News for 'developing countries'

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.

One Nation One Election rollout possible by 2029: Panel chief

One Nation One Election rollout possible by 2029: Panel chief

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A parliamentary committee is actively working to establish a mechanism for implementing the 'One Nation, One Election' reform, with its chairperson, PP Chaudhary, indicating that it could be fully operational by the 2029 general elections. Chaudhary highlighted that nearly 99 per cent of civil society stakeholders consulted have supported the proposal, which aims to mitigate an estimated Rs 7 lakh crore economic loss due to frequent polls.

Gen Z Protests: 'Biggest Blow Has Been To The Prime Minister'

Gen Z Protests: 'Biggest Blow Has Been To The Prime Minister'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'After more than 12 years in power, he has been forced to retreat under public pressure. The education minister's resignation is the biggest political climbdown of his government so far.'

Have Foreign Assets? View Details In AIS

Have Foreign Assets? View Details In AIS

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The data may include details of foreign bank accounts, investment accounts, certain financial investments, interest income, dividends and other specified financial income held by Indian tax residents abroad.

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

PM Narendra Modi surprises Steve Waugh with nostalgic photograph

PM Narendra Modi surprises Steve Waugh with nostalgic photograph

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a nostalgic moment with former Australia captain Steve Waugh during a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, presenting him with a photograph from their first meeting more than two decades ago when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Notwithstanding the economic complementarities and the host of agreements for deepening economic relation on a host of areas, both sides share common viewpoints on the foreign policy domain and seek common grounds to serve as a counterweight to China, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Zoom on IT Stocks Rally

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty Zoom on IT Stocks Rally

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade, with the Sensex jumping nearly 700 points, primarily driven by strong buying in IT stocks following TCS's positive June-quarter results and optimistic demand outlook. Track Sensex, Nifty on July 10, 2026.

Kuldeep Yadav's Coach Confident Of Spinner's Comeback

Kuldeep Yadav's Coach Confident Of Spinner's Comeback

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Kuldeep Yadav's childhood coach, Kapil Pandey, has expressed confidence in the left-arm wrist spinner's ability to regain his place in the Indian team despite his recent exclusion from the playing XI. Pandey highlighted Kuldeep's fighting spirit, impact in previous matches, and consistent work ethic, dismissing concerns about his limited appearances and emphasising his value as a top spinner.

Indian Chess Federation Unveils Landmark Stipend Programme For Young Players

Indian Chess Federation Unveils Landmark Stipend Programme For Young Players

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has disbursed Rs 42.3 lakh in quarterly stipends to 42 promising young chess players across India. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens, support coaching and travel, and nurture future champions, aligning with a vision to strengthen grassroots chess development.

MG Motor launches India's first multi-powertrain new energy vehicle platform

MG Motor launches India's first multi-powertrain new energy vehicle platform

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

JSW MG Motor India has unveiled ADAPT, India's first multi-powertrain new energy vehicle (NEV) platform, designed to support electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and range-extender electric vehicles. The company plans to launch one electric SUV and one plug-in hybrid SUV based on this architecture during FY27, aiming to broaden its NEV portfolio and accelerate adoption in India.

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has affirmed India's commitment to ensuring issues like a free, open, and rule-based maritime order, seafarer safety, and countering terror financing receive due attention at the UN Security Council during its 2028-29 term.

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.

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.

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Indian Pickleball Association has announced the national team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. The squad includes both experienced players and young talent, with corporate backing providing a boost for their preparations.

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Indian Pickleball Team Gears Up For World Cup Challenge

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Indian Pickleball Association has announced the national team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. The squad includes both experienced players and young talent, with corporate backing providing a boost for their preparations.

US targets Iranian infrastructure in fresh wave of strikes

US targets Iranian infrastructure in fresh wave of strikes

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The US Central Command announced a new wave of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, aiming to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels. This comes as US President Donald Trump described the situation as a 'skirmish' and suggested Iran wants to 'make a deal,' while Iran's Foreign Minister warned of a 'decisive response' to any aggression.

Breakthrough: Indian Researchers Create Placenta-On-Chip For Pregnancy Study

Breakthrough: Indian Researchers Create Placenta-On-Chip For Pregnancy Study

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Indian researchers from ICMR-National Institute for Research on Women's Health and IIT Bombay have developed an indigenous "placenta-on-chip" platform. This microphysiological system mimics the human placental barrier, reproducing essential functions like hormone production and nutrient transfer. It offers a simple, scalable tool for studying placental biology, pregnancy complications, and drug effects, aiming to reduce reliance on animal experimentation.

Nasscom Urges Focus On Deep Engineering Skills Amid AI Adoption

Nasscom Urges Focus On Deep Engineering Skills Amid AI Adoption

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Nasscom has warned that India's technology workforce risks becoming merely AI-reliant rather than truly AI-native if deep engineering expertise is not preserved. The industry body highlights that while many professionals adopt AI, only a fraction are AI-native, necessitating a shift in academic and industry approaches to foster foundational skills and independent problem-solving.

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

How did hundreds of errors slip through multiple stages of drafting, editing, proofreading, expert review and final approval before making their way into classrooms?

How India Is Building AI Resilience Amid Global Access Restrictions

How India Is Building AI Resilience Amid Global Access Restrictions

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India is adopting a two-pronged strategy for artificial intelligence development, focusing on open-source models and indigenous innovation to counter global access restrictions on advanced AI technologies. The government aims to support local developers and ensure AI creates tangible economic impact across various sectors, rather than being solely driven by market speculation.

Iran's 'revenge list' features Meloni, Macron alongside Trump, Bibi

Iran's 'revenge list' features Meloni, Macron alongside Trump, Bibi

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a "revenge list" featuring 13 world leaders, including Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, with a graphic depicting them as targets, amidst escalating regional hostilities and US reports of an Iranian assassination plot against Trump.

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The BJP is significantly increasing its digital engagement with young people on Instagram, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, in response to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and subsequent student protests. This strategic shift aims to counter the narrative and communicate government actions on examination reforms.

Youth Protest Is No Longer About Paper Leaks

Youth Protest Is No Longer About Paper Leaks

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

When dialogue fails, protest becomes inevitable.
In a democracy, protest is often the only language left once institutions stop listening, explains Ramesh Menon.

Pakistan to build modern cricket stadium in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan to build modern cricket stadium in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The PCB will build a cricket stadium as per international standards and with state-of-the-art facilities, said the Pakistan Cricket Board.

How International Exposure Is Elevating Indian Rugby

How International Exposure Is Elevating Indian Rugby

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Indian rugby player Sumit Kumar Roy highlights the critical role of international exposure and the Rugby Premier League in the team's recent success, including a silver medal in Asia's top rugby sevens competition. The team aims for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics, learning from global players and focusing on discipline. Uruguay's Diego Ardao also emphasizes the need for skilled coaches and dedicated players to develop the sport in India, acknowledging the nation's vast potential despite the long road ahead for Olympic aspirations.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Monday's proceedings demonstrated that the legislative debate has become inseparable from the broader political crisis surrounding the NEET controversy.

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Beijing clearly intends to extend the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Bangladesh as part of its larger Maritime Belt and Road Initiative to boost its Indian Ocean presence.

Honda to add 3,800 jobs, expand capacity to 80 lakh units by 2028

Honda to add 3,800 jobs, expand capacity to 80 lakh units by 2028

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) plans to create over 3,800 jobs and expand its annual two-wheeler production capacity to 80 lakh units by 2028, reinforcing India's role as a global manufacturing and export hub for Honda.

Seychelles confers first 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title on Modi

Seychelles confers first 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title on Modi

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Modi thanked Seychelles for the honour and dedicated it to the nations which are fighting the challenges of climate change.

Pak cleric declares cryptocurrency 'haram', issues fatwa

Pak cleric declares cryptocurrency 'haram', issues fatwa

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

A prominent Pakistani Islamic scholar, Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, has issued a fatwa declaring cryptocurrency trading "haram" under Islamic law. This ruling, which covers various digital assets including Bitcoin and stablecoins, states that they do not meet the Islamic definition of wealth, potentially impacting crypto adoption despite the government's efforts to regulate and promote the sector.

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attacks Cyprus ship in Hormuz

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The United States on Saturday (local time) launched a third round of strikes against Iran after alleging that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.

Monsoon Completes India Coverage On July 9

Monsoon Completes India Coverage On July 9

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

After a subdued start, the southwest monsoon has gathered pace since the beginning of July, narrowing the cumulative rainfall deficit from nearly 30 per cent on June 30 to around 15 per cent as of July 8.

How Digital India Has Redefined Governance And Empowered Citizens

How Digital India Has Redefined Governance And Empowered Citizens

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 11 years of the Digital India initiative, highlighting its role in redefining governance, empowering citizens, and accelerating all-round development. He emphasised its impact on digital payments, direct benefit transfers, and expanding digital public infrastructure, making technology a powerful instrument for 'Ease of Living' across India, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi should play other formats to fully develop his game: De Villiers

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi should play other formats to fully develop his game: De Villiers

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers believes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play ODI and Test cricket to fully develop his game, though he warned that the road in longer formats would not be easy.

Developing countries cold to Lamy's proposal

Developing countries cold to Lamy's proposal

Rediff.com14 Aug 2008

Several developing countries are expected to oppose a proposal by World Trade Organization chief Pascal Lamy to "freeze" the issues on which there is convergence within the Doha Development Agenda and resolve the outstanding issues, Business Standard was told.

Amit Shah Promises to Recover 'Stolen' Funds, Boost North Bengal Development

Amit Shah Promises to Recover 'Stolen' Funds, Boost North Bengal Development

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah pledged the BJP will recover funds allegedly stolen by the TMC in Bengal and promised development schemes for North Bengal, while attacking Mamata Banerjee's governance.

Confident Kujur ignores fastest-man tag, targets Commonwealth, Asian Games glory

Confident Kujur ignores fastest-man tag, targets Commonwealth, Asian Games glory

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Focused on success at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, Animesh Kujur is unconcerned by the fastest-man debate, believing his performances on the biggest stages will speak for themselves.

FinMin Clears Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0

FinMin Clears Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Finance Ministry's expenditure department has approved a substantial Rs 1.25 lakh crore outlay for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, significantly increasing the country's investment in global chip-making ambitions and aiming to establish India as a major semiconductor hub.

What India is doing to win the 2036 Olympics bid

What India is doing to win the 2036 Olympics bid

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India has announced a calendar of 29 international sporting events over the next two years, aiming to bolster its credentials as a host nation. This strategic move is part of its larger goal to secure bids for the 2036 Olympic Games, the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and the 2038 Asian Games, showcasing its capacity to host large-scale multi-sport spectacles.