News for 'Least Developed Countries'

Consumer Affairs Ministry To Develop AI-Powered SMART Standards

Consumer Affairs Ministry To Develop AI-Powered SMART Standards

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Consumer Affairs Ministry is developing machine-readable SMART standards using AI to reduce industry compliance burden. This initiative aims to modernise India's standards ecosystem, with the Bureau of Indian Standards transitioning from a regulator to a facilitator, promoting private sector testing and faster processes.

22 Rowers Join TOPS Development Group For Asian Games

22 Rowers Join TOPS Development Group For Asian Games

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Twenty-two rowers have been inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development Group to prepare for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The selection, made by the Mission Olympic Cell, includes prominent names like Balraj Panwar and Arvind Singh.

SAI And University Of Tsukuba Sign MoU For Sports Development

SAI And University Of Tsukuba Sign MoU For Sports Development

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan's University of Tsukuba to facilitate specialised training and exchange programmes for Indian athletes, coaches, and sports scientists. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in various sports-related fields and boost India's international competitiveness, especially in disciplines like athletics, archery, table tennis, swimming, and judo.

India abstains from vote On UN climate change resolution: Here's why

India abstains from vote On UN climate change resolution: Here's why

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution concerning climate change obligations, citing concerns that it undermines the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). India believes climate obligations should be negotiated through the UN climate framework, emphasising differentiated responsibilities.

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.

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini celebrated the BJP's victory in the recent civic body elections, attributing the win to public confidence in the party's development-focused governance and rejection of the Congress' negative politics.

Salesforce Pledges AI Skill Development For 1 Million In India

Salesforce Pledges AI Skill Development For 1 Million In India

Rediff.com7 days ago

Global tech major Salesforce has committed to equipping one million learners across India with AI-focused skills by 2030, leveraging government partnerships, virtual internships, academic centres, and its partner network.

CBI Files Chargesheet Against CHD Developers For Fraud

CBI Files Chargesheet Against CHD Developers For Fraud

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The CBI has filed a chargesheet against CHD Developers Ltd and its directors for alleged fraudulent activities in a Gurugram-based project, officials said.

Lawyers ask Supreme Court to retract remarks on greens stalling development

Lawyers ask Supreme Court to retract remarks on greens stalling development

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A group of lawyers and activists have petitioned the Chief Justice of India to retract recent Supreme Court remarks that cast doubt on the legitimacy of environmental pleas against developmental projects.

India Chosen For FIFA Women's Development Programme

India Chosen For FIFA Women's Development Programme

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

FIFA has selected India as one of 12 countries for its Women's Development Programme, aimed at building sustainable models for women's football clubs and preparing them for the upcoming AFC club licensing system.

India must focus on long-term growth, not short-term challenges: Citi CEO

India must focus on long-term growth, not short-term challenges: Citi CEO

Rediff.com4 days ago

Despite current headwinds, India remains the world's fastest-growing major economy and should not allow near-term challenges to obscure its long-term growth potential, said Jane Fraser, Citi Chair and Chief Executive Officer.

Enemies Beware! India Deploys Nuclear Warheads

Enemies Beware! India Deploys Nuclear Warheads

Rediff.com4 days ago

India is increasingly focusing on long-range weapons capable of reaching targets across China.

Modi surpasses Nehru, becomes India's longest-serving elected PM

Modi surpasses Nehru, becomes India's longest-serving elected PM

Rediff.com6 days ago

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to hold a crucial meeting to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record of 4,399 days.

Noida International Airport takes flight, IndiGo makes inaugural landing

Noida International Airport takes flight, IndiGo makes inaugural landing

Rediff.com1 days ago

Noida International Airport has officially commenced flight operations with an IndiGo flight from Lucknow making the inaugural landing, followed by a takeoff to Lucknow, carrying 172 villagers whose land was acquired for the project.

India's Badminton Future: BAI Seeks Partners For New League

India's Badminton Future: BAI Seeks Partners For New League

Rediff.com22 hours ago

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from various organisations to conceptualise, develop, and manage a new professional badminton league in India. The initiative aims to create a sustainable league structure focused on commercialisation, fan engagement, and long-term growth of the sport. Interested parties must demonstrate strong financial capability and experience in managing sports leagues, with proposals due by June 30.

BCCI charts out plan to support cricket growth in Fiji, Maldives

BCCI charts out plan to support cricket growth in Fiji, Maldives

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The BCCI has decided to assist the cricket boards of Fiji and Maldives in developing the sport by sending coaches and providing other support. This initiative aims to strengthen the ICC's efforts to grow cricket in emerging nations, building on previous BCCI assistance to countries like Afghanistan and Nepal.

Sarvam AI becomes unicorn with $234 million Series B funding, HCLTech acquires 10.46% stake

Sarvam AI becomes unicorn with $234 million Series B funding, HCLTech acquires 10.46% stake

Rediff.com8 hours ago

Sarvam AI, an Indian full-stack sovereign artificial intelligence company, has achieved unicorn status after raising $234 million in a Series B funding round led by HCLTech and Bessemer Venture Partners, with HCLTech acquiring a 10.46 per cent stake.

India's Ice Hockey Championship Aims To Boost Youth Talent

India's Ice Hockey Championship Aims To Boost Youth Talent

Rediff.com5 days ago

The National Ice Hockey Championship has commenced in Dehradun, introducing Under-12 and Under-15 categories for boys and girls for the first time. The month-long event, organised by IHAI, aims to identify and develop young talent, inspired by the Indian women's team's recent success.

'Doyen of Indian PMs': US, Russia hail Modi on tenure milestone

'Doyen of Indian PMs': US, Russia hail Modi on tenure milestone

Rediff.com5 days ago

US President Donald Trump described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'a Great One', while Russia hailed him as the 'doyen of all Indian prime ministers' as world leaders congratulated him on becoming India's longest continuously serving elected representative at the top post.

'China, India should stick to being strategic partners, not rivals'

'China, India should stick to being strategic partners, not rivals'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A Chinese official stated that India and China should view each other as cooperative partners and opportunities for development, not rivals or threats. This statement came in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments on the independent and strong ties Russia maintains with both nations, emphasising non-interference in India-China relations.

How CBI Is Tackling Widespread Builder-Banker Fraud

How CBI Is Tackling Widespread Builder-Banker Fraud

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a charge sheet against Ninex Developers Ltd and its director for alleged fraudulent activities in a Gurugram housing project. This marks the 11th charge sheet in the ongoing builder-banker nexus investigation, initiated by the Supreme Court, which involves 50 cases nationwide where homebuyers were allegedly cheated.

How CBI Is Tackling Widespread Builder-Banker Fraud

How CBI Is Tackling Widespread Builder-Banker Fraud

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a charge sheet against Ninex Developers Ltd and its director for alleged fraudulent activities in a Gurugram housing project. This marks the 11th charge sheet in the ongoing builder-banker nexus investigation, initiated by the Supreme Court, which involves 50 cases nationwide where homebuyers were allegedly cheated.

India issues fresh travel warning as Iran, Israel trade strikes

India issues fresh travel warning as Iran, Israel trade strikes

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The advisory follows recent developments, including Israeli airstrikes targeting central and western Iran.

Starlink in 'Productive Discussions' with India, Awaits Final Clearance

Starlink in 'Productive Discussions' with India, Awaits Final Clearance

Rediff.com6 days ago

Elon Musk's Starlink is in "active and productive discussions" with the Indian government, awaiting final regulatory clearance, including spectrum allocation, to launch its satellite internet services, despite media reports suggesting a freeze on approvals.

New Army Chief Set To Accelerate Modernisation

New Army Chief Set To Accelerate Modernisation

Rediff.com1 days ago

Lieutenant General Seth's involvement in the army's capability development and modernisation efforts is evident from the key appointments he has held in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development Directorates, including Colonel Capability Development for Mechanised Forces, Brigadier Perspective Plans and Acquisition, and Additional Director General Capability Development.

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi should play other formats to fully develop his game: De Villiers

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi should play other formats to fully develop his game: De Villiers

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers believes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play ODI and Test cricket to fully develop his game, though he warned that the road in longer formats would not be easy.

Blessings of 140 crore Indians my greatest strength: Modi

Blessings of 140 crore Indians my greatest strength: Modi

Rediff.com5 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru's record to become India's longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister. He expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, NDA chief ministers, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for their wishes, attributing his achievements to the collective efforts and aspirations of 140 crore Indians and reaffirming his commitment to a 'Viksit Bharat'.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com9 hours ago

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.

Someone Else Owns India's Off Switch

Someone Else Owns India's Off Switch

Rediff.com9 hours ago

A sovereign cloud, our own DNS root and Root CA, a defence-led research base that builds for keeps, and a real national cybersecurity strategy that outlives electoral cycles are not vanity projects. They are the difference between a nation that can be switched off and one that cannot, points out Venkata Satish Guttula.

World Environment Day: Meet The 14 Year Old Fighting Climate Change

World Environment Day: Meet The 14 Year Old Fighting Climate Change

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'People told me to go back to school and leave climate issues to adults. But if adults had done their job, I wouldn't be here protesting.' At just 14, climate activist Licypriya Kangujam says children are paying the price for a crisis they did not create, while governments continue to make promises without delivering meaningful change.

India: World's Biggest Plastic Polluter

India: World's Biggest Plastic Polluter

Rediff.com6 days ago

India generates 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, nearly 20 per cent of the world's total.

'India's long-range missile programme aimed beyond South Asia'

'India's long-range missile programme aimed beyond South Asia'

Rediff.com4 days ago

A senior Pakistani defence official, Lt Gen (retd) Mazhar Jamil, claimed that India's long-range missile development indicates ambitions to become a global nuclear power capable of threatening Western capitals, urging international attention to India's military modernisation. He also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to deterrence stability in South Asia.

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Rediff.com4 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged states to balance the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence with the need to safeguard against social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the risks posed by El Nino conditions, calling for stronger water conservation measures and emphasising the collective resolve towards a 'Viksit Bharat'.

HimClimX: New AI Platform For Himalayan Climate Insights

HimClimX: New AI Platform For Himalayan Climate Insights

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

BIT Mesra has launched 'HimClimX', an AI-powered platform designed for Himalayan climate intelligence and visualisation. It integrates over a century of climate data to offer trend analysis, anomaly detection, spatial visualisation, impact assessment, and AI-driven forecasting for the Himalayan region.

Tanveer Singh Bajwa New President Of Ski And Snowboard India

Tanveer Singh Bajwa New President Of Ski And Snowboard India

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Ski and Snowboard India (SSI) elected Tanveer Singh Bajwa as its president and Mohammad Arshad as secretary general following elections conducted under the supervision of an Election Officer in accordance with directions of the Delhi High Court.

Pressure builds on developers to hike prices as costs rise

Pressure builds on developers to hike prices as costs rise

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Indian realty developers are contemplating price increases for ongoing and upcoming projects to offset margin pressures caused by rising input costs and supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by the West Asia conflict. Input and labour costs have surged by 5-12%, directly impacting developer margins, especially for under-construction projects.

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: SIPRI report

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that India has expanded its nuclear arsenal and is developing long-range weapons capable of reaching targets across China, while also maintaining focus on its rivalry with Pakistan.

What happened when Michael Clarke met Haryana CM?

What happened when Michael Clarke met Haryana CM?

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke met Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to discuss enhancing cricket development, nurturing youth talent, and fostering greater sporting engagement between India and Australia. Clarke expressed interest in establishing a cricket academy and facilitating player exchanges, while CM Saini affirmed Haryana's commitment to strengthening its sports ecosystem.

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.

Indian Firms Gain Access To Anthropic's Mythos AI For Cybersecurity

Indian Firms Gain Access To Anthropic's Mythos AI For Cybersecurity

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Indian government agencies and private sector firms have secured access to Anthropic's advanced AI model, Mythos, through Project Glasswing. This initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity by identifying software vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Anthropic has also urged a moderated pace of AI development due to potential societal risks.