News for 'Policy Research'

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Rebound in Early Trade, Fed Decision Looms

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Rebound in Early Trade, Fed Decision Looms

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw an early rebound after significant losses, driven by value buying, though elevated oil prices and anticipation of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision tempered gains. Track Sensex, Nifty on September 16.

Drought: Is Maharashtra Growing The Wrong Crops?

Drought: Is Maharashtra Growing The Wrong Crops?

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

'Nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra has been drought-prone on and off, and climate change is making it worse.'

India Is Ageing Faster Than US

India Is Ageing Faster Than US

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

'While the population remains relatively young, its age structure is beginning to shift, setting the stage for a much older population later this century.'

India Inc's credit quality robust in H1FY27, but global risks loom

India Inc's credit quality robust in H1FY27, but global risks loom

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Indian corporate sector demonstrated strong credit quality in the first half of FY27, driven by robust balance sheets and healthy liquidity, despite facing risks from elevated crude prices, inflation, and global interest rates.

West Bengal Launches Quantum And Semiconductor Tech Section To Attract Investments

West Bengal Launches Quantum And Semiconductor Tech Section To Attract Investments

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

West Bengal has launched an Emerging Quantum and Semiconductor Technologies (EQST) section at CSIR-CGCRI to attract investments and position the state as a hub for next-generation technology. Minister Kalyan Chakraborti highlighted India's need to invest in these crucial sectors and outlined the state's plans to collaborate with institutions and leverage budget initiatives to foster research and start-ups.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes IIM Indore research subject

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes IIM Indore research subject

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

IIM Indore will conduct a study on teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to understand the impact of early fame and pressure on child prodigies.

West Asia conflict, crude oil prices, US inflation to steer stock markets

West Asia conflict, crude oil prices, US inflation to steer stock markets

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Analysts predict that developments in the West Asia conflict, crude oil prices, and upcoming US inflation data will be the primary factors influencing the Indian stock market next week, alongside foreign investor activity and global market trends.

India's academic freedom severely restricted, claims report

India's academic freedom severely restricted, claims report

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A report by Scholars at Risk, 'Free to Think 2026', states that academic freedom in India is "severely restricted" due to increasing government influence over higher education, university governance, and curbs on student expression. India is listed among six countries in this category, with its Academic Freedom Index score sharply declining. The report cites instances of faculty dismissals, event cancellations, and pressure on student protests, highlighting the alleged use of the UGC as a vehicle for state influence.

ISRO staring at privatisation? Employee associations seek clarity

ISRO staring at privatisation? Employee associations seek clarity

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Nine employee associations at ISRO have written to Chairperson V Narayanan, seeking official clarification on the proposed transfer of manufacturing and operational functions to private entities. They raised concerns about ISRO's future role, employee consequences, and recruitment, following comments by IN-SPACe chairperson Pawan Goenka regarding ISRO's eventual exit from launch vehicle manufacturing.

India slams US green card curbs for IT cos, Vance's 'indentured servant' remark

India slams US green card curbs for IT cos, Vance's 'indentured servant' remark

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

India has strongly criticised the US decision to suspend the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program for eight major IT firms, including Indian giants like TCS and Wipro. New Delhi also condemned US Vice President JD Vance's description of foreign professionals as "indentured servants," calling it "unwarranted and deeply offensive." The move is expected to impact thousands of Indian tech professionals seeking permanent residency in the US and further strains bilateral ties.

RBI Brings Bank Deposits Into CAS

RBI Brings Bank Deposits Into CAS

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

'We see a lot of cases of bank deposits getting lost, especially when people die, so this will help address that because you have one consolidated view.'

How India Is Poised To Become A Global Semiconductor Powerhouse

How India Is Poised To Become A Global Semiconductor Powerhouse

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

India is strategically positioned to develop a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem, driven by increasing electronics consumption, strong government support through incentives, and a global shift in supply chains. Boston Consulting Group Managing Director Ankush Wadhera highlights India's potential as a safe haven for investments, with the AI boom further fuelling demand for advanced chips. The nation aims to expand its capabilities across the entire semiconductor value chain, attracting significant global and domestic investments.

ISRO, IN-SPACe Face Rocket Transfer Row

ISRO, IN-SPACe Face Rocket Transfer Row

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

There is no answer to the question of how IN-SPACe invited EOIs for ISRO's mature rockets and whether it was based on any government policy decision.

Maharashtra Tremors: Should Mumbai Worry?

Maharashtra Tremors: Should Mumbai Worry?

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

'Nobody can say a quake will strike on a particular day or month. It remains a natural event, governed by factors that are only partly understood, even by researchers working on this across the world.'

Value Buying Fuels Market Rebound: Sensex Climbs 333 Pts, Nifty Above 23,200

Value Buying Fuels Market Rebound: Sensex Climbs 333 Pts, Nifty Above 23,200

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded on Wednesday, driven by value buying in banking stocks and select heavyweight counters, with the Sensex climbing 332.63 points and the Nifty ending above 23,200.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex Slips After Opening higher, Nifty Flat

Stock Markets Today: Sensex Slips After Opening higher, Nifty Flat

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, traded marginally higher in early trade despite the US Federal Reserve's recent rate hike and indications of further tightening, with the National Stock Exchange's much-anticipated Rs 22,569-crore IPO also opening for subscription.

Can India Stop Buying Russian Oil?

Can India Stop Buying Russian Oil?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

'India should not trade away its energy security for temporary tariff relief. Neither signing a trade agreement nor stopping Russian oil purchases can protect it from future US action.'

Indian Equities Tank as Oil Surges, Rate Hike Fears Grip Global Markets

Indian Equities Tank as Oil Surges, Rate Hike Fears Grip Global Markets

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant downturn, with Sensex tanking 778 points and Nifty closing at a five-month low, driven by surging crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and fears of further interest rate hikes by major central banks.

'This 2,000 MDR Limit Is Bogus'

'This 2,000 MDR Limit Is Bogus'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

'These limits will change. Very soon restrictions, restrictions will come.'

RBI MPC members hint at rate hikes as inflation risks persist

RBI MPC members hint at rate hikes as inflation risks persist

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Members of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have indicated that interest rate hikes may be necessary sooner rather than later, as headline inflation is projected to rise from its current benign levels in the coming months, according to the minutes of the August review.

After ISRO, Oppn red flags corporatisation of statistics body ISI

After ISRO, Oppn red flags corporatisation of statistics body ISI

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

A government bill proposing to widen the remit of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is facing scrutiny from Members of Parliament. Concerns have been raised that the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, could reduce the premier institute's autonomy. The bill, currently under examination by a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, aims to incorporate ISI as a 'body corporate' to strengthen governance and promote academic excellence, but critics fear increased government control.

On Sep 8, rupee suffers sharpest decline in eight weeks

On Sep 8, rupee suffers sharpest decline in eight weeks

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Indian rupee experienced its sharpest single-day decline in eight weeks, settling at 94.83 per dollar, primarily due to escalating crude oil prices and persistent risk-off sentiment driven by heightened geopolitical tensions and limited foreign inflows.

GDP data, crude oil prices, US jobs report to dictate market trends

GDP data, crude oil prices, US jobs report to dictate market trends

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Analysts predict that the Indian stock market's sentiment this week will be primarily influenced by the domestic GDP data announcement, crude oil prices, and the crucial US non-farm payrolls report.

Nitish-Nishant share stage amid cheers: Is JD-U signalling succession?

Nitish-Nishant share stage amid cheers: Is JD-U signalling succession?

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

JD(U) president Nitish Kumar and his son Nishant Kumar made a joint appearance at a party orientation programme, sparking speculation about Nishant's political future and potential leadership roles within the party. The event, aimed at training parliamentarians and legislators, also saw Nishant urging attendees to uphold his father's principles of "zero tolerance for crime, corruption and communalism."

BRICS raises 'serious concerns' over unilateral tariffs, trade barriers

BRICS raises 'serious concerns' over unilateral tariffs, trade barriers

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

BRICS members have expressed 'serious concerns' over the unilateral imposition of trade and finance-related measures, including higher tariffs and non-tariff barriers, stating these actions distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules. The grouping also highlighted elevated risks to the global economic outlook due to geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and protectionism.

Why China Is Pushing For International AI Governance

Why China Is Pushing For International AI Governance

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

China has called for stronger global governance of artificial intelligence, advocating for international cooperation to develop the technology for humanity's benefit while preventing it from getting out of control. This comes amidst warnings from leading AI researchers in the US about potential existential risks, with China emphasizing both rapid development and robust safeguards, including its new AI Safety Governance Framework 3.0. The issue is expected to be a key topic in upcoming US-China talks.

Geopolitical developments, crude oil to be major market drivers this week

Geopolitical developments, crude oil to be major market drivers this week

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Analysts predict that geopolitical developments, particularly surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the US-Iran standoff, along with crude oil prices, will be the primary factors influencing stock market movement in the coming week. Investors will also monitor foreign institutional flows and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes for signals on the Federal Reserve's policy outlook.

ISRO Staff Step Up Privatisation Protest

ISRO Staff Step Up Privatisation Protest

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The larger question raised by the associations is simple: If ISRO is no longer to manufacture launch vehicles, what will happen to the institution's accumulated capabilities and the people who built them?

SKM ends dharna after Punjab govt's assurance on key demands

SKM ends dharna after Punjab govt's assurance on key demands

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has ended its protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border after receiving written assurances from the Punjab government. The government has pledged to convene a state Assembly session within a month to address issues concerning river waters, agriculture, and farmer loans, including resolutions against old water agreements and certain central bills.

Italian PM Meloni to ban burqas, niqabs in schools; cap foreign students

Italian PM Meloni to ban burqas, niqabs in schools; cap foreign students

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced a series of significant educational reforms, including a proposed ban on face coverings like burqas and niqabs in schools, a legal cap on the number of foreign students per classroom, and a requirement for parents of foreign students with integration issues to learn Italian. Meloni stated these measures aim to ensure immigrants learn Italian language and culture, and respect national rules, emphasising gender equality as non-negotiable. Additionally, she revealed plans to scrap the multiple-choice entrance test for medical school admissions.

Indian Equities Close Flat as US Fed Rate Hike Weighs; NSE IPO Subscribed 39% on Day 1

Indian Equities Close Flat as US Fed Rate Hike Weighs; NSE IPO Subscribed 39% on Day 1

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed nearly flat on Thursday, influenced by the US Federal Reserve's interest rate hike and indications of further monetary tightening. Despite some intraday gains, caution prevailed, with foreign institutional investors continuing to offload equities. Meanwhile, the National Stock Exchange of India's (NSE) mega initial public offering opened for subscription, garnering 39 per cent subscription on its first day.

Experts Call For National Policy To Boost Assistive Technology Market

Experts Call For National Policy To Boost Assistive Technology Market

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Experts highlight India's significant market potential for assistive technologies, estimated at Rs 75,000-95,000 crore by 2030. They advocate for a National Assistive Technology Policy to address current gaps in access and service delivery, fostering inclusion, independence, and economic participation for persons with disabilities and the elderly.

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

The High Cost Of Defending The Rupee

The High Cost Of Defending The Rupee

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The FCNR (B) stratagem relies on using public money to defend the rupee. The State subsidises foreign borrowing to attract dollars. This tool requires large-scale borrowing to make a material difference against a gross external flow of $11 billion a day. A commensurately large fiscal cost falls upon the exchequer. The ministry of finance will choose how much it is willing to spend in exchange for this round number, points out Ajay Shah.

FPIs inject Rs 30,919 crore into Indian equities, extending buying streak

FPIs inject Rs 30,919 crore into Indian equities, extending buying streak

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have injected Rs 30,919 crore into Indian equities in August, marking their second consecutive month of net buying. This follows a Rs 20,200 crore investment in July, indicating a potential reversal after four months of significant outflows, driven by improving corporate earnings, resilient economic activity, and a stable rupee.

Crude price, US-Iran conflict to dictate market trends

Crude price, US-Iran conflict to dictate market trends

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Analysts predict that crude oil prices and the ongoing US-Iran conflict will be the primary drivers of stock market movements, with investors also closely watching the Jackson Hole symposium for cues on interest rates.

'Leave ISRO ALONE!'

'Leave ISRO ALONE!'

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

'I don't think the government will sacrifice such a fine institution for monetary gains.'

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

One of the most important provisions this year is that qualifying NEET-PG does not automatically guarantee participation in counselling.

Why ISRO Staff Are Worried About ISRO's Future

Why ISRO Staff Are Worried About ISRO's Future

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

A rocket designed and developed by ISRO is being transferred to industry for production.
Nine ISRO associations want to know whether this is simply an effort to expand India's industrial capacity or part of a larger policy under which ISRO itself will eventually withdraw from rocket manufacturing.

Global Uncertainty, Rising US Yields Drive FPIs to Withdraw Rs 13,138 Cr from Indian Equities

Global Uncertainty, Rising US Yields Drive FPIs to Withdraw Rs 13,138 Cr from Indian Equities

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) withdrew Rs 13,138 crore from Indian equities in the first half of September, driven by heightened global uncertainty, rising crude oil prices, firm US bond yields, and a strong dollar, impacting risk appetite.