News for 'US Business Citizens'

Time for another lockdown like 2020: HC to Maha govt

Time for another lockdown like 2020: HC to Maha govt

Rediff.com29 Apr 2021

"At least for 15 days if people stay strictly indoors, like last year, we may expect better results. Please advise your government," the high court said.

One year of ceasefire brings back peace, happiness in life of Uri residents

One year of ceasefire brings back peace, happiness in life of Uri residents

Rediff.com25 Feb 2022

The surprise reiteration of the ceasefire agreement by the two neighbours from the midnight of February 24 last year came as a huge relief to the people of Uri near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

'WhatsApp's new policy is a threat to national security'

'WhatsApp's new policy is a threat to national security'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2021

'WhatsApp is storing our data on servers which are physically located in another country.' 'We might be having good relations with a particular country at this very moment, where WhatsApp's data servers are located, and in which our data is stored, but tomorrow we might be having bad relations with them, then what is going to happen to that data.'

Govt orders WhatsApp to withdraw new privacy policy

Govt orders WhatsApp to withdraw new privacy policy

Rediff.com19 May 2021

The ministry has taken a strong position on the matter, and made it clear that it is not just problematic but also "irresponsible" for the messaging platform to leverage its position to impose "unfair" terms and conditions on Indian users, when many depend on WhatsApp to communicate in everyday life, according to the sources.

India targeted by 5 Chinese hackers charged in US

India targeted by 5 Chinese hackers charged in US

Rediff.com17 Sep 2020

Deputy US Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen on Wednesday announced that three indictments have been unsealed in the matter that collectively charge five Chinese nationals with computer hacking and charge two Malaysian nationals with helping some of those hackers target victims and sell the fruits of their crime.

Over Rs 20,000 crore lying unclaimed with LIC

Over Rs 20,000 crore lying unclaimed with LIC

Rediff.com15 Feb 2022

The amount of money lying unclaimed with the Life Insurance Corporation of India dwarfs the budgets of many ministries. There was Rs 21,539.5 crore which lay unclaimed with India's largest insurance company, according to details in the initial public offer (IPO) document it filed over the weekend. The regulatory documentation is ahead of LIC selling shares to the public through the stock exchange for the first time this financial year. This will be India's largest ever public listing.

Freebies: Nothing Called A Free Lunch

Freebies: Nothing Called A Free Lunch

Rediff.com28 Oct 2022

To help the country emerge as a true welfare State, political parties must put the country's interests first before strategising to win elections and short-term goals, argues Ramesh Menon.

Normal monsoon should help contain food price pressures: RBI

Normal monsoon should help contain food price pressures: RBI

Rediff.com5 May 2021

Despite admitting to price pressures both from food items and input prices, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday hoped that a normal Southwest monsoon will have a "soothing impact" on inflation pressures and ruled out any wide variations in medium-term inflation forecast from what was given in April. In an unscheduled address earlier in the day amidst the raging pandemic, Das said the overall outlook for the economy is highly uncertain and is clouded with downside risks. He offered a slew of relief and liquidity measures to individuals and small businesses apart from a Rs 50,000 crore special liquidity window to the healthcare sector.

The e-com draft policy still needs plenty of rewriting

The e-com draft policy still needs plenty of rewriting

Rediff.com10 Jul 2021

The proposed e-commerce rule book issued recently by the ministry of consumer affairs does not mention foreign companies or foreign direct investment (FDI) at any place, unlike most other government guidelines for the sector so far. That is a heartening development since the latest proposals could be fine-tuned as e-commerce policy.

Bheek remark: Congress urges Kovind to take back Kangana's Padma Shri

Bheek remark: Congress urges Kovind to take back Kangana's Padma Shri

Rediff.com12 Nov 2021

Hitting out at actor Kangana Ranaut for describing India's Independence in 1947 as bheek or alms, the Congress on Thursday said her remarks amounted to 'treason' and demanded the government take back the Padma Shri bestowed on her recently as she has 'insulted' the country's Independence movement.

E-com platform Shopee shuts India operations

E-com platform Shopee shuts India operations

Rediff.com29 Mar 2022

Singapore-based e-commerce platform Shopee - that launched in India only in December 2021 - has decided to close operations in the country. The official reason given by Shopee, which is controlled by NYSE-listed Sea Ltd, is changing global sentiments. In a statement, it said, "In view of the global market uncertainties, we have decided to close risks of our early-stage Shopee India initiative." The e-commerce platform has been hit by growing opposition from trade associations led by Praveen Khandelwal as well as homegrown social commerce start-ups.

Amazon announces $250 mn fund for SMEs in India

Amazon announces $250 mn fund for SMEs in India

Rediff.com15 Apr 2021

E-commerce giant Amazon on Thursday announced a $250 million (about Rs 1,873 crore) fund that will focus on digitising small and medium businesses, and driving innovation in the areas of agri-tech and health-tech in India. "Small and medium sized businesses are often the engine and the lifeblood of economies and I think it's true in India as well. "And we are very passionate about trying to enable acceleration of SMBs in fuelling innovation and the economy in India," Amazon Web Services CEO Andrew Jassy said.

Indian fliers rejoice, US opens up to travellers post-Covid

Indian fliers rejoice, US opens up to travellers post-Covid

Rediff.com8 Nov 2021

Starting today, November 8, the US has lifted all restrictions for fully vaccinated international travellers, including from India, but they will have to show proof of a negative coronavirus test before boarding a flight to the country.

Indians' funds in Swiss banks soars by 50% to over Rs 30,000 cr

Indians' funds in Swiss banks soars by 50% to over Rs 30,000 cr

Rediff.com17 Jun 2022

Funds parked by Indian individuals and firms in Swiss banks, including through India-based branches and other financial institutions, jumped to a 14-year-high of 3.83 billion Swiss francs (over Rs 30,500 crore) in 2021 on a sharp surge in holdings via securities and similar instruments while customer deposits rose as well, annual data from Switzerland's central bank showed on Thursday.

When Will Banks End Customer Harassment?

When Will Banks End Customer Harassment?

Rediff.com30 Aug 2022

The branch managers have come out of their glass cabins and the sellers' market has transformed into a buyers' market, but there is no end to the harassment of customers, asserts Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Don't we Indians matter too?

Don't we Indians matter too?

Rediff.com25 Jul 2019

If foreigners need reasonable taxes, why offer citizens something else? If foreign businessmen look for assurance on the rule of law, so do citizens, argues T N Ninan.

States, Centre not on same page on digital health mission

States, Centre not on same page on digital health mission

Rediff.com14 Oct 2021

Tamil Nadu plans parallel programme with unique user IDs

Modi, Biden hail Indo-US cooperation in fighting Covid

Modi, Biden hail Indo-US cooperation in fighting Covid

Rediff.com25 Sep 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joe Biden have expressed 'deep pride' and appreciation about their nations' close cooperation to fight the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, as they noted that all sections of the society were mobilised in unprecedented ways to share emergency relief supplies during each country's times of need.

'RSS, Bajrang Dal are intoxicated with power'

'RSS, Bajrang Dal are intoxicated with power'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2022

'Ram Sene or Bajrang Dal were supposed to be fringe elements, but with the BJP in power, they have become mainstream elements.' 'The government is either keeping quiet or indirectly supporting them.'

Brahmastra Review

Brahmastra Review

Rediff.com9 Sep 2022

Brahmastra is a work of star-struck ambition and high-octane energy whose razzle-dazzle hits many happy notes, observes Sukanya Verma.

New IT rules to put legal obligations on social media platforms: Govt

New IT rules to put legal obligations on social media platforms: Govt

Rediff.com29 Oct 2022

India's tweaking of IT rules allow formation of Centre-appointed panels, that will settle often-ignored user grievances against content decision of social media companies, Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, adding that this was necessitated due to the "casual" and "tokenism" approach of digital platforms towards user complaints so far.

Jaishankar takes a dig at US media for 'biased' India coverage

Jaishankar takes a dig at US media for 'biased' India coverage

Rediff.com26 Sep 2022

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed the mainstream American media, including The Washington Post, for their 'biased' coverage of India.

Banks are catalysts of economic revival: Sitharaman

Banks are catalysts of economic revival: Sitharaman

Rediff.com9 Sep 2020

The finance minister said easy access and efficiency in providing banking services will help in revival of businesses which are restarting operations after the lockdown.

Microsoft to set up largest data centre in Hyderabad

Microsoft to set up largest data centre in Hyderabad

Rediff.com7 Mar 2022

Tech giant Microsoft will set up its largest and fourth data centre in India at Hyderabad with an investment outlay of over Rs 15,000 crore over a period of 15 years. "I am very happy to say today that Hyderabad will be the destination for Microsoft's largest Data Centre investment in India with an investment of over Rs 15,000 crore over a period of 15 years. "This will be one of the largest FDIs that Telangana has attracted," Telangana Minister for IT and Industries KT Rama Rao on Monday said at an event marking the announcement of Microsoft's latest data centre region in Hyderabad.

Full text: President Murmu's address to Parliament's Budget Session

Full text: President Murmu's address to Parliament's Budget Session

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

'Wherever in the world there is political instability, those countries are beset with severe crises today. But India is in a much better position than the rest of the world due to the decisions taken by my government in the national interest,' President Droupadi Murmu said in her address to both Houses of Parliament.

India's services sector hits rock bottom in April

India's services sector hits rock bottom in April

Rediff.com6 May 2020

The IHS Markit India Services Business Activity Index stood at 5.4 in April, an extreme decline from 49.3 in March, and indicative of the most severe contraction in services output since records began in December 2005. As per the IHS Markit India Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), a print above 50 means expansion, while a score below that denotes contraction.

'Hurried Lockdown has Created Havoc'

'Hurried Lockdown has Created Havoc'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2020

'Unless we get the health and economic situations right at the same time, we will not recover.'

India's Future: Tier 2 Cities

India's Future: Tier 2 Cities

Rediff.com16 Dec 2021

If India is to urbanise successfully, it has to focus on Tier 2 cities with a population of one-five million, observes T N Ninan.

J-K admin denies including non-locals to voter list

J-K admin denies including non-locals to voter list

Rediff.com20 Aug 2022

The clarification was issued through an advertisement in local dailies after facing political backlash, including from parties perceived close to the government.

Nirav Modi left India with family in first week of January

Nirav Modi left India with family in first week of January

Rediff.com15 Feb 2018

His brother Nishal, a Belgian citizen, also left the country on January 1, while wife Ami, a US citizen, and business partner Mehul Choksi, the Indian promoter of Gitanjali jewellery chain, departed on January 6, the officials said.

India asks WhatsApp to withdraw privacy policy changes

India asks WhatsApp to withdraw privacy policy changes

Rediff.com19 Jan 2021

The government said that the unilateral changes are not fair and acceptable.

Will the real Mr Modi please stand up?

Will the real Mr Modi please stand up?

Rediff.com26 Feb 2021

Human memory about policy issues is short. That alone can explain why many are deliriously happy with his latest slogans and ignore seven years of poor 'doing business' climate, taxtortion, extortionate oil prices, and high dependence on babus and the big State that has kept the enterprise system stifled, observes Debashis Basu.

No stone being left unturned: PM on coronavirus fight

No stone being left unturned: PM on coronavirus fight

Rediff.com16 Mar 2020

Modi also hailed the contribution of doctors, nurses and healthcare workers in fighting the virus and said the country will always cherish their contribution.

Deepak Parekh on India's $ 93 billion 'real estate goldmine'

Deepak Parekh on India's $ 93 billion 'real estate goldmine'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2019

While student housing, retirement homes, and co-living spaces are going to be new realty growth drivers, Parekh also said foreign investors have also been investing in a big way in good commercial projects, while warehousing is another segment where they are showing keen interest.

BJP MP gives privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

BJP MP gives privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Feb 2022

Noting that while every MP has a constitutional right to speak in Parliament and express his/her views on various topics, he said it is also one of the foremost duties of every member to maintain decency and should not speak anything that would lower the dignity of Parliament and categorised as 'Contempt of the House'.

Flipkart's Bengal warehouse to create about 3,500 jobs

Flipkart's Bengal warehouse to create about 3,500 jobs

Rediff.com16 Jun 2021

Walmart-owned Flipkart on Wednesday said it has set up a new fulfilment centre (warehouse) in West Bengal, its second-largest in the state, that will help in creating nearly 3,500 direct jobs. Spread across an area of over 2.2 lakh sq ft, the new facility in Dankuni will cater to the needs of Flipkart and Myntra customers in the region and bolster the e-commerce major's efforts to ramps up supply chain infrastructure in the eastern part of the country. The facility will also help thousands of sellers offer a wider selection and enable faster deliveries of customer orders within the region and neighbouring states while also helping create national market access, according to a statement.

Xi's foreign policy bad for India-China relations

Xi's foreign policy bad for India-China relations

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

Chinese foreign policy will acquire a more ideological and less pragmatic character. It will be conducted with more nationalist overtones, predicts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Committed to offering superior services: Voda Idea CEO to users

Committed to offering superior services: Voda Idea CEO to users

Rediff.com13 Aug 2021

Amid an existential crisis confronting the company, Vodafone Idea CEO Ravinder Takkar has reached out to consumers reaffirming the telco's commitment to continue providing "superior services and best-in-class propositions". Thanking users for their continued support as the company approaches first anniversary of 'Vi' branding, Takkar noted that Vi came with a promise of a better tomorrow, bringing the best in technology, services and solutions for the Digital India and Digital Bharat. The company will continue to deliver on this promise to keep users ahead, Takkar said in the mailer to consumers.

J-K plans mythological theme park near Vaishno Devi shrine

J-K plans mythological theme park near Vaishno Devi shrine

Rediff.com11 Jun 2021

The Jammu and Kashmir administration is planning to set up India's best mythological theme park near the famous Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district and has sought investors for the project, officials said.

India is a very special and important country: Zuckerberg

India is a very special and important country: Zuckerberg

Rediff.com15 Dec 2020

Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday said India is a very special and important country with a remarkable entrepreneurship culture, as he sought to push deeper the just-launched payments services that allow users to make payments over WhatsApp. Last month, Facebook-owned WhatsApp received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for rolling out its payments services in India. In 2018, WhatsApp started testing its UPI-based payments services in India -- a global first -- with about a million users.