News for 'World Development Report'

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

India's Reliance On Strait Of Hormuz Exceeds Global Average

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

'The West Asia or the Gulf crisis has shown that what we develop as national infrastructure when things are not as bad as they could be, we forget to plan for adversities.'

Pakistan to Host Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye Foreign Ministers for West Asia Peace Talks

Pakistan to Host Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye Foreign Ministers for West Asia Peace Talks

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Pakistan is set to host a quadrilateral summit of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and explore avenues for peace negotiations.

Iran allows 10 Pak-flagged ships through Hormuz Strait as a gift to US: Trump

Iran allows 10 Pak-flagged ships through Hormuz Strait as a gift to US: Trump

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Speaking to reporters during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday, Trump said the US had engaged in 'very substantial talks' with Iranian officials and described the tanker movement as proof of seriousness in the discussions.

West Asia conflict: 'India can be a better mediator than Pakistan'

West Asia conflict: 'India can be a better mediator than Pakistan'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, special envoy, foreign ministry of Israel, has asserted that the situation has effectively been a "multi-front regional conflict" since its inception, while claiming significant military and strategic gains against adversarial forces.

Can Pakistan's outreach to Egypt, Turkiye, Saudi calm West Asia?

Can Pakistan's outreach to Egypt, Turkiye, Saudi calm West Asia?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with his counterparts from Egypt and Turkiye in Islamabad ahead of a quadrilateral summit, including Saudi Arabia, to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and explore avenues for peace.

Iran denies Trump's direct talk claims; confirms indirect US outreach

Iran denies Trump's direct talk claims; confirms indirect US outreach

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that the country has held no "direct" talks with the United States as of now and added that it has received messages through some mediators regarding the US' desire for negotiations.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das played a pivotal role in organising the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India.

It undermines women's dignity: Caster Semenya slams IOC's gender testing policy

It undermines women's dignity: Caster Semenya slams IOC's gender testing policy

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya says she intends to fight against the introduction of gender testing for the female category at the Olympics, a policy the South African insists "undermines women's rights".

Iranian drone strike causes fire at Saudi oil refinery

Iranian drone strike causes fire at Saudi oil refinery

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Falling debris from an intercepted Iranian drone caused a 'limited fire' at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura refining facility in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki said, according to Al Arabiya.

Transgender athletes barred from female category events at Olympics

Transgender athletes barred from female category events at Olympics

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Only biological females, determined by gene screening, will be allowed at Olympic Games female events, says IOC.

Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election BJP's unfinished agenda: Modi

Uniform Civil Code, One Nation One Election BJP's unfinished agenda: Modi

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BJP's 47th Foundation Day, highlighting the Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation, One Election' as key unfinished agendas. He also reaffirmed the party's commitment to implementing women's reservation in the 2029 elections and criticised dynastic politics.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das, former AIFF general secretary, passed away at 66. He played a key role in developing Indian football, including organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

T20 World Cup: Ngidi reveals how IPL shaped his deadly slower ball

T20 World Cup: Ngidi reveals how IPL shaped his deadly slower ball

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

South African bowler Lungi Ngidi attributes his T20 bowling evolution to his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he honed his slower ball variations.

Gold prices fall sharply amid global economic uncertainty

Gold prices fall sharply amid global economic uncertainty

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Gold prices experienced a significant decline in futures trading due to uncertainty surrounding geopolitical tensions in West Asia and conflicting statements regarding the conflict. Investors are also awaiting key macroeconomic data for further direction on interest rate cuts.

Pakistan Hosts Key Summit to Address West Asia Tensions

Pakistan Hosts Key Summit to Address West Asia Tensions

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Pakistan is hosting a quadrilateral summit of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye to discuss the conflict in West Asia and explore avenues for peace. The summit includes discussions on regional developments and meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Chairman Exit Exposes HDFC Bank Power Clash: FT

Chairman Exit Exposes HDFC Bank Power Clash: FT

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Financial Times, citing multiple bankers and shareholders, reports that the real tensions ran far deeper than compliance concerns.

Indian Badminton Players Still Waiting for Certificates After University Games Exclusion

Indian Badminton Players Still Waiting for Certificates After University Games Exclusion

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Six Indian badminton players are still awaiting participation certificates promised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) after an administrative lapse prevented them from competing at the World University Games.

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concern over the targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the West Asia conflict, urging for the restoration of unimpeded navigation and global commerce.

IPL 2026: 'Lapak ke lena': Praful Hinge father's viral message

IPL 2026: 'Lapak ke lena': Praful Hinge father's viral message

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

An article about Praful Hinge's successful IPL debut, his family's reaction, and the role of the MRF Pace Foundation in his development.

Adityanath Slams TMC, Alleges West Bengal Faces 'Identity Crisis' Under Their Rule

Adityanath Slams TMC, Alleges West Bengal Faces 'Identity Crisis' Under Their Rule

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the ruling TMC in West Bengal, alleging corruption, extortion, and the rise of 'mafia rule' have led to an 'identity crisis' in the state.

World's 11 Famously Long Tunnels

World's 11 Famously Long Tunnels

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Running deep beneath mountains, rivers, and sometimes bustling cities are the world's longest tunnels. Quiet marvels of modern engineering, hidden from sight, they are vital to everyday life, carrying drinking water to millions, whisking metro trains between megacities, draining floodwaters, and connect regions once separated by formidable terrain.

Karnataka varsity defies govt ban, holds event on Deendayal Upadhyay

Karnataka varsity defies govt ban, holds event on Deendayal Upadhyay

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Despite a government ban, Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) in Mysuru proceeded with a lecture series on RSS ideologue Deendayal Upadhyay, featuring virtual and physical attendance by high-profile figures, sparking political controversy and raising questions about university autonomy and ideological influence.

'Records are meant to be broken': Tirkey on Manpreet

'Records are meant to be broken': Tirkey on Manpreet

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey expresses his support for Manpreet Singh potentially breaking his record for international caps, highlighting the positive trajectory of Indian hockey.

Quantum-Enhanced AI System Translates Brain Signals into Wheelchair Movement

Quantum-Enhanced AI System Translates Brain Signals into Wheelchair Movement

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Researchers at Birla Institute of Technology-Mesra have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) system that translates brain signals into real-time wheelchair navigation commands using a hybrid quantum-enhanced deep learning model.

What Happens If Bangladesh Pull Out Of T20 World Cup?

What Happens If Bangladesh Pull Out Of T20 World Cup?

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

If Bangladesh pull out of the T20 World Cup, Scotland will likely replace them based on team rankings for the tournament.

8 Safest Countries To Flee To If WW3 Starts Tomorrow

8 Safest Countries To Flee To If WW3 Starts Tomorrow

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Amid growing international instability, folks all over the world are wondering if there is any country that can be considered a secure refuge, should this conflict expand into a larger war, drawing in many more nations.

Rohan Bopanna Highlights Need for Tennis Structure Amidst Emerging Talent

Rohan Bopanna Highlights Need for Tennis Structure Amidst Emerging Talent

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Rohan Bopanna emphasises the need for a structured approach to developing tennis in India, while Joshna Chinnappa expresses excitement about squash's Olympic debut and the growth of Indian squash talent.

Iran calls India a 'trusted partner'; asserts control over Hormuz

Iran calls India a 'trusted partner'; asserts control over Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has described India as a "reliable and compassionate" partner while asserting Tehran's territorial authority over the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing regional tensions.

Bangladesh board keeps pushing for T20 World Cup venue change

Bangladesh board keeps pushing for T20 World Cup venue change

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

BCB sends another letter to ICC asking for venue change for its T20WC games

India Introduces AI Curriculum for Classes 3-8: What It Means for Students

India Introduces AI Curriculum for Classes 3-8: What It Means for Students

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched an artificial intelligence and computational thinking curriculum for classes 3 to 8, aiming to integrate structured AI education into the school system.

Modi 'guarantees' no injustice in delimitation, seeks Opposition support

Modi 'guarantees' no injustice in delimitation, seeks Opposition support

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the opposition to support the government's bills for implementing the women's reservation law, cautioning against politicisation and assuring that delimitation will be fair to all states.

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

Rouble Nagi, Winner, Global Teacher Prize: 'A Single Teacher's Faith Can Alter The Trajectory Of A Child's Life'

Rouble Nagi, Winner, Global Teacher Prize: 'A Single Teacher's Faith Can Alter The Trajectory Of A Child's Life'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Many of the children I work with had never attended school before and had never been given the right environment or opportunity to learn.'
'When education became accessible -- through flexible learning spaces, creative methods and community-based classrooms -- these same children began to thrive.'
'Over time, many who had never stepped into a formal classroom not only entered the education system but continued their studies further, with some going on to university.'

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- who died last week; his passing did not merit even an obituary in major print or electronic media in Pakistan! -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

BCCI Leaves Ind-Pak T20 WC Match Decision to ICC: Shukla

BCCI Leaves Ind-Pak T20 WC Match Decision to ICC: Shukla

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said India has left the decision on the uncertain T20 World Cup match against Pakistan to the ICC and will abide by its ruling.

Vimal Kumar Appeals to BWF to Preserve Current Badminton Scoring System

Vimal Kumar Appeals to BWF to Preserve Current Badminton Scoring System

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Former India coach Vimal Kumar urges the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to maintain the current 21-point scoring system, arguing it represents the true essence of badminton. He highlights the sport's global appeal and the disruption caused by frequent changes.

VP Radhakrishnan Calls on Nagaland University Graduates to Embrace Leadership

VP Radhakrishnan Calls on Nagaland University Graduates to Embrace Leadership

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan addressed Nagaland University graduates, urging them to become responsible leaders and contribute to nation-building, emphasising the importance of peace, unity, and character for development.

IISc Partners with Groww Foundation to Boost Semiconductor Skills

IISc Partners with Groww Foundation to Boost Semiconductor Skills

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Groww Foundation have launched a semiconductor skill development programme to train the next generation of talent, with a focus on encouraging participation from women and young students.

Pakistan Attempts to Broker Peace in West Asia with High-Level Summit

Pakistan Attempts to Broker Peace in West Asia with High-Level Summit

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Foreign Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye convene in Pakistan for a summit aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with Pakistan actively seeking to broker peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

'Trump told G7 leaders Iran was about to surrender'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The call came before Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.