News for 'Policy Exchange'

Rupee rises 13 paise to close at 90.34 against US dollar

Rupee rises 13 paise to close at 90.34 against US dollar

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The rupee appreciated 13 paise to close at 90.34 against the US dollar on Thursday, on trade deal optimism and overnight decline in commodity prices, even as the upside remained capped as investors look for more clarity on the India-US trade deal.

Key factors that will drive the markets this week

Key factors that will drive the markets this week

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Inflation data, trading activity of foreign investors and global trends would dictate sentiment in the stock market this week, according to analysts.

How stock markets will fare on this Budget Day

How stock markets will fare on this Budget Day

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Bharat Electronics, Power Grid, NTPC and HDFC Bank were among the other major gainers. However, Infosys, Tata Steel, Eternal and Tech Mahindra were among the laggards.

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi clash over President Murmu's remarks on tribal development in West Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi clash over President Murmu's remarks on tribal development in West Bengal.

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after President Droupadi Murmu raised concerns about the lack of development among tribal communities, leading to a clash between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India Is In The Doghouse At The Moment

India Is In The Doghouse At The Moment

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

There is record underperformance and under-ownership. Some of this is cyclical and will turn on its own. However, we also need to regain our growth credentials. For this, both the government and companies have a role to play, as do investors, points out Akash Prakash.

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Iran's participation in this year's World Cup has been called into question after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel at the weekend.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Murmu's 'upset' remark sparks spat with Mamata; Modi jumps in

Murmu's 'upset' remark sparks spat with Mamata; Modi jumps in

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee escalates tensions ahead of assembly polls by accusing President Droupadi Murmu of political bias and criticising her stance on tribal welfare, sparking a major controversy.

Sensex sinks 504 points amid weak global trends

Sensex sinks 504 points amid weak global trends

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Thursday, snapping a three-day rally, amid a weak trend in global stock markets.

Gold, Silver Fall: Investors Must Stay Cautious

Gold, Silver Fall: Investors Must Stay Cautious

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The recent correction suggests that while precious metals hedge geopolitical tension and inflation, they are not immune to sharp short-term corrections and profit-booking.

'You End Up Firefighting': Finance Minister

'You End Up Firefighting': Finance Minister

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

'Uncertainty level A in the morning, uncertainty level B in the afternoon. If I answer about tariff rates now, I'll be outdated by the evening.'

Sensex rebounds, climbs 316 pts; banks, metal stocks shine

Sensex rebounds, climbs 316 pts; banks, metal stocks shine

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Stock markets rebounded on Friday with the benchmark Sensex closing higher by 316 points after heavy buying in banking and metal shares amid optimism over trade deal progresses and India's participation in Pax Silica.

New GDP Series Reshapes India's Growth Story

New GDP Series Reshapes India's Growth Story

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Base revisions are technical exercises, but history shows they can significantly reshape the narrative around India's growth performance.

How RBI Governor Fared In The First Year

How RBI Governor Fared In The First Year

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Sanjay Malhotra has made structural changes to banking regulation to bring down costs and increase efficiency. Plus, he kicked off a benign interest regime. But there are challenges ahead.

Banerjee Questions President's Silence on Tribal Issues, Alleges Political Interference

Banerjee Questions President's Silence on Tribal Issues, Alleges Political Interference

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused President Droupadi Murmu of acting on the advice of the BJP and questioned her silence on issues affecting tribal communities in other states. This comes after Murmu raised concerns about the pace of tribal development in West Bengal.

The Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda Love Story

The Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda Love Story

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

After winning hearts with their onscreen chemistry, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are reportedly getting ready for their happily-ever-after off-screen.

Strong domestic growth will attract foreign investments: RBI Governor

Strong domestic growth will attract foreign investments: RBI Governor

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Strong domestic growth will continue to draw foreign investment into the Indian economy, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Tuesday. He said this was reflected in recent free trade agreements and investment commitments by large technology companies.

How Will Silver Fare In 2026?

How Will Silver Fare In 2026?

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

New investors should enter gradually and with a long horizon. 'Staggered investment through systematic purchase plans is advisable rather than lump-sum buying.'

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Brokerage stocks tank over 18% as Budget hikes STT on commodity futures

Brokerage stocks tank over 18% as Budget hikes STT on commodity futures

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Shares of brokerage-related companies nosedived 18 per cent on Sunday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed raising securities transaction tax on commodity futures to 0.05 per cent from 0.02 per cent in the Union Budget 2026-27.

SteelMin signs MoUs worth Rs 11,887 crore with 55 companies

SteelMin signs MoUs worth Rs 11,887 crore with 55 companies

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Ministry of Steel on Monday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 55 companies for 85 projects under the third round of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for specialty steel.

Silver, gold futures decline as traders book profits after record highs

Silver, gold futures decline as traders book profits after record highs

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Silver and gold prices declined sharply in the futures trade on Friday as traders booked profits at elevated levels after a record-breaking rally, tracking a bearish sentiment in global markets and a rebound in the US dollar.

India's Foreign Policy Needs Strategic Expansion

India's Foreign Policy Needs Strategic Expansion

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The era where nations thrived through rigid alignments is giving way to an age where the connective State defines power. For India, that era has arrived, points out Dr Nishakant Ojha.

Economic Survey 2026: India must run marathon and sprint simultaneously

Economic Survey 2026: India must run marathon and sprint simultaneously

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

According to the Economic Survey 2026, the appropriate stance for 2026 is therefore one of strategic sobriety rather than defensive pessimism.

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

Gold rally may pause as investors eye US Fed policy decision

Gold rally may pause as investors eye US Fed policy decision

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Gold prices are expected to maintain their upward momentum though some consolidation could set in ahead of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision on September 17, analysts said. Traders will focus on the trade inflation data to gauge the impact of tariffs, inflation numbers from major economies including UK and Euro zone, along with monetary policy meetings of Bank of England and Bank of Japan which will provide more guidance for bullion prices, they added.

Budget 2026: Time To Fix The Weak Link In R&D Ecosystem

Budget 2026: Time To Fix The Weak Link In R&D Ecosystem

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Restoring weighted tax deductions and adopting a petty patents regime can foster firm-level innovative activity critical for competitiveness, points out Nagesh Kumar.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

Sensex rallies 638 pts, Nifty settles above 26,000

Sensex rallies 638 pts, Nifty settles above 26,000

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

From the 30-Sensex firms, Trent, Infosys, Bharti Airtel, Tech Mahindra, Bharat Electronics and Maruti were among the biggest gainers. However, State Bank of India, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Larsen & Toubro and Titan were the laggards.

STT hike on Futures drags markets down; Sensex crashes 1,547 points

STT hike on Futures drags markets down; Sensex crashes 1,547 points

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty dived sharply by nearly 2 per cent on Sunday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a hike in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on derivatives. Reversing the early gains, the 30-share BSE Sensex plunged sharply by 2,370.36 points or 2.88 per cent to slide below the 80,000-mark at 79,899.42 in afternoon trade as the finance minister announced a hike in STT on futures contracts to 0.05 per cent from the current 0.02 per cent.

How BSE, NSE will likely perform this week

How BSE, NSE will likely perform this week

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Stock market is gearing up for an eventful week ahead where key triggers such as quarterly earnings from corporates, the US Fed interest rate decision and the upcoming Union Budget for 2026-27 would grab the limelight, analysts said.

BSE Smallcap index hits 8-month low

BSE Smallcap index hits 8-month low

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

The BSE Smallcap index hit an over eight-month low of 47,627.96, falling 3 per cent in Tuesday's intraday trade amid selling pressure due to ongoing tariff-related concerns and rising geopolitical tensions.

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Indian government informed Parliament that India and the US are engaged in negotiations for a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. The two countries also cooperate on strategic, economic, and defense matters, managing divergences through high-level dialogues.

U19 WC: India, Bangladesh players shake hands after nail-biter

U19 WC: India, Bangladesh players shake hands after nail-biter

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The strained bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh filtered onto the cricket field as captains of the two teams abstained from making customary handshake ahead of their U-19 World Cup Group A match in Bulawayo on Saturday, though the players from both sides were seen exchanging handshakes and pleasantries on the field at the end of the match.

Sensex tanks over 1,000 points, Nifty tumble over 1%

Sensex tanks over 1,000 points, Nifty tumble over 1%

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

From the 30-Sensex firms, Eternal declined by 4.02 per cent, followed by Bajaj Finance (3.88 per cent), Sun Pharma, InterGlobe Aviation, Trent, Asian Paints, Mahindra & Mahindra and Bajaj Finserv. HDFC Bank emerged as the only gainer from the pack.

Wanted Maoists among 14 ultras gunned down in Bastar

Wanted Maoists among 14 ultras gunned down in Bastar

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Security forces killed 14 Naxalites, including wanted ultras Mangtu (DVCM) and Hunga Madkam, in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh's Sukma and Bijapur districts in the Bastar region on Saturday, officials said.

Sensex bounces back on buying in metal, bank stocks

Sensex bounces back on buying in metal, bank stocks

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended higher in highly volatile trade on Tuesday, buoyed by heavy buying in bank and metal stocks, a firm trend in global markets and optimism over India-EU FTA. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 319.78 points, or 0.39 per cent, to settle at 81,857.48.

India's mindset must change; Awami League era over in B'adesh: Tarique aide

India's mindset must change; Awami League era over in B'adesh: Tarique aide

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Following the BNP's victory in recent elections, Bangladesh is seeking to reset its relationship with India, emphasizing mutual benefit and a recognition of the changed political landscape.

RBI allows rupee to find its own level: Guv Malhotra

RBI allows rupee to find its own level: Guv Malhotra

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Friday said the central bank does not target any band for the rupee in the forex market, and allows the domestic currency to find its own correct level.