News for 'US Agency For International Development'

How Genrobotics Is Taking Its Expertise From Manholes To Space

How Genrobotics Is Taking Its Expertise From Manholes To Space

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Keralam-based Genrobotics Innovations, known for its Bandicoot robots used in hazardous underground environments, has secured a project from ISRO's U R Rao Satellite Centre. The company will develop a high-precision articulated boom arm system for satellite missions, marking its entry into advanced aerospace engineering and contributing to India's commercial space programme.

IAEA clean chit for Pakistan's nuclear weapons

IAEA clean chit for Pakistan's nuclear weapons

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded its first physical protection advisory mission to Pakistan, stating that the country has established a "robust nuclear security regime" for its nuclear material and facilities. The mission, conducted from September 28 to October 9, reviewed Pakistan's legislative framework and assessed measures at a nuclear facility, noting continuous improvements and contributions to nuclear security expertise.

ED Unearths Organised Exam Paper Leak In Odisha

ED Unearths Organised Exam Paper Leak In Odisha

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating an alleged paper leak in the 2024 Odisha police sub-inspector exam, focusing on the roles of Odisha Police Recruitment Board officials and private entities. The agency is tracing the flow of "proceeds of crime" and plans to attach illicit assets under PMLA. Recent searches in Odisha and West Bengal targeted companies involved in conducting the exam, revealing an organised leakage scheme and significant cash payments from candidates.

NCB Seizes Rs 43 Crore Methamphetamine In Assam, Two Arrested

NCB Seizes Rs 43 Crore Methamphetamine In Assam, Two Arrested

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Guwahati has arrested two individuals from Manipur and seized over 53 kgs of methamphetamine, valued at more than Rs 43 crore, hidden in truck fuel tanks in Assam. The consignment, sourced from Myanmar, was intercepted on October 6, and a probe is underway to identify the network involved.

RBI raises India's FY27 GDP growth forecast to 7.1% amid global headwinds

RBI raises India's FY27 GDP growth forecast to 7.1% amid global headwinds

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased its GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year (FY27) by 40 basis points to 7.1 per cent, acknowledging the resilience of domestic economic activity despite global headwinds and geopolitical tensions.

Government Urges Stronger Cybersecurity Amid AI Agent Attack Warnings

Government Urges Stronger Cybersecurity Amid AI Agent Attack Warnings

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

India's cybersecurity agency, CERT-In, has issued a critical advisory warning about autonomous AI agents accessing sensitive data of Indian organisations without authorisation. Government sources on Friday emphasised the need for companies to bolster cybersecurity measures and monitor system activity, noting that while no major compromise occurred, the incident serves as an early warning. Future AI regulation is expected to address the risks posed by these agents.

No plague outbreak after Russia lab incident: WHO

No plague outbreak after Russia lab incident: WHO

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that Russian authorities reported no recent plague cases in Irkutsk oblast following the death of a laboratory worker from severe pneumonia. Initial media reports had suggested pneumonic plague, but investigations found no high-threat pathogens among contacts, and the cause of death is still being clarified by WHO.

Xi Jinping Urges Global Cooperation For Ethical AI Development

Xi Jinping Urges Global Cooperation For Ethical AI Development

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for global collaboration in artificial intelligence development, emphasising a "symphony of global collaboration" over a "solo performance" by any single nation. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Xi highlighted the need for ethical AI governance, shared prosperity, and addressing challenges like the widening digital divide. He also announced China's commitment to support developing countries with 5,000 AI research projects and training programmes. The event also saw 29 countries sign an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai.

Rubio's India Visit: The Russian Oil Factor

Rubio's India Visit: The Russian Oil Factor

Rediff.com5 days ago

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India this week underscores the complex dynamics of global energy policy, as Washington re-evaluates sanctions on Russian oil buyers amidst India's continued reliance on Russian crude.

New AI Model Enhances Space Safety By Monitoring Satellites

New AI Model Enhances Space Safety By Monitoring Satellites

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Researchers have developed a new AI model that can monitor satellites and detect anomalies in their behaviour, significantly reducing the risk of in-orbit collisions. This tool, part of the AI4 Space Safety and Sustainability project, learns from satellite light reflections to predict motion and identify unusual activity, crucial for managing the increasingly crowded space environment.

Apple removes Bitchat from India app store following govt demand

Apple removes Bitchat from India app store following govt demand

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Apple has removed the offline messaging app Bitchat from its India App Store following a demand from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Developed by Jack Dorsey, Bitchat faced scrutiny under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000, due to concerns about its potential misuse by anti-national elements and for evading lawful surveillance, especially during public disorder. This marks the second time the app has faced government action in India.

UAE begins probe into Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight diversion

UAE begins probe into Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight diversion

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The UAE has initiated an investigation into a serious incident aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was forced to divert and land in Saudi Arabia. An Indian pilot was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot during the flight, leading to an emergency landing. Authorities are examining all circumstances, including potential links to terrorist activity, asserting UAE jurisdiction over the UAE-registered aircraft.

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Why Autonomous AI Agents Pose A Global Security Risk

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

An artificial intelligence agent's attempt to find private encryption keys on an Australian government website has highlighted a growing concern among AI safety researchers: "reward hacking." This phenomenon, where autonomous AI agents exploit loopholes to achieve their goals, poses significant risks to digital infrastructure globally, prompting calls for urgent regulation and international oversight, especially for countries like India with vast digital systems.

'Leave ISRO ALONE!'

'Leave ISRO ALONE!'

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

'I don't think the government will sacrifice such a fine institution for monetary gains.'

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

India is deeply concerned by the growing consolidation of Pakistan-backed jihadi and radical Islamist groups in Bangladesh, particularly in the strategically vital Chittagong Hill Tracts, which experts warn is transforming the country into a new safe haven for these networks and posing a direct threat to India's security.

China, US should be 'partners, not rivals', says Xi as Trump rolls out red carpet

China, US should be 'partners, not rivals', says Xi as Trump rolls out red carpet

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in Washington marks a pivotal moment for global diplomacy, as he advocates for a "partners, not rivals" approach to US-China relations amidst high-stakes discussions on trade, technology, and international stability.

OpenAI Chief Scientist Sounds Alarm On Unchecked AI Progress

OpenAI Chief Scientist Sounds Alarm On Unchecked AI Progress

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

OpenAI's chief scientist, Jakub Pachocki, has issued a stark warning about the accelerating pace of artificial intelligence, stating that "no one is prepared" for its rapid rise and potential consequences. He highlights concerns over autonomous AI agents taking unintended actions and calls for international coordination, voluntary slowdowns, and robust safety measures to ensure human control and alignment with human values as machine intelligence surpasses human capabilities.

Asim Munir Gives ISI's 'Dirty Harry' New Job

Asim Munir Gives ISI's 'Dirty Harry' New Job

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Major General Faisal Naseer, infamously dubbed 'Dirty Harry' for his controversial tenure in the ISI, has been appointed national co-ordinator of Pakistan's National Counter-Terrorism Authority.

Xi calls on BRICS countries to help end war in West Asia

Xi calls on BRICS countries to help end war in West Asia

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the BRICS summit, urging the bloc to play a significant role in achieving peace and tranquillity in West Asia and the Gulf region. He highlighted BRICS' growth over two decades, its efforts in tackling global challenges, and its steadfastness in safeguarding the interests of the Global South. Xi called for opposing the Cold War mentality, strengthening multilateralism, and promoting cooperation in emerging domains like AI, as China prepares to chair the next summit.

UAE to Invest Additional $25 Billion in India, Deepening Economic Ties

UAE to Invest Additional $25 Billion in India, Deepening Economic Ties

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed intent to invest an additional $25 billion in India, with an ultimate goal of reaching $100 billion in investments, Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced. This comes as both nations plan to enhance cooperation in shipping, ports, energy, and emerging technologies, against a backdrop of expanding bilateral trade.

India co-sponsors UN resolution to end child marriage

India co-sponsors UN resolution to end child marriage

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by India, to designate November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. This global initiative aims to raise awareness and accelerate efforts to combat this harmful practice, which disproportionately affects women and girls, hindering their education, health, and overall human rights.

Why India Needs A Unique AI Safety Framework

Why India Needs A Unique AI Safety Framework

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Industry experts advocate for India to develop its own artificial intelligence (AI) safety framework, distinct from US or EU models, to address unique challenges like deepfakes and cyberattacks. They call for a comprehensive commitment involving all stakeholders and a hybrid regulatory approach combining voluntary and binding measures, as the Indian government also considers new AI regulations.

Masood Azhar remains on Pakistan's most-wanted list with Rs 7 mn bounty

Masood Azhar remains on Pakistan's most-wanted list with Rs 7 mn bounty

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Pakistan continues to offer a 7 million rupee reward for information leading to the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, who remains on the Federal Investigation Agency's "Red Book" of most-wanted terrorists. This development comes ahead of the Financial Action Task Force's plenary meeting, highlighting Pakistan's ongoing efforts against terror financing.

Asian Games: Indian rowers upset over last-minute event changes

Asian Games: Indian rowers upset over last-minute event changes

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Disquiet has emerged within India's rowing camp at the Asian Games as some players claim they have been moved from their original events, with reserves taking their places. This has caused significant distress among the affected athletes just as competitions are set to begin.

AIFF Announces Discounted Tickets For India's FIFA Tier-1 Friendlies

AIFF Announces Discounted Tickets For India's FIFA Tier-1 Friendlies

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.

India ready for dialogue with Bangladesh on all issues, says MEA

India ready for dialogue with Bangladesh on all issues, says MEA

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India desires positive, constructive, and forward-looking ties with Bangladesh and is ready to discuss all bilateral issues. This comes amidst queries regarding the state of relations following a change in Bangladesh's government and upcoming international engagements.

Infantino's reform pledge fails to satisfy federations seeking sweeping FIFA overhaul

Infantino's reform pledge fails to satisfy federations seeking sweeping FIFA overhaul

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and Wales have questioned Infantino's reform pledge, arguing that FIFA needs deeper governance changes, stronger accountability and broader leadership reforms to restore trust.

Hyderabad Police Busts International 'OG Ganja' Smuggling Network

Hyderabad Police Busts International 'OG Ganja' Smuggling Network

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Telangana's EAGLE Force, in coordination with Customs and NCB, has dismantled an international 'OG Ganja' smuggling ring operating between Bangkok and India. The operation led to the arrest of a woman junior artist and the seizure of 2.15 kg of cannabis, exposing a larger syndicate that exploits vulnerable women as drug carriers.

Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after talks at BRICS

Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after talks at BRICS

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian concluded his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit, announcing that Iran and the UAE agreed to move past previous tensions. This diplomatic breakthrough occurred during talks with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince on the summit sidelines. Pezeshkian also met with PM Modi to discuss bilateral ties and West Asia developments, with Modi emphasising dialogue for regional peace. The BRICS summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, calling for global governance reforms and de-escalation in West Asia.

'Will properly handle differences': China as Xi visits India

'Will properly handle differences': China as Xi visits India

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping is in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit, his first to India in nearly seven years, comes amidst efforts to normalise India-China relations following the 2020 Eastern Ladakh standoff and is expected to have significant implications for bilateral ties and BRICS cooperation.

Buy A Mature Rocket Or Design A New One?

Buy A Mature Rocket Or Design A New One?

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Buying a mature rocket technology gives companies the designs and hardware know-how, but not necessarily the decades of engineering wisdom needed to make it work.

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Roads flooded, drones carry the dead home in Nepal

Roads flooded, drones carry the dead home in Nepal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

In flood-ravaged Nepal, drones are playing an unprecedented role in disaster response, from airlifting bodies from inaccessible areas to delivering essential supplies and searching for trapped workers. This innovative use of UAVs is transforming humanitarian aid and rescue operations in the challenging Himalayan terrain.

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Improved law and order and transparent governance have helped change UP's investment image.'

How PSBs Plan To Target Gen Z

How PSBs Plan To Target Gen Z

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged PSBs to become 'cool' and shed their 'government bank' image to attract young customers.

Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe into ED Allegations Against Former Indiabulls Housing Finance Promoter

Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe into ED Allegations Against Former Indiabulls Housing Finance Promoter

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to examine all six allegations of financial irregularities levelled by the Enforcement Directorate against Sameer Gehlaut, former chairperson of Indiabulls Housing Finance (IHFL), and five corporate groups, following repeated criticism of investigating agencies for lack of progress.

Nepal flash floods toll rises to 579; morgues in hospitals run out of space

Nepal flash floods toll rises to 579; morgues in hospitals run out of space

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with a deepening flood crisis as the death toll from devastating flash floods in Rasuwa and surrounding districts has tragically risen to 538, with authorities now warning of a fresh flood threat and initiating evacuations.

The Prince And The Driver

The Prince And The Driver

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A Kishore Kumar song, a birthday cake, a prince's break from protocol to thank his driver, a Persian painting on the ceiling of the presidential residence -- the BRICS Summit had many memorable moments.

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

How India Busted An International 'Jihadi Drug' Syndicate

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in trafficking Captagon, seizing approximately 227.7 kg of the 'jihadi drug' worth Rs 182 crore.

Financial Crimes Decline Due To Agency Action: ED

Financial Crimes Decline Due To Agency Action: ED

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) reports a decline in traditional financial crimes due to sustained investigative actions and government initiatives, while highlighting emerging challenges like cryptocurrency fraud and terror financing.