News for 'Development Affairs'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

'USA-Iran Deal Is Not Enforceable'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

'Actual implementation of the 14-point agreement is proving hard to achieve let alone striking and sustaining a long-term treaty or deal.'

India Emerges As A Leader In Digital Economy And AI

India Emerges As A Leader In Digital Economy And AI

Rediff.com29 May 2026

A new report indicates India has become the world's fifth most digitalised economy and ranks fourth globally in AI performance, driven by increasing AI adoption and a strong digital infrastructure.

Putin makes big Su-57 offer to India, proposes joint production

Putin makes big Su-57 offer to India, proposes joint production

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered New Delhi Russia's fifth-generation stealth aircraft Sukhoi Su-57 and even suggested that the combat jet could even be jointly produced in India in line with the strong strategic partnership between the two countries.

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A three-storey under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area collapsed, killing three people and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 individuals already saved, amid allegations of substandard construction materials and illegal building practices.

20 TMC rebels accepted into NCPI, to work with NDA under Modi

20 TMC rebels accepted into NCPI, to work with NDA under Modi

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Rebel Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar announced that 20 dissident Lok Sabha members from TMC have merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and pledged support to the NDA under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The group expects its numbers to increase to 22 and clarified they have no connection with rebel TMC MLAs in West Bengal. Dastidar also highlighted the alleged non-implementation of central schemes in West Bengal by the previous TMC government.

Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to deepen ties, Kim receives him at airport

Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to deepen ties, Kim receives him at airport

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Pyongyang for his first official visit in seven years, meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to reaffirm their long-standing friendship and pledge further development of bilateral relations amidst Pyongyang's deepening military ties with Moscow and China's assertions against Japan's 'new militarism'.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Opposition NDA legislators in Jharkhand have been moved to a hotel ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections for two seats. The BJP-backed independent candidate, Parimal Nathwani, faces a challenge as the NDA lacks the required numbers, necessitating potential cross-voting for victory.

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India's foreign policy establishment is adjusting with alacrity in real time -- an extraordinary spectacle in itself, considering the manifest reluctance to indulge in public diplomacy critical of American moves, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

MEA assures help to Indians hit in Kuwait attack

MEA assures help to Indians hit in Kuwait attack

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that an Indian national was killed and 13 others injured in an attack on Kuwait International Airport. The MEA is providing assistance to the victims' families and monitoring the situation amidst escalating US-Iran tensions, also advising Indian nationals against travel to Iran and facilitating evacuations.

Delhi Gymkhana Club moves HC against Centre's order to vacate prime Lutyens' property

Delhi Gymkhana Club moves HC against Centre's order to vacate prime Lutyens' property

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Delhi Gymkhana Club has approached the Delhi High Court to challenge the Centre's directive to vacate its premises by June 5, citing the land's critical requirement for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure."

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Few leaders since Independence have been able to establish such a direct connection with the electorate or shape the national conversation to the extent that Narendra Modi has done over the past decade, points out former Union minister Dr Karan Singh.

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed striking the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. This incident marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the region this week, with three Indian seafarers previously losing their lives in an attack on the MT Settebello.

Wife, Lover Arrested For Husband's Murder In Beed

Wife, Lover Arrested For Husband's Murder In Beed

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Beed Police have arrested a woman, her lover, and another accomplice for allegedly conspiring to murder her husband and stage it as a road accident. The victim, Kiran Sonwane, was found strangled, leading to an investigation that uncovered a plot driven by domestic abuse and an extramarital affair.

Govt sends eviction notice to elite Delhi Gymkhana Club, cites security reasons

Govt sends eviction notice to elite Delhi Gymkhana Club, cites security reasons

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Delhi Gymkhana Club, a historic landmark in Lutyens' Delhi, is facing eviction as the government seeks to reclaim its land for defence infrastructure, raising concerns about the future of this elite institution.

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.

US navy hits sanctioned tanker off Oman, all 24 Indians safe

US navy hits sanctioned tanker off Oman, all 24 Indians safe

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

An oil tanker carrying 24 Indian seafarers reported a fire off the coast of Oman, with all crew members confirmed safe. The incident occurred amidst renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran, who exchanged attacks on petrochemical facilities.

EAM Jaishankar to Brief Parliament on West Asia Developments

EAM Jaishankar to Brief Parliament on West Asia Developments

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the Lok Sabha on the situation in West Asia, as Parliament reconvenes for the Budget session amidst ongoing regional tensions.

Delhi Quad meet to focus on West Asia fallout, Indo-Pacific security

Delhi Quad meet to focus on West Asia fallout, Indo-Pacific security

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The economic fallout of the West Asia crisis, the prevailing security situation in the Indo-Pacific and ways to boost cooperation in critical minerals and technology are expected to top the agenda at a crucial meeting of the Quad foreign ministers on Tuesday.

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

CBSE exams and unemployment are divergent concerns for the middle class and the poor, and the idioms of protest don't speak to all of India's young people, points out Kanika Datta.

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

An innovation roadmap, a mechanism to double annual bilateral trade within next five years, and a joint artificial intelligence framework were among 13 outcomes to emerge from wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday.

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Rediff.com26 May 2026

In response to the Quad ministers' joint statement, China on Tuesday said it opposes the creation of exclusive 'small cliques' and 'bloc confrontation'.

Shiv Sena-style split in Bengal? 58 MLAs back expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee

Shiv Sena-style split in Bengal? 58 MLAs back expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee has garnered support from 58 legislators, who have proposed him as the new leader of the legislative party to West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose, while still acknowledging Mamata Banerjee as their 'chairperson'.

India launches emergency mission to pull 13 ships out of Hormuz

India launches emergency mission to pull 13 ships out of Hormuz

Rediff.com29 May 2026

India on Friday launched a highly coordinated, priority operation to safely guide 13 Indian-flagged commercial vessels out of the volatile Strait of Hormuz, the ministry of ports, shipping, and waterways announced on Friday.

'The Way You Buy Is Going To Change'

'The Way You Buy Is Going To Change'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

'Today, we see people go on ChatGPT to ask 'can you plan my holiday' and then they have to go outside of the ChatGPT window to make all the bookings and so how can we complete that really high-intent use case that a user has come to ChatGPT with and help them complete that all the way within the chat GPT window.'

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Under attack from senior Trinamool Congress lawmaker Kalyan Banerjee amid turmoil within the party, its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday struck a conciliatory note, describing the Serampore MP as an elder who has "brought him up" and therefore had every right to criticise him.

HDFC Bank Shares Fall After Report Alleges 'Camouflaged' Payments To MSRDC

HDFC Bank Shares Fall After Report Alleges 'Camouflaged' Payments To MSRDC

Rediff.com27 May 2026

HDFC Bank's shares experienced a dip on Wednesday after a newspaper report alleged that the bank made illegal payments to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to secure large deposits, raising concerns about corporate governance.

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with his council of ministers, focusing on enhancing 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' and setting the goal of a developed India by 2047.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

Why The UPSC Is India's Most Competitive Exam

Why The UPSC Is India's Most Competitive Exam

Rediff.com18 May 2026

rediffGURU Nayagam PP, career counsellor and founder of EduJob360 explains why cracking the UPSC exam is a dream for lakhs of young Indians.

Aamir Khan May Marry Gauri Spratt In July

Aamir Khan May Marry Gauri Spratt In July

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is reportedly preparing Gauri Spratt in an intimate ceremony scheduled for July 5.

Mamata, her 21 ministers swept out in massive anti-incumbency wave

Mamata, her 21 ministers swept out in massive anti-incumbency wave

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Trinamool Congress government's massive defeat in West Bengal shows "deep anti-incumbency and unpopularity" as out of 35 ministers who contested the assembly elections, 22 have been defeated, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her constituency.

India flags energy, maritime threats at BRICS amid West Asia crisis

India flags energy, maritime threats at BRICS amid West Asia crisis

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India has expressed serious concerns about the West Asia crisis and its potential impact on energy supplies and maritime stability, urging BRICS nations to find practical solutions to geopolitical challenges and unilateral sanctions.

10 Modern Hindi Love Triangles Worth A Watch

10 Modern Hindi Love Triangles Worth A Watch

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

These modern Hindi films proved that the love triangle still has enough heartbreak, passion and chaos left to captivate audiences.

Cabinet approves Rs 24,249 crore highway projects, including Odisha coastal road

Cabinet approves Rs 24,249 crore highway projects, including Odisha coastal road

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved national highway projects worth approximately 24,249.6 crore across Odisha, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, aiming to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and stimulate economic growth.

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Quad grouping has expanded cooperation in critical minerals and energy, while unveiling new measures to boost maritime surveillance and port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. This move comes against the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the region, with ministers reiterating strong opposition to destabilising actions and expressing serious concerns over militarisation of disputed features.

Subhash Kashyap: A Titan Passes Into The Ages

Subhash Kashyap: A Titan Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Dr Subhash Kashyap not only enhanced Parliament's image in India and abroad, but also the position of Lok Sabha secretary-general which succeeding secretary-generals have upheld thorough neutrality, objectivity and high degree of professionalism, notes Rup Narayan Das.

India's Myanmar Challenge And Hlaing's Promises

India's Myanmar Challenge And Hlaing's Promises

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

To get its act going in Myanmar, India would need very dynamic diplomacy and not the lazy all-eggs-in-one-basket approach, points out Subir Bhaumik.

Aligarh Hospital Shooting: Man Critical After Attack Linked to Love Affair

Aligarh Hospital Shooting: Man Critical After Attack Linked to Love Affair

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

A man undergoing treatment in an Aligarh hospital was shot and critically injured by two armed assailants, allegedly due to a relationship dispute with a woman whose family opposed the union. Police have arrested one person and are searching for the shooters.

Vada Pav Girl Chandrika Dixit Accuses Husband Of Extra-Marital Affair

Vada Pav Girl Chandrika Dixit Accuses Husband Of Extra-Marital Affair

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

'There are many photos with her and I am just unable to concentrate on my work.'