News for 'United States Agency for International Development'

'Biased, motivated': India trashes US panel report on religious freedom

'Biased, motivated': India trashes US panel report on religious freedom

Rediff.com3 May 2023

In its annual report on religious freedom, the USCIRF asked the US State Department to designate India as a "country of particular concern" on the status of religious freedom along with several other nations.

USAID donates $3 mn to support India's COVID-19 fight

USAID donates $3 mn to support India's COVID-19 fight

Rediff.com30 Apr 2020

To date, USAID has provided $5.9 million to assist India in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Blinken announces $25 million for India's Covid vaccination drive

Blinken announces $25 million for India's Covid vaccination drive

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

At a media briefing after talks with Blinken, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked the US for its 'truly exceptional' support to India during the second wave of the pandemic and for keeping the supply chain for raw material open for vaccine production in India.

ISRO, NASA in talks to place Indian on ISS next year

ISRO, NASA in talks to place Indian on ISS next year

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

India and the US on Friday said they have started talks to put in place a strategic framework for human space flight by year-end as they plan to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station in 2024.

Biden proposes over $25 bn spend in Indo-Pacific to out-compete China

Biden proposes over $25 bn spend in Indo-Pacific to out-compete China

Rediff.com10 Mar 2023

This includes over $15 billion of proposed investment in the infrastructure sector in the Indo-Pacific and $9 billion for shoring up American defence in the region.

Anil Pahwa chosen as Jefferson Science Fellow

Anil Pahwa chosen as Jefferson Science Fellow

Rediff.com5 Jun 2014

Anil Pahwa, Logan-Fetterhoof chair professor of electrical and computer engineering, Kansas State University, was last month named among the 13 Jefferson Science Fellows. The prestigious program is administered by the National Academies and supported through partnerships with the science, technology and engineering academic community, professional scientific societies, the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development.

US-India: A Chicken And Egg Situation

US-India: A Chicken And Egg Situation

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Delhi's appeasement strategy may now translate as more mega arms deals with the US, generating substantial business and job creation in the American economy. Make no mistake, Americans will use it to pressure India, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Cargo meant for Pak nuclear programme held in Mumbai

Cargo meant for Pak nuclear programme held in Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Mar 2024

The customs officials, based on an intelligence input, halted a Malta-flagged merchant ship -- CMA CGM Attila -- at the port en route to Karachi on January 23 and inspected the consignment, which included a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, originally manufactured by an Italian company.

Historic Iran nuclear deal reached, international sanctions lifted

Historic Iran nuclear deal reached, international sanctions lifted

Rediff.com17 Jan 2016

The United States has lifted most of its sanctions against Iran after a UN watchdog reported that Tehran had complied with a nuclear weapons deal.

Adani, JSW, PSA looking to bag Rs 7K cr Tuticorin project

Adani, JSW, PSA looking to bag Rs 7K cr Tuticorin project

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

A Rs 7,056 crore outer harbour project by VO Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tuticorin is garnering interest from domestic and global majors in the sector, such as Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, Singapore's PSA International, Dutch major Van Oord, JM Baxi, and JSW, among others, according to sources close to the development. The project aims to capitalise on the newfound investor interest in the region, spurred by mega investments such as the Rs 16,000 crore electric vehicle manufacturing unit by Vietnamese major VinFast, the Indian Space Research Organisation's second spaceport in Tamil Nadu's Kulasekarapattinam, and Singapore's Sembcorp's Rs 36,238 crore investment in renewable energy.

Another Indian American in Obama administration

Another Indian American in Obama administration

Rediff.com24 Aug 2010

Yet another young and talented Indian American with impeccable credentials in development work worldwide, has been appointed by United States President Barack Obama to a senior position in his administration.

No country should...: Quad's clear message to China

No country should...: Quad's clear message to China

Rediff.com29 Jul 2024

The Quad also vowed to work towards a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific, a region that has seen increasing Chinese military muscle-flexing in the last few years.

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

For Yogi Adityanath the successful management of the fair is a crucial part of building 'Brand UP' and making the state a $1 trillion economy.

Over 300 drones sighted along Pak border in 2 yrs: Agencies

Over 300 drones sighted along Pak border in 2 yrs: Agencies

Rediff.com28 Jun 2021

Over 300 drones and unidentified flying objects have been sighted along the sensitive border with Pakistan post the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, central security agencies have said, even as they grapple to find a suitable technology to check these lethal sky-floaters.

'It has been great working with Secretary Clinton'

'It has been great working with Secretary Clinton'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2010

The first-ever Indian-American assistant secretary of state Richard R Verma gives Aziz Haniffa an insider's view of the administration.

US to send raw material to India for Covishield

US to send raw material to India for Covishield

Rediff.com26 Apr 2021

The Biden administration has come under criticism from several quarters, including from members and supporters of the Democratic party, for not releasing surplus COVID-19 vaccines to India when the country is experiencing its worst-ever public health crisis.

Xi lands in US to have crucial meeting with Biden

Xi lands in US to have crucial meeting with Biden

Rediff.com15 Nov 2023

US President Joe Biden is set to meet his Chinese counterpart on Wednesday in the San Francisco Bay Area, CNN reported, citing senior US administration officials.

Maiden critical minerals auction: A modest showing

Maiden critical minerals auction: A modest showing

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

In June last year, India unveiled its first list of 29 critical minerals open for private sector exploration and mining. Since then, 38 critical mineral blocks have been auctioned, but only 14 - less than 37 per cent - have found bidders. This modest achievement was secured only after the Centre conducted a second round of auctions when the first round fell flat, failing to attract the minimum required bidders.

India was there for us, we will be there for them: Biden

India was there for us, we will be there for them: Biden

Rediff.com27 Apr 2021

"The president pledged America's steadfast ongoing support for the people of India, who have been impacted by the recent surge in the COVID-19 cases," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

Obama appoints Indian American as USAID chief

Obama appoints Indian American as USAID chief

Rediff.com25 Dec 2009

The United States Senate has approved the nomination of Rajiv Shah to head the US Agency for International Development, making him the highest ranking Indian-American in the administration.

Pannun 'Plot': 'US and India have bent backward...'

Pannun 'Plot': 'US and India have bent backward...'

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

'...to prevent this episode from disrupting ongoing cooperation.' 'The discovery of this plot had the potential to derail much of what has been achieved in the relationship during this administration's tenure -- I don't think that fact has been sufficiently appreciated in India.'

'Doubts persist about Pak's commitment to denying terrorists safe harbour'

'Doubts persist about Pak's commitment to denying terrorists safe harbour'

Rediff.com4 Nov 2017

Two influential Congressional sub-committees will hold a joint hearing on Pakistan's commitment in the fight against terrorism

US provided Canada intelligence on Nijjar's killing: NYT

US provided Canada intelligence on Nijjar's killing: NYT

Rediff.com24 Sep 2023

The United States has urged India to cooperate with Canada in its investigations.

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.

Cipla gets nod to import Moderna vaccine for emergency use in India

Cipla gets nod to import Moderna vaccine for emergency use in India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2021

India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country, official sources said on Tuesday.

At COP28, Modi proposes to host 2028 climate talks in India

At COP28, Modi proposes to host 2028 climate talks in India

Rediff.com2 Dec 2023

Asserting that the world does not have much time to correct the mistakes of the last century, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced a 'Green Credit Initiative' focused on creating carbon sinks through people's participation and also proposed to host the United Nations climate conference in 2028, or COP33, in India.

US to impose costs on Iran for crackdown against protesters: Biden

US to impose costs on Iran for crackdown against protesters: Biden

Rediff.com4 Oct 2022

The US is alarmed and appalled by reports of security authorities responding to university students' peaceful protests with violence and mass arrests.

Deloitte pegs India's FY25 GDP growth at 6.6%

Deloitte pegs India's FY25 GDP growth at 6.6%

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

Deloitte India on Friday said it estimates India's GDP growth at 6.6 per cent in the current fiscal helped by consumption expenditure, exports rebound and capital flows. In its India's economic outlook report, Deloitte said the rapid growth of the middle-income class has led to rising purchasing power and even created demand for premium luxury products and services. With the expectation that the number of middle-to-high-income segments will be one in two households by 2030/31, up from one in four currently, we believe this trend will likely become further amplified, driving overall private consumer expenditure growth, it said.

'US-India initiatives will face new scrutiny'

'US-India initiatives will face new scrutiny'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2023

'This incident offers ammunition to those inside the US government and elsewhere who question the wisdom of trusting India, so it will have a lasting consequence no matter how it is managed.'

India welcomes world leaders as G20 summit kicks off on Saturday

India welcomes world leaders as G20 summit kicks off on Saturday

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

The silver lining for India's presidency is likely to be the support by almost all G20 countries to its proposal to include the African Union as a permanent member of the bloc that has emerged as perhaps the most influential multilateral forum after the United Nations.

'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.'

Protect our CPEC workers from terror attacks, China tells Pak

Protect our CPEC workers from terror attacks, China tells Pak

Rediff.com16 May 2024

Pakistan's deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who is in China on a four-day visit, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the fifth round of the foreign minister-level China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.

Putin's North Korea Gamble

Putin's North Korea Gamble

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

Russia's unprecedented rapprochement with North Korea has raised concerns about the re-emergence of a Russia-China-North Korea alliance which could increase the probability of conflict on the Korean Peninsula, explains Dr Rajaram Panda.

How The US Helps India Counter The China Threat

How The US Helps India Counter The China Threat

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Reports (not denied by India) that the USA had 'for the first time provided real-time details to their Indian counterparts on the Chinese positions and force strength in advance of a PLA incursion' into Tawang at the LAC in December 2022, helping India thwart China's expansionist designs, show how operationally effective the USA-India friendship has become on the ground. A engaging excerpt from Sreeram Chaulia's must-read new book, Friends: India's Closest Strategic Partners.

US Treasury's David Malpass bags World Bank's top job

US Treasury's David Malpass bags World Bank's top job

Rediff.com5 Apr 2019

The World Bank's executive board unanimously selected 63-year-old Malpass, who is currently Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs, as the bank's 13th President for a five-year term beginning April 9.

Obama nominates Indian American to key post at State Department

Obama nominates Indian American to key post at State Department

Rediff.com11 Sep 2013

Puneet Talwar, one of the most respected Middle East policy specialists in administration and Congressional circles, has been nominated by United States President Barack Obama to a senior State Department position.

Nearly 5mn Indians forced to flee their homes due to disasters in 2021: UN

Nearly 5mn Indians forced to flee their homes due to disasters in 2021: UN

Rediff.com17 Jun 2022

"The largest displacements in the context of disasters in 2021 occurred in China (6.0 million), the Philippines (5.7 million) and India (4.9 million). Most disaster displacements during the year were temporary," it said.

Tata Hitachi reaps rich harvest, from field to factory

Tata Hitachi reaps rich harvest, from field to factory

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

It was the summer of 2006 (May 18). Writers' Building, then the state secretariat, was buzzing with journalists. The event marked the start of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's second term as chief minister. And in style, it got off with West Bengal bagging the small car plant, Nano.

Quality Control Orders: What does this mean for domestic industry?

Quality Control Orders: What does this mean for domestic industry?

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

From toys, footwear and furniture to insulated flasks, smart meters, and air coolers - the Central government over the last decade has mandated higher standards for production and imports of such items. Sample this: Till 2014, there were 14 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering 106 products. By the latest count, there are 156 QCOs on 672 products.

India to head BRICS' $100 billion development bank

India to head BRICS' $100 billion development bank

Rediff.com16 Jul 2014

The BRICS Summit tonight decided to establish the new development bank with an initial authorised capital of $100 billion.