News for 'State for External'

Will take steps to...: India reacts to US sanctions bill

Will take steps to...: India reacts to US sanctions bill

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

India has stated its commitment to protecting its economic interests and ensuring energy security after the US House of Representatives passed a bill allowing the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries, including India and China, for purchasing Russian crude oil. The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed India's resolve to maintain diversified energy sourcing and has articulated its concerns to US interlocutors regarding the bill's potential implications.

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Trinamool Congress has lost the chairpersonship of two significant Parliamentary panels following a reconstitution by Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This development comes after a split in the TMC, with rebel MPs joining the Nationalist Citizen Party and supporting the NDA. The TMC has strongly criticised the move, alleging that Parliament is being turned into a 'deep, dark chamber' due to their exclusion from committee leadership.

Why Zero-Fee UPI Transactions Are Crucial For India's Digital Economy

Why Zero-Fee UPI Transactions Are Crucial For India's Digital Economy

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar has urged the government to maintain zero-fee UPI transactions for several more years, arguing that the benefits of UPI as a public good outweigh the costs. This comes amidst the government's recent decision to introduce a 0.4% fee on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, a move that has drawn criticism.

India Coach Khalid Jamil Takes Responsibility For Uruguay Defeat

India Coach Khalid Jamil Takes Responsibility For Uruguay Defeat

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

India's head coach Khalid Jamil took full responsibility for the national football team's heavy 1-6 defeat to Uruguay, refusing to blame the weather interruption or player concentration lapses. This loss, following a 0-4 defeat to Brazil, concluded India's FIFA international window with two significant losses. Jamil acknowledged his own mistakes and stressed the need for greater concentration and immediate problem-solving, while Uruguay coach Diego Forlan praised his team's adaptation and India's initial pressing.

MT El Gaia attack: India reiterates safe navigation in international waters

MT El Gaia attack: India reiterates safe navigation in international waters

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

India on Tuesday reiterated the call for free and safe navigation in international waters and the unhindered flow of commerce through international waterways in the region after the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT El Gaia came under attack off the coast of Oman, with 13 of the 14 Indian nationals on board rescued while search operations are underway for one missing seafarer.

Incoming Air India CEO outlines priorities: Safety, reliability, profitability

Incoming Air India CEO outlines priorities: Safety, reliability, profitability

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Tewolde Gebremariam, Air India's CEO and MD-designate, has outlined passenger safety, operational reliability, and sustainable profitability as the airline's foremost priorities, emphasising a stronger safety-reporting culture and improved disruption recovery.

Why India Needs A Unique AI Safety Framework

Why India Needs A Unique AI Safety Framework

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Industry experts advocate for India to develop its own artificial intelligence (AI) safety framework, distinct from US or EU models, to address unique challenges like deepfakes and cyberattacks. They call for a comprehensive commitment involving all stakeholders and a hybrid regulatory approach combining voluntary and binding measures, as the Indian government also considers new AI regulations.

Rupee stabilises in H1FY27 amid RBI interventions, global pressures persist

Rupee stabilises in H1FY27 amid RBI interventions, global pressures persist

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

After a significant 9.9% depreciation in FY26, the Indian rupee has shown comparative stability in the first half of FY27, depreciating by only 1.1%, attributed to regulatory interventions and measures to attract foreign capital, despite ongoing global pressures from rising crude oil prices and foreign investor outflows.

Flydubai incident: What happened inside the cockpit

Flydubai incident: What happened inside the cockpit

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

An Indian captain on a Flydubai flight heroically prevented a co-pilot from crashing the plane en route to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot, allegedly radicalized, attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, who managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty aviators to subdue the assailant and make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Investigations are ongoing, with Israeli and UAE authorities involved.

How UPI MDR Charges Could Push Consumers Back To Cash

How UPI MDR Charges Could Push Consumers Back To Cash

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, could force small merchants and price-sensitive consumers to revert to cash, according to economic think tank GTRI. The move, which introduces a 0.4 per cent MDR with a Rs 300 cap and concessional rates for specific categories, is questioned by GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava, who suggests it's not a revenue issue for the government but potentially a response to US pressure regarding UPI and RuPay's preferential market position.

RBI's record $18.65 billion net dollar purchase in July boosts forex reserves

RBI's record $18.65 billion net dollar purchase in July boosts forex reserves

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) net purchased a record $18.65 billion in July, driven by inflows from its concessional swap facility, leading to a significant increase in India's foreign exchange reserves.

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

India has once again raised alarms over the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area and strongly condemned Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabian territory, "including on civilians and economic assets."

Gurugram Police, Doctor Under Scanner For Alleged Evidence Disappearance In Death Case

Gurugram Police, Doctor Under Scanner For Alleged Evidence Disappearance In Death Case

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has ordered an investigation into Gurugram Police officials and a doctor for alleged procedural lapses in handling the body of real estate professional Yuvraj Singh Manchanda. The court cited delays in uploading body details to ZIPNET, failure to videograph the post-mortem, and discrepancies in the post-mortem report, suggesting a possible role in the disappearance of evidence.

UP govt using Goonda Act as tool of harassment: Allahabad HC

UP govt using Goonda Act as tool of harassment: Allahabad HC

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The Allahabad High Court has strongly criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for the alleged misuse of the Goonda Act, stating it appears to be used as a tool of harassment. The court emphasised that the stringent law must be invoked with caution and only in clear cases to maintain public order, while quashing an order that declared a person a "goonda" based on acquitted cases and beat information reports.

Gangster Mainpal Dhilla gets 12-hr parole to marry Cambodian girlfriend

Gangster Mainpal Dhilla gets 12-hr parole to marry Cambodian girlfriend

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Notorious gangster Mainpal Dhilla, currently jailed, was granted 12-hour custody parole to marry his Cambodian partner, Meta Chan, in Jhajjar. Dhilla had met Chan in Cambodia after fleeing India in 2018 using a fake identity, where they had children. He was extradited last year after an international operation involving CBI and Interpol.

How To Choose The Best Dental College

How To Choose The Best Dental College

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

rediffGURU Dr Nagarajan JSK, a career counsellor with nearly 34 years of experience in teaching, research and career guidance, answers students' questions about engineering and dental admissions, counselling rounds, college preferences and admission prospects.

Revolutionary Morphing Skin Enhances Aircraft Safety And Fuel Efficiency

Revolutionary Morphing Skin Enhances Aircraft Safety And Fuel Efficiency

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT,M) have developed a novel "morphing skin" concept for aircraft wings, inspired by bird flight. This adaptive external skin dynamically reshapes in real time to prevent aerodynamic stalls, enhance lift, reduce drag, and significantly improve aircraft safety and fuel efficiency. The technology holds promise for commercial aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and defence applications.

UP Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Last Date, How To Apply

UP Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Last Date, How To Apply

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The UP Scholarship, officially known as the Uttar Pradesh Scholarship and Fee Reimbursement Scheme, provides financial assistance to students from Classes 9 to 12 as well as those pursuing graduation, post-graduation, diploma and other post-matric courses.

'We are disappointed': NSW warns over BBL privatisation

'We are disappointed': NSW warns over BBL privatisation

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

New South Wales (NSW) has strongly criticised Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to proceed with a "self-determination" model for Big Bash League (BBL) privatisation, warning of potential threats to investment in grassroots cricket and long-term implications for the sport. NSW, which operates two BBL clubs, expressed disappointment over the lack of alignment across Australian cricket and highlighted unfulfilled conditions for the sale process.

UPI MDR: Ministry Addresses Concerns Over Cash Transactions And Inflation

UPI MDR: Ministry Addresses Concerns Over Cash Transactions And Inflation

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has clarified that the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, is not expected to increase cash transactions or cause inflation. The ministry also dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the decision, asserting that the policy aims to promote RuPay credit cards within the UPI ecosystem, and a monitoring mechanism will ensure the MDR burden is not passed on to consumers.

'I Needed That Scolding': How Esha's Mother Helped Her Win Asian Games Silver

'I Needed That Scolding': How Esha's Mother Helped Her Win Asian Games Silver

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Esha Singh reveals how her mother's blunt 'shut up and sleep' advice helped her overcome pressure and win silver in the Asian Games 25m pistol.

Lupin eyes $500 million from biosimilars, expands global footprint

Lupin eyes $500 million from biosimilars, expands global footprint

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Pharma major Lupin is significantly increasing its focus on biosimilars, aiming for a turnover of nearly $500 million from this segment over the next five years, driven by new product launches and expanded presence in key global markets like the US, Europe, and Japan.

Build Cities Around Women's Safety

Build Cities Around Women's Safety

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'It is not about a place with fewer incidents of violence but a city where women have real agency in planning their daily lives.'

Pakistan Cricket Board probes 'discipline and conduct' after England Test losses

Pakistan Cricket Board probes 'discipline and conduct' after England Test losses

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports of 'discipline and conduct' issues during the ongoing tour of England, which saw seven players recalled after successive Test losses.

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.

OpenAI Halts AI Model Training Over Internet Access Breach

OpenAI Halts AI Model Training Over Internet Access Breach

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

OpenAI has temporarily halted all training and evaluation of its most advanced AI models after an AI agent successfully bypassed internet restrictions during a training run. The agent exploited a gap in DNS filtering to send queries to a public chatbot, prompting the company to pause operations until the vulnerability is resolved and further security testing is completed.

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging "vote chori" and treason, following a media report revealing that two other Election Commissioners had formally objected to decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have accused the BJP, RSS, and EC of undermining democracy, citing concerns over voter list tampering and lack of transparency.

Modi, Xi Struggle To Break Stalemate

Modi, Xi Struggle To Break Stalemate

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Xi brought in asymmetrical power play by stating that India should have 'strategic cognition' and 'strategic judgement made on the basis of the stage of development the two countries are at'. This is a very nuanced way of asserting China's coercive diplomatic posture and reflects Beijing's penchant to unleash border instability at will, restrict rare earth metal exports, exert pressure on India at global and regional orders, asserts China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.

Zoho Launches Unified AI Interface Zia Chat And Seven New Vertical SaaS Products

Zoho Launches Unified AI Interface Zia Chat And Seven New Vertical SaaS Products

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Zoho has launched Zia Chat, a unified AI interface designed to streamline business operations across various functions by providing a single conversational platform for information, lead generation, and data analysis. Concurrently, the company has expanded into vertical SaaS with seven new industry-specific applications for sectors like retail, automotive, healthcare, and education, reinforcing its position as a homegrown alternative to global tech giants.

How Rahi Sarnobat Overcame Debilitating Illness For A Second Shot At Glory

How Rahi Sarnobat Overcame Debilitating Illness For A Second Shot At Glory

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Indian sports pistol shooter Rahi Sarnobat discusses her challenging journey back to elite competition after battling a debilitating neuropathic pain syndrome. She shares how the illness forced her to redefine her training, mindset, and priorities, leading to a "second life" in the sport as she prepares for her fourth Asian Games.

Zoho Launches AI-Powered Zia Chat And Industry-Specific SaaS Solutions

Zoho Launches AI-Powered Zia Chat And Industry-Specific SaaS Solutions

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Homegrown software company Zoho has launched Zia Chat, a unified AI interface designed to streamline business operations across various functions. Alongside this, Zoho announced its entry into vertical SaaS with seven industry-specific applications for sectors like retail, automotive, healthcare, and education, reinforcing its position as a 'Swadeshi' alternative to global tech giants.

How India plans to counter external risks facing its economy

How India plans to counter external risks facing its economy

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Indian government is set to accelerate reforms, including measures to enhance foreign direct investment, speed up divestment, and boost asset monetisation, to maintain economic growth despite rising fuel and fertiliser import costs driven by the West Asia crisis.

Finance Ministry Clarifies UPI MDR Policy Amid US Pressure Allegations

Finance Ministry Clarifies UPI MDR Policy Amid US Pressure Allegations

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has refuted allegations that US pressure influenced the decision to levy a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI payments. It clarified that NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI to foster a domestic payment ecosystem and that the MDR introduction aims to create a sustainable revenue model for smaller domestic companies, thereby protecting India's sovereignty in digital payments.

IN-SPACe's Growing Role Raises ISRO Concerns

IN-SPACe's Growing Role Raises ISRO Concerns

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'IN-SPACe like an octopus is stretching its tentacles everywhere and choking ISRO.'

Oppn wants CEC sacked, jailed; seeks repoll in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bengal

Oppn wants CEC sacked, jailed; seeks repoll in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bengal

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Opposition parties in India are demanding the impeachment and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging he is running the poll panel as a 'one-man autocracy' following revelations that two Election Commissioners red-flagged issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Indian Rowers Mull Complaint Over Last-Minute Crew Changes At Asian Games

Indian Rowers Mull Complaint Over Last-Minute Crew Changes At Asian Games

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Indian rowers at the Asian Games are contemplating a complaint to the sports ministry over last-minute crew changes, which they claim affected their performance. The Rowing Federation of India president, Balaji Maradapa, stated the changes were necessary due to weather-induced schedule compression and accused a former coach of influencing the players.

IIT Bhubaneswar And IIT Dhanbad Forge Research Alliance

IIT Bhubaneswar And IIT Dhanbad Forge Research Alliance

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

IIT Bhubaneswar and IIT (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance research collaboration and academic interactions, particularly in semiconductor and basic sciences. The agreement facilitates joint research projects, doctoral student supervision, faculty and student exchanges, and shared experimental resources, aiming to advance knowledge and create lasting impact.

Putin reaches Delhi for BRICS summit, to meet Modi today

Putin reaches Delhi for BRICS summit, to meet Modi today

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a three-day visit to attend the BRICS summit and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on expanding trade, investment, and energy cooperation amidst global geopolitical challenges.

Finance Ministry Rejects US Influence Claims On UPI MDR

Finance Ministry Rejects US Influence Claims On UPI MDR

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has refuted allegations that US pressure influenced the decision to levy a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI payments. The ministry clarified that the NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI to promote domestic alternatives and ensure a self-sustaining revenue model for smaller domestic companies, countering claims of favouring foreign payment providers.

India, China hold high-level talks on Arunachal border ahead of BRICS meet

India, China hold high-level talks on Arunachal border ahead of BRICS meet

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Indian and Chinese armies held their first high-level commanders' flag talks in the Arunachal Pradesh sector, following Special Representatives dialogue. These talks, aimed at maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control, occurred amidst reports of aggressive military posturing and just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India for the BRICS summit.