News for 'United Nations Development Programme'

India slips 2 spot to 132 in UN Human Development Index

India slips 2 spot to 132 in UN Human Development Index

Rediff.com8 Sep 2022

Human Development -- a measure of a nation's health, education, and average income -- has declined for two years in a row.

'Auto industry has resilience to tackle rare earth issue'

'Auto industry has resilience to tackle rare earth issue'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'The government is actively engaging with EU to ensure that concerns of Indian companies and hard-to-abate sectors are adequately addressed under CBAM'

Diplomatic Expulsions: Games Nations Play

Diplomatic Expulsions: Games Nations Play

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

India and Canada have mutually beneficial political and economic linkages. The two countries should get together and find a solution. The expulsion war should, in the meantime, be a guarantee against any deterioration of the situation, asserts Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, the first Indian head of mission to be ever expelled by any country.

BSE calls off merger of GIFT City unit with NSE

BSE calls off merger of GIFT City unit with NSE

Rediff.com24 May 2024

The stock exchange BSE has called off the merger of its unit at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City International Financial Services Centre (GIFT IFSC), India International Exchange (India INX), with NSE International Exchange (NSE IX), a similar unit floated by rival National Stock Exchange (NSE), according to sources familiar with the development. BSE and NSE had been in discussions for the merger for over a year, but it has yielded no results, they said.

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."

The India Story: 90% Work In Progress

The India Story: 90% Work In Progress

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

From highways connecting once-remote regions to aviation networks carrying millions, India's infrastructure story is one of transformation.

Report on Chhattisgarh bags UN award

Report on Chhattisgarh bags UN award

Rediff.com19 Jun 2007

The independent Chhattisgarh state Human Development Report, commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme and published in 2005, recounts the voices of more than 19,128 villagers from across the state.

UN to send assessment team to quake-hit Iran

UN to send assessment team to quake-hit Iran

Rediff.com1 Apr 2006

The assessment team is ready to provide any aid that may be needed and to mobilise international assistance.

2 Punjab districts chosen for dry run of Covid vaccine

2 Punjab districts chosen for dry run of Covid vaccine

Rediff.com25 Dec 2020

'The districts of Ludhiana and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar have been selected for the dry run,' Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said in an official statement.

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.'

Why The Census Is Important

Why The Census Is Important

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

It will be interesting to see what shifts have been recorded in the last decade-and-a-half -- from the effects of demonetisation and Covid's second wave to the drop in fertility and increase in farm workers -- but we will only know this if and when the Census is conducted, points out Aakar Patel.

Invest in the poor, tax the rich

Invest in the poor, tax the rich

Rediff.com22 Mar 2013

Most rich and upper-middle class Indians are greatly under-taxed. Worse, the government annually writes off over Rs 5 lakh crores through exemptions. This practice must be ended if the growth-development disconnect is to be abolished, says Praful Bidwai.

'State Banks Must Take Affordable Housing Seriously'

'State Banks Must Take Affordable Housing Seriously'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

'Unless banks focus on the Rs 10-15 lakh loan segment, growing affordable housing will remain a challenge.'

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a tri-services ceremonial welcome in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time such an honor has been bestowed upon a foreign leader. The welcome took place at the historic Independence Square, the venue for national day celebrations. Modi's visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery from a recent economic crisis, with India playing a significant role in providing assistance. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation, energy, and digital initiatives.

Siddharth Chatterjee takes over as top UN diplomat in China

Siddharth Chatterjee takes over as top UN diplomat in China

Rediff.com17 Feb 2021

Chatterjee, whose early career was in the Indian Army, was decorated for gallantry by the President of India in 1995.

ISRO Gears Up For Space Docking Mission

ISRO Gears Up For Space Docking Mission

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

Docking technology is crucial for sending people and cargo to space stations.

'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?'

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.

UN bodies hail Budget fund for social sector

UN bodies hail Budget fund for social sector

Rediff.com7 Jul 2009

Welcoming government's decision to keep the common man in focus in the Union Budget, country director of United Nations Development Programme Deirdre Boyd said the enhanced funding to social sector will also help India achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

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.

Govt's Rs 28,602 cr boost for manufacturing industry

Govt's Rs 28,602 cr boost for manufacturing industry

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

The government on Wednesday approved 12 new industrial cities in 10 states on the lines of Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Dholera in Gujarat to boost domestic manufacturing with an estimated investment of Rs 28,602 crore. These industrial areas will be in Khurpia in Uttarakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in AP, and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan, and one in Haryana. A decision in this regard was taken in a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The Bihar government has formed a state-level task force to monitor actions taken by authorities to prevent and eradicate child marriages in the state. Bihar has the second-highest rate of child marriage in India, with 40.8% of women getting married before turning 18. The government is implementing a multipronged strategy to combat child marriage, including stricter enforcement of the law, empowering girls through education, and raising awareness.

Covid-19 has severely tested resilience of all nations: PM

Covid-19 has severely tested resilience of all nations: PM

Rediff.com17 Jul 2020

Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi said India has always prided itself as the first responder in the region - a friend in need.

Delhi only Indian city to get average green label

Delhi only Indian city to get average green label

Rediff.com11 May 2012

Three big cities -- Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore -- have been rated below average compared to other mega cities in Asia-Pacific in terms of keeping pollution levels in check, said a report of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Delhi is the only Indian city featured in the average category.

Asia-Pacific countries must respond to climate change: UNDP

Asia-Pacific countries must respond to climate change: UNDP

Rediff.com10 May 2012

The report argues that in the face of climate change, countries in Asia and the Pacific "will need to change way they manufacture goods, raise crops and livestock and generate energy".

AIDS counselling, online

AIDS counselling, online

Rediff.com1 Dec 2005

A portal aims to answer queries, allay fears and provide help on HIV/AIDS.

Climate change: Adaptation cost in developing nations to be huge

Climate change: Adaptation cost in developing nations to be huge

Rediff.com6 Dec 2014

The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report highlights gaps worldwide in finance, technology, and knowledge.

High points of Sitharaman's 8th Union Budget

High points of Sitharaman's 8th Union Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

These are the highlights of the Union Budget 2025-26 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Saturday.

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, whose political influence has surged with the passage of time, on Monday was marked by bitter trading of charges between the ruling BJP and opposition parties as they fought for his legacy.

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'Everyone with a low BMI will not get Type 5 diabetes.'

U.N. suspends Maria Sharapova as goodwill ambassador

U.N. suspends Maria Sharapova as goodwill ambassador

Rediff.com15 Mar 2016

Maria Sharapova has been suspended as a goodwill ambassador by the United Nations after the former world number one admitted she had tested positive for the banned substance meldonium at this year's Australian Open.

'Sri Lanka's Relations With India At All-Time High'

'Sri Lanka's Relations With India At All-Time High'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'Granting the country's highest civilian honour to Prime Minister Modi was surprising as it indicated the government was going out of its way to have India as a close partner.'

Pipeline tariffs: CNG, piped gas to be charged lowest rate

Pipeline tariffs: CNG, piped gas to be charged lowest rate

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

In a significant change to regulations, oil and gas regulator PNGRB has proposed a new policy of how tariffs for pipelines carrying gas to users will be determined, and proposed charging city gas entities selling CNG and piped cooking gas to households at the lowest rates.

India's human development growth slows down, but it's not alone

India's human development growth slows down, but it's not alone

Rediff.com18 Sep 2018

Among its closest neighbours, India leads in income levels or overall economic empowerment. However, it also leads in terms of income inequality, due to which the inequality-adjusted HDI suffers a bigger fall.

President Murmu flags cost, use of English as hurdles to justice

President Murmu flags cost, use of English as hurdles to justice

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

She said that access to justice for all has been a theme close to her heart and mentioned several steps taken to help economically disadvantaged sections of society to approach legal institutions for remedial action.

Dharavi not Asia's largest slum: UNDP report

Dharavi not Asia's largest slum: UNDP report

Rediff.com7 Sep 2009

Dharavi, a congested slum located in the heart of India's financial capital Mumbai, said to be the largest slum in Asia, is actually not, a report by the United Nations Development Programme claims.

'IAF's Job Is To Keep India Secure'

'IAF's Job Is To Keep India Secure'

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

'Today's situation is unacceptable. It has the potential to affect the IAF's operational capability.'

Poverty on the decline in India

Poverty on the decline in India

Rediff.com16 Jul 2004