News for 'Department for International Development'

India abstains from UNSC vote on Ukraine, Russia exercises veto

India abstains from UNSC vote on Ukraine, Russia exercises veto

Rediff.com26 Feb 2022

Eleven countries voted in favour of the resolution while three countries - India, China and the UAE abstained.

China accuses US of using democracy as 'WMD' to stoke confrontation

China accuses US of using democracy as 'WMD' to stoke confrontation

Rediff.com11 Dec 2021

While the US omitted China and Russia from the list of invitees, Beijing was furious over the invitation to the self-governing island Taiwan, which China said is a blatant violation of the 'One China' policy that considers Taipei as the integral part of the Chinese mainland.

Govt, World Bank sign $250 million credit pact

Govt, World Bank sign $250 million credit pact

Rediff.com4 Feb 2003

The government and World Bank on Tuesday signed an agreement for a credit of 180 million SDR ($250 million equivalent) from International Development Agency for the Technical Engineering Education Quality Improvement Project.

Omicron surge: South Africa approves Pfizer's booster shot

Omicron surge: South Africa approves Pfizer's booster shot

Rediff.com9 Dec 2021

The South African Health Products Authority (SAHPRA) on Wednesday approved the use of Pfizer's Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine after BioNTech and Pfizer announced that two doses of their vaccine may not be enough to protect against the Omicron variant.

Pranab, Modi, Demonetisation

Pranab, Modi, Demonetisation

Rediff.com8 Nov 2022

'Modi had not discussed demonetization with me prior to his announcement on 8 November 2016. 'I learnt of it along with the rest of the country. 'I was not surprised when he did not discuss the issue with me prior to making the public announcement. 'It fitted in with his style of making dramatic announcements.' A fascinating excerpt from Pranab Mukherjee's The Presidential Years: 2012-2017.

'I paid Rs 10 a night to sleep in stations...'

'I paid Rs 10 a night to sleep in stations...'

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

'These experiences were necessary for my journey.'

British fund for Bengal VRS

British fund for Bengal VRS

Rediff.com4 Jul 2003

FDI inflows seen to grow further in the New Year

FDI inflows seen to grow further in the New Year

Rediff.com21 Dec 2021

A series of steps taken by the government to promote ease of doing business and liberalisation of foreign direct investment norms have helped India receive record FDI inflows so far this year, and implementation of measures like PM Gati Shakti, single window clearance and GIS-mapped land bank are expected to further push investments in 2022. Notwithstanding the global slowdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, total foreign direct investments into India rose to a record $81.72 billion in 2020-21. During April-July this fiscal, FDI (foreign direct investment) into the country increased by 62 per cent to $27.37 billion.

India was there for us, we will be there for them: Biden

India was there for us, we will be there for them: Biden

Rediff.com27 Apr 2021

"The president pledged America's steadfast ongoing support for the people of India, who have been impacted by the recent surge in the COVID-19 cases," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

Pak army disputes Imran Khan's claim of US trying to topple his government

Pak army disputes Imran Khan's claim of US trying to topple his government

Rediff.com5 Apr 2022

Pakistan's powerful Army has contradicted Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks accusing America of hatching a conspiracy to topple his government, saying there was no evidence of interference in the country's internal matters, according to a media report.

10 HOT Tech Careers

10 HOT Tech Careers

Rediff.com22 Feb 2022

From cloud computing to people analytics, most lucrative future jobs will be dominated by people with digital skills and expertise, explains Sarita Digumarti, chief learning officer, UNext Learning.

Lankan presidential secretariat reopens after blockade; 3 held for theft

Lankan presidential secretariat reopens after blockade; 3 held for theft

Rediff.com25 Jul 2022

The presidential secretariat which was occupied by the protesters from July 9 till Friday last is re-opened and the staff reported to work on Monday, officials said.

'US need to give more Covid vaccine doses to India'

'US need to give more Covid vaccine doses to India'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2021

The United States has so far allocated only 7.5 million doses of Covid vaccines to India, which is not enough, a top Indian-American Congressman said while urging the Biden Administration to do more.

China silent on falling debris of its space rocket amid rising concerns

China silent on falling debris of its space rocket amid rising concerns

Rediff.com6 May 2021

China on Thursday declined to comment on reports that the debris of its Long March 5B rocket, which last week launched the core module of the country's space station, is set to re-enter the earth's atmosphere this weekend, amid concerns that it could cause damage if it crashes in civilian areas.

Experts for Covid test, restoring mask rule to check virus spread in Delhi

Experts for Covid test, restoring mask rule to check virus spread in Delhi

Rediff.com17 Apr 2022

The COVID-19 positivity rate in the national capital has jumped from 0.5 per cent to 5.33 per cent in two weeks.

PM reviews India's COVID-19 vaccination strategy

PM reviews India's COVID-19 vaccination strategy

Rediff.com21 Nov 2020

Modi tweeted that the meeting discussed important issues related to the progress of vaccine development, regulatory approvals and procurement.

Bill introduced in US House to end non-defence aid to Pakistan

Bill introduced in US House to end non-defence aid to Pakistan

Rediff.com6 Feb 2018

The lawmakers alleged that Pakistan "knowingly" provides resources to terrorists.

Ex-IAS Rajiv Aggarwal succeeds Ankhi Das as FB India policy head

Ex-IAS Rajiv Aggarwal succeeds Ankhi Das as FB India policy head

Rediff.com20 Sep 2021

Aggarwal, in this role, will define and lead important policy development initiatives for Facebook in India on an agenda that covers user safety, data protection and privacy, inclusion and internet governance, a statement said.

Rohit, Rahul, Pant likely to be rested for SA T20Is

Rohit, Rahul, Pant likely to be rested for SA T20Is

Rediff.com14 May 2022

Many seniors including captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are all set to be rested for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, with an eye on the marquee tour of England in July.

Disquiet in Sri Lanka over maritime pact with India, govt tries to firefight

Disquiet in Sri Lanka over maritime pact with India, govt tries to firefight

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

The Sri Lankan government has asserted that the recently signed maritime security pacts with India will "neither result in hindrance nor threat" to the island nation's security as "misinterpreted" by several media outlets in this country.

Strictly enforce one hand bag rule: Govt to airlines

Strictly enforce one hand bag rule: Govt to airlines

Rediff.com22 Jan 2022

Airline executives said the rule is conflicting as regulator's own rules permits a passenger to carry multiple other things like laptop bag, ladies' hand bag, blanket, item bought at duty free shops, reports Arindam Majumder.

Australia women crush India for 25th consecutive ODI win

Australia women crush India for 25th consecutive ODI win

Rediff.com21 Sep 2021

Meg Lanning's ruthless Australia women's team registered their 25th consecutive victory in one-day internationals on Tuesday after crushing India by nine wickets in the series opener in Mackay.

Assam Accord: Govt forms 8-member panel for implementation

Assam Accord: Govt forms 8-member panel for implementation

Rediff.com2 Oct 2021

The Assam government has set up an eight-member committee to prepare a framework for implementation of all clauses of the 36-year-old Assam Accord, especially the Clause-6 report prepared by a central panel pertaining to protecting the cultural, social and linguistic identity and heritage of the indigenous people, officials said on Saturday.

India raises withdrawal of students' visas with US

India raises withdrawal of students' visas with US

Rediff.com8 Jul 2020

It is understood that India's border row with China figured in the talks between Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale though there was no mention of it in the press statements issued by the two sides.

What's keeping govt from appealing against Vodafone verdict?

What's keeping govt from appealing against Vodafone verdict?

Rediff.com23 Nov 2020

The government may be waiting for the outcome of an arbitration initiated against its levy of Rs 10,247 crore retrospective tax on UK's Cairn Energy Plc before deciding on appealing against losing a tax case against Vodafone Group, sources said. An international arbitral tribunal is expected to give a decree within next few days on Cairn Energy Plc's challenge to the Indian government seeking Rs 10,247 crore in retrospective taxes. If the arbitration award in the Cairn cases goes against India, the government has to pay the British firm over Rs 7,600 crore to reverse the dividend and tax refund it had ceased and shares it sold to recover part of the tax demand.

Govt accepts Cairn's offer on retro tax

Govt accepts Cairn's offer on retro tax

Rediff.com18 Nov 2021

Moving quickly towards ending a retrospective tax dispute with a firm that gave India its largest oilfield, the government has accepted Cairn Energy PLC's undertakings which would allow for the refund of taxes, sources said. Meeting the requirements of the new legislation that scraps levy of retrospective taxation, the company had earlier this month given required undertakings indemnifying the Indian government against future claims as well as agreeing to drop any legal proceedings anywhere in the world. The government has now accepted this and issued Cairn a so-called Form-II, committing to refund the tax collected to enforce the retrospective tax demand, two sources with direct knowledge of the development said.

In MP, RSS internal report warns of unhappiness at ground level

In MP, RSS internal report warns of unhappiness at ground level

Rediff.com13 Nov 2018

Despite his ministers on shaky ground, Chouhan -- at the helm for three consecutive terms -- is holding the fort. He is being aided by a capable team for public relations and the RSS, which has deployed its workers to bolster the BJP's campaign, reports Sandeep Kumar.

Indian-American woman killed in Mali attack

Indian-American woman killed in Mali attack

Rediff.com21 Nov 2015

Anita Datar is the sole US citizen to have been killed in the attack.

Anil Pahwa chosen as Jefferson Science Fellow

Anil Pahwa chosen as Jefferson Science Fellow

Rediff.com5 Jun 2014

Anil Pahwa, Logan-Fetterhoof chair professor of electrical and computer engineering, Kansas State University, was last month named among the 13 Jefferson Science Fellows. The prestigious program is administered by the National Academies and supported through partnerships with the science, technology and engineering academic community, professional scientific societies, the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development.

India should have settled PoK question during 1971 war: Rajnath

India should have settled PoK question during 1971 war: Rajnath

Rediff.com26 Sep 2022

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that decision on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) should have been taken during 1971 war between India and the neighbouring country.

Why Amit Mitra is important to Mamata

Why Amit Mitra is important to Mamata

Rediff.com27 Nov 2021

No longer Bengal's finance minister, Amit Mitra, Mamata's principal chief advisor, will still advise and aid the 'chief minister and finance department on all matters relating to management of state finance', represent the 'state government in national and international events/meetings/committees' and examine 'important proposals/files and policy issues relating to financial matters referred to him for advice/views'.

Father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb AQ Khan passes away at 85

Father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb AQ Khan passes away at 85

Rediff.com10 Oct 2021

AQ Khan, a controversial scientist known as the father of Pakistan's clandestine nuclear programme, passed away here on Sunday after a brief illness. He was 85.

US imposes sweeping new sanctions on Iran

US imposes sweeping new sanctions on Iran

Rediff.com22 Sep 2020

'Today, I am taking new actions to restrict Iran's nuclear, ballistic missile, and conventional weapons pursuits. My Administration will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, nor will we allow Iran to endanger the rest of the world with a fresh supply of ballistic missiles and conventional arms,' Trump said in a statement.

Govt exploring possibility to produce Covaxin abroad

Govt exploring possibility to produce Covaxin abroad

Rediff.com21 May 2021

To address the shortage of COVID-19 jabs in the country, the government is exploring the possibility of boosting production of vaccines, including identifying manufacturing sites for indigenously developed Covaxin outside India, sources said.

Jaishankar-Blinken talks focus on Covid relief, LAC situation

Jaishankar-Blinken talks focus on Covid relief, LAC situation

Rediff.com29 May 2021

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that he had a productive meeting with visiting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during which they discussed the bilateral ties, COVID-19 relief efforts, India-China border situation and Afghanistan and vowed to work together to address areas of shared concern.

Islamic State had 66 Indian-origin fighters, says US report; lauds NIA

Islamic State had 66 Indian-origin fighters, says US report; lauds NIA

Rediff.com17 Dec 2021

The UN Security Council Resolution 2309 calls governments to meet their responsibility to keep citizens secure while travelling by air.

India's personal data protection bill may threaten innovation, growth: USTR

India's personal data protection bill may threaten innovation, growth: USTR

Rediff.com29 Apr 2022

The US on Thursday raised concerns over India's Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill and draft non-personal data governance framework, claiming these could potentially threaten innovation and economic growth. In its latest 'Special 301' Report, the US Trade Representative (USTR) kept India on the priority watch list, maintaining the country remains one of the world's most challenging major economies with respect to protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP). In December 2021, a joint parliamentary committee released a report recommending changes to the PDP Bill, 2019, that could undermine important IP protections in India.

Aditya Birla group to take over Reebok's India operations

Aditya Birla group to take over Reebok's India operations

Rediff.com14 Dec 2021

In a major expansion into sportswear and lifestyle wear segment, the Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail has signed a long-term licensing agreement with Authentic Brand Group of New York, which has the marketing and branding rights of Reebok, to run the operations of the global sportswear, athletic and lifestyle major in the country and ASEAN markets. The new agreement between the largest domestic multi-brand fashion retailer and Authentic Brand is an extension of their existing relationship as ABFRL already markets and sells some ABG brands like Forever 21. The agreement follows the global transfer of ownership of the Reebok brand from Adidas to ABG, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.

Govt arms DIPP with more power

Govt arms DIPP with more power

Rediff.com31 Jan 2019

In its new avatar as the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), it will directly be responsible for 'the welfare of traders and their employees'.

US Is Back In Business In Afghanistan

US Is Back In Business In Afghanistan

Rediff.com13 Oct 2021

Russia and China are tight-fisted and Iran is broke and none of them has the political will or capacity to bankroll the Afghan economy, which only the US can, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.