News for 'US Agency for International'

Sunita Williams likely to leave Space Station on March 19

Sunita Williams likely to leave Space Station on March 19

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Indian-origin Astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are scheduled to leave the International Space station by March 19 at the earliest, said NASA.

Modi cuts short Saudi trip, returns to India after J-K terror attack

Modi cuts short Saudi trip, returns to India after J-K terror attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi on Tuesday night following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Modi, who held bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, skipped an official dinner hosted on Tuesday to address the crisis. He was originally scheduled to return to India on Wednesday night. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group, prompted an urgent internal meeting at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Jeddah, attended by Modi, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and other senior officials.

Punjab border districts on high alert, villagers move to safer areas

Punjab border districts on high alert, villagers move to safer areas

Rediff.com8 May 2025

People in some border villages of Ferozepur district in Punjab began moving to safer areas amid soaring tensions between India and Pakistan.

If India attacks or disrupts water flow...: Pak's 'Nuke' threat

If India attacks or disrupts water flow...: Pak's 'Nuke' threat

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Pakistan's ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, has warned that Pakistan will respond with "full spectrum of force", including nuclear, if it is attacked or its vital water flow is disrupted. The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Jamali also reiterated Pakistan's stance on the Indus Water Treaty, saying any attempt to stop or divert water flow would be considered an act of war. He urged de-escalation, emphasizing the potential danger given both countries possess nuclear weapons. Jamali further called for a neutral investigation into the Kashmir attack, suggesting the involvement of China and Russia. He also highlighted the need to address the root causes of the conflict, pointing to the unresolved Kashmir issue and its potential for resentment.

Did Pahalgam Attack Have A UN Angle?

Did Pahalgam Attack Have A UN Angle?

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Pakistan was waiting for an opportunity to bring the Jammu and Kashmir issue to the global agenda and resorted to the terrorism route to provoke India, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Russian wrestler banned for doping with cancer drug

Russian wrestler banned for doping with cancer drug

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Russian wrestler Dmitry Baboryko was banned for two years after taking a breast cancer drug that counters the effects of using steroids.

For Bengal violence, Mamata blames Centre, BJP, BSF

For Bengal violence, Mamata blames Centre, BJP, BSF

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Border Security Force (BSF), central agencies, and the BJP of fanning tension in Murshidabad by allegedly facilitating cross-border influx from Bangladesh. She also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to keep the Union Home Ministry under control. Banerjee has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of three people killed during the violence and directed the state chief secretary to initiate a probe into the role of the BSF.

SpaceX Dragon docks with ISS to bring back stranded astronauts

SpaceX Dragon docks with ISS to bring back stranded astronauts

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

On Friday, SpaceX and NASA launched a mission to bring back US astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the ISS, where they have been stranded for nine months.

Malegaon trial ends 17 yrs after blast, verdict on May 8

Malegaon trial ends 17 yrs after blast, verdict on May 8

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A special court in India has reserved its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which killed six people and injured over 100. The trial began nearly 17 years after the bombing in the town of Malegaon, located in Maharashtra. The prosecution concluded its final arguments on Saturday, marking the end of the hearings. Seven individuals, including Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit and BJP leader Pragya Thakur, are facing charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The verdict is expected to be delivered on May 8th.

SC rejects NIA plea against bail given to accused in RSS leader's murder case

SC rejects NIA plea against bail given to accused in RSS leader's murder case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has declined to interfere with the bail granted to 17 members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with the 2022 murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Srinivasan in Kerala. The court noted that the Kerala High Court, which granted bail, has the power to revoke it if the conditions are violated. The NIA had sought cancellation of the bail, alleging the accused had violated bail conditions and contacted witnesses. The accused are also facing trial for allegedly instigating communal violence in Kerala and other parts of the country.

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The bank made a Rs 67 crore net profit, up 21% from the previous year. Its deposits grew 8%, the loan book 10%. Net bad loans dropped from 7.53% to 6.07%. So why was the banker, who headed the bank, not promoted?

Wanted Punjab terrorist arrested in US; had links with ISI, BKI

Wanted Punjab terrorist arrested in US; had links with ISI, BKI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia alias Jora, an alleged terrorist who had illegally entered the US, was arrested by the FBI and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations in Sacramento.

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.

Oil: India to save Rs 1.8 lakh cr on import bill

Oil: India to save Rs 1.8 lakh cr on import bill

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India, the world's third largest oil importing and consuming nation, is likely to save as much as Rs 1.8 lakh crore on import of crude oil and LNG if the trend of softening international energy rates continues, Icra said Wednesday. India, which meets over 85 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports, spent $242.4 billion on buying crude from overseas in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.

Harvard's 788 Indian Students: What Next?

Harvard's 788 Indian Students: What Next?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's eligibility to enrol foreign students, raising concerns over the legal status of thousands of students, including nearly 800 from India, currently enrolled at the varsity.

India pushes to get Pakistan back in FATF 'grey list'

India pushes to get Pakistan back in FATF 'grey list'

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India will argue for Pakistan's return to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list due to its alleged failure to combat money laundering and terror financing. The move comes after recent tensions between the two countries following a terror attack in Pahalgam, India. India believes Pakistan has not adequately addressed the issue of terrorism emanating from its territory and has diverted funds from multilateral agencies towards arms purchases.

US tariff jitters: Auto part exporters may take a Rs 4,500 crore hit

US tariff jitters: Auto part exporters may take a Rs 4,500 crore hit

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Indian auto component exporters may suffer a hit of 2,700 crore to 4,500 crore on their earnings after the imposition of steep US tariffs on key automotive parts, credit rating agency ICRA said in a note on Monday. The new 25 per cent tariff on engines, transmission, electrical components, and other auto parts may moderate the overall auto component industry's revenue growth to 6-8 per cent in 2025-26 (FY26), down from an earlier projection of 8-10 per cent.

Govt abruptly terminates IMF ED Subramanian's services 6 months ahead of tenure

Govt abruptly terminates IMF ED Subramanian's services 6 months ahead of tenure

Rediff.com4 May 2025

In an unexpected move, the government has terminated services of K V Subramanian as the executive director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) six months ahead of his three-year tenure. The move comes days before the IMF executive board is to consider financial aid for debt-ridden Pakistan.

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).

Baby feet, nausea: Why Sunita Williams won't feel at home on Earth

Baby feet, nausea: Why Sunita Williams won't feel at home on Earth

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

"Once the astronaut returns to Earth, they are immediately forced to readjust again, back to Earth's gravity, and can experience issues standing, stabilising their gaze, walking and turning. For their safety, returning astronauts are often placed in a chair immediately upon return to Earth," the Houston-based Baylor College of Medicine said in a note on body changes in space.

Russia invites Modi for World War II victory day parade

Russia invites Modi for World War II victory day parade

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Russia has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the May 9 celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Germany in World War II, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko has said.

Brands Begin To Circle Around Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Brands Begin To Circle Around Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'Give him a couple of seasons, a cool head, and some long-term form, and he won't just be in campaigns -- he'll be the campaign.'

Ranya Rao case: ED raids institutions linked to K'taka home minister

Ranya Rao case: ED raids institutions linked to K'taka home minister

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday searched locations in Karnataka, including educational institutions linked to state Home Minister G Parameshwara, as part of a probe into alleged gold smuggling-linked money laundering case against Kannada actor Ranya Rao and others. The ED sources said an educational trust is suspected to have "diverted" funds and made a payment of Rs 40 lakh towards the credit card bill of Rao, allegedly on the instructions of an influential individual. The sources claimed the trust is linked to Parameshwara and the "influential" individual is a politically exposed person. The searches found there were no supporting vouchers or documentation to "substantiate" this payment (for credit card bill payment), they said.

Fitch removes Adani Energy from rating watch, first upgrade since US indictment

Fitch removes Adani Energy from rating watch, first upgrade since US indictment

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Fitch Ratings has removed energy infrastructure company Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) from its 'Ratings Watch Negative' list, the first upgrade by an international ratings agency since the US indictment. Fitch affirmed AESL long-term foreign and local-currency issuer default ratings (IDRs) at 'BBB-'.

Working Post Maternity Like Deepika? Know Your Rights

Working Post Maternity Like Deepika? Know Your Rights

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Shruti Swaroop, founder of Embrace Consulting, tells you why Deepika Padukone's quiet protest should inspire you to understand your maternity benefits and plan your return to work with confidence, not compromise.

Pak gets $1 bn IMF loan despite India's strong objection

Pak gets $1 bn IMF loan despite India's strong objection

Rediff.com10 May 2025

India registered its protest at the board of IMF, which met on Friday to review the EFF lending programme for Pakistan.

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation.

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

There are challenges galore before him, and it is not going to be easy. In the next four years, he has to conjure a system that changes the optics about him and the BJP both nationally and internationally so that he can ride back on his own, claim the top slot, and not have to lean on a coalition, asserts Ramesh Menon as Modi 3.0 completes a year in power.

Security forces pin down 3 terrorists in Kathua forest

Security forces pin down 3 terrorists in Kathua forest

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

A multi-agency operation is underway in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir to track down three terrorists believed to be hiding in a forested area. The operation, which resumed Thursday, involves the Indian Army, Police, CRPF, NSG, and BSF. The terrorists are suspected to be part of a group that has had multiple encounters with security forces in the past few weeks, resulting in the deaths of four policemen. The operation is being conducted with aerial surveillance, sniffer dogs, and multiple surveillance-cum-ambushes. Six people, including some women, have been detained for questioning in connection with the terrorists' movements.

Wife spent a year in Pak for work, I visited once: Gogoi slams Sarma

Wife spent a year in Pak for work, I visited once: Gogoi slams Sarma

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Newly appointed Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi has denied allegations of having links to the Pakistani establishment, calling the claims made by the BJP a "C-grade Bollywood movie" that will "flop miserably." Gogoi said he had only visited Pakistan once 12 years ago with his wife, who was working on an international project focused on climate change. He questioned why the BJP government had not acted on the allegations in the past 11 years if there was any wrongdoing. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who made the initial allegations, said he would release further evidence on September 10 after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) completes its inquiry.

World urges India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'

World urges India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

World leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and US President Donald Trump, have urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions to the ongoing tensions. The calls for calm come after India conducted airstrikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a recent terrorist attack. Leaders from the US, Russia, UK, China, UAE, Qatar, and Japan have expressed concern over the escalating situation and emphasized the need for dialogue and de-escalation.

Bomb-threat note found in Mumbai-New York plane toilet

Bomb-threat note found in Mumbai-New York plane toilet

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

A passenger spotted the note with the message "There is a bomb in the flight" written on it inside the toilet and alerted the crew, a Sahar police official here said.

Hundreds evacuated from LoC, border in J-K

Hundreds evacuated from LoC, border in J-K

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Hundreds of residents along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir were evacuated to safer zones after Pakistani shelling following Indian airstrikes on terror targets in Pakistan. The shelling killed 12 people, including four children and two women, and injured over 50. The evacuations come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. The government has provided temporary shelter for those evacuated.

How Adani Countered Hindenburg And Made The Boldest Comeback

How Adani Countered Hindenburg And Made The Boldest Comeback

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Hindenburg Research, the forensic financial firm that challenged the Adani Group, took its name from the infamous airship that burst into flames upon arriving in New Jersey in 1937. And the counter to its damning report against the conglomerate was dubbed 'Operation Zeppelin,' named after the German dirigible airships used for reconnaissance and bombing during the First World War.

'Vaibhav has two options: Gill Highway & Shaw Bylane'

'Vaibhav has two options: Gill Highway & Shaw Bylane'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Bihar Cricket Association president Rakesh Tiwary, along with the Royals management, Dravid, and Vaibhav's father Sanjiv, are trying to create a safety net around the teenager, whose life has changed after becoming the youngest ever centurion in IPL's history.

What's wrong in using spyware against terrorists, asks SC

What's wrong in using spyware against terrorists, asks SC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday questioned the issue of using "spyware against terrorists" and stated that any report touching upon the country's "security and sovereignty" won't be made public. The court indicated it might address individual concerns regarding privacy breaches, but the report of the technical committee would not be a document for public discussion. The court will examine the extent to which the report can be shared publicly. The court's statement came during a hearing on a petition related to the alleged use of Pegasus spyware for surveillance. The court also emphasized that "having spyware is not wrong, against whom you are using is the question" and that the security of the nation cannot be compromised. The hearing has been adjourned to July 30.

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.

'Habemus Sinner!': World No. 1 Returns

'Habemus Sinner!': World No. 1 Returns

Rediff.com6 May 2025

'I am happy to play tennis again.'

16 women's soccer teams for '28 Olympics; 12 men's

16 women's soccer teams for '28 Olympics; 12 men's

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will feature an increase in women's soccer teams from 12 to 16, while the men's competition will be downsized from 16 to a dozen teams, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

NASA, SpaceX launch mission to bring Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore home

NASA, SpaceX launch mission to bring Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore home

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded on the ISS for nine months after reaching there in June last year. They were supposed to stay there for about a week.