News for 'United States Agency for International Development'

We began Rana extradition process, Modi govt benefited: Congress

We began Rana extradition process, Modi govt benefited: Congress

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Congress party has claimed credit for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, from the US, saying the Modi government did not initiate the process and merely benefited from the "mature, consistent and strategic diplomacy" begun under the UPA. Former Home Minister P Chidambaram said the government did not secure any breakthrough to make the extradition possible, nor is it the result of any grandstanding. He added that it was a testament to what the Indian state can achieve when diplomacy, law enforcement and international cooperation are pursued sincerely and without any kind of chest-thumping. Chidambaram detailed the UPA government's efforts in securing Rana's extradition, citing the registration of a case against him in 2009, diplomatic pressure on Canada and the US, and continued efforts despite legal setbacks. He highlighted the role of the UPA in securing Rana's conviction for other terrorism-related offences and the cooperation between the US and Indian agencies in gathering evidence and securing his extradition. The Congress leader further stated that it was the UPA's groundwork that paved the way for Rana's extradition, even after the change in government in 2014.

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).

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.

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Pahalgam massacre highlights the evolution of terrorism into a multi-domain challenge. India's response must similarly evolve -- from tactical retaliation to comprehensive strategic deterrence. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina and Rahul Mishra. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina & Rahul Mishra.

Trump Has Become A Reset Button

Trump Has Become A Reset Button

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Trump's sweeping tariffs and penalties on China-built ships have turned global shipping into the front line of economic war, observes Shyam G Menon.

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.

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

With its age-old fascination for education, southern states have done better than the North. Start-ups, IT hubs, and industry majors setting up shop have changed the face of the South. Nearly 79% of global offices set up by international conglomerates in India are in the South. Almost 46% of tech unicorns are from the South. The GDP per person in the South is 4.2 times higher than the North. None of these indicators can be ignored by any central government, whatever the political compulsions, notes Ramesh Menon.

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.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

ISI, terror groups turn to social media platforms for J-K recruitments

ISI, terror groups turn to social media platforms for J-K recruitments

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

Once identified, these individuals are drawn into private groups where they are exposed to manipulative content, including fabricated videos depicting atrocities allegedly committed by security forces, the officials said.

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.

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.

India To Go For Small Modular Reactors

India To Go For Small Modular Reactors

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

The Indian government has come out with a nice name for its tried and tested 220MW pressurised heavy water reactor -- Bharat Small Reactor.

No damage to Iran's nuclear sites amid Israel attack: IAEA

No damage to Iran's nuclear sites amid Israel attack: IAEA

Rediff.com19 Apr 2024

In a statement released on Friday, the United Nations Atomic Watchdog said it is monitoring the situation very closely.

Jaishankar discusses Red Sea crisis with Iranian counterpart

Jaishankar discusses Red Sea crisis with Iranian counterpart

Rediff.com15 Jan 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held wide ranging discussions with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian in Tehran and their discussion focused on the long term framework for India's involvement with the strategically vital Chabahar port and the North-South connectivity project.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams set to fly into space again

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams set to fly into space again

Rediff.com6 May 2024

The mission has been delayed for several years because of setbacks in the spacecraft's development.

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."

Several Pak agencies using Israel's intrusive cyber tech since 2012: Report

Several Pak agencies using Israel's intrusive cyber tech since 2012: Report

Rediff.com3 Aug 2023

Unlike Israeli company NSO, whose sale of Pegasus cyber tech grabbed worldwide attention, and other manufacturers of offensive-cyber products, Cellebrite operates in a grey area between security exports and civilian ones.

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Our politicians solely depend on bureaucrats who are unaccountable and follow their own agenda.' 'Our politicians would dare not dream of establishing a DOGE,' argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

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.

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Bangladesh puts off next month's border talks with India

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The DG-level border talks between India and Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Delhi next month, have been postponed following a change in plan by the neighbouring country, official sources said on Friday.

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.

'Will never surrender': Trump after assassination bid

'Will never surrender': Trump after assassination bid

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

Hours after another failed attempt on his life, former United States president Donald Trump on Monday said he will never surrender and never stop fighting for Americans.

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.

Islamic State had 66 Indian-origin fighters, says US report; lauds NIA

Islamic State had 66 Indian-origin fighters, says US report; lauds NIA

Rediff.com17 Dec 2021

The UN Security Council Resolution 2309 calls governments to meet their responsibility to keep citizens secure while travelling by air.

India asks for $55-million funding in first call with Pandemic Fund

India asks for $55-million funding in first call with Pandemic Fund

Rediff.com30 May 2023

In a significant development, India is believed to have placed a funding request of around $55 million in its first call with the Pandemic Fund of the World Bank, sources said. The fund has been set up to finance critical investments in a bid to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities at national, regional, and global levels, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. It was created in the aftermath of the Covid-19 global pandemic.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet Obama's top Indian American

Meet Obama's top Indian American

Rediff.com6 Nov 2010

Dr Rajiv Shah, the highest-ranking Indian-American member of the Obama administration, has traveled with the President to the country his parents left in the late 1960s.

'Pakistan's flood-hit area larger than Italy'

'Pakistan's flood-hit area larger than Italy'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2010

Dr Rajiv Shah, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and the highest ranking Indian American in the Barack Obama administration, while speaking on the devastating floods in Pakistan, said, "The scale and scope of this natural disaster is astronomical."

USAID administrator wins Pravasi Bharatiya Samman

USAID administrator wins Pravasi Bharatiya Samman

Rediff.com8 Jul 2011

United States Agency for International Development Administrator Rajiv Shah, who is the highest ranking Indian-American official in the Obama administration, has received the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.

India under pressure in Obama's AfPak strategy

India under pressure in Obama's AfPak strategy

Rediff.com14 Jul 2009

The death of six Indians working on a United States Agency for International Development-funded road project between Khost and Paktia provinces in southern Afghanistan last week and confirmation from Pakistan that it is concerned over India's "over-ingress" in Afghanistan is setting the stage for a new round of regional diplomacy, when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton comes visiting later this month.

Rajiv Shah in charge of US's Haiti relief ops

Rajiv Shah in charge of US's Haiti relief ops

Rediff.com15 Jan 2010

Less than a week after he was sworn in as head of the United States Agency for International Development, Dr Rajiv Shah sprang into the national limelight when President Barack Obama designated him as the government's chief disaster coordinator for Haiti.

USAID to give $10 mn to India's insurance sector

USAID to give $10 mn to India's insurance sector

Rediff.com12 Jun 2003

The United States Agency for International Development will provide a $10 million technical aid for development of Indian insurance sector over the next four years.\n\n\n\n