News for 'Department for International Development'

Five steps to remove poverty

Five steps to remove poverty

Rediff.com10 Jun 2005

The government should become more accountable, carry out labour and land reforms, ensure higher credit flow to rural India and improve education to bring down poverty in India, according to a study carried out by London School of Economics.

$1 bn aid for education project

$1 bn aid for education project

Rediff.com3 Jun 2004

Three multilateral agencies -- the World Bank, UK's Department for International Development and the European Commission -- will provide $1 billion for the government's education project 'Sarva Siksha Abhiyan'.

UK agrees to support India's defence manufacturing

UK agrees to support India's defence manufacturing

Rediff.com23 Apr 2022

After his wide-ranging talks with Modi on the second and final day of his India visit, Johnson said the new defence and security partnership will enable India to strengthen its domestic defence industry as well as help the two countries protect vital shared interests in the Indo-Pacific.

100 cities in six months: Govt's ambitious ONDC pilots on Friday

100 cities in six months: Govt's ambitious ONDC pilots on Friday

Rediff.com28 Apr 2022

This will be done across five cities - Delhi, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Bhopal, and Shillong. Thereafter, it will be scaled up and launched in 100 cities over a period of six months, said a senior government official.

US hopes for Indian support if Russia invades Ukraine

US hopes for Indian support if Russia invades Ukraine

Rediff.com17 Feb 2022

'We know that our Indian partners are committed to that rules-based international order. There are any number of tenets in that order. One of them is that borders cannot be redrawn by force'

COVID vaccine likely to be available by first of 2021: Choubey

COVID vaccine likely to be available by first of 2021: Choubey

Rediff.com19 Sep 2020

Responding to another question, Choubey said that the phase-I of clinical trials have revealed excellent safety of the two candidate vaccines indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research and Cadila Healthcare Ltd, and now their immunogenicity testing is in progress. Their phase II clinical trials are ongoing.

British Indian ex-minister Alok Sharma knighted; 30 more PIOs to be honoured

British Indian ex-minister Alok Sharma knighted; 30 more PIOs to be honoured

Rediff.com31 Dec 2022

Sharma was the president of the conference, the first since the Paris Agreement of COP21 that expected parties to make enhanced commitments towards mitigating climate change.

Microsoft gives ONDC its first Big Tech push

Microsoft gives ONDC its first Big Tech push

Rediff.com10 Aug 2022

Microsoft has become the first global Big Tech company to join the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an Indian government initiative for developing a first-of-its-kind open network for digital commerce. The world's second-largest technology firm intends to introduce social e-commerce via its app in the Indian market later this year. ONDC is expected to open to the public in Bengaluru over the next fortnight as it enters into the next phase of the pilot for further fine-tuning before rollouts in other cities, according to a source in the know.

Cong seeks sacking of WFI chief, Rahul slams PM

Cong seeks sacking of WFI chief, Rahul slams PM

Rediff.com4 May 2023

The Congress on Thursday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government over a scuffle between the Delhi Police and the wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, with Rahul Gandhi condemning such 'shameful' behaviour with sportspersons and alleging the ruling party has 'never shied away' from committing atrocities on the daughters of the country.

Fund-raises by fintechs slowed by 47% in 2022

Fund-raises by fintechs slowed by 47% in 2022

Rediff.com20 Mar 2023

Recently, Slice, a payment app, acquired a 5 per cent stake in North East Small Finance (NESF) for $3.42 million - the first such deal by a fintech in a small finance bank. Slice (valued at $1.5 billion, and backed by Tiger Global, Blume Ventures and Axis Bank) will technically get a toehold in a scheduled commercial bank if NESF were to get a licence to morph into one down the line Such a transition is well within the banking regulator's declared framework. The transaction has to be seen in a larger context.

Manipur: A Distant Outpost Full Of Promise

Manipur: A Distant Outpost Full Of Promise

Rediff.com9 Jun 2023

A lesson we have not learnt from China is the urgent need to knit the vast country together to keep it from falling apart at the seams. While there is considerable dent in poverty, sadly, the North East remains as distant today as it always was, points out Shreekant Sambrani.

Bill introduced in US Senate to end aid to Pakistan

Bill introduced in US Senate to end aid to Pakistan

Rediff.com25 Jan 2018

Early this month, US President Donald Trump had supported such a move by Paul.

Nicobar to lose 8.5 lakh rainforest trees for mega project

Nicobar to lose 8.5 lakh rainforest trees for mega project

Rediff.com21 Sep 2022

The project involves development of a military-civil, dual-use airport; international container trans-shipment terminal; a gas, diesel, and solar-based power plant, and a township.

US special representative for Tibet Uzra Zeya to visit India, Nepal this week

US special representative for Tibet Uzra Zeya to visit India, Nepal this week

Rediff.com17 May 2022

US Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues Uzra Zeya will travel to India and Nepal this week to deepen cooperation on human rights and democratic governance goals with the two nations, the state department has announced.

Killings of KPs meant to keep terrorism in J-K alive: Army commander

Killings of KPs meant to keep terrorism in J-K alive: Army commander

Rediff.com16 May 2022

Northern Army commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday said the targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits and non-local labourers by militants was to keep terrorism alive in Kashmir.

The A-W Of Desi Guests At the White House Dinner

The A-W Of Desi Guests At the White House Dinner

Rediff.com24 Jun 2023

The dinner Jill Biden and her husband US President Joe Biden hosted for Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, June 22, at the White House brought together, Indians and Americans from so many firmaments.

Maharashtra lifts stay on Metro car shed at Aarey, puts project on fast track

Maharashtra lifts stay on Metro car shed at Aarey, puts project on fast track

Rediff.com21 Jul 2022

In an important decision, the new government in Maharashtra on Thursday announced lifting of the stay on the construction of Mumbai Metro-3 car shed at the controversial site in the Aarey Colony, a green belt in the city's western suburbs.

Biden picks Kashmiri-origin Sameera Fazili in WH team

Biden picks Kashmiri-origin Sameera Fazili in WH team

Rediff.com16 Jan 2021

In December, Aisha Shah was named as Partnerships Manager at the White House Office of Digital Strategy.

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.

Ela Bhatt, whose SEWA empowered unorganised women workers, passes away

Ela Bhatt, whose SEWA empowered unorganised women workers, passes away

Rediff.com2 Nov 2022

Renowned women's rights activist and founder of the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) Ela Bhatt passed away in Ahmedabad on Wednesday due to age-related ailments, her associates said.

'Economic rebound has run out of steam'

'Economic rebound has run out of steam'

Rediff.com9 Mar 2023

'When the average growth in the last three years was just 2.5%, how does that make us the fastest growing country?' 'They only tell you what has happened in the last 2 years; they are not taking into account what happened in FY21 on account of their mistakes.'

Adani Ports junks Myanmar plans

Adani Ports junks Myanmar plans

Rediff.com27 Oct 2021

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) on Wednesday said it has decided to exit its investment in Myanmar by June next year. APSEZ, the largest port developer in India, is part of the globally diversified Adani Group. "The Board has decided to actively work on a plan on exiting Company's investment in Myanmar including divestment opportunities (expected to be concluded by March - June 2022)," APSEZ said in notes to its second quarter results.

British fund for Bengal VRS

British fund for Bengal VRS

Rediff.com4 Jul 2003

Spy balloon raises tension between US, China; Beijing clarifies

Spy balloon raises tension between US, China; Beijing clarifies

Rediff.com3 Feb 2023

A suspected Chinese spy balloon, said to be the size of three buses, was spotted over the United States' airspace, the Pentagon has said, a development that has further strained the already tense bilateral ties as Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday abruptly postponed his key visit to Beijing.

IRCTC moves to monetise passenger data

IRCTC moves to monetise passenger data

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

In a first of its kind move, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the ticket booking arm of the Indian Railways, is looking to monetise its bank of passenger data while conducting business with private and government companies. IRCTC has a large bank of data related to every online railway ticket ever generated as it is the country's only railway ticketing platform, an IRCTC official told Business Standard. The public sector undertaking, which has sought the services of a consultant to assist with the monetisation process, plans to raise Rs 1,000 crore through this exercise.

Expert groups to explore adoption of common chargers

Expert groups to explore adoption of common chargers

Rediff.com18 Aug 2022

The government will set up expert groups to explore the adoption of common chargers for mobile and all portable electronic devices, and submit a detailed report in two months, Consumer Affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said. The department of consumer affairs on Wednesday called a meeting with industry stakeholders. After the meeting, Singh said India can initially think of exploring shifting to two types of chargers, including a C-Type port.

Nithyananda's Kailasa cons 30 US cities with 'sister city' pact

Nithyananda's Kailasa cons 30 US cities with 'sister city' pact

Rediff.com17 Mar 2023

Self-proclaimed godman and fugitive Nithyananda's 'United States of Kailasa' has signed a 'cultural partnership' with over 30 American cities, a media report has said, days after the city of Newark in the United States state of New Jersey said it rescinded a 'sister-city' agreement with the fictional country.

India has ties with Russia that we don't have, that's okay: US

India has ties with Russia that we don't have, that's okay: US

Rediff.com26 Feb 2022

"We share important interests with India. We share important values with India. And we know India has a relationship with Russia that is distinct from the relationship that we have with Russia. Of course, that is okay," Price told reporters at his daily news conference on Friday.

After Namibia, India likely to get 12 more S African cheetahs in Feb

After Namibia, India likely to get 12 more S African cheetahs in Feb

Rediff.com27 Jan 2023

Modi had released the first batch of eight eight spotted felines -- five females and three males -- from Namibia into a quarantine enclosure at Kuno on his 72nd birthday on September 17 last year.

Win MP govt's Ramayana quiz, get air ticket to Ayodhya

Win MP govt's Ramayana quiz, get air ticket to Ayodhya

Rediff.com18 Oct 2021

A general knowledge competition based on the 'Ramayana' will be organised at national and international levels, an official statement on Sunday said quoting the minister.

'Modi has moved foreign policy from elite to masses'

'Modi has moved foreign policy from elite to masses'

Rediff.com5 Jul 2023

'For the first time since I've been following Indian politics, one heard voters talking about India's role on the world stage and the fact that, due to Modi's leadership, India was once again a great power.'

Despite biting inflation, analysts bullish on retail stocks for long haul

Despite biting inflation, analysts bullish on retail stocks for long haul

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

Notwithstanding the inflation pinch, analysts believe the Indian retail sector is on the 'cusp of accelerated earnings growth' as consumer sentiment and discretionary purchases bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic. "The shift in consumer preference from the unorganised sector to the organised, coupled with uptick in domestic demand as people resume work from office, will cheer the Indian retail sector," says Nishit Master, portfolio manager, Axis Securities. Shopping malls are witnessing increased footfall in lower tier towns and standalone stores as consumption picks up and mobility improves.

India likely to go in appeal against Cairn arbitration award

India likely to go in appeal against Cairn arbitration award

Rediff.com19 Feb 2021

The government is likely to file an appeal against the Cairn arbitration award contesting its sovereign rights to tax, sources said.

What you will see at the Republic Day 2023 parade

What you will see at the Republic Day 2023 parade

Rediff.com25 Jan 2023

The Republic Day parade, which will begin at around 1030 am, will be a unique mix of the country's military prowess and cultural diversity, depicting the country's growing indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti and emergence of a 'New India'.

China rushes to prevent split in Nepal Communist Party

China rushes to prevent split in Nepal Communist Party

Rediff.com26 Dec 2020

Nepal plunged into a political crisis last Sunday after Oli, known for his pro-Beijing leanings, in a surprise move, recommended dissolving the 275-member House, amidst a tussle for power with former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

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.

China's Olympic Games app has security flaws?

China's Olympic Games app has security flaws?

Rediff.com19 Jan 2022

Winter Games in Beijing has glaring security problems that could expose sensitive data to interception, according to a report

Army Still Up To Mischief In Pakistan

Army Still Up To Mischief In Pakistan

Rediff.com4 Nov 2022

But it is less adventurous. It seems, at last, that in its eighth decade, Pakistan has settled into being a parliamentary democracy just like Bangladesh has and like we have always been, observes Aakar Patel.

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.