News for 'State for Global Affairs'

Hotter summer likely in 2023, parts of India to see above normal temperature

Hotter summer likely in 2023, parts of India to see above normal temperature

Rediff.com14 Mar 2023

At the review meeting, chaired by cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba in New Delhi, the IMD said above normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of northeast, east and central India and some parts of northwest India.

Covid scare: PM reviews situation, warns against laxity, urges mask use

Covid scare: PM reviews situation, warns against laxity, urges mask use

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

Amid a spurt in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday cautioned against complacency and directed officials to strengthen the ongoing surveillance measures, especially at international airports.

Rishi Sunak makes it clear: 'Golden era' with China is over

Rishi Sunak makes it clear: 'Golden era' with China is over

Rediff.com29 Nov 2022

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a clear break with the past on UK-China relations as he declared that the "so-called golden era" of bilateral ties is over in the face of the "systemic challenge" posed by the Chinese regime to British values and interests.

Ahead of talks, Jaishankar hosts reception for visiting ministers

Ahead of talks, Jaishankar hosts reception for visiting ministers

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

A day ahead of a crucial G20 meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday evening hosted a welcome dinner for the foreign ministers attending the deliberations but the reception was missed by his counterparts from the US, China, Germany and France.

What Modi said to Neil deGrasse Tyson

What Modi said to Neil deGrasse Tyson

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

They discussed at length India's rapid progress in the space sector, including various space exploration missions being undertaken by India, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

Modi discusses India's growth story with top American thought leaders

Modi discusses India's growth story with top American thought leaders

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met leading American economist Paul Romer, investor and co-founder of hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates Ray Dalio, and other eminent thought leaders and exchanged views with them and briefed them about the reform trajectory of his government to foster economic growth. Prime Minister Modi is in New York on the first leg of his maiden state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden. Modi and Romer held discussions on India's digital journey, including the use of Aadhaar and innovative tools like Digilocker.

A tide in the affairs of nations

A tide in the affairs of nations

Rediff.com8 Sep 2014

India and Japan are natural partners at sea, and Narendra Modi's recent visit underlined the need to keep the association going

Kerala woman doctor stabbed to death by man she was treating

Kerala woman doctor stabbed to death by man she was treating

Rediff.com10 May 2023

A 23-year-old doctor was stabbed to death on Wednesday at a taluk hospital in Kottarakkara area of Kollam district in Kerala allegedly by a man, a school teacher under suspension, who was brought there by police after being involved in a fight with his family members.

India's trade deficit with Russia grows seven-fold to $34.79 billion

India's trade deficit with Russia grows seven-fold to $34.79 billion

Rediff.com26 Apr 2023

The rising dependence on discounted crude oil has resulted in India's trade deficit with Russia hitting the second-highest place last year, after China, reveals Department of Commerce data. From April through January 2022-23 (FY23), India's maximum trade deficit was with China, at $71.58 billion. This was followed by Russia, where the deficit expanded sevenfold - from $4.86 billion in April-January of 2021-22 (FY22) to $34.79 billion during the same period in FY23.

India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 eyes $2 trillion exports by 2030

India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 eyes $2 trillion exports by 2030

Rediff.com31 Mar 2023

The government on Friday came out with Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 which seeks to boost the country's exports to $2 trillion by 2030 by shifting from incentives to remission and entitlement based regime. Unlike the practice of announcing 5-year FTP, the latest policy has no end date and will be updated as and when needed, said Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Sarangi while briefing media about FTP 2023. Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled FTP 2023 which will come into effect from April 1, 2023.

India suspends tourist visas issued to Chinese nationals

India suspends tourist visas issued to Chinese nationals

Rediff.com24 Apr 2022

India has been raising with China the plight of approximately 22,000 Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities who are unable to go back for physical classes. However, the neighbouring country has till date refused to let them enter.

Budget 2023-24: Stay on fiscal glide path, economists advise FM Sitharaman

Budget 2023-24: Stay on fiscal glide path, economists advise FM Sitharaman

Rediff.com29 Nov 2022

The Union government could target a fiscal deficit of 5.8-6 per cent of nominal GDP for 2023-24, and it should continue its capital expenditure push and look to simplify the personal income tax regime, economists recommended Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team during their pre-Budget interaction on Monday. Starting last week, Sitharaman had eight pre-Budget consultations this time. More than 110 invitees representing seven stakeholder groups participated in these meetings, the finance ministry said in a statement. The stakeholder groups included representatives and experts from agriculture and agro-processing industry; industry, infrastructure & climate change; financial sector and capital markets; services and trade; social sector; trade unions and labour organisations; and economists.

No H-1B visa caps for data localisation: US State Department

No H-1B visa caps for data localisation: US State Department

Rediff.com21 Jun 2019

International companies usually store data on global servers and the requirement to store data locally would require them to make an additional investment. But policymakers in India believe storing data locally would help monitor and conduct investigations if the need arises.

'If N-deal fails, it will have long-term impact'

'If N-deal fails, it will have long-term impact'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2007

Marshall Bouton, South Asia expert, says that the fallout from a failed nuclear deal could jeopardise India-US ties

No One Hears A Woman's Silent Screams

No One Hears A Woman's Silent Screams

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

The most common abuse happens in marriages in the confines of one's own home. Be it raising a hand on one's spouse without the slightest provocation, or abusing them without their consent, notes Aarti David.

'Proud to be your partner': US hails India on Chandrayaan-3

'Proud to be your partner': US hails India on Chandrayaan-3

Rediff.com24 Aug 2023

Mainstream American newspapers, many of which had been sceptical of India's space mission and sometimes even made fun of it through cartoons, noted the great Indian achievement.

'Global markets see uncertainty but India still a bright spot'

'Global markets see uncertainty but India still a bright spot'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2016

'Whatever happens in any part of the world affects us.'

'Canada Created A Khalistani Frankenstein's Monster'

'Canada Created A Khalistani Frankenstein's Monster'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2023

'And when the floats go by in the parade garlanded and decorated with the posters of gun toting assassins and murderers and martyrs, you look the other way.' 'And in return we will bring you 10,000 votes because the people of the gurdwaras will vote as we tell them to vote.'

US comfortable with India buying oil from Russia: Biden aide

US comfortable with India buying oil from Russia: Biden aide

Rediff.com17 Feb 2023

By driving a hard bargain with Russia in procuring crude oil at the lowest price possible, India is furthering the policy of G7 and Washington is "comfortable" with New Delhi over its approach in addressing issues relating to energy security, a top Biden administration official said.

RBI Governor Wants Bankers To Be Like Dravid

RBI Governor Wants Bankers To Be Like Dravid

Rediff.com20 Nov 2023

The governor made it clear that the RBI is aware of what's happening and acts accordingly, but doesn't make a noise about that, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Swaraj seeks resolute global action against terror

Swaraj seeks resolute global action against terror

Rediff.com12 Sep 2014

India on Friday sought resolute and comprehensive global action against terror infrastructure, saying the challenge must be taken seriously as different "theatres" are getting interconnected through terror networks as well as globalisation of the "supply chain of ideology".

India, fastest-growing major economy, likely to grow 6.4% in 2022: UN

India, fastest-growing major economy, likely to grow 6.4% in 2022: UN

Rediff.com19 May 2022

As the Ukraine conflict impacts the global GDP, India is projected to grow by 6.4 per cent in 2022, slower than the last year's 8.8 per cent but still the fastest-growing major economy, with higher inflationary pressures and uneven recovery of the labour market curbing private consumption and investment, according to a UN report. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs said in its World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report released on Wednesday that the war in Ukraine has upended the fragile economic recovery from the pandemic, triggering a devastating humanitarian crisis in Europe, increasing food and commodity prices and globally exacerbating inflationary pressures. The global economy is now projected to grow by only 3.1 per cent in 2022, down from the 4.0 per cent growth forecast released in January 2022.

India warns of terror groups in Africa controlling political agenda

India warns of terror groups in Africa controlling political agenda

Rediff.com6 Oct 2022

Muraleedharan said that terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab have put in place elaborate revenue collection networks, to support their terrorist activities.

Quad ministers oppose 'unilateral' move to change status quo in China seas

Quad ministers oppose 'unilateral' move to change status quo in China seas

Rediff.com3 Mar 2023

The top diplomats of Quad nations on Friday denounced as "inadmissible" any use or threat of use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war and strongly opposed any "unilateral actions" that seek to change the status quo in the South and East China Seas, a region that has witnessed increasing Chinese military offensive.

Govt invites global firms to 'Make in India'

Govt invites global firms to 'Make in India'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2014

The leaders discussed other topical issues before the United Nations during the ongoing 69th Session of the General Assembly.

Adani prospered during Cong rule: Maharashtra minister

Adani prospered during Cong rule: Maharashtra minister

Rediff.com9 Feb 2023

Maharashtra minister Sudhir Mungantiwar on Thursday claimed that Gautam Adani prospered during the Congress regime in Gujarat and said one cannot become the prime minister by growing a 'beard', referring to Rahul Gandhi's remarks on the industrialist in Parliament.

Vedanta's Sterlite Copper invites EoIs to 'restart' the Thoothukudi unit

Vedanta's Sterlite Copper invites EoIs to 'restart' the Thoothukudi unit

Rediff.com13 Jun 2023

Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta's Sterlite Copper on Monday came out with an advertisement inviting expression of interest (EoI) for carrying out plant "restart activities" at its Thoothukudi unit in Tamil Nadu, that got closed more than five years ago following an order issued by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). The EoI for restart comes when the company is still awaiting the final judgement on the issue, and the court has only allowed it to do maintenance work. "We have initiated the upkeep and maintenance activities at the plant as allowed by the Supreme Court vide its order dated May 4, 2023, in coordination with the district authorities.

Mistake to consider China as threat, enemy: Chinese defence minister

Mistake to consider China as threat, enemy: Chinese defence minister

Rediff.com12 Jun 2022

It will be a historic and strategic mistake to insist on taking China as a threat and adversary, or even an enemy, Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fengh said on Sunday as he underlined that the China-United States relationship is at a critical and crucial juncture.

CBI books Oxfam India for FCRA violation, searches its office

CBI books Oxfam India for FCRA violation, searches its office

Rediff.com19 Apr 2023

The FIR against the Indian arm of the global NGO Oxfam was registered based on a complaint from the ministry of home affairs.

US-China rivalry a marathon, has led to regional arms race: Navy chief

US-China rivalry a marathon, has led to regional arms race: Navy chief

Rediff.com13 Mar 2023

Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar on Monday flagged concerns over growing geo-political power play in the Indo-Pacific, and noted that the US-China rivalry in the region is likely to be a "marathon".

Devika Bulchandani has shattered the glass ceiling for good

Devika Bulchandani has shattered the glass ceiling for good

Rediff.com21 Sep 2022

'Devika is a people's person, who simply loves what she does. This reflects in her work; the insights she brings to the table and the way she interacts with people and clients. She has the demeanour of a good captain. Her success is well-deserved.'

Jaishankar and Blinken hold talks on various issues

Jaishankar and Blinken hold talks on various issues

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

This is Blinken's first visit to India after assuming charge as the US Secretary of State and the third by a high-ranking Biden administration official after it came to power in January.

Budget 2023-24: T V Somanathan to Ajay Seth, meet the FM's crack squad

Budget 2023-24: T V Somanathan to Ajay Seth, meet the FM's crack squad

Rediff.com27 Jan 2023

Coming Wednesday, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman will present the 2023 Union Budget - the last full Budget ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While India exited 2022 as a relatively bright spot in the global economy, the FM will endeavour to present a Budget that insulates India's economy against global headwinds and recession in advanced economies, while sticking to the path of fiscal consolidation. In this, she is being helped by her core team of trusted advisors.

Trade settlement in rupee: Fearing sanctions by West, banks seek clarity

Trade settlement in rupee: Fearing sanctions by West, banks seek clarity

Rediff.com9 Aug 2022

Banks have raised concerns over the new international trade settlement in rupee, fearing that facilitation of such a mechanism could result in them facing the ire of economic sanctions by the West, people aware of the matter said. Large banks with overseas operations have sought clarity and assurance from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that they will not be targeted with sanctions for facilitating rupee trade with a sanction-hit country such as Russia. The present payment mechanism is a shift from earlier such arrangements, like the one with sanction-hit Iran, which involved banks facilitating settlement of international trade that did not have business in the sanctioned nation.

ED summons Maha NCP chief in IL&FS money laundering case

ED summons Maha NCP chief in IL&FS money laundering case

Rediff.com11 May 2023

The 61-year-old MLA from Islampur seat of Maharashtra has been asked to depose before the federal agency in Mumbai on Friday, they said. Patil, a former minister of home and finance, is also the Maharashtra president of the NCP and is a seven-term legislator.

War in Ukraine worrisome, hope for peace: Modi tells Biden in virtual meet

War in Ukraine worrisome, hope for peace: Modi tells Biden in virtual meet

Rediff.com12 Apr 2022

The virtual meeting comes in the midst of some disquiet in Washington over India's position on the Ukraine crisis as well as its decision to procure discounted Russian oil.

Why is AAP not made accused in excise case as beneficiary, SC asks ED

Why is AAP not made accused in excise case as beneficiary, SC asks ED

Rediff.com4 Oct 2023

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to explain why the political party (Aam Aadmi Party) which was allegedly the beneficiary of the Delhi Excise Policy 'scam', has not been made an accused in the money laundering case.

PM Modi's US visit: India's entry into critical mineral alliance on table

PM Modi's US visit: India's entry into critical mineral alliance on table

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US is expected to see discussion on India's possible entry into a US-led global alliance on critical minerals, officials told Business Standard. In June last year, the US, the European Union, and other G7 partners launched the Minerals Security Partnership to ensure that China did not further strengthen its grip on supplies of critical minerals the world over. Various ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, have communicated to the Ministry of External Affairs to explore the possibility of India joining the partnership, officials said.

India's deep discounts on Russian crude will stay

India's deep discounts on Russian crude will stay

Rediff.com6 Dec 2022

Even as the Group of Seven (G7) price cap on Russian crude oil enters into force as of December 5, India has been assured it will continue to receive the existing deep discounts on Russian oil, for the time being, informed officials. "We have been assured by our Russian partners of uninterrupted crude supplies at the existing rates for the time being. "There were a lot of reports of changes in (India's) buying patterns after the global price cap took hold.

Parliamentary panel likely to discuss Afghanistan situation

Parliamentary panel likely to discuss Afghanistan situation

Rediff.com3 Sep 2021

Sources stated that a discussion is likely on the changed geopolitical situation in wake of the Taliban taking over Afghanistan and the drawdown of the US forces from the region.