News for 'Least Developed Countries'

Hypertension in Army ranks at 9.61%, below national levels: Govt

Hypertension in Army ranks at 9.61%, below national levels: Govt

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A parliamentary panel has been informed that the prevalence of hypertension among Indian Army's junior commissioned officers and other ranks is lower than the national average, according to data up to December 31, 2023.

India and New Zealand Explore Enhanced Sports Collaboration

India and New Zealand Explore Enhanced Sports Collaboration

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

India and New Zealand are set to strengthen their sports collaboration through joint training camps, coaching exchanges, and knowledge sharing in sports science, analytics, and athlete performance systems, marking 100 years of sporting ties in 2026.

India indispensable for peace in Indo-Pacific: Trump administration

India indispensable for peace in Indo-Pacific: Trump administration

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A senior US official has emphasised India's crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and ensuring a balanced power dynamic in Asia, advocating for stronger defence ties between the two nations.

Govt steps up fuel security measures; warns against panic buying

Govt steps up fuel security measures; warns against panic buying

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Indian government has increased measures to secure fuel and gas supplies following the Strait of Hormuz closure, urging citizens to avoid panic buying. Refineries are operating at high capacity, and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are available nationwide.

Iran mines key oil island as US prepares to send troops

Iran mines key oil island as US prepares to send troops

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iran has placed anti-personnel and anti-armour mines around the island, where US troops could potentially stage an amphibious landing.

Kurdish President's residence hit by drone strike

Kurdish President's residence hit by drone strike

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Saturday confirmed a drone strike targeting the residence of Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in Duhok amid escalating tensions in West Asia, triggering a sharp blame game between the United States and Iran.

Modi's ill-advised...: Cong slams PM on Pak mediation reports

Modi's ill-advised...: Cong slams PM on Pak mediation reports

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Indian government's diplomatic strategy, claiming a 'severe setback' if reports of Pakistan mediating between the US-Israel and Iran are accurate. The party alleges Pakistan's diplomatic engagement has surpassed India's, despite military successes.

India expands PNG network; rolls out 2.7L new connections in Mar

India expands PNG network; rolls out 2.7L new connections in Mar

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

India significantly increased piped natural gas (PNG) connections in March as the government accelerates the expansion of cleaner fuel networks amid global supply disruptions.

PM Modi to Assess Energy Security Amid Middle East Unrest

PM Modi to Assess Energy Security Amid Middle East Unrest

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting with senior ministers to review the petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors in light of the evolving situation in West Asia, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stable logistics.

Assam Officials Say Zubeen Garg Death Case Probe Unaffected by Singapore Findings

Assam Officials Say Zubeen Garg Death Case Probe Unaffected by Singapore Findings

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Assam officials assert that the Zubeen Garg death case proceedings will continue unaffected, despite Singapore Police concluding their probe with no evidence of foul play.

Modi slams Cong over Iran war, assures safety of Indians

Modi slams Cong over Iran war, assures safety of Indians

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Kochi, Kerala, accusing them of being unaware of India's development and playing politics over the West Asia crisis. He urged voters to end the alternating rule of LDF and UDF governments and give the BJP-led NDA a chance to govern the state.

Developers Must Rethink Coding For AI Era

Developers Must Rethink Coding For AI Era

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

'Perhaps unlike any previous era of software, this one requires a rethink in even the lifecycle of how we build.'

Iran gave US 'significant prize' linked to Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Iran gave US 'significant prize' linked to Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Former US President Donald Trump claimed victory over Iran, stating they agreed to never have a nuclear weapon and provided a 'significant prize' related to the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested a change in Iranian leadership and acknowledged Pakistan's role in facilitating talks.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das, former AIFF general secretary, passed away at 66. He played a key role in developing Indian football, including organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

'Not the ending I planned': Oracle's mass layoffs spark online angst

'Not the ending I planned': Oracle's mass layoffs spark online angst

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Oracle Corporation has reportedly laid off thousands of employees globally, including a significant number in India, with affected individuals receiving early morning termination emails and immediate laptop lockouts, despite the company posting record quarterly revenues of $17.2 billion.

Iran vows to destroy critical energy infra after Trump's Hormuz deadline

Iran vows to destroy critical energy infra after Trump's Hormuz deadline

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

His remarks come after Trump warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route.

Former Nepal PM Oli arrested hours after new govt takes over

Former Nepal PM Oli arrested hours after new govt takes over

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Former Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has been arrested in connection with the deaths during the Gen Z protests last year, following the implementation of a probe commission's report.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das played a pivotal role in organising the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India.

Iran unveils vast underground missile base, counters US claim

Iran unveils vast underground missile base, counters US claim

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

In a clear message to international observers, the strategic site was pointedly "described as "the tip of the iceberg" regarding the nation's hidden arsenal.

India Launches Indoor Athletics with National Championship in Bhubaneswar

India Launches Indoor Athletics with National Championship in Bhubaneswar

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India is set to host its first-ever National Indoor Athletics Championship in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant step towards hosting the World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028. The event will feature a 200m track and various field events, providing a novel experience for Indian athletes.

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

As the March 31 deadline arrives, a wave of Maoist surrenders suggests insurgency's end, but political and social concerns remain.

AI Learning Surges in India

AI Learning Surges in India

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Learners in India prefer to pursue newer courses, such as Gen AI by building apps and code using the technology, along with learning about it.

Aurionpro to Build AI-Ready Green Data Centre in Southern India

Aurionpro to Build AI-Ready Green Data Centre in Southern India

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Aurionpro Solutions has secured a multi-year contract worth approximately Rs 350 crore to develop a large, AI-ready green data centre in southern India for a hyperscale operator.

India's GDP Projected to Grow Robustly Amidst Middle East Tensions, Says OECD

India's GDP Projected to Grow Robustly Amidst Middle East Tensions, Says OECD

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The OECD projects India's GDP to grow at 7.6% in the current fiscal year and 6.1% in 2026-27, despite global economic challenges stemming from the Middle East conflict and energy price volatility.

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The two leaders also emphasised the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Ishaq Dar Urges Diplomatic Engagement to Resolve West Asia Crisis

Ishaq Dar Urges Diplomatic Engagement to Resolve West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for dialogue to address the ongoing conflict in West Asia, emphasising the importance of diplomatic engagement and sustained efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

Kaspersky Eyes India as Regional Hub Amid Cybersecurity Threat Surge

Kaspersky Eyes India as Regional Hub Amid Cybersecurity Threat Surge

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky plans to significantly increase its investments in India, leveraging the country as a hub for regional services due to strong financial performance and the escalating threat landscape.

Ex-Trump aide Joe Kent makes explosive claim on Iran war

Ex-Trump aide Joe Kent makes explosive claim on Iran war

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Joe Kent, former head of the National Counterterrorism Center, accuses Israel of instigating the conflict between the United States and Iran, claiming there was no imminent threat from Iran.

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.

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.

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Karnataka government has formed a committee on responsible AI to develop a framework for the safe, ethical, and transparent adoption of AI across government systems and public services.

'Just for fun': Trump warns of more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island

'Just for fun': Trump warns of more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump indicated the possibility of further military operations against Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export hub, claiming previous strikes had significantly damaged its infrastructure.

Rajnath Singh Calls for Self-Reliance in Drone Manufacturing Amid Global Conflicts

Rajnath Singh Calls for Self-Reliance in Drone Manufacturing Amid Global Conflicts

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasised the need for India to develop a robust drone manufacturing ecosystem, drawing lessons from recent global conflicts and highlighting the importance of self-reliance in drone technology.

Nepal-born Abneet Bharti Called Up To Indian Football Camp

Nepal-born Abneet Bharti Called Up To Indian Football Camp

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti has joined the Indian senior men's team camp in Kochi ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, pending FIFA clearance.

Hardik Singh, Navneet Kaur bag Hockey India Player of the Year Awards

Hardik Singh, Navneet Kaur bag Hockey India Player of the Year Awards

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Hardik Singh and Navneet Kaur were named Hockey India Player of the Year in the men's and women's categories, respectively, at a ceremony in New Delhi. Several other players, officials, and member units were also recognised for their contributions to Indian hockey.

Over 800 Indians evacuated from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

Over 800 Indians evacuated from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that nearly 880 Indian nationals, including students, have been evacuated from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Iran allows 10 Pak-flagged ships through Hormuz Strait as a gift to US: Trump

Iran allows 10 Pak-flagged ships through Hormuz Strait as a gift to US: Trump

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Speaking to reporters during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday, Trump said the US had engaged in 'very substantial talks' with Iranian officials and described the tanker movement as proof of seriousness in the discussions.

Reality check gets India on investors' realty list

Reality check gets India on investors' realty list

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia are prompting investors with exposure to Dubai's real estate market to reassess their portfolios. And, in this rejig, India is emerging as a stable destination for capital investment and long-term growth.

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Netanyahu debunks death rumours with 'punch card' video

Netanyahu debunks death rumours with 'punch card' video

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to continue targeting Iranian leaders, claiming recent successes in eliminating key figures. He asserted that Israel, with US support, aims to undermine the Iranian regime and empower the Iranian people.