilateral defence and security ties in the wake of China's growing military assertiveness in the region including the Indo-Pacific.

How to stay secure as cybercrime runs rampant in India

How to stay secure as cybercrime runs rampant in India

Rediff.com14 Jun 2022

Like software-as-a-service (SaaS), CaaS has emerged as a well-orchestrated ecosystem for cybercriminals.

India's 20-21 GDP growth to slow down to 4.8%: UN report

India's 20-21 GDP growth to slow down to 4.8%: UN report

Rediff.com9 Apr 2020

India's GDP growth for the current fiscal is expected to slow down to 4.8 per cent, a UN report has said, warning that the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to result in significant adverse economic impacts globally. The UN 'Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) 2020: Towards sustainable economies' said that Covid-19 is having far-reaching economic and social consequences for the region, with strong cross-border spillover effects through trade, tourism and financial linkages.

US kicks out China from major naval exercise over 'militarisation' of SCS

US kicks out China from major naval exercise over 'militarisation' of SCS

Rediff.com24 May 2018

The US said it has strong evidence that China has deployed anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missile systems and electronic jammers to contested features in the Spratly Islands region of the South China Sea.

What the Putin-XI Nexus Means for US

What the Putin-XI Nexus Means for US

Rediff.com7 Feb 2022

Russia and China have a broad consensus today on almost all core issues related to global strategic stability, which is unprecedented in modern history, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

China Connection and India-US Ties

China Connection and India-US Ties

Rediff.com2 Feb 2021

'India should not be taken by surprise if the Biden administration seeks China's cooperation at some point,' alerts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why India Needs Another Aircraft Carrier

Why India Needs Another Aircraft Carrier

Rediff.com16 Aug 2022

The navy is pushing hard for IAC-2 to be a 65,000-tonne, flat deck carrier that is designed and built in India, with technical and tactical consultation from the US navy -- the global masters in aircraft carrier operations.

Why is Blinken Rushing to Delhi?

Why is Blinken Rushing to Delhi?

Rediff.com26 Jul 2021

The elephant in the room will permeate the conversations, predicts Rup Narayan Das.

Airtel to buy Vodafone's 4.7% stake in Indus Towers but with a rider

Airtel to buy Vodafone's 4.7% stake in Indus Towers but with a rider

Rediff.com25 Feb 2022

Telecom operator Bharti Airtel on Friday said it has signed an agreement to buy Vodafone's 4.7 per cent stake in Indus Towers on the condition that the proceeds will be used for investment in Vodafone Idea and clearing its dues towards the mobile tower company. Debt-ridden Vodafone Idea (VIL) has been unable to pay dues to Indus Towers and both VIL and promoter Vodafone have proposed a payment plan to clear the outstanding amount by July 15. In the meantime, VIL has committed to pay certain minimum amount each month to Indus Towers.

Coronavirus scare: Vistara to cancel 54 int'l flights in March

Coronavirus scare: Vistara to cancel 54 int'l flights in March

Rediff.com26 Feb 2020

With respect to the cancelled flights, customers can opt for a full refund or alternative travel dates free of cost.

Vodafone to infuse Rs 3,375 crore in VIL

Vodafone to infuse Rs 3,375 crore in VIL

Rediff.com4 Mar 2022

Promoter Vodafone plans to infuse up to Rs 3,375 crore into debt-ridden Vodafone Idea Ltd as part of the company's proposed raising of funds worth Rs 14,200 crore. Besides Vodafone, Aditya Birla Group plans to pump in up to Rs 1,125 crore, according to a regulatory filing on Friday. The telecom operator will seek shareholders' approval for raising up to Rs 14,500 crore as well as increase its authorised share capital to Rs 75,000 crore at its the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to be held on March 26.

Moody's has a word of caution for Indian banks

Moody's has a word of caution for Indian banks

Rediff.com30 Nov 2020

Moody's Investors Service on Monday said the bank capital will moderately fall in emerging Asia over the next two years, with India seeing larger capital decline without further infusion. In a report, Moody's said the uncertain trajectory of asset quality is one of the biggest threats for emerging market banks, as operating conditions remain challenging amid the current COVID pandemic.

US approves sale of $90 mn worth of military equipment to India

US approves sale of $90 mn worth of military equipment to India

Rediff.com4 Dec 2020

In a major move in 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner" intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.

US provided info, equipment to India during China standoff

US provided info, equipment to India during China standoff

Rediff.com10 Mar 2021

Admiral Philips Davidson, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, also told the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that China's recent activities along the Line of Actual Control have opened India's eyes to what cooperative effort with others might mean for their own defensive needs as he observed that New Delhi, in the very near term, will deepen its engagement with the Quad.

China's aggressive behaviour can spark crisis: US

China's aggressive behaviour can spark crisis: US

Rediff.com11 Jun 2021

US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin described China as a pacing challenge for the United States.

HCL Tech to hire 20,000 people in next 2 quarters

HCL Tech to hire 20,000 people in next 2 quarters

Rediff.com15 Jan 2021

IT services major HCL Technologies is looking at hiring about 20,000 people over the next two quarters to meet the demand coming in on the back of strong growth in deal signing and adoption of digital services. The Noida-based company, which crossed $10 billion milestone in the calendar year 2020, had 159,682 employees at the end of December 31, 2020. It saw a gross addition of 12,422 people, while net addition during the December 2020 quarter was of 6,597 people. Attrition for IT services (on last 12 month basis) was at 10.2 per cent.

Microsoft partners Invest India to support tech startups

Microsoft partners Invest India to support tech startups

Rediff.com24 Aug 2021

Microsoft India on Tuesday said it has collaborated with Invest India to support tech startups in the country. As part of the partnership, the Microsoft for Startups programme will work closely with Accelerating Growth of New India's Innovations (AGNIi Mission) - a programme of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, a statement said. Housed and executed by Invest India, AGNIi Mission helps startups become enterprise-ready.

How India's military strength grew in 2022

How India's military strength grew in 2022

Rediff.com1 Jan 2023

The Indian troops guarding the nearly 3,500-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) maintained an assertive approach in sync with the broader national security doctrine and procured a variety of military platforms and weapons to enhance their combat capabilities.

IMF foresees India's GDP bouncing back to 7 pc next year

IMF foresees India's GDP bouncing back to 7 pc next year

Rediff.com23 Oct 2019

"We see the Indian economy rebounding from our projected 6.1 per cent growth this fiscal year to something like 7 per cent in the next fiscal year (2020). We see the factors that will support growth, including monetary policy stimulus, working their way through the pipeline," Jonathan Ostry, Deputy Director, Asia Pacific Department at the IMF, told reporters.

Why cybercrime is running rampant in India and how to stay secure

Why cybercrime is running rampant in India and how to stay secure

Rediff.com9 May 2022

Do you suspect that your partner is cheating on you and want to find out the truth by installing spyware on their phone? Or, perhaps you are a student who wants to get out of an online classroom so you can play an online game with friends? How about some Zoom raiding for a mere Rs 50-100? Or, are you a person who wishes to hack into someone's phone or laptop, and steal their financial details? Crimeware-as-a-Service (CaaS) allows you to do all this and more.

IT engineers in India earn 50% less than peers in China

IT engineers in India earn 50% less than peers in China

Rediff.com8 Sep 2015

Out of the top 11 Asia Pacific economies, the average monthly Indian starting salary was ranked ninth.

There Is More To India Than Delhi Or Gujarat!

There Is More To India Than Delhi Or Gujarat!

Rediff.com2 Jun 2022

The Modi government has to embrace the history of Tamil conquests in South East Asia and stop obsessing about Babar/Humayun, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

'Over The Long Term, Equities Are The Best Inflation Hedge'

'Over The Long Term, Equities Are The Best Inflation Hedge'

Rediff.com28 Jun 2022

'Recent underperformance notwithstanding, equities should constitute a major part of investors' financial portfolio.'

Elon Musk's troubled tryst with India: Tesla, Starlink in limbo for over a year

Elon Musk's troubled tryst with India: Tesla, Starlink in limbo for over a year

Rediff.com30 May 2022

Recently, world headlines buzzed with Elon Musk's announcement that he was shelving his audacious bid for social media platform Twitter. Away from the media spotlight, questions are being asked about the maverick billionaire's plans in India, too. A few days ago, a Reuters report said Musk's flagship Tesla had put on hold its plan to launch electric cars in India.

Boris to arrive in Ahmedabad on April 21, first UK PM to visit Gujarat

Boris to arrive in Ahmedabad on April 21, first UK PM to visit Gujarat

Rediff.com17 Apr 2022

Johnson's first visit to India as United Kingdom prime minister will begin on April 21 with a trip to Ahmedabad in Gujarat, which is Prime Minister Modi's home state.

'Xi's Main Challenge Is Taking Over Taiwan'

'Xi's Main Challenge Is Taking Over Taiwan'

Rediff.com20 Oct 2022

'Even though as Xi will seemingly continue to stay in power beyond his third term, competitions for the post-Xi leadership would be inevitably unfolded beneath the surface of water, and that will be a big headache for Xi the dictator.'

S&P lowers India's GDP growth to 5.2% over global recession fears

S&P lowers India's GDP growth to 5.2% over global recession fears

Rediff.com18 Mar 2020

S&P Global Ratings on Wednesday lowered India's economic growth forecast to 5.2 per cent for 2020, saying the global economy is entering a recession amid the coronavirus pandemic. The agency had earlier projected a growth rate of 5.7 per cent during the 2020 calendar.

India has ties with Russia that we don't have, that's okay: US

India has ties with Russia that we don't have, that's okay: US

Rediff.com26 Feb 2022

"We share important interests with India. We share important values with India. And we know India has a relationship with Russia that is distinct from the relationship that we have with Russia. Of course, that is okay," Price told reporters at his daily news conference on Friday.

India withdraws from multilateral war exercise in Russia

India withdraws from multilateral war exercise in Russia

Rediff.com29 Aug 2020

India is likely to convey to Russia that its troops would not be participating in the multinational military exercise Kavkaz-2020 where Chinese and Pakistani troops are also going to be there.

Modi slays it at QUAD with few words

Modi slays it at QUAD with few words

Rediff.com17 Mar 2021

Interestingly, in his entire remarks, Modi never once mentioned regional security, Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar points out.