News for 'Department for International Development'

'We were kept in jail for 50 days': Indian sailors recount escape from Iran

'We were kept in jail for 50 days': Indian sailors recount escape from Iran

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A group of Indian sailors recount their harrowing experience of being detained in Iran on suspicion of smuggling, and their subsequent escape from the country as regional tensions escalated into open conflict.

Why Did Atanu Chakraborty Quit HDFC Bank?

Why Did Atanu Chakraborty Quit HDFC Bank?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

'During the bank's board meeting, many directors asked him if there is a governance issue but he said there is none.'

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Pakistan is set to host face-to-face talks between the United States and Iran, aiming to solidify a fragile ceasefire and prevent further conflict in West Asia. The discussions will focus on a long-term peace arrangement, including sanctions relief, regional security, and Iran's nuclear program.

Sri Lanka lets second Iranian ship dock in Trincomalee, evacuates 208

Sri Lanka lets second Iranian ship dock in Trincomalee, evacuates 208

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Sri Lanka is deliberating appropriate action after a second Iranian ship sought entry to its territorial waters, following an attack on an Iranian frigate near the island nation. The government is focused on safeguarding lives and regional peace.

Official axed over 'hasty' minority grants after Ajit Pawar's death

Official axed over 'hasty' minority grants after Ajit Pawar's death

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

A senior Maharashtra government official has been removed from his post following allegations of irregularities in granting minority status to 75 educational institutions after the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the matter.

Iran rejects Trump's talks claim, says US buying time for military plans

Iran rejects Trump's talks claim, says US buying time for military plans

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

"The US President's statements are within the framework of efforts to reduce energy prices and gain time to implement his military plans," the ministry stated.

How did India secure Hormuz passage for ships? Jaishankar reveals

How did India secure Hormuz passage for ships? Jaishankar reveals

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Amidst rising Middle East tensions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights India's strategic dialogue with Iran to safeguard maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring India's energy security and continued oil trade.

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

As the negotiations continued, the Iranian government said on social media that "talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad entered the expert-level stage as economic, military, legal, and nuclear committees joined in".

Chinnaswamy Gets Greenlight To Host IPL Games

Chinnaswamy Gets Greenlight To Host IPL Games

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

KSCA receives government permission to host international and IPL matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium

ISRO Invites Indian Industry To Build Space Station

ISRO Invites Indian Industry To Build Space Station

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station represents the next phase of India's human spaceflight ambitions, enabling long-duration presence in space, advanced microgravity research and technology development, and supporting future human exploration missions.

Maharashtra minister's viral video with transperson sparks row

Maharashtra minister's viral video with transperson sparks row

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal is embroiled in controversy after a video featuring him and a transgender person went viral, prompting calls for his removal from office.

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The question is whether the clocks allow enough time for two deeply mistrustful sides to get there, and whether the surface calm holds long enough for the paddling to produce something before the ceasefire ends on April 22, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Nagaland Minister Urges Stronger Efforts to Tackle Gender Inequality

Nagaland Minister Urges Stronger Efforts to Tackle Gender Inequality

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Nagaland Minister C L John has called for stronger collective efforts to address gender-based violence and unequal opportunities, highlighting the need for women's empowerment at the International Women's Day celebration in Kohima.

PV Sindhu Describes 'Scary' Dubai Airport Experience Amid Gulf Crisis

PV Sindhu Describes 'Scary' Dubai Airport Experience Amid Gulf Crisis

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu recounts a 'tense and scary' experience at Dubai International Airport after an explosion occurred nearby, amidst escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

PV Sindhu recounts 'tense' Dubai airport ordeal after explosion

PV Sindhu recounts 'tense' Dubai airport ordeal after explosion

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu and her coach were stranded at Dubai International Airport following an explosion near their location, triggered by escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

'India's Mettle Will Be Tested In Gulf War'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

'India's ties with Israel have to do with defence and general technology.' 'The war changes nothing in what India and Israel hope to get from the relationship.' 'It's not as though India will get significantly more benefits from Iran if India abandons Israel at this time.'

Private Banks Face CEO Talent Crunch

Private Banks Face CEO Talent Crunch

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

What is the reason behind this drying up of talent for the top post in private banks?

Bill Gates skips AI Impact Summit keynote amid Epstein files row

Bill Gates skips AI Impact Summit keynote amid Epstein files row

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The organisation further clarified that it will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who 'will speak later today at the Summit'.

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

'Any leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be eliminated'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Israel's Defence Minister has issued a stark warning that any leader succeeding Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be considered a target, as reports suggest his son Mojtaba may be next in line.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

IIT Delhi and University of Exeter collaborate on sports tech innovations for injury prevention and real-time concussion detection.

IIT Delhi and University of Exeter collaborate on sports tech innovations for injury prevention and real-time concussion detection.

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

IIT Delhi, in collaboration with the University of Exeter, is developing cutting-edge sports technology, including wearable ultrasound sensors for injury prevention and helmets that can detect concussions in real-time, potentially revolutionising athlete safety and performance.

India Should Have Been Better Prepared For Gulf War

India Should Have Been Better Prepared For Gulf War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Our diplomacy should have been focused on preventing war and avoiding the inevitable disruptions it would cause, posing a real risk to India's growth story,' asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Climate activist Harjeet Singh's NGO calls ED allegations 'baseless'

Climate activist Harjeet Singh's NGO calls ED allegations 'baseless'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Satat Sampada, the organisation of climate activist Harjeet Singh and his wife, said the allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate against the firm and its founder were baseless, biased and misleading.

Bindra report exposes flaws in India's sports administration

Bindra report exposes flaws in India's sports administration

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

'Neither SAI nor state departments have a dedicated sports administration service. Instead, roles are filled by generalist civil servants or contractual staff, often lacking sector-specific expertise.'

Electric buses to drive UP's public transport revolution

Electric buses to drive UP's public transport revolution

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

From EV bus expansion to airport-like terminals and rural connectivity, Uttar Pradesh is overhauling public transport to cut pollution and ensure every village has modern, affordable travel, reports Siddharth Kalhans.

T20 World Cup: Bangladesh Journalists' Media Applications Rejected

T20 World Cup: Bangladesh Journalists' Media Applications Rejected

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked another controversy and this time, it's affecting the media.

Economic Syrvey flags India's siloed city governance model

Economic Syrvey flags India's siloed city governance model

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Through policy interventions, Indian cities need to be reimagined as a network of inter-connected assets and services which serve to strengthen the social contract between citizens and their cities by improving their quality of life, the Economic Survey has flagged.

India yet to decide on joining Trump's Board of Peace

India yet to decide on joining Trump's Board of Peace

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

India is yet to take a call on United States President Donald Trump's invitation to be part of the 'Board of Peace' that will work towards bringing lasting peace to Gaza and possibly resolve global conflicts, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Budget 2026: Regulatory Framework For Crypto Exchanges On Cards?

Budget 2026: Regulatory Framework For Crypto Exchanges On Cards?

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Enforcement agencies have highlighted risks related to money laundering and terror financing, prompting closer scrutiny of crypto platforms operating in India.

ICC unlikely to shift Bangladesh's T20 WC matches

ICC unlikely to shift Bangladesh's T20 WC matches

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

"The overall security risk for the tournament in India has been assessed as low to moderate, which is consistent with the profile of many major global sporting events," the source said.

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from over 60 international organisations, including United Nations bodies and the India-France-led International Solar Alliance, calling the institutions 'redundant' and 'contrary' to America's interests.

Trump unveils 'Board of Peace', India skips ceremony

Trump unveils 'Board of Peace', India skips ceremony

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

India was among the countries not present in Davos when US President Donald Trump unveiled his "Board of Peace" that seeks to work towards bringing lasting peace to Gaza and possibly resolve global conflicts. India is yet to take a call on it, people familiar with the matter said when asked about Trump's invite to PM Modi.

Hope Hails Team Effort as West Indies Reach Super Eights

Hope Hails Team Effort as West Indies Reach Super Eights

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Shai Hope praises West Indies' squad depth after a nine-wicket win over Nepal seals Super Eights berth in the T20 World Cup, with Jason Holder and Matthew Forde starring.

China mulls military base in Pakistan: Pentagon

China mulls military base in Pakistan: Pentagon

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

In its annual report to Congress on Tuesday on 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2025', the US Department of War said the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively considering and planning for additional military facilities.

16th India-EU summit today; trade, security, defence on agenda

16th India-EU summit today; trade, security, defence on agenda

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Over the years, India-EU ties have grown, and covered trade, investment, climate change, science and technology, space, digital, mobility, and connectivity.

Public Cloud Service Drives Oracle India's Double-Digit Run

Public Cloud Service Drives Oracle India's Double-Digit Run

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

'India is often skipping legacy cycles and moving directly to advanced AI-driven operations.'

Can India's batting might tame Pakistan's spin threat?

Can India's batting might tame Pakistan's spin threat?

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

India and Pakistan clash in a highly anticipated T20 World Cup match. India needs middle-order stability and a fit Abhishek Sharma, while Pakistan's spin attack poses a threat. The weather forecast predicts a high chance of rain.

86% Taxpayers Shift To New Tax Regime

86% Taxpayers Shift To New Tax Regime

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

'Among corporates, about 60% of income is now reported under the new tax regime.'

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India is evaluating its involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran due to potential US tariffs. The US had granted India a waiver for the project, but it expires soon. India is exploring options to continue supporting the port's development while minimizing exposure to US sanctions.

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram explains how she captured the fiery and hypnotic Theyyam image that won her the National Geographic India Contest