News for 'United Nations Development Program'

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

Rediff.com2 days ago

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

DLTA Denies Land Lease Breaches Amid AITA Election Buzz

DLTA Denies Land Lease Breaches Amid AITA Election Buzz

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) has strongly denied reports of violating land lease conditions for the R K Khanna Tennis Complex, asserting that all facilities comply with government norms. The association suggested that the allegations are "mala fide" and strategically timed to influence the upcoming All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections. DLTA also defended its commercial subletting practices, stating they are approved by the L&DO and are essential for generating revenue as it receives no government funding for maintenance.

Iran hits Israel's Haifa shortly after Trump says its missile program curtailed

Iran hits Israel's Haifa shortly after Trump says its missile program curtailed

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the missile launches in a statement on Telegram, noting that defensive systems were actively operating to intercept the threat.

US-Iran draft deal proposes immediate ceasefire, sanctions relief

US-Iran draft deal proposes immediate ceasefire, sanctions relief

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A potential agreement between the United States and Iran, including a comprehensive ceasefire and gradual lifting of US sanctions, may be announced soon, according to reports. The agreement aims to de-escalate tensions and establish a framework for resolving disputes.

How Yan Diomande Went From Florida To World Cup

How Yan Diomande Went From Florida To World Cup

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old winger from the Ivory Coast, has experienced a meteoric rise in the world of football, going from playing in a Florida high school to representing his country at the World Cup. His journey involved overcoming cultural challenges and excelling in both the United States and Europe, ultimately leading to his selection for the Ivory Coast national team.

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire ends, while Pakistan urged both sides to extend the truce and pursue diplomacy.

Meet Amit Kshatriya, Indian-American behind historic moon mission

Meet Amit Kshatriya, Indian-American behind historic moon mission

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Indian-American scientist Amit Kshatriya's journey from watching rocket launches in Houston to becoming NASA's Associate Administrator is a testament to his dedication and expertise in space exploration.

Haryana CM Orders Digital Platform for ITI Graduate Employment Tracking

Haryana CM Orders Digital Platform for ITI Graduate Employment Tracking

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed the development of a digital portal to track apprenticeship and placement data for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) graduates, alongside initiatives to boost youth employment opportunities.

9 Noisiest Cities In The World

9 Noisiest Cities In The World

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

According to a United Nations Environment Program 2022 report, these nine cities are known for particularly high sound levels.

'Urge all sides...': India reacts as US-Israel attack Iran

'Urge all sides...': India reacts as US-Israel attack Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Following a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran, India is calling for restraint and de-escalation to avoid further military confrontation in the Middle East.

Ports are being developed as hubs of green hydrogen production

Ports are being developed as hubs of green hydrogen production

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The government is developing ports across the country as centres for green hydrogen production and export, Sarbananda Sonowal, minister of ports, shipping and waterways (MoPSW) said on Tuesday. "Across the country, over 12 million tonnes of green hydrogen-based e-fuel capacity has been announced.

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Pakistan to host crucial US-Iran talks amid anxiety

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Pakistan is set to host face-to-face talks between the United States and Iran, aiming to solidify a fragile ceasefire and prevent further conflict in West Asia. The discussions will focus on a long-term peace arrangement, including sanctions relief, regional security, and Iran's nuclear program.

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

China's latest defence budget surges to $275 billion, fueling its ambitious military modernisation program and intensifying geopolitical dynamics in the region.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

ICC suspends USA Cricket's membership

ICC suspends USA Cricket's membership

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the suspension of USA Cricket's membership with immediate effect, saying the decision has been taken after a "thorough review of affairs and extensive engagement with key stakeholders over the past year".

Maha civic results may trigger MVA churn as Cong pulls ahead

Maha civic results may trigger MVA churn as Cong pulls ahead

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

With the Congress coming third overall and having done much better than Shiv Sena-UBT and NCP-SP, its allies in Maha Vikas Aghadi, political analysts said it will force a rethink as far as coordination, seat-sharing and leadership are concerned ahead of the 2029 assembly polls.

Trump's Language Of Fascism

Trump's Language Of Fascism

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

'Non-compatible with Western Civilization' is about as vague and jingoistic as it gets and Trump saying this gives full license to his acolytes to go full throttle on making life as difficult and scary as possible for as many non-white people as possible,' notes Sree Sreenivasan.

'India Should Not Rush To Celebrate Trump's Trade Announcement'

'India Should Not Rush To Celebrate Trump's Trade Announcement'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'Trump says India will buy over $500 billion of US goods.' 'At present, India's annual imports of goods and energy from the US are under $50 billion.' 'Reaching $500 billion would likely require more than 20 years, suggesting the figure refers to a long-term aspiration rather than a near-term commitment.'

US proposes 21-point plan to end Gaza war; no governance role for Hamas

US proposes 21-point plan to end Gaza war; no governance role for Hamas

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

The daily said that the plan which it has acquired was also authenticated by two sources familiar with the matter and sees the US establishing a dialogue with Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a "political horizon" for "peaceful coexistence."

Modi in Mumbai: Navi Mumbai airport, metro line, UK PM meet

Modi in Mumbai: Navi Mumbai airport, metro line, UK PM meet

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate phase one of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line-3 during his two-day Maharashtra visit. He will also launch Mumbai One, India's first integrated common mobility app.

'Kerala Has Done Very Well In Eradicating Poverty'

'Kerala Has Done Very Well In Eradicating Poverty'

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

'Poverty eradication is a continuous process. There is no full stop to it.'

2,417 Indians deported or repatriated from US since Jan: Govt

2,417 Indians deported or repatriated from US since Jan: Govt

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

During the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's firm stance against illegal migration, emphasising commitment to promoting legal pathways for migration.

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Rubio voiced "appreciation" for New Delhi's continued engagement on bilateral issues, including trade, defence and energy.

India's GDP growth revised downward to 6.3% for 2025

India's GDP growth revised downward to 6.3% for 2025

Rediff.com17 May 2025

India's economic growth forecast for 2025 has been revised downward to 6.3 per cent, and despite a projected moderation, the country remains one of the fastest-growing large economies, supported by resilient consumption and government spending, the United Nations has said.

Violent protests continue in Nepal, minister's houses targeted

Violent protests continue in Nepal, minister's houses targeted

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

The protesters shouted slogans such as KP Chor, Desh Chhod (K P Sharma Oli is a thief, quit the country), "Take action against corrupt leaders".

Kepler Wins Defence Deal for Swarming Satellites

Kepler Wins Defence Deal for Swarming Satellites

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The autonomous satellite swarm is being designed for the Defence Space Agency.

TCS to drive next phase of Passport Seva Program

TCS to drive next phase of Passport Seva Program

Rediff.com7 Jan 2022

Tata Consultancy Services on Friday said it has been selected by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the second phase of the Passport Seva Program. In the next phase of the programme, TCS will refresh existing facilities and systems, and develop innovative solutions to enable the issuance of e-passports and further enhance the citizen experience, using technologies, such as biometrics, artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, chatbots, auto-response, natural language processing, and the cloud, a statement said. Launched in 2008, the Passport Seva Program saw TCS transforming the delivery of passport-related services, digitising the processes, and setting global benchmarks in timeliness, transparency, and reliability.

Social entrepreneur of the year award 2007

Social entrepreneur of the year award 2007

Rediff.com2 Aug 2007

The Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation and The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), have opened nominations for India's 'Social Entrepren

How villagers built a tourist resort

How villagers built a tourist resort

Rediff.com18 Jan 2010

Himanshu Burte visits a resort at the edge of the Rann of Kutch and is pleasantly surprised Sham-e-Sarhad (Sunset at the Border), an eco-resort at the edge of the Rann of Kutch built and run by the village community of Hodka.

A Deal Is Possible Only On Trump's Terms

A Deal Is Possible Only On Trump's Terms

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

For India, the challenge is to strike a balance between tactical necessity and economic priorities, point out Pravin Krishna and Monil Sharma.

'If We Want India To Be A Source Of New Ideas...'

'If We Want India To Be A Source Of New Ideas...'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

'Despite being a software powerhouse, we're not producing proportionate original IP, frameworks, or global tech products originating in India.'

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

'India Should Reduce Tariffs For All Countries'

'India Should Reduce Tariffs For All Countries'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'That way you're not hostage just to US sort of exports to India.'

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

USAID funded 7 projects in India not related to voter turnout: Govt

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The Finance Ministry's annual report has revealed that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in India during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The projects, implemented in partnership with the Indian government, cover areas like agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, health, sustainable forests, and climate adaptation. This disclosure comes amidst controversy over USAID's alleged role in influencing Indian elections, with claims that the agency allocated USD 21 million to India for 'voter turnout'. However, the report clarifies that no funds were dedicated to enhancing voter turnout.

'Full-Scale War Would Be Catastrophic'

'Full-Scale War Would Be Catastrophic'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'India enjoys conventional superiority, but nuclear deterrence imposes clear boundaries.'

'Create Million To Impact Billion Lives'

'Create Million To Impact Billion Lives'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

'Can we give young India the tools to solve the problems the country or society faces and uplift the community?'

F35s: Musk Tweets Dissed US Fighter

F35s: Musk Tweets Dissed US Fighter

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Two Elon Musk from November 2024 surfaced online over the weekend in which he can be seen criticising the US' F-35 fighter aircraft which President Donald J Trump offered to sell India during Prime Minister Narendra D Modi's visit to the White House on Thursday.

Lessons For Start Ups From UPI Success Story

Lessons For Start Ups From UPI Success Story

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Isn't there something significant in the UPI example for all of us to learn from and execute to enable world-scale success for our startups?, asks Ajit Balakrishnan.

Can SC's new measures put a curb on child marriage?

Can SC's new measures put a curb on child marriage?

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Under the title of "legal enforcement", states and Union Territories were directed to appoint officers solely responsible for discharging the functions of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers at the district level.

US imposes sweeping new sanctions on Iran

US imposes sweeping new sanctions on Iran

Rediff.com22 Sep 2020

'Today, I am taking new actions to restrict Iran's nuclear, ballistic missile, and conventional weapons pursuits. My Administration will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, nor will we allow Iran to endanger the rest of the world with a fresh supply of ballistic missiles and conventional arms,' Trump said in a statement.