News for 'US Agency for International Development'

Shubhanshu Shukla Is All Set For Space

Shubhanshu Shukla Is All Set For Space

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Shukla says Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma -- the first Indian to travel to space --has been advising him about the space flight.

'Trump Admires Only Himself'

'Trump Admires Only Himself'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'He may respect others, but he is unlikely to admire them'

SC directs Centre to safeguard domestic workers' rights

SC directs Centre to safeguard domestic workers' rights

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India directed the government to establish a legal framework to protect domestic workers and address their exploitation.

150 terrorists waiting to infiltrate into Kashmir: BSF

150 terrorists waiting to infiltrate into Kashmir: BSF

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

He said the security forces would ensure any infiltration attempt is thwarted.

China to build world's largest dam near India border

China to build world's largest dam near India border

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border. The USD 137 billion project, which is expected to dwarf even China's own Three Gorges Dam, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, the downstream riparian states. Concerns in India are centered around China's potential to control water flow, potentially enabling the release of large amounts of water to flood border areas in times of hostilities. The dam is part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan, and the Chinese government claims that the project is safe and prioritizes ecological protection.

India To Go For Small Modular Reactors

India To Go For Small Modular Reactors

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

The Indian government has come out with a nice name for its tried and tested 220MW pressurised heavy water reactor -- Bharat Small Reactor.

ISI, terror groups turn to social media platforms for J-K recruitments

ISI, terror groups turn to social media platforms for J-K recruitments

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

Once identified, these individuals are drawn into private groups where they are exposed to manipulative content, including fabricated videos depicting atrocities allegedly committed by security forces, the officials said.

Mobile phone use doesn't lead to brain cancer: WHO's most detailed study

Mobile phone use doesn't lead to brain cancer: WHO's most detailed study

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

There is no link between using a mobile phone and developing brain cancer, according to a review of studies, which was commissioned by the World Health Organization.

India's BSRs Won't Need New Safety Rules

India's BSRs Won't Need New Safety Rules

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

'Bharat Small Reactors are essentially similar to the existing 220 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors. The existing regulations are applicable for BSRs.'

UP man enters Pak to marry FB friend, lands in jail

UP man enters Pak to marry FB friend, lands in jail

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

A young Indian man was arrested in Pakistan after illegally crossing the border to meet a Facebook friend he wanted to marry. However, the woman told police she was not interested in marrying him. The man, Badal Babu, was arrested in the Mandi Bahauddin district of Pakistan's Punjab province on December 28. He had crossed the border to meet his Facebook friend, Sana Rani. Rani, in her statement to police, said she had been friends with Babu for the past two-and-a-half years but was not interested in marrying him. Babu's family has appealed to the Indian government to intervene for his release.

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka over border tensions, accusing India of violating a bilateral agreement by constructing fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangla border. The development comes after Bangladesh officials alleged that India had halted construction of barbed wire fencing due to strong opposition from the Border Guard Bangladesh and local residents.

Ducati Racetrack in Noida Soon?

Ducati Racetrack in Noida Soon?

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

Ducati would like to develop a motorbike racetrack on the lines of the Buddh International Circuit.

Young Indian Leaders Shine at WEF 2025

Young Indian Leaders Shine at WEF 2025

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Barring a few, such as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu (74), Union Minister C R Patil (69) and Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna (71), most other ministers attending the WEF represent the next generation of India's politicians.

Many Delhi schools get bomb threat, 2nd time this week

Many Delhi schools get bomb threat, 2nd time this week

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Three schools in Delhi received bomb threats via email on Friday morning, prompting a multi-agency response, including searches by police and bomb detection teams. The threats come after at least 44 schools received similar emails on December 9, which were declared hoaxes by police. Authorities are currently conducting checks at the schools, and parents have been advised not to send their children to classes.

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has seen a reduction in fighter squadrons due to the phasing out of ageing MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 aircraft. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence acknowledged the "shortage" and highlighted the multi-pronged approach being taken to address it. This includes the induction of indigenous Tejas fighters and the procurement of additional LCA Mk-1A aircraft. The report also addresses concerns over "incidences of spying" within the IAF and details the action taken against those involved.

He Wants To Set Up Fuel Stations In Space!

He Wants To Set Up Fuel Stations In Space!

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

'It is our duty to keep space sustainable and free of debris.'

To become developed nation by 2047, India needs stronger army: Rajnath

To become developed nation by 2047, India needs stronger army: Rajnath

Rediff.com1 Oct 2023

Describing the DAD as the "guardian of defence finance", he emphasised the need to bolster the internal vigilance mechanism so that any suspicious activity can be detected and reviewed immediately.

Adani in talks with sovereign funds to raise up to $2.6 bn

Adani in talks with sovereign funds to raise up to $2.6 bn

Rediff.com26 Feb 2024

The Adani group is in advanced talks with top sovereign funds based in West Asia to raise up to $2.6 billion for its airport expansion and green hydrogen projects. The group, which expects to close the ongoing financial year ending March with Rs 80,000 crore of Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation), has held a series of road shows in London, Dubai, and Singapore with potential investors, briefing them about their future growth plans. The group's flagship, Adani Enterprises, may dilute part of its stake in the airport-holding firm and/or the green hydrogen business to these funds, which are keen to invest in the Indian infrastructure sector, said a source close to the development.

Several Pak agencies using Israel's intrusive cyber tech since 2012: Report

Several Pak agencies using Israel's intrusive cyber tech since 2012: Report

Rediff.com3 Aug 2023

Unlike Israeli company NSO, whose sale of Pegasus cyber tech grabbed worldwide attention, and other manufacturers of offensive-cyber products, Cellebrite operates in a grey area between security exports and civilian ones.

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Budget should undertake further reductions in import tariffs and seriously consider an announcement of India's intention to join one or both of the two Asian mega-regional free trade agreements, suggests Shankar Acharya, former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.

Sunita Williams to remain in space till...: NASA

Sunita Williams to remain in space till...: NASA

Rediff.com25 Aug 2024

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has said it's 'too risky' to bring the two astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, back to earth currently, because of which Boeing's Starliner capsule will return without the two astronauts.

India ranks 105th in Global Hunger Index, in 'serious' category

India ranks 105th in Global Hunger Index, in 'serious' category

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

India's GHI Score is based on the values of four component indicators: 13.7 per cent of the population is undernourished, 35.5 per cent of children under five are stunted with 18.7 per cent of them being wasted, and 2.9 per cent of children die before their fifth birthday, the report notes.

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Our politicians solely depend on bureaucrats who are unaccountable and follow their own agenda.' 'Our politicians would dare not dream of establishing a DOGE,' argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Best Business Ideas Under Rs 1 Crore

Best Business Ideas Under Rs 1 Crore

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

India's e-commerce market alone is projected to reach $200 billion by 2026, making it a prime industry for ambitious entrepreneurs, explains rediffGURU Harsh Bharwani.

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The DG-level border talks between India and Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Delhi next month, have been postponed following a change in plan by the neighbouring country, official sources said on Friday.

Varun Dhawan's Body Double Becomes A Star

Varun Dhawan's Body Double Becomes A Star

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'I've had a 10-and-a-half year journey behind the camera and people don't know who I am.'

Adani's Sri Lanka port JV gets $553 mn from US

Adani's Sri Lanka port JV gets $553 mn from US

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

DFC is the US government's development finance institution. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) in a statement said that the US fund will support the development of deepwater shipping container terminal in the Port of Colombo.

Global agencies keen on Bihar growth

Global agencies keen on Bihar growth

Rediff.com18 Feb 2008

Global agencies have shown interest in Bihar's developmental projects. They met Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to chart out an investment plan.

India pitches for more info sharing on int'l payments

India pitches for more info sharing on int'l payments

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

India is pushing for greater disclosures by credit card companies, fintech firms, and payment aggregators (PAs) at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), so that the sender and recipient in a cross-border financial transaction can be easily identified and the information shared with law enforcement agencies. Separately, the inter-governmental group, which sets standards to curb money laundering, will release the fourth round of its mutual evaluation report on India on September 19. FATF in June had adopted the mutual evaluation report on India and placed the country in the "regular follow-up" category - the highest rating given by the global watchdog and a distinction shared by only four other G20 countries.

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

For Yogi Adityanath the successful management of the fair is a crucial part of building 'Brand UP' and making the state a $1 trillion economy.

Under Trump India-US Space Sector May Soar

Under Trump India-US Space Sector May Soar

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

'With India's growing capabilities in the space sector, this creates promising opportunities for enhanced collaboration and market access.'

Roy alone raped, killed Kolkata doctor: CBI chargesheet

Roy alone raped, killed Kolkata doctor: CBI chargesheet

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

the CBI said Roy allegedly committed the crime on August 9 when the victim had gone to sleep in the hospital's seminar room during a break, they said.

India takes first steps to meet 2070 net-zero goal, Niti Aayog forms panels

India takes first steps to meet 2070 net-zero goal, Niti Aayog forms panels

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

Three years after India declared its goal to become a net-zero economy by 2070, the policy design for achieving the target has begun, with the NITI Aayog forming dedicated multi-sectoral committees to prepare a transition plan. In 2021, India joined a select group of nations that set a target year for becoming net-zero carbon economy. At COP26 in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a five-pronged 'Panchamitra' climate action target for India and committed to a net-zero target by 2070, joining nations like the US, the UK, and China.

US intercepts Russian, China bombers near Alaska

US intercepts Russian, China bombers near Alaska

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) intercepted a group of bombers near Alaska, marking the first instance of joint Russian and Chinese operations prompting such a response from the United States, CNN reported, citing, a United States defence official.

Nearly 200 killed, 33 missing in floods, landslides in Nepal

Nearly 200 killed, 33 missing in floods, landslides in Nepal

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

Hundreds of people are facing a shortage of food, safe drinking water and sanitation in Kathmandu following the natural disaster, according to eyewitnesses.

Jaishankar discusses Red Sea crisis with Iranian counterpart

Jaishankar discusses Red Sea crisis with Iranian counterpart

Rediff.com15 Jan 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held wide ranging discussions with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian in Tehran and their discussion focused on the long term framework for India's involvement with the strategically vital Chabahar port and the North-South connectivity project.

India, France to jointly develop jet, helicopter engines; to build submarines

India, France to jointly develop jet, helicopter engines; to build submarines

Rediff.com15 Jul 2023

There was no word on the much-anticipated procurement of 26 naval variants of Rafale fighter jets by India from France.

India needs to end reliance on China for critical minerals: Survey

India needs to end reliance on China for critical minerals: Survey

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

India needs to recognise and address challenges posed by its dependence on China for critical minerals and examine the implications of phasing down coal on bank balance sheets as it accelerates its green transition, the government's Economic Survey 2023-24 tabled in Parliament on Monday said. As part of its national plan to contribute to meeting the global goal of limiting the average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India has committed to reducing emissions by 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, achieving 50 per cent cumulative electric installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources, and creating a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 gigatons of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.

The Shyam Benegal I Knew

The Shyam Benegal I Knew

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

His cinema of compassion inspired me, gave me tools to develop empathy for others. But it also made me understand that serious, socially committed cinema with deeply engaging narratives and great performances is an art form to admire, appreciate and explore. Aseem Chhabra remembers Shyam Benegal, who passed into the ages on Monday evening.

World Bank ups India growth forecast to 7% for FY25

World Bank ups India growth forecast to 7% for FY25

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

The World Bank on Tuesday raised the growth forecast for the Indian economy to 7 per cent for the current fiscal year on the back of recovery in agri sector and rural demand. World Bank had in June projected India to grow at 6.6 per cent for FY24. According to the World Bank Report released on Tuesday, India's growth continues to be strong despite a challenging global environment.