News for 'United Nations Development Programme'

UN rights chief slams US top court's abortion ruling, says it's anti-women

UN rights chief slams US top court's abortion ruling, says it's anti-women

Rediff.com25 Jun 2022

In the historic ruling on Friday, the US Supreme Court decided by six votes to three to overturn the 50-year-old Roe v Wade judgement that guaranteed access to abortion across the country.

'The Congress has to reboot'

'The Congress has to reboot'

Rediff.com8 Dec 2023

'Revanth Reddy mounted a spirited campaign in Telangana which turned around the fortunes of the Congress in six months.'

COVID-19: 'Dummy vaccination' begins in 4 states

COVID-19: 'Dummy vaccination' begins in 4 states

Rediff.com28 Dec 2020

As the country eagerly awaits an expected coronavirus vaccination drive in January, at least 125 intended beneficiaries each in four states who had registered on the Co-WIN App were on Monday sent SMSes informing them about the time and place of their 'COVID-19 vaccination' under a mock-drill to administer the shots at designated centres.

'We are looking at flying an Indian into space'

'We are looking at flying an Indian into space'

Rediff.com8 Dec 2023

'It's vital that over the next 10 years, that India, the US and the Artemis Accords family of nations come together to ensure that we not only return humanity to the moon, but that we build the technology that will allow us stay there permanently.' 'And then go on to Mars.'

India rejects Trump's Afghanistan library jibe at PM

India rejects Trump's Afghanistan library jibe at PM

Rediff.com3 Jan 2019

The sources said India may be building small libraries as part of the community development initiative, but most of its investments in Afghanistan were on mega infrastructure projects including the 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram, the Salma Dam and the new Afghan Parliament building.

In contact with India, others on mediation bids to end Ukraine war: UN chief

In contact with India, others on mediation bids to end Ukraine war: UN chief

Rediff.com29 Mar 2022

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that he has been in 'very close contact' with India and other countries on mediation efforts towards bringing an end to the war in Ukraine.

Perfect storm gathering over Smriti Irani's ministry

Perfect storm gathering over Smriti Irani's ministry

Rediff.com19 Aug 2016

Rising skills gap, falling exports, low productivity, rising debt and low foreign investment is jeopardising the target set for the textile and apparels sector

Modi reveals names of Gaganyan mission astronauts. They are...

Modi reveals names of Gaganyan mission astronauts. They are...

Rediff.com27 Feb 2024

The four astronauts are -- Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Angad Prathap, Ajit Krishnan, and Shubhanshu Shukla -- Modi said at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at Thumba near the Kerala state capital.

Chandrayaan-3 mission countdown begins; India set to join elite group

Chandrayaan-3 mission countdown begins; India set to join elite group

Rediff.com13 Jul 2023

The soft landing of the spacecraft is planned for late August. The mission is expected to be supportive to future interplanetary missions.

The good, bad and ugly of India's HDR rankings

The good, bad and ugly of India's HDR rankings

Rediff.com12 Apr 2017

While India's human development index has improved, absolute performance levels aren't satisfactory, says T N Ninan.

Buddhism revived under Modi govt: Global Buddhist body; hails India's mission

Buddhism revived under Modi govt: Global Buddhist body; hails India's mission

Rediff.com9 Oct 2022

He recalled PM Modi's message at the United Nations and hailed India's mission "to save the planet from conflict and violence" through the principles of Buddhism.

'They started Opposition unity much too late'

'They started Opposition unity much too late'

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

'They were as late as June 2023 and they did not follow it up with concrete measures immediately in terms of a secretariat or common minimum programme, working group or seat sharing etc.' 'They continued to have periodic meetings after a gap of weeks where they had tasty dinner and coffee, but beside that they did nothing else.'

Ready to give my life but won't allow...: Mamata's jab at BJP

Ready to give my life but won't allow...: Mamata's jab at BJP

Rediff.com22 Apr 2023

"I am ready to fight the money power (of her political opponents), and (central) agencies (which her party alleges has been unleashed on TMC with a political motive), but I will not bow my head," she said.

COP27 Does Little On Climate Change

COP27 Does Little On Climate Change

Rediff.com26 Nov 2022

The overwhelming feeling at the end of COP 27 was that despite decades of meetings and landmark accords, like the Paris Agreement, the world was still not doing enough to slow the climate crisis, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Nuclear Or Conventional Submarines: What Should India Pick?

Nuclear Or Conventional Submarines: What Should India Pick?

Rediff.com13 Jun 2023

The status of the current submarine force level is alarming and we need to address the threat perceptions expeditiously. Critical decisions pertaining to national security cannot be delayed any further due to the rapidly changing maritime threat perceptions and growing strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region, asserts Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Dalai Lama successor must be from within China, needs govt nod: Beijing

Dalai Lama successor must be from within China, needs govt nod: Beijing

Rediff.com10 Nov 2023

Though Beijing asserts the Dalai Lama's successor needs its approval, observers say it remains concerned as the present Panchen Lama, the number two spiritual leader who was appointed by it after unseating the boy nominated by the Dalai Lama, has not gained much traction in Tibet.

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.

'Our party expects Modiji will do justice to us'

'Our party expects Modiji will do justice to us'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2024

'We want to strengthen hands of Modiji and sure that LJP (Ram Vilas) will contest polls as an ally of NDA.'

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

As the United States focuses on the Indo-Pacific, in particular the Quad, the Biden administration needs to address India's ties with Russia and its 'downward trend of democratic values and institutions', said a report by the Democratic Party of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

When India's 10,000 brightest techies unite

When India's 10,000 brightest techies unite

Rediff.com3 Apr 2017

Smart India Hackathon 2017 saw them build computer programmes or smartphone applications for 598 problems identified by different government departments.

'Talent is everywhere and relevant to a nation's success'

'Talent is everywhere and relevant to a nation's success'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2020

'Everybody says 5G and communication is important.' 'Everybody says automation, robotics, human computing interfaces -- people and machines working together -- is the future.' 'Everybody agrees that cybersecurity is something that is here to stay.' 'Everybody agrees that synthetic biology is important.' 'Instead of outlining thinking about industries for tomorrow and the future, let the evolutionary pathway be built in a way that it promotes robust, creative, thinking.'

Jet-setting Modi: 26 nations in 12 months

Jet-setting Modi: 26 nations in 12 months

Rediff.com31 Dec 2015

A list of all the foreign visits taken up by PM Narendra Modi this year and their outcomes.

China braces for new Covid wave, may see 65 million cases weekly

China braces for new Covid wave, may see 65 million cases weekly

Rediff.com26 May 2023

The new outbreak may be the greatest wave of illnesses ever recorded since China's stringent zero-Covid programme was abandoned last winter, which resulted in up to 85 per cent of the population being sick at the time.

UP govt develops medicines with cow urine for liver, immunity

UP govt develops medicines with cow urine for liver, immunity

Rediff.com4 Feb 2018

The UP government is also planning to free up its own land from illegal encroachment to set up these new cow- shelters in "safe locations" and with full facility for fodder and water.

PM, 57 ministers to mark Yoga Day events across India

PM, 57 ministers to mark Yoga Day events across India

Rediff.com19 Jun 2016

While Modi will be performing yoga along with thousands of people at the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh, his cabinet colleagues Singh and Jaitley have been assigned the task of leading the 2nd IYD programmes in Lucknow and Mumbai respectively.

Not acting on climate crisis will destroy lives: Experts

Not acting on climate crisis will destroy lives: Experts

Rediff.com9 Aug 2021

At a virtual press conference to launch the report, Inger Anderson, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme, said, "Climate change is here and now. No one is safe. Despite warnings from so many years, the world did not listen. We need to act now. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will not only limit climate change but also reduce air pollution."

Trump condemns 'very hostile' North Korea nuclear test

Trump condemns 'very hostile' North Korea nuclear test

Rediff.com3 Sep 2017

Pyongyang on Sunday claimed it has successfully tested a hydrogen bomb meant to be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile. It was Pyongyang's sixth, and most powerful, nuclear test, which was set to raise tension in the region.

Modi leaves for US, says hopes to strengthen ties

Modi leaves for US, says hopes to strengthen ties

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

In a statement just before leaving for the US, Modi said he will conclude his visit with an address at the United Nations General Assembly focusing on the pressing global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change and other important issues.

How India can NEUTRALISE Enemy Drones

How India can NEUTRALISE Enemy Drones

Rediff.com23 Jul 2021

'An armed helicopter equipped with counter-drone systems will provide the airborne counter-drone capability and flexibility needed to protect India's critical assets.'

Nagaland wins coveted UN award

Nagaland wins coveted UN award

Rediff.com24 Jun 2008

A government programme aimed at empowering people run by the north-east Indian state of Nagaland has won the coveted United Nations Award for Public Service from Asia and the Pacific region for 'fostering participation in policy making through innovative mechanism'.

PM gets respect globally because...: Gehlot in Modi's presence

PM gets respect globally because...: Gehlot in Modi's presence

Rediff.com1 Nov 2022

Speaking at a public function at Mangarh Dham in Rajasthan's Banswara, Gehlot said India has scripted history in the world as democracy in alive in the country even after more than 70 years since it achieved independence.

US wanted India's help to isolate Iran: Govt

US wanted India's help to isolate Iran: Govt

Rediff.com30 Aug 2007

New Delhi made it clear to the US that only its own national interests will guide its policy.

Yoginder Alagh's Death Is A Loss To India

Yoginder Alagh's Death Is A Loss To India

Rediff.com7 Dec 2022

For Yoginder, it is a release from pain. But for us, his friends, it is the loss of a warm and generous life companion, says Nitin Desai of his 50-year association with the eminent economist who passed into the ages on December 6, 2022.

Govt unveils major reforms in bureaucracy under Mission Karmayogi

Govt unveils major reforms in bureaucracy under Mission Karmayogi

Rediff.com2 Sep 2020

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved 'Mission Karmayogi', dubbed as the biggest bureaucratic reform initiative, aimed at capacity building of government employees to make them more "creative, proactive, professional and technology-enabled". The core guiding principles of the competency-driven programme will be to support a transition from "rules based to roles based" HR management to prepare the Indian civil servant for the future, according to a government statement.

FULL TEXT: President's address to nation on I Day eve

FULL TEXT: President's address to nation on I Day eve

Rediff.com14 Aug 2020

From India's fight against COVID-19 to China face-off, Kovind spoke on several issues during the televised address.

India, fastest-growing major economy, likely to grow 6.4% in 2022: UN

India, fastest-growing major economy, likely to grow 6.4% in 2022: UN

Rediff.com19 May 2022

As the Ukraine conflict impacts the global GDP, India is projected to grow by 6.4 per cent in 2022, slower than the last year's 8.8 per cent but still the fastest-growing major economy, with higher inflationary pressures and uneven recovery of the labour market curbing private consumption and investment, according to a UN report. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs said in its World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report released on Wednesday that the war in Ukraine has upended the fragile economic recovery from the pandemic, triggering a devastating humanitarian crisis in Europe, increasing food and commodity prices and globally exacerbating inflationary pressures. The global economy is now projected to grow by only 3.1 per cent in 2022, down from the 4.0 per cent growth forecast released in January 2022.

New India knows its direction, has no confusion, Modi tells diaspora

New India knows its direction, has no confusion, Modi tells diaspora

Rediff.com24 Jun 2023

Wrapping up his four-day state visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that a new and proud journey of India-US ties has begun and the world is watching the two great democracies strengthening their bond.

Poverty continues to plague LDCs

Poverty continues to plague LDCs

Rediff.com20 Jun 2006

An increase in development aid since 2002 has raised health and education standards and hastened gender equality among the world's poorest nations but overall poverty rates are not improving, says a new United Nations report.

Vajpayee, the 1st Indian leader to address UNGA in Hindi

Vajpayee, the 1st Indian leader to address UNGA in Hindi

Rediff.com16 Aug 2018

It is said that Vajpayee, who was also fluent in English, was the force behind uplifting Hindi to the international platform by using the language at the UN each time he delivered a speech.

'Subsidised LPG sales under direct benefit scheme down by 25%'

'Subsidised LPG sales under direct benefit scheme down by 25%'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2015

Pahal looks to cut down diversion and eliminate duplicate.