News for 'Technology and Innovation Policy'

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'The tools of warfare are changing. The MoD must deepen its engagement with technology thinkers that can present compelling visions of where warfare may be heading.'

Why Is India Not In The Innovation Race?

Why Is India Not In The Innovation Race?

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

India has its share of both large tech companies and large national laboratories, but why is it that these don't seem to be at the forefront of any innovation news headlines? asks Ajit Balakrishnan.

RBI Warns Against Stablecoins, Backs CBDCs

RBI Warns Against Stablecoins, Backs CBDCs

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

'We have seen that stablecoins lack the basic attributes of money, their advantages are neither unique nor unambiguous and their risks are all too real.'

Realty to get indirect push from Budget proposals

Realty to get indirect push from Budget proposals

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The government's Budget announcements providing tax holiday for data centres, setting up of city economic regions (CERs) and funding to improve infrastructure in Tier-II and -III cities may give an indirect boost to India's realty sector, said industry executives.

'Trump risks becoming the President who lost India'

'Trump risks becoming the President who lost India'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

The US Representative criticised the administration's new USD 100,000 fee on H-1B visas, observing that Indians hold 70 per cent of these visas and saying the change directly harms workers who have long supported US innovation across technology, science and medicine.

Stop fuelling terror next door, Jaishankar tells Poland

Stop fuelling terror next door, Jaishankar tells Poland

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed a strong message to his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski regarding terrorism and the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for zero-tolerance towards terrorism and criticizing the selective targeting of India.

ISRO Clears 200 Milestones, Gaganyaan Next

ISRO Clears 200 Milestones, Gaganyaan Next

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

From a surge in startups to crewed mission preparations, 2025 marks a transformative year as India eyes $44 billion space economy by 2033.

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

In a double-dose bid to boost growth and employment prospects, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Rs 2.07 trillion outlay for a research development and innovation (RDI) Scheme to fund private sector innovations, and an employment-linked incentive (ELI) to create over 35 million new jobs over the next two years.

India's Housing Finance Sector Hits Home Run

India's Housing Finance Sector Hits Home Run

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

India's housing finance sector is riding a wave of post-pandemic revival, driven by policy support, digital innovation, and growing demand from younger homebuyers in emerging cities.

US visa curbs, AI surge will shape Indian IT in 2026

US visa curbs, AI surge will shape Indian IT in 2026

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

India's $280-billion IT industry heads into 2026, balancing visa-related headwinds and global trade uncertainty against its biggest-ever push into artificial intelligence and the rapid expansion of global capability centres (GCCs). Heightened scrutiny of the US H-1B visa programme - including a proposed $100,000 fee for new visas and concerns over a potential 25 per cent outsourcing tax - has complicated cross-border delivery for Indian firms, even as companies accelerate efforts to reduce reliance on onsite staffing.

'Bad neighbours' can't seek water: Jaishankar's warning to Pak

'Bad neighbours' can't seek water: Jaishankar's warning to Pak

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserts India's right to defend against terrorism from 'bad neighbours' while highlighting India's support for friendly nations.

US lawmakers move resolution to end Trump tariffs on India

US lawmakers move resolution to end Trump tariffs on India

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Representatives Deborah Ross of North Carolina, Marc Veasey of Texas and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois introduced the resolution on Friday in the House of Representatives to terminate Trump's national emergency authorising tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports from India, helping to restore Congress' constitutional authority over trade.

'We Want World-Class Innovation, But...'

'We Want World-Class Innovation, But...'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

'...hesitate to support the risk-taking it requires.'

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.

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The real story of 2025 is that India officially stopped being a 'market of the future' and started acting as the world's primary economic engine.'

How will India's auto industry perform in 2026?

How will India's auto industry perform in 2026?

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

After a record-breaking year, India's automobile industry is entering 2026 on a relatively strong footing, with sales growth expected in the 6-8 per cent range. The outlook is underpinned by policy support, including GST rationalisation, easing monetary conditions, and income tax relief, which together are likely to improve affordability and sustain consumer demand across vehicle segments.

At fintech meet, Sitharaman flags weaponisation of tech

At fintech meet, Sitharaman flags weaponisation of tech

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday launched the foreign currency settlement system in GIFT IFSC, which will facilitate seamless transactions on real-time basis, enhance liquidity management, and ensure compliance.

Deeptech Now Dominates Indian VC Portfolios

Deeptech Now Dominates Indian VC Portfolios

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Deep-tech now forms over half of VC portfolios in India as firms like Cornerstone, Unicorn India Ventures and All in Capital back startups combining research with scalable models

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

'Grassroots-level corruption, which disrupts the last-mile work, cannot be ignored in your enthusiasm and drive to get going to complete the project.' 'Like it was in MGNREGA, in some states, it is the case with the Jal Jeevan mission.' 'The last minute levels of corruption can ruin the intent of the project itself.' 'When you see that people can game a particular well-intended and well-crafted project, you need to correct that.'

Can India become a global innovation hub?

Can India become a global innovation hub?

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has entered into a partnership with the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), a premier industry organisation representing India's leading new-age companies.

H-1B Visa: The Hardest Hit Will Be...

H-1B Visa: The Hardest Hit Will Be...

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The US has replaced random H-1B selection with a wage-weighted lottery and a new $100,000 fee for applications, raising uncertainty for students and junior hires.

How Operation Sindoor Changed Security Doctrine

How Operation Sindoor Changed Security Doctrine

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'Some success has been achieved in raising the costs of terrorism for Pakistan.'

Trump admin faces lawsuit over H-1B visa fee hike

Trump admin faces lawsuit over H-1B visa fee hike

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, arguing it harms American innovation and competitiveness.

Want To Invest In US Markets? Read This

Want To Invest In US Markets? Read This

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

New investors or those with lower-than-planned exposure should add US-oriented funds through SIPs.

IBM To Lay Off Thousands Of Employees

IBM To Lay Off Thousands Of Employees

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The technology major confirmed that a 'low single-digit percentage' of its 270,000 employees would be affected in the fourth quarter of 2025.

India flags humanitarian risks in US H-1B fee hike

India flags humanitarian risks in US H-1B fee hike

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

India has expressed concerns over the potential humanitarian consequences of the Trump administration's new restrictions on the H1B visa program, particularly the disruption to families. The government hopes the US authorities will address these issues.

Andhra all set for huge investments from Adani Group, Reliance

Andhra all set for huge investments from Adani Group, Reliance

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Adani Group said on Friday it will invest around Rs 1 trillion in various sectors of Andhra Pradesh over the next ten years, deepening its commitment in the state where it will partner with Google for an artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Visakhapatnam.

India's Hottest Jobs In 2026

India's Hottest Jobs In 2026

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Across all sectors, the future of work depends on adaptability.

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday announced plans to invest $17.5 billion in India to help build infrastructure and sovereign capabilities for the country's AI-first future, marking the third major AI-driven investment in the country in the past two months. Microsoft said that the $17.5 billion (around Rs 1.58 lakh crore) investment builds on the $3 billion (around Rs 26,955 crore) funding announced earlier this year, which the company is on track to spend by the end of CY (calendar year) 2026.

'Insurance Sector Is At An Unstable Equilibrium'

'Insurance Sector Is At An Unstable Equilibrium'

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

'Other sectors that manage the savings pools of Indians are giving tough competition to life insurance companies.'

Govt in talks to streamline FDI, FII processes: Goyal

Govt in talks to streamline FDI, FII processes: Goyal

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The Centre is regularly holding consultations with stakeholders to streamline foreign direct investments (FDIs) and foreign institutional investments (FIIs) related processes to enable faster and more efficient investment flows into the country, said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, adding one such meeting with stakeholders was held on Tuesday.

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'There'll be extended periods where things aren't working in your favour. But if you believe in the cause profoundly, then you simply persevere.'

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

Why US-China Face-Off Is Advantage India

Why US-China Face-Off Is Advantage India

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Amid US-China trade tensions and economic vulnerabilities, India must seize the 'China +1' opportunity, deepen reforms, secure FTAs, and globalise its firms for long-term growth, suggests Ajay Shah.

QS Rankings Expose India's Higher-Education Gap

QS Rankings Expose India's Higher-Education Gap

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

India not only lost its top place as the most represented higher-education system to China, several of its marquee institutions saw a significant drop.

H-1B Visa: Why Nvidia Will Pay $100,000 For Talent

H-1B Visa: Why Nvidia Will Pay $100,000 For Talent

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

'As one of many immigrants at Nvidia, I know the opportunities we've found in America have profoundly shaped our lives.'

'India Reasserting Control Over Digital Economy'

'India Reasserting Control Over Digital Economy'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'What we are seeing today is India stepping into its digital confidence, not as a follower but a leader.'

'H1-B visa fee is not about protecting American jobs, but...'

'H1-B visa fee is not about protecting American jobs, but...'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'Immigrants have always been America's greatest strength, building prosperity, breakthroughs, and communities that enrich us all. Instead of embracing that strength, Trump is clamping down on every form of immigration, tearing families apart, destabilising businesses, and weakening our economy'

Google plans $15 bn AI hub in Visakhapatnam

Google plans $15 bn AI hub in Visakhapatnam

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Google plans to invest $15 billion over the next five years in setting an artificial intelligence hub in Visakhapatnam, a senior official of the company said on Tuesday.

Lasik Surgery Market Eyes 2X Growth In 5 Years

Lasik Surgery Market Eyes 2X Growth In 5 Years

Rediff.com20 May 2025

India currently performs around 6,00,000 to 7,00,000 laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) and refractive procedures a year, and the uptake is accelerating.