News for 'World Development Report'

Esports Nations Cup Rescheduled For 2027 Amid Regional Uncertainty

Esports Nations Cup Rescheduled For 2027 Amid Regional Uncertainty

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The inaugural Esports Nations Cup, initially planned for November this year, has been postponed to November 2027 by the Esports Foundation. This decision was made following an assessment of the wider regional situation and to ensure stability for participating national teams, publishers, partners, and fans. Despite the postponement, Saudi Arabia remains capable of hosting events, and existing development fund commitments will be maintained.

How NIT Rourkela's New Hybrid System Boosts EV Battery Life

How NIT Rourkela's New Hybrid System Boosts EV Battery Life

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Researchers at NIT Rourkela have patented a novel hybrid energy-storage system designed to significantly improve the efficiency and lifespan of electric vehicle batteries. This innovation addresses common issues like low power density and thermal stress by integrating supercapacitors with a simplified architecture, making EVs more reliable, especially in urban driving conditions.

How Khelo India Is Shaping Future Shooting Champions

How Khelo India Is Shaping Future Shooting Champions

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Veteran skeet shooter Mairaj Ahmad Khan expresses strong optimism about the future of Indian shooting, attributing the potential rise to government-backed initiatives like Khelo India. He is preparing for his third Asian Games appearance and believes India will have the best team across all shooting disciplines in the next four years, thanks to enhanced grassroots development and support systems.

Neeraj Chopra, Gopichand Launch Indian School Of Coaching Excellence

Neeraj Chopra, Gopichand Launch Indian School Of Coaching Excellence

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and badminton legend Pullela Gopichand have launched the Indian School of Coaching Excellence (ISCE), an initiative designed to strengthen India's sports coaching landscape.

How India's Digital Ecosystem Propelled UPI To Global Success

How India's Digital Ecosystem Propelled UPI To Global Success

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted that the success of UPI, which handles nearly half of the world's real-time digital transactions, stems from a collaborative ecosystem including financial inclusion, digital identity, and affordable internet. He attributed this digital payments revolution to the vision of PM Narendra Modi.

ITTF Reveals Plans For Three World Cups In 2027, Including New Doubles Event

ITTF Reveals Plans For Three World Cups In 2027, Including New Doubles Event

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is preparing to announce the hosts for its three World Cup events in 2027, which will include the first-ever Doubles World Cup. This new event is being introduced to align with the return of doubles to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, aiming to boost player participation and interest in the category.

PM lays out seven-point Sapta Dhara framework for Viksit Bharat

PM lays out seven-point Sapta Dhara framework for Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced a 'Sapta Dhara' (seven-stream) reform framework, aiming to propel India into a developed nation by 2047. This comprehensive plan focuses on key sectors including manufacturing, agro-food processing, technology, logistics, defence, green and blue economy, and soft power, leveraging the nation's youth potential.

Yamaha Enters India's 200cc Sportsbike Segment with YZF-R2

Yamaha Enters India's 200cc Sportsbike Segment with YZF-R2

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The all-new, globally first YZF-R2 is priced from Rs 2,30,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.

Android Gets Smarter This September

Android Gets Smarter This September

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Android's September Drop brings smarter AI, easier messaging and practical everyday features.

The Kardashians Love Namrata Karad's Bags

The Kardashians Love Namrata Karad's Bags

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Namrata Karad, founder of Ahikoza by BRHAM, opens up about going from working on a Hugo Boss sales floor to seeing her bags carried by Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian...

How PhonePe's Data Platform Will Enhance National Planning

How PhonePe's Data Platform Will Enhance National Planning

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Fintech firm PhonePe has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to integrate its enterprise data intelligence platform, PulsePro, into the PM GatiShakti framework. This collaboration aims to provide granular, hyperlocal insights for national infrastructure planning, economic analysis, and holistic urban and rural development.

What Makes Crypto Rise Or Fall?

What Makes Crypto Rise Or Fall?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Crypto can rise or fall for many reasons. Here's a simple guide to what gives digital assets value and drives their prices.

Shafali Verma Highlights India's Batting Challenges On Turning Pitches

Shafali Verma Highlights India's Batting Challenges On Turning Pitches

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

India opener Shafali Verma acknowledged the team's batting unit needs to address its shortcomings on turning pitches, despite securing a 94-run victory against Thailand in the Women's Asia Cup opener. Verma, who scored a brisk 64, noted that while the new ball came on well, the older ball gripped and turned, causing difficulties for the middle order. She emphasised the need for adaptation and praised Thailand's improving performance.

Drishyam: The Conclusion: From The Crime Scene To The Trailer Launch

Drishyam: The Conclusion: From The Crime Scene To The Trailer Launch

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A nostalgic trip through Goa reveals the real locations, conversations and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped Drishyam: The Conclusion.

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

'ISRO will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private sector or public sector undertakings.'

Why Argentina are the FIFA World Cup's favourite villains

Why Argentina are the FIFA World Cup's favourite villains

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Argentina, one of football's most successful teams, is also one of its most polarising, inspiring both devotion and irritation due to its history, iconic players like Maradona and Messi, and a national identity often perceived as arrogant by rivals.

Kerala's Lamine Yamal Lookalike: 15-Year-Old Allen James From Kollam Is A Social Media Star

Kerala's Lamine Yamal Lookalike: 15-Year-Old Allen James From Kollam Is A Social Media Star

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A 15-year-old boy from Kollam, Allen James, has become a social media sensation due to his striking resemblance to Spanish football star Lamine Yamal.

FIFA World Cup: The Billion-Dollar Secret Behind Morocco's Football Boom

FIFA World Cup: The Billion-Dollar Secret Behind Morocco's Football Boom

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Morocco's impressive rise in global football is uniquely funded by its vast phosphate reserves, with the state-owned OCP Group investing heavily in national team development. This strategic investment, driven by a royal directive, supports training academies and infrastructure, contributing to the nation's recent successes like reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The country's abundant phosphate resources provide a stable economic base for these ambitious sporting endeavours.

TCS inks 1.25 billion Porsche deal, acquires German auto giant's IT unit MHP

TCS inks 1.25 billion Porsche deal, acquires German auto giant's IT unit MHP

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced a five-year strategic deal with German automaker Porsche AG worth 1.25 billion (nearly 14,000 crore), which includes the acquisition of Porsche's wholly-owned subsidiary MHP Management- und IT-Beratung GmbH for 320 million (around 3,574 crore). This move is set to significantly expand TCS's consulting footprint in Germany and the broader European market, giving it access to MHP's customer base and specialised talent.

FIFA World Cup final marks full-circle moment for Messi and Yamal

FIFA World Cup final marks full-circle moment for Messi and Yamal

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face-off as defending champions Argentina meet reigning European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, in New York on Saturday.

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Faces NOC Controversy

Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Faces NOC Controversy

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem is embroiled in a controversy with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for travelling to South Africa for training without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This unapproved travel could impact his participation in upcoming international competitions like the World Ultimate Athletics Championship and the Asian Games.

Can HIL do for hockey what IPL did for cricket?

Can HIL do for hockey what IPL did for cricket?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former Australian hockey legend Jamie Dwyer believes the Indian team possesses the talent and infrastructure to become a dominant force in world hockey but stresses that 'they need to maintain consistency as a team' to realise their true potential.

Manzambi's magic sends Switzerland to first World Cup knockout win in 88 years

Manzambi's magic sends Switzerland to first World Cup knockout win in 88 years

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Johan Manzambi continued his superb FIFA World Cup campaign by setting up Switzerland's opener in a 2-0 win over Algeria, ending the Swiss side's 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory and securing a place in the Round of 16.

PM promises Rs 1 lakh crore Innovation Fund for start-ups

PM promises Rs 1 lakh crore Innovation Fund for start-ups

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon India's youth to dream big, assuring them of government support and resources, including a Rs 1 lakh crore Innovation Fund, to bolster the country's burgeoning startup ecosystem and drive its journey towards becoming a developed nation.

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'Wages have not risen. Rural wages have stagnated. The growth was 0.7 per cent last year. For casual and irregular labour, the wage growth is negative.'

GalaxEye Buys StarOps, Expands Space Capabilities

GalaxEye Buys StarOps, Expands Space Capabilities

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'From day one, our vision has been to build a company that develops and owns the technologies defining the future of space.'

France's World Cup run fuelled by player-led analysis and strong team bonds

France's World Cup run fuelled by player-led analysis and strong team bonds

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

France's journey to the World Cup semi-finals is not just about star players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but also a deep-seated unity and player-led analysis forged in private conversations and hotel rooms, according to midfielders Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde.

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who played a key role in his country's 2026 World Cup campaign, has died at the age of 25, with no cause of death immediately provided.

Sohail Khan Blames Pacers For Pakistan's Test Decline

Sohail Khan Blames Pacers For Pakistan's Test Decline

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Khan has criticised the current generation of pacers for their lack of skill development, attributing it to Pakistan's decline in Test cricket. He emphasised the importance of artful bowling over mere speed and highlighted how T20 cricket and internal politics are hindering player development.

India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war, Jaishankar says in Kyiv

India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war, Jaishankar says in Kyiv

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Kyiv, reiterating India's readiness to assist in ending the Ukraine-Russia war. He emphasised that solutions would not emerge from the battlefield and highlighted Prime Minister Modi's call for an end to the conflict. Discussions also covered humanitarian aid, the impact on commercial shipping, and bilateral trade, with Jaishankar inviting his Ukrainian counterpart to India for further talks.

Bihar alcohol ban failed, govt should revoke it: Study

Bihar alcohol ban failed, govt should revoke it: Study

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

A research paper by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) recommends that Bihar revoke its alcohol ban, citing its failure to reduce violence against women and a rise in illicit drug and alcohol consumption. The report suggests that reinstating the liquor excise tax would significantly increase state revenues and decrease enforcement costs.

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was detained in Uttar Pradesh following a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding his arrest for allegedly assaulting a student's father and bragging about it, while the victim's daughter reported receiving rape threats and online abuse.

World IVF Day: 10 Habits That Lower Sperm Count

World IVF Day: 10 Habits That Lower Sperm Count

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

From what goes on your plate to how long someone sits with a laptop on their lap, seemingly harmless habits can make a big difference, warns says Dr Aakil Khan, consultant and urologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane.

FIFA World Cup: Rivalry and revenge -- the long, bitter relationship between England and Argentina

FIFA World Cup: Rivalry and revenge -- the long, bitter relationship between England and Argentina

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Argentina and England are set to clash in a World Cup semi-final, marking their first such encounter, a match deeply rooted in decades of historical and footballing rivalry, including infamous incidents involving Antonio Rattin, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, and the Falklands War.

Brazil vs Japan:FIFA World Cup Blockbuster Awaits

Brazil vs Japan:FIFA World Cup Blockbuster Awaits

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Japan's national football team, the Samurai Blue, faces Brazil in a crucial World Cup last-32 match. This encounter holds deep significance due to Brazil's profound influence on Japanese professional football, particularly through the J-League and the presence of numerous Brazilian players and coaches over the decades. Despite past successes against Brazil, including a recent friendly win, this World Cup clash represents a major test for Japan's ambitions.

Roy Dias: Test, ODI Formats Remain Relevant, Youngsters Need Strong Technique

Roy Dias: Test, ODI Formats Remain Relevant, Youngsters Need Strong Technique

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Former Sri Lankan batter and veteran coach Roy Dias asserts that Test and ODI formats retain their relevance despite the rise of T20 cricket, advising young players to develop proper technique for success across all three versions.

Nepal floods revive Uttarakhand's Rishiganga, Dharali horrors

Nepal floods revive Uttarakhand's Rishiganga, Dharali horrors

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The devastating floods in Nepal have brought back memories of two major disasters in Uttarakhand in recent years, the Rishiganga tragedy of February 2021 and the Dharali disaster of August 2025, which caused extensive loss of life and property and left thousands struggling to rebuild their lives.

Taekema: India Women Can Emulate China's Paris Olympics Rise

Taekema: India Women Can Emulate China's Paris Olympics Rise

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Dutch hockey legend Taeke Taekema believes the Indian women's hockey team possesses the talent to replicate China's remarkable journey to an Olympic silver medal, provided they focus on fundamental skills and secure qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.