News for 'international-development'

RBSE Class 12 Results Declared; Girls Outperform Boys in Key Streams

RBSE Class 12 Results Declared; Girls Outperform Boys in Key Streams

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education has announced the Class 12 results for Arts, Commerce, and Science streams. The results were announced by Education Minister Madan Dilawar, with multiple students topping each stream. Girls outperformed boys in Arts and Science, while boys had a higher pass percentage in Commerce.

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks after call with Saudi Crown Prince

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to mediate between the US and Iran to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in West Asia, following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran. Sharif has been in contact with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other nations to promote dialogue and diplomacy.

Revanth Reddy to Speak at Harvard AI Symposium Amid Budget Session

Revanth Reddy to Speak at Harvard AI Symposium Amid Budget Session

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will virtually deliver the keynote address at the Harvard Kennedy School's AI symposium, focusing on the global AI landscape.

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, offering to host talks between the US and Iran and engaging with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, the UK, China, and the European Union.

Can Pakistan's outreach to Egypt, Turkiye, Saudi calm West Asia?

Can Pakistan's outreach to Egypt, Turkiye, Saudi calm West Asia?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with his counterparts from Egypt and Turkiye in Islamabad ahead of a quadrilateral summit, including Saudi Arabia, to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and explore avenues for peace.

Not drugs or democracy, but...: Kamala, Mamdani slam Trump over Venezuela

Not drugs or democracy, but...: Kamala, Mamdani slam Trump over Venezuela

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced his opposition to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro by the US military, calling it an 'act of war' and a violation of international law. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also criticized the action, citing lack of congressional authorization.

Was US India's Ally Or Foe In The 1962 War?

Was US India's Ally Or Foe In The 1962 War?

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

What appeared to be a generous act of friendship was, in truth, a manoeuvre within a much larger strategic game. The United States used the 1962 war not just to aid India but to test how far it could be pulled into the Western fold, points out Dr Kumar.

Stalin's minister sparks row, says UP survives on TN's tax money

Stalin's minister sparks row, says UP survives on TN's tax money

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa claims Uttar Pradesh's development is funded by Tamil Nadu's tax contributions to the central government, sparking a political debate over regional economic disparities.

No USAID funding of $21mn voter turnout in India: Govt

No USAID funding of $21mn voter turnout in India: Govt

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

On July 2, the US Embassy shared data that "it said covered USAID funding in India from 2014 to 2024", including details of implementing partners, objectives, and key accomplishments of each activity undertaken, he said.

IKEA plans to enhance sourcing from India to 50%

IKEA plans to enhance sourcing from India to 50%

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Global home decor and furniture retailer IKEA has ambitions to increase sourcing from India to 50 per cent, Swedish trade minister Benjamin Dousa said on Wednesday. IKEA's sourcing basket includes textiles, plastics, and metals, among others, and the company plans to add more items.

India looks to bet big on foreign drillers

India looks to bet big on foreign drillers

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

India, the biggest contributor to world demand for oil, will bring into effect in an overhaul of its drilling policy. This comes after more than a year of preparation and will boost the exploration and development of India's oil and gas sector along with increased participation by foreign drillers

US foreign aid cuts can cause over 1.4 cr deaths by 2030: Study

US foreign aid cuts can cause over 1.4 cr deaths by 2030: Study

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The study said the fund cuts could reverse decades of progress and that for many low and middle-income countries, the resulting shock would be comparable in scale to a "global pandemic" or a "major armed conflict".

Meet India's new Olympic hopefuls

Meet India's new Olympic hopefuls

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

TJ, Animesh Kujur enter TOPS developmental group; Pranati named for TAGG

'Fully agree with you': Modi, Meloni strike a chord at G7

'Fully agree with you': Modi, Meloni strike a chord at G7

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of bilateral meetings with his global counterparts on the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, with discussions focusing on a range of issues such as trade, investment, counter-terrorism and global challenges.

Should You Take Possesion Of House Without An OC?

Should You Take Possesion Of House Without An OC?

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Taking possession without an OC can lead to legal complications, denial of utilities such as water and electricity, hurdles in availing home loans or reselling the property, and even eviction.

Shah, Akhilesh banter lights up fiery Waqf bill debate

Shah, Akhilesh banter lights up fiery Waqf bill debate

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Home Minister Amit Shah and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav engaged in a humorous exchange during a Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with Shah taking jabs at Yadav's attempts to highlight internal party dynamics. Yadav, in turn, poked fun at the BJP's leadership selection process and hinted at potential internal divisions within the party.

ED nabs Cong ex-MLA in Rs 500 cr scam after midnight brawl at Delhi hotel

ED nabs Cong ex-MLA in Rs 500 cr scam after midnight brawl at Delhi hotel

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former Haryana Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker from a five-star hotel in Delhi following a brief scuffle. Chhoker, along with his sons, is accused of defrauding over 1,500 homebuyers and siphoning off over Rs 500 crore through their real-estate companies. The ED had been seeking Chhoker's presence in the investigation since May 2022. The politician was caught at the Grappa Bar of the Shangri-La hotel on Ashoka Road. He is currently in ED custody for six days.

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The Finance Ministry's annual report has revealed that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in India during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The projects, implemented in partnership with the Indian government, cover areas like agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, health, sustainable forests, and climate adaptation. This disclosure comes amidst controversy over USAID's alleged role in influencing Indian elections, with claims that the agency allocated USD 21 million to India for 'voter turnout'. However, the report clarifies that no funds were dedicated to enhancing voter turnout.

Projects halted in Pakistan as US puts aid on hold

Projects halted in Pakistan as US puts aid on hold

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The United States has temporarily suspended foreign assistance to Pakistan for re-evaluation following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, according to a media report on Tuesday.

ED searches Soros' funding agency, investment arm in Bengaluru

ED searches Soros' funding agency, investment arm in Bengaluru

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Soros, a Hungarian-American political activist, and his organisations like OSF have been accused by the ruling BJP of acting against India's interests. His utterances during the Adani-Hindenburg controversy also drew criticism from the party.

2 Indian-origin faces in new Canadian PM's cabinet

2 Indian-origin faces in new Canadian PM's cabinet

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Indo-Canadian Anita Anand and Delhi-born Kamal Khera are part of new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet. Anand is the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry while Khera is Minister of Health. Carney's cabinet with 13 men and 11 women is smaller than Trudeau's 37-member team.

Covid-19: China refutes claims of 'gain-of-function' research at Wuhan lab

Covid-19: China refutes claims of 'gain-of-function' research at Wuhan lab

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

China has firmly denied that its Wuhan Institute of Virology conducted gain-of-function studies on coronavirus, rejecting allegations that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded such research at the lab. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, emphasized that the lab has never engaged in gain-of-function research, designed, made, or leaked COVID-19. China has also reiterated its stance on the origins-tracing of COVID-19, stating that the pandemic was "extremely unlikely" to have originated from a lab leak, as concluded by the WHO-China joint mission.

'Jhoot brigade': Cong slams BJP after FinMin report on USAID

'Jhoot brigade': Cong slams BJP after FinMin report on USAID

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The latest annual report of the finance ministry has disclosed that the agency funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in 2023-24.

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concern over information regarding USAID funding in India, calling it "concerning" and hinting at potential "bad faith" activities. Jaishankar asserted that India is looking into the matter and that the country should know who is involved in such activities. He also emphasized the need to expand India's security definition in the digital age, highlighting the influence of technology and narratives on public perception. The statements come amid controversy surrounding USAID funding for certain activities in India, with the US President Donald Trump questioning the agency's funding of voter turnout efforts.

ALERT! New coronavirus found in China's Wuhan

ALERT! New coronavirus found in China's Wuhan

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

A Chinese team of virologists has discovered a new bat coronavirus that can infect human cells, raising concerns about potential animal-to-human transmission. The virus, a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus, uses the same human receptor as the virus that causes COVID-19. The study, led by Shi Zhengli, a prominent virologist at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was published in the journal Cell. The discovery comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Wuhan lab, which was previously accused of being the source of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese government has denied any involvement in the virus's origin and insists that the Wuhan lab never engaged in gain-of-function studies on coronaviruses.

US freezes foreign aid for all countries including India

US freezes foreign aid for all countries including India

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce Sunday said, "President Trump stated clearly that the United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people. Reviewing and realigning foreign assistance on behalf of hardworking taxpayers is not just the right thing to do, it is a moral imperative."

Modi flies home after 'substantive, productive' US visit

Modi flies home after 'substantive, productive' US visit

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to the United States after holding high-level bilateral talks with President Donald Trump on a wide range of subjects, including trade and technology, defence and security, energy and people-to-people ties. The two leaders decided to take a significant step in deepening their strategic ties, particularly in the areas of defence, energy, and critical technology. Modi also met with key American officials, including National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and prominent business leaders like SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'If the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation cuts funds, there could be more impact.'

'Maritime Development Fund to generate Rs 1.5 trillion investment by 2030'

'Maritime Development Fund to generate Rs 1.5 trillion investment by 2030'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'Additionally, the significant employment multiplier will boost direct and indirect jobs of up to 1.1 million.'

Deep State And Beyond: The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

Deep State And Beyond: The Rise of Conspiracy Theories

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

From bhikshus of Ashokan 3rd century BC and medieval Sufis to Oxfam, Omidyar and Soros now, non-State actors have any real power only when they work in conjunction with a real State, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for enhancing trade and investment ties between their countries and committed to further deepening their engagement in the Indo-Pacific. They discussed a full spectrum of bilateral relations, including key global and regional issues, and stressed the urgent need for reform in the United Nations Security Council. The leaders also underscored their commitment to ensuring the global AI sector can drive positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

Adani opts out of US funding for Colombo Port project

Adani opts out of US funding for Colombo Port project

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Billionaire Gautam Adani's group has pulled out of a loan deal with a US agency to fund a port terminal in Sri Lanka, saying it will use its own resources for the project. In an exchange filing late on Tuesday, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) said the project "is on track for commissioning by early next year". "The project will be financed through the company's internal accruals and capital management plan," the firm said.

150 terrorists waiting to infiltrate into Kashmir: BSF

150 terrorists waiting to infiltrate into Kashmir: BSF

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

He said the security forces would ensure any infiltration attempt is thwarted.

'India-Canada ties reminiscent of India-Pak relations'

'India-Canada ties reminiscent of India-Pak relations'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

While Canada denies harbouring extremists or terrorists, Kugelman pointed out that India remains firm in its disagreement.

Bibek Debroy: A Guru I Could Look To

Bibek Debroy: A Guru I Could Look To

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Bibek Debroy was one of the very few economists not bound by any single area of expertise and was simultaneously curious about economics and politics, myths and maths, chess and chemistry, and what not, remembers Laveesh Bhandari.

Is this India's year to finally win T20 Women's World Cup?

Is this India's year to finally win T20 Women's World Cup?

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

Delving further deep into the chances of the Harmanpreer Kaur-led side, Sthalekar said India have the wherewithal to beat Australia, their nemesis in global events over the years

What Modi, Xi told each other during first talks since Ladakh standoff

What Modi, Xi told each other during first talks since Ladakh standoff

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

In their first structured bilateral talks in nearly five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday agreed that India and China can have a 'peaceful and stable' relationship by displaying maturity and mutual respect and endorsed the pact on the resolution of the dragging eastern Ladakh border row.

Rajnath's military mantra: Synergised, swift, proportionate response

Rajnath's military mantra: Synergised, swift, proportionate response

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called upon the top military brass to analyse the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza as well as the current situation in Bangladesh to "predict" any future problems and stay prepared to deal with the "unexpected".

Zydus gets China nod for kidney disease drug

Zydus gets China nod for kidney disease drug

Rediff.com24 Apr 2024

Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences said on Tuesday that a new drug application for its oral drug Desidustat used in treating anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients had been accepted by the National Medical Products Administration of China (NMPA). In 2020, CMS International Development and Management Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Medical System Holdings Ltd obtained an exclusive license for the product from Zydus. CKD involves a gradual loss of functioning of kidneys and eventually leads to kidney failure.

Adani in talks with sovereign funds to raise up to $2.6 bn

Adani in talks with sovereign funds to raise up to $2.6 bn

Rediff.com26 Feb 2024

The Adani group is in advanced talks with top sovereign funds based in West Asia to raise up to $2.6 billion for its airport expansion and green hydrogen projects. The group, which expects to close the ongoing financial year ending March with Rs 80,000 crore of Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation), has held a series of road shows in London, Dubai, and Singapore with potential investors, briefing them about their future growth plans. The group's flagship, Adani Enterprises, may dilute part of its stake in the airport-holding firm and/or the green hydrogen business to these funds, which are keen to invest in the Indian infrastructure sector, said a source close to the development.