News for 'US Agency for International'

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.'

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Whether it's navigating the labyrinthine Cu Chi Tunnels, boating on the Mekong, marveling at ancient Champa temples, or the Mekong Bay, Vietnam promises a journey like no other.

Modi-Musk Talk: Will Starlink Get Go Ahead?

Modi-Musk Talk: Will Starlink Get Go Ahead?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Starlink's application for offering satcom services in India had been held up for the company's inability to comply with mandatory ownership disclosure norms.

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The ISI strategy has been to use its proxies to target Hindus in India. They want an outrage and counter-targeting of India's minorities. Further, even the whiff of it restores the Pakistan army's popularity, especially when it's in the dumps, like now, points out Shekhar Gupta.

PV Sales Face Bleak Outlook in 2024-25

PV Sales Face Bleak Outlook in 2024-25

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Major Indian carmakers are preparing for sluggish domestic PV sales growth of just 1-2 per cent in FY26.

Family of 3 'digitally arrested' for 5 days, duped of Rs 1cr

Family of 3 'digitally arrested' for 5 days, duped of Rs 1cr

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A family in Noida was duped of over Rs 1 crore after they were kept under 'digital arrest' for five days by unknown people posing as government officials. The scammers threatened the family with arrest by making video calls and claiming to be investigating money laundering and other crimes. This is a new type of cyber fraud where the accused pose as law enforcement agency officials and use video calls to intimidate their victims.

Gautam Singhania-backed SCCG seeks licence to restore foreign cars

Gautam Singhania-backed SCCG seeks licence to restore foreign cars

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Car restoration service provider Super Car Club Garage (SCCG), backed by Raymond chairman and managing director Gautam Singhania, has sought the Centre's green light for a licence to import foreign vehicles for restoration and subsequent re-export.

Ola Electric is accelerating profitability drive

Ola Electric is accelerating profitability drive

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Ola Electric has eliminated its regional warehouses across India, and will now leverage its 4,000 retail stores nationwide for maintaining vehicle inventory, spare parts, accessories, and last-mile deliveries. The strategic move is expected to boost EBITDA margins by almost 10 percentage points, besides improving inventory management and faster customer deliveries, sources directly familiar with the matter said.

There is favouritism in anti-doping system, says Djokovic

There is favouritism in anti-doping system, says Djokovic

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Novak Djokovic said a majority of players believe favouritism is at play in the tennis anti-doping system.

Suspicious late-night radio signals detected near Indo-Bangladesh border

Suspicious late-night radio signals detected near Indo-Bangladesh border

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Amateur Ham Radio operators have picked up suspicious late-night radio signals in coded Bengali, Urdu and Arabic along the Indo-Bangladesh border in South Bengal over the last two months, raising concerns about possible extremist activities. The signals, which have been detected between 1 AM and 3 AM, are unusual in their pattern and language usage, according to Ham radio operators, who have reported the matter to authorities. The development comes amidst ongoing unrest in Bangladesh and growing anti-India rhetoric in the neighbouring country. Security agencies are investigating the matter, and the Border Security Force (BSF) has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

KKR's new home ground? Agartala stadium in the race

KKR's new home ground? Agartala stadium in the race

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

The construction at the international stadium at Narsingarh began way back in 2017 with an estimated cost of Rs. 185 crore but the stadium is not yet ready.

'India Can't Be Left Out of Global AI Policy'

'India Can't Be Left Out of Global AI Policy'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The government wants the AI Summit to give it an early start in becoming part of any global body setting policies for the emerging technology.

Will Pakistan's Generals Never Learn?

Will Pakistan's Generals Never Learn?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Asim Munir and his brand of short-sighted army officers give no inkling of paying heed, changing course or learning lessons from the past, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

SC rejects plea seeking FIR in cash recovery incident

SC rejects plea seeking FIR in cash recovery incident

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the registration of an FIR over the alleged discovery of burnt wads of cash at the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The court said an in-house inquiry was underway and there would be several options open to the Chief Justice of India after the probe's conclusion.

'Plane Was Completely Destroyed'

'Plane Was Completely Destroyed'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

'After the plane collided with the wall, passengers were thrown out of the aircraft.'

US Open doubles champion suspended for anti-doping breach

US Open doubles champion suspended for anti-doping breach

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Tennis Australia said the ITIA confirmed the breach related to the use of a prohibited method rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.

'India must hit Pakistan hard where it hurts the most'

'India must hit Pakistan hard where it hurts the most'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'We need to raise the costs and consequences for Pakistan. It is long overdue. Our initial surgical strike was effective for about six months. Then, the Balakot strike provided a deterrent for perhaps two to three years. But we cannot operate under the assumption that such limited responses will suffice for decades to come.'

'Blaming India Is Pakistan's Go-To Excuse'

'Blaming India Is Pakistan's Go-To Excuse'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'Neither are Baloch insurgents capable of breaking up Pakistan, nor has Pakistan learned any lessons from the 1971 debacle that led to the country's dismemberment.'

'Can someone explain how a negotiation was possible?'

'Can someone explain how a negotiation was possible?'

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Rather than face the prospect of a lengthy ban, with a decision expected by the end of the year, World No 1 Jannik Sinner accepted the three-month suspension which will allow him to return before the French Open.

South Korean Prez lifts martial law after backlash

South Korean Prez lifts martial law after backlash

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Members of the opposition escalated their criticism of Yoon, with some threatening to initiate impeachment proceedings against the president.

'Tahawwur Rana Won't Get Solitary Confinement, But...'

'Tahawwur Rana Won't Get Solitary Confinement, But...'

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

'It is ensured that no adversaries or people who oppose Tahawwur Rana's philosophy are housed in the same ward or jail.' 'Additionally, it is ensured that he does not have any prior contacts within that jail.' 'So, the lodgment of such a high-profile prisoner is done very carefully.'

Can Sinner defend his Australian Open crown?

Can Sinner defend his Australian Open crown?

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Sinner remains the man to beat at Melbourne Park even as doping officials seek a two-year ban for the world number one for failing two drugs tests last March.

Meet India's first private reinsurer

Meet India's first private reinsurer

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

In Debasish Panda's last board meeting as chairperson of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), the regulator approved the "R2" licence for Kamlesh Goyal and Prem Watsa-backed Value Attics Reinsurance, making it the first private-sector Indian reinsurer after GIC Re, the public-sector reinsurer. "The authority reviewed and approved the R2 application of Value Attics Reinsurance, making it the first private-sector reinsurer after GIC Re, the public-sector reinsurer.

India needs at least 20,000 pilots in coming years: Minister Naidu

India needs at least 20,000 pilots in coming years: Minister Naidu

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Thursday said India will need at least 20,000 pilots in the coming years to meet the rising air-travel demand in the country -- one of the world's fastest growing aviation market. Addressing a gathering at the UDAAN Bhawan here following the launch of Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, the Minister said aviation has always been the backbone of connectivity, economic growth, and technological advancements.

90-mt wide asteroid likely to miss Earth but Nasa's not taking any chances

90-mt wide asteroid likely to miss Earth but Nasa's not taking any chances

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Initially, NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies estimated a roughly 3% chance of a collision on Tuesday, the highest probability ever assigned. However, additional analysis on Wednesday lowered those chances to approximately 1.5%.

Facts fatal, Pak man linked to Gogoi's wife visited India 18 times: Himanta

Facts fatal, Pak man linked to Gogoi's wife visited India 18 times: Himanta

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, allegedly linked to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife, has visited India 18 times. Sarma, while speaking in the state assembly, claimed that the initial information in the case is "very fatal" for the Congress and will have a "huge impact" on the politics of Assam. He also stated that the investigation findings will put some people in an indefensible position.

Ding Lost Deliberately: Russia

Ding Lost Deliberately: Russia

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

'The match,' asserted FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, 'has been played at the highest standards of fair play, no investigation is required.'

Migrated To US, Landed In Ahmedabad

Migrated To US, Landed In Ahmedabad

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

All 33 persons from Gujarat, who were among 104 Indians deported from the US for illegal immigration, were safely transported to their native places on Thursday in state vehicles under the supervision of police, the state government said.

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

We the people are left in the wind, waiting on the whims of an unengaged president and an oligarch with a nearly bottomless wallet, observes Sree Sreenivasan.

'Pahalgam attack has a Hamas footprint'

'Pahalgam attack has a Hamas footprint'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

'It was inspired by the Hamas attack and was like their attack -- well planned and well executed.'

After multiple attacks, China hires private agency to secure assets overseas

After multiple attacks, China hires private agency to secure assets overseas

Rediff.com28 Dec 2023

This may be in line with Russia's private military company, Wagner Group, which was controlled until 2023 by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former close ally of Russia's president Vladimir Putin. The group used the infrastructure of the Russian Armed Forces.

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.

Aware of China's growing presence in Indian Ocean, says Navy chief

Aware of China's growing presence in Indian Ocean, says Navy chief

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

India's Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has stated that India is fully aware of China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean Region, with 6-8 Chinese naval ships present at any given time. Admiral Tripathi emphasized that India knows "who goes where", suggesting strong maritime domain awareness, and has not allowed China to operate in areas of Indian interest. He also highlighted China's supply of maritime equipment to Pakistan, including submarines, which India is actively addressing to ensure its maritime security and trade.

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."

Adani Group to redevelop Mumbai's Motilal Nagar

Adani Group to redevelop Mumbai's Motilal Nagar

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Adani Properties Pvt Ltd (APPL) has emerged as the highest bidder for the redevelopment of Motilal Nagar in Mumbai, offering more built-up area than its nearest rival, L&T. This will be the second mega redevelopment project of Adani Group in Mumbai, after the Dharavi slum redevelopment project. The total estimated redevelopment cost of Motilal Nagar is around Rs 36,000 crore, and the rehabilitation period is seven years from the project start/commencement date. The project will rehabilitate 3,372 residential units eligible under MHADA, 328 eligible commercial units and 1,600 eligible slum tenements.

Adani wins Rs 36,000-cr Mumbai project

Adani wins Rs 36,000-cr Mumbai project

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

After the Dharavi slum redevelopment project, billionaire Gautam Adani's group has emerged as the highest bidder for the Rs 36,000 crore redevelopment of Motilal Nagar in Mumbai, sources said. Motilal Nagar I, II & III is one of Mumbai's biggest housing redevelopment projects, covering 143 acres in western suburb of Goregaon (W).

CBI brings back Lashkar terrorist from Rwanda

CBI brings back Lashkar terrorist from Rwanda

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has brought back Salman Rehman Khan, an alleged member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, from Rwanda. Khan was wanted by the NIA for terror-related offences in Bengaluru. He was traced to Rwanda and returned to India on November 28, 2024. The return of Khan comes after similar operations in coordination with Interpol, where two other accused were brought back from Saudi Arabia.

Govt sources explain why deportation flights land in Amritsar

Govt sources explain why deportation flights land in Amritsar

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The Indian government has defended the use of Amritsar as a deportation hub for US flights carrying Indian deportees, despite objections from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Government sources said Punjab has the highest number of deportees among Indian states, with 126 out of 333 people deported since February 5. The sources added that 23 flights carrying Indian deportees have arrived in the country since May 2020, all landing in Amritsar. The move has sparked controversy, with opposition parties protesting the treatment meted out to the deportees and demanding that the Indian government take up the issue with the US. Mann has accused the Centre of trying to defame Punjab and said a holy city like Amritsar should not be made a "deport centre".

'No Politics When It Comes To The Country's Finances'

'No Politics When It Comes To The Country's Finances'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'Each state is unique, but when it comes to finance, the fundamentals cannot be different.'

China hikes defence budget, 3 times higher than India

China hikes defence budget, 3 times higher than India

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

China has announced a 7.2 percent increase in its national defence budget, bringing the total to USD 249 billion for the year. This rise comes amidst China's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces, including the development of new warships and fighter jets. The budget increase, exceeding last year's 7.2 percent rise, reflects China's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of the Communist Party's leadership in guiding the military, with President Xi Jinping at the helm of the Central Military Commission. China's defence spending is now three times that of India's and is viewed by critics as a sign of the country's growing military ambitions.