News for 'US Agency for International Development'

Shuks Picks This SRK Song For Launch

Shuks Picks This SRK Song For Launch

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Unveiling his launch day playlist, the Indian pilot revealed that he loves to listen to Shah Rukh Khan's Swades song Yuh Hi Chala Chal.

Trump issues order to dismantle Voice of America

Trump issues order to dismantle Voice of America

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

United States President Donald Trump has ordered the dismantling of the government-funded news agency Voice of America (VOA), accusing it of promoting biased media reports, as reported by Fox News.

LIC picks up Adani Ports' entire Rs 5K cr issue

LIC picks up Adani Ports' entire Rs 5K cr issue

Rediff.com30 May 2025

State-owned Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) on Thursday entirely subscribed to the Rs 5,000 crore bond issue of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) at a coupon rate of 7.75 per cent, said sources privy to the development.

BRICS condemns Pahalgam attack, strikes on Iran

BRICS condemns Pahalgam attack, strikes on Iran

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

The BRICS nations condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, advocated for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, and criticized rising tariffs during their summit in Rio de Janeiro. They also addressed global challenges and called for reforms in international institutions.

SpaceX rocket explodes, setback for Elon Musk's Mars project

SpaceX rocket explodes, setback for Elon Musk's Mars project

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The Elon Musk-headed SpaceX's newest Starship exploded ahead of a routine engine test in Texas, leading to a complete loss of the aircraft and damage to the immediate area surrounding the stand, the company has said.

Pakistan Boosts Military Spending By 20%

Pakistan Boosts Military Spending By 20%

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

India has decided to submit a dossier at the upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting, calling for Pakistan to be placed back on the grey list of the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.

Harvard is not Harvard...: Varsity sues Trump admin over foreign student ban

Harvard is not Harvard...: Varsity sues Trump admin over foreign student ban

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to revoke the university's certification to enroll foreign students. The lawsuit claims that the government's action is unlawful and unwarranted and that Harvard is not Harvard without its international students. The university argues that the government's decision will have a devastating effect on Harvard and its thousands of international students. The lawsuit comes a day after the Trump administration ordered the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.

Jails Hotbeds Of Extremism? Govt Urges Crackdown

Jails Hotbeds Of Extremism? Govt Urges Crackdown

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

High-risk inmates who are inclined towards propagating the ideology of radicalisation should be segregated from the general prison population to minimise the risk of indoctrination.

Why India-Pak clash in Asia Cup will go on as planned

Why India-Pak clash in Asia Cup will go on as planned

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

In multilateral contests, it would go by the Olympic Charter, which prohibits any discrimination based on political issues, which is why the government has stated that it would not stop Pakistan from coming to India for international events.

Akashteer emerges as key asset in Operation Sindoor

Akashteer emerges as key asset in Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India's indigenously developed 'Akashteer' air defense system performed exceedingly well during 'Operation Sindoor,' according to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Samir V Kamat. The fully automated system, deployed against terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, integrates various radar systems, sensors, and communication technologies. Kamat expressed confidence in the system's success drawing international interest, highlighting India's progress toward self-reliance in the defense sector. He also addressed the future of warfare, emphasizing the need for a blend of traditional and emerging technologies, and outlined the development timeline for the indigenous 5.5-generation stealth fighter aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Gaganyaan To Head To Space In Early 2027

Gaganyaan To Head To Space In Early 2027

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The Human-rated LVM3 vehicle, the Crew Escape System and the Crew Module and Service Module are all in final stages of testing and integration.

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has announced a massive increase in H-1B visa fees, imposing a $100,000 annual charge that will fundamentally alter how American companies hire skilled foreign workers, particularly impacting Indian IT professionals who comprise the largest group of beneficiaries.

Isro's NISAR mission enters critical 90-day phase

Isro's NISAR mission enters critical 90-day phase

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

The NASA-ISRO NISAR mission has entered its 90-day commissioning phase, involving rigorous checks and calibrations to prepare the satellite for Earth observation. Scientists highlight the collaborative benefits and technological advancements of the mission.

Why Parsiana Is Downing Shutters

Why Parsiana Is Downing Shutters

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'Financially we are sound and we have always broken even. 'It is just we don't have the personnel and that is why we have to close down.'

Indo-US NISAR Satellite Set for July Launch

Indo-US NISAR Satellite Set for July Launch

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

NISAR will not be used for surveillance and will be used to observe the earth.

Why Did IMF Loan Pakistan Money During War?

Why Did IMF Loan Pakistan Money During War?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

It is time for India to raise its voice not just through military prowess, but through professionalism, principled voting and partnerships, asserts Deepak Mishra.

US freezes foreign aid for all countries including India

US freezes foreign aid for all countries including India

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce Sunday said, "President Trump stated clearly that the United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people. Reviewing and realigning foreign assistance on behalf of hardworking taxpayers is not just the right thing to do, it is a moral imperative."

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concern over information regarding USAID funding in India, calling it "concerning" and hinting at potential "bad faith" activities. Jaishankar asserted that India is looking into the matter and that the country should know who is involved in such activities. He also emphasized the need to expand India's security definition in the digital age, highlighting the influence of technology and narratives on public perception. The statements come amid controversy surrounding USAID funding for certain activities in India, with the US President Donald Trump questioning the agency's funding of voter turnout efforts.

'Jhoot brigade': Cong slams BJP after FinMin report on USAID

'Jhoot brigade': Cong slams BJP after FinMin report on USAID

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The latest annual report of the finance ministry has disclosed that the agency funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in 2023-24.

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'If the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation cuts funds, there could be more impact.'

Did ISRO Play Role In Axiom Mission Delay?

Did ISRO Play Role In Axiom Mission Delay?

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

'ISRO recommended to carry out in-situ repairs or replacement and conduct a low-temperature leak test to validate system performance and integrity, before proceeding with launch.'

The Night Iran 'Set The Ganges On Fire'

The Night Iran 'Set The Ganges On Fire'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

'Within minutes, my mobile began ringing. It was National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, asking why the Iranians were complaining.' 'I explained that we had only restated our position in the light of the conclusion reached by the IAEA, but will remain helpful to Iran to reach a consensus.' 'Then came a call from Foreign Secretary Kamal Sibal, repeating what Mishra said about the Iranian complaint.' 'I was very impressed that Iran was able to reach two top officials in India to intervene at short notice,' recalls Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

'By hosting 2036 Olympics, India will make a statement'

'By hosting 2036 Olympics, India will make a statement'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics is not merely an attempt to make a statement internationally but also a well thought out plan to create world-class infrastructure, said Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse.

China calls for 'lasting ceasefire', backs Pakistan

China calls for 'lasting ceasefire', backs Pakistan

Rediff.com21 May 2025

China on Tuesday called for a 'comprehensive and lasting ceasefire' between India and Pakistan, urging both countries to properly handle their differences through dialogue.

A Nuclear Scientist Who Advocated Disarmament

A Nuclear Scientist Who Advocated Disarmament

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

M R Srinivasan focused on the peaceful use of nuclear power at a time when the popular view among the 'hawks' was that India should build a nuclear arsenal as a deterrent.

UP plans high-tech defence shield against nuke, chemical attacks

UP plans high-tech defence shield against nuke, chemical attacks

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Drawing lessons from security protocols of Parliament, the state is working closely with agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd to design a multi-layered safety mechanism.

Adani opts out of US funding for Colombo Port project

Adani opts out of US funding for Colombo Port project

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Billionaire Gautam Adani's group has pulled out of a loan deal with a US agency to fund a port terminal in Sri Lanka, saying it will use its own resources for the project. In an exchange filing late on Tuesday, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) said the project "is on track for commissioning by early next year". "The project will be financed through the company's internal accruals and capital management plan," the firm said.

Rs 1,500 cr incentive scheme in the works for recycling critical minerals

Rs 1,500 cr incentive scheme in the works for recycling critical minerals

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Following the disruption in the supply of rare earth or permanent magnets after China's notification on April 4, the mines ministry is planning to introduce a Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme to recycle critical minerals, according to a top official.

Pahalgam attack: Pak seeks 'brotherly' help to cool India tensions

Pahalgam attack: Pak seeks 'brotherly' help to cool India tensions

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on "brotherly" countries, including Saudi Arabia, to urge India to de-escalate tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Sharif met with ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, reiterating Pakistan's commitment to peace in South Asia. He rejected India's accusations linking Pakistan to the attack, emphasizing Pakistan's own history as a victim of terrorism. The meeting comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries.

How flight data recorders assist in aircraft crash investigations

How flight data recorders assist in aircraft crash investigations

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

In modern aircraft, there are cockpit voice recorder and digital flight data recorder.

Afghanistan joins CPEC amid strengthening India-Kabul ties

Afghanistan joins CPEC amid strengthening India-Kabul ties

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The announcement on expansion of CPEC was made following a meeting among Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing, according to a Pakistani readout.

Putin to visit India, dates being worked out

Putin to visit India, dates being worked out

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India. The visit is currently being prepared, though the dates have not yet been revealed. This visit follows Prime Minister Modi's trip to Russia in July 2024, his first since 2019. The two leaders have maintained regular contact and have emphasized the strength of the Russian-Indian strategic partnership.

India's Foreign Policy Needs Strategic Expansion

India's Foreign Policy Needs Strategic Expansion

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The era where nations thrived through rigid alignments is giving way to an age where the connective State defines power. For India, that era has arrived, points out Dr Nishakant Ojha.

Intel agencies keep close watch on Punjab situation

Intel agencies keep close watch on Punjab situation

Rediff.com18 Mar 2023

A senior official said that the state had sought several companies of paramilitary forces and these have been provided to maintain law and order situation.

Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission postponed to Wednesday

Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission postponed to Wednesday

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket was scheduled to blast off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Tuesday evening.

IMF lowers India's growth projection to 6.2% for FY26

IMF lowers India's growth projection to 6.2% for FY26

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Indian economy is projected to grow at 6.2 per cent in 2025-26, slower than earlier estimated rate of 6.5 per cent, due to escalated trade tensions and global uncertainty, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday. "For India, the growth outlook is relatively more stable at 6.2 per cent in 2025, supported by private consumption, particularly in rural areas," IMF said in its World Economic Outlook (WEO).

SBI eyes Rs 25,000 crore via record QIP, sets floor at 2.5% discount

SBI eyes Rs 25,000 crore via record QIP, sets floor at 2.5% discount

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

State Bank of India (SBI), the largest lender in the country, has launched a share sale to institutional investors to raise upto Rs 25,000 crore, the biggest qualified institutional placement (QIP) so far by an Indian firm, and has set a floor price of Rs 811.05, which is at a 2.5 per cent discount on Wednesday's closing price.

Woman claims rape at IIM-Calcutta campus, her father says...

Woman claims rape at IIM-Calcutta campus, her father says...

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

The accused has been arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by the woman at Haridevpur Police Station, they said.

IndusInd accounting lapses: Sumant Kathpalia steps down as CEO

IndusInd accounting lapses: Sumant Kathpalia steps down as CEO

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

IndusInd Bank MD and CEO Sumant Kathpalia on Tuesday resigned with immediate effect, taking moral responsibility of accounting lapses in the derivatives portfolio, having financial implication of Rs 1,960 crore to the bank.

'Acting Is In My Karma'

'Acting Is In My Karma'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

'The industry has never accepted me.' 'When I was shooting Aashiqui, I would hear comments like, "Yeh toh bahut lambi hai. Heroine nahin dikhti hai".' 'Aashiqui became such a big hit, and you know how the industry is.' 'You have success, then you have everything.'