News for 'United States Agency for International Development'

IAEA chief: Iran may restart uranium enrichment in months

IAEA chief: Iran may restart uranium enrichment in months

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

While the final military and intelligence assessment has yet to come, Trump has repeatedly claimed to have "completely and totally obliterated" Tehran's nuclear programme.

Used cooking oil to produce sustainable aviation fuel: IndianOil

Used cooking oil to produce sustainable aviation fuel: IndianOil

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Cooking oil is often discarded after being used for frying at home or in restaurants. However, a refinery of IndianOil has now won a certification to use the same oil to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the company chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney said.

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).

'So Many Doctors Converging In A Single Conspiracy Is Unusual'

'So Many Doctors Converging In A Single Conspiracy Is Unusual'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'India has experienced any number of doctors, engineers, and individuals from professional backgrounds being implicated in terrorism. This is not a novel development.' 'These are mobilisations of opportunity. One does not exclusively associate with one's own kind. A comprehensive conspiracy requires diverse skill sets.' 'One needs individuals with local community contacts, those possessing physical capabilities, technical expertise -- an entire spectrum of capacities.'

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".

India-Taiwan-US Unite To Counter China's Cyber Threats

India-Taiwan-US Unite To Counter China's Cyber Threats

Rediff.com21 Dec 2023

Three countries share a common interest in warding off cyber attacks from various agencies PLA is developing and training in China.

'Trump Admires Only Himself'

'Trump Admires Only Himself'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'He may respect others, but he is unlikely to admire them'

Adani crisis: No negative actions so far by lenders, investors, says Crisil

Adani crisis: No negative actions so far by lenders, investors, says Crisil

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Backing embattled Adani Group, rating agency CRISIL Ratings on Friday said the conglomerate has sufficient liquidity and operational cash flows to meet debt obligations and committed capex and that there has been no negative actions so far by lenders and investors following the US indictment of group founder chairman. The Adani Group, which has the flexibility to reduce certain discretionary capital expenditure (capex) depending on developments in financial markets and future capital availability, has a healthy Ebitda and cash balance that reduces its dependence on external debt to sustain operations, it said in a bulletin.

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Radical Islamist networks are deliberately targeting Muslim youths embedded within the country's professional and academic ecosystems, leveraging their skills, mobility, and digital reach to quietly strengthen operational capabilities. This trend highlights a dangerous evolution in terror recruitment -- one that exploits ideological faultlines, online echo chambers and transnational radical Islamist influences to attract individuals who outwardly embody India's modern and aspirational narrative, points out Dr Kanchan Lakshman.

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.'

Isro's NISAR mission enters critical 90-day phase

Isro's NISAR mission enters critical 90-day phase

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

The NASA-ISRO NISAR mission has entered its 90-day commissioning phase, involving rigorous checks and calibrations to prepare the satellite for Earth observation. Scientists highlight the collaborative benefits and technological advancements of the mission.

India's energy sector battles taxes, global turmoil

India's energy sector battles taxes, global turmoil

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

India's brittle energy security is inextricably linked to two opposing paradigms - fossil fuels, and the transition to green energy. The first powers the present; the second paves the way for Viksit Bharat in 2047.

Why Did IMF Loan Pakistan Money During War?

Why Did IMF Loan Pakistan Money During War?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

It is time for India to raise its voice not just through military prowess, but through professionalism, principled voting and partnerships, asserts Deepak Mishra.

BRICS condemns Pahalgam attack, strikes on Iran

BRICS condemns Pahalgam attack, strikes on Iran

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

The BRICS nations condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, advocated for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, and criticized rising tariffs during their summit in Rio de Janeiro. They also addressed global challenges and called for reforms in international institutions.

Jails Hotbeds Of Extremism? Govt Urges Crackdown

Jails Hotbeds Of Extremism? Govt Urges Crackdown

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

High-risk inmates who are inclined towards propagating the ideology of radicalisation should be segregated from the general prison population to minimise the risk of indoctrination.

Meet Indian American community's first 'power couple'

Meet Indian American community's first 'power couple'

Rediff.com21 Dec 2009

United States President Barack Obama recently elevated Dr Rajiv Shah, who currently serves as Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist at the United States Department of Agriculture, as administrator for the United States Agency for International Development. Earlier, the Obama administration had named Shah's wife, Shivam Mallick Shah as Director of Special Initiatives, Office of Innovation and Improvement at the Department of Education.

US Senate Panel Set To Needle China

US Senate Panel Set To Needle China

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

A powerful senatorial committee on Wednesday is set to consider a bipartisan resolution to recognise Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, pushing back against China's military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control.

CBI repatriation rate doubles, brings back 134 over 5 years

CBI repatriation rate doubles, brings back 134 over 5 years

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

The CBI has significantly increased the rate of fugitive repatriation, bringing back 134 individuals in the last five years, doubling the number from the previous decade. This success is attributed to enhanced diplomatic efforts, technological advancements, and improved coordination with Interpol.

'Don't Think US Will Cut Off Ties With UN'

'Don't Think US Will Cut Off Ties With UN'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

'Decline of the UN did not start with the Trump administration. It has been happening over the last two decades or more.'

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.

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.

Obama nominates Indian American to head USAID

Obama nominates Indian American to head USAID

Rediff.com11 Nov 2009

Dr Rajiv Shah, the senior-most Indian American in the Barack Obama administration, has been nominated as the administrator of the United States Agency for International Development -- the country's top foreign assistance programme.In nominating Shah, Obama said, "The mission of USAID is to advance America's interests by strengthening our relationships abroad. Rajiv brings fresh ideas and the dedication and impressive background necessary to help guide USAID."

Taiwan President seeks international support amid China drills

Taiwan President seeks international support amid China drills

Rediff.com7 Aug 2022

As China continue to hold military drills near Taiwan coast after United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent visit to Taipei, President Tsai Ing-wen has appealed for international support for the island nation and halt the escalation of the regional security situation.

Pahalgam attack: Pak seeks 'brotherly' help to cool India tensions

Pahalgam attack: Pak seeks 'brotherly' help to cool India tensions

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on "brotherly" countries, including Saudi Arabia, to urge India to de-escalate tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Sharif met with ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, reiterating Pakistan's commitment to peace in South Asia. He rejected India's accusations linking Pakistan to the attack, emphasizing Pakistan's own history as a victim of terrorism. The meeting comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries.

Gaganyaan To Head To Space In Early 2027

Gaganyaan To Head To Space In Early 2027

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The Human-rated LVM3 vehicle, the Crew Escape System and the Crew Module and Service Module are all in final stages of testing and integration.

Why Parsiana Is Downing Shutters

Why Parsiana Is Downing Shutters

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'Financially we are sound and we have always broken even. 'It is just we don't have the personnel and that is why we have to close down.'

Rs 1,500 cr incentive scheme in the works for recycling critical minerals

Rs 1,500 cr incentive scheme in the works for recycling critical minerals

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Following the disruption in the supply of rare earth or permanent magnets after China's notification on April 4, the mines ministry is planning to introduce a Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme to recycle critical minerals, according to a top official.

US intercepts Russian, China bombers near Alaska

US intercepts Russian, China bombers near Alaska

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) intercepted a group of bombers near Alaska, marking the first instance of joint Russian and Chinese operations prompting such a response from the United States, CNN reported, citing, a United States defence official.

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.

Raj Shah could be first Indian-American Cabinet minister

Raj Shah could be first Indian-American Cabinet minister

Rediff.com11 Nov 2012

United States Agency for International Development's Indian-American head Raj Shah, who has established himself as one of the most successful administrators of the agency, is being seen as a strong contender for a Cabinet position as President Barack Obama prepares for his second term and forms a new team.

India more focused about healthcare reforms: USAID chief

India more focused about healthcare reforms: USAID chief

Rediff.com20 Mar 2013

United States Agency for International Development's Administrator Dr Raj Shah has said the public-private partnerships the USAID has been pushing for in India has overcome much of the notorious entrenched bureaucratic hurdles and red tape that has hitherto been a bane to development, particularly in alleviating acute health care deficiencies in the system.

Obama, Michelle inspired millions in India: Rajiv Shah

Obama, Michelle inspired millions in India: Rajiv Shah

Rediff.com4 Dec 2010

Dr Rajiv Shah, administrator, United States Agency for International Development, who accompanied President Barack Obama to India, said his agency's developmental relationship with India has evolved into a peer to peer partnership unlike in the past when India was simply an aid recipient.

'My job is not to represent the world; my job is to represent the United States of America'

'My job is not to represent the world; my job is to represent the United States of America'

Rediff.com1 Mar 2017

The following is the full text of US President Donald Trump's first address to a joint session of the Congress on February 28, as prepared for delivery and released by the White House press office.

Meet the rising star of the Obama administration

Meet the rising star of the Obama administration

Rediff.com11 Mar 2013

While the likes of senior Indian American officials in the Barack Obama administration -- namely Administrator of United States Agency for International Development Dr Rajiv Shah and Chief US Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the US Trade Representative Islam 'Isi' Siddiqui -- enjoy a major public profile, there are others who have been flying under the radar but are rising stars nonetheless.

Sambhu Banik on USAID workers' evaluation

Sambhu Banik on USAID workers' evaluation

Rediff.com22 Jun 2010

Dr Sambhu N Banik, commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Maryland, has been appointed a public member of the United States Agency for International Development's Foreign Service Performance and Evaluation Board for 2010.

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).

USAID, ICICI and CII to foster green businesses

USAID, ICICI and CII to foster green businesses

Rediff.com5 Feb 2003

CII and ICICI on Wednesday signed an agreement, during the National Council meeting of CII to formally launch the GBC-USAID Global Development Alliance Project, which aims to foster Green Businesses in India.

Congressman wants USAID chief Rajiv Shah demoted

Congressman wants USAID chief Rajiv Shah demoted

Rediff.com5 Feb 2010

A powerful Republican Congressman has asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to demote United States Agency for International Development administrator Rajiv Shah, the co-coordinator of the US Government relief operations in Haiti, for not having enough African-American on his staff.