Yoshita Singh In Colombo

Stories by Yoshita Singh In Colombo

'This is why...': India slams UN report on youth protests

'This is why...': India slams UN report on youth protests

Rediff.com   5 hours ago

India has strongly rejected a report by a UN human rights expert, Gina Romero, which claimed that young people in India face retaliation or stigmatisation for discussing mental health or gender justice. India's First Secretary Anuj Swarup labelled the report as "hearsay" based on "anonymous and unverified claims," asserting that it does a disservice to the expert's mandate. Swarup highlighted India's constitutional freedoms, independent judiciary, and government's proactive engagement with youth, citing examples like the amendment to the Public Examinations Act and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.

'Anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America'

'Anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America'

Rediff.com   1 days ago

Top US lawmakers, leaders, and civil society members have strongly condemned an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois. Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested for attempting a mass shooting at the Aurora temple, which failed when his rifle jammed. Indian-American Congressmen and other officials have called for efforts to combat rising anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice in America, highlighting the need to protect minority houses of worship.

Mass shooting plot at US Hindu Temple foiled, 19-year-old held

Mass shooting plot at US Hindu Temple foiled, 19-year-old held

Rediff.com   2 days ago

A 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested in Illinois for allegedly plotting a mass shooting targeting a Hindu place of worship. Authorities recovered a manifesto with white supremacist ideologies and references to violence against people of Indian descent, along with weapons and tactical gear. The plot was uncovered after Paporakis shared concerning electronic communications, leading to swift action by law enforcement.

How WIN Connect's AI Platform Is Revolutionising Networking For Women Leaders

How WIN Connect's AI Platform Is Revolutionising Networking For Women Leaders

Rediff.com   7 Oct 2026

Women Inspiring Network (WIN) has launched 'WIN Connect', an AI-powered platform designed to connect global women leaders and enhance opportunities across various sectors. Unveiled in New York, the platform aims to leverage AI to facilitate networking, access to capital, and business growth for its 10,000-strong network across 50 countries.

No enough understanding or empathy...: Jaishankar on India-US ties

No enough understanding or empathy...: Jaishankar on India-US ties

Rediff.com   29 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted that India's primary concern regarding terrorism from its neighbour, Pakistan, if not fully appreciated by partners like the US, negatively impacts bilateral relations. Speaking at the Asia Society, Jaishankar discussed the turbulence in India-US ties, particularly in light of Washington's renewed engagement with Pakistan and the perceived lack of empathy for India's terrorism concerns, especially under the second Trump administration. He emphasized that addressing these sensitivities is crucial for improving the relationship.

Russia backs India's bid for UNSC permanent seat

Russia backs India's bid for UNSC permanent seat

Rediff.com   27 Sep 2026

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has publicly supported India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. He stated that any reform of the UNSC should not grant additional seats to Western countries like Germany and Japan, citing their "militarism and revanchism." Instead, Russia advocates for increased representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, specifically backing India and Brazil, while also emphasizing the need to address African interests.

Attack on seafarers 'unacceptable': Jaishankar at UNGA

Attack on seafarers 'unacceptable': Jaishankar at UNGA

Rediff.com   27 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf, calling it "simply unacceptable." He also voiced deep concern over the "weaponisation of everything," which he stated has severe consequences for Global South nations, impacting peace, progress, and development globally. India urged restraint, de-escalation, and protection of civilians, while also highlighting the 4F crisis (food, fuel, fertiliser, finance) faced by developing countries.

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Rediff.com   27 Sep 2026

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, strongly criticised Pakistan for its support of terrorism, asserting India's right to self-defence and stating that friendship cannot coexist with terrorism. He also highlighted India's global responsibilities, contributions to the Global South, and its stance on reformed multilateralism and AI.

Terrorism will have consequences: India warns Pak PM at UNGA

Terrorism will have consequences: India warns Pak PM at UNGA

Rediff.com   26 Sep 2026

India, through First Secretary Petal Gahlot, strongly criticised Pakistan at the UN General Assembly, labelling it a "puppet regime" and warning of consequences for its continued support of terrorism. This came after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the Kashmir issue and credited Donald Trump for intervening in a hypothetical 2025 conflict. India highlighted Pakistan's internal political issues, its history with Osama Bin Laden, and the human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, while also condemning its blasphemy laws and treatment of minorities.

At UNGA, Sharif thanks Trump for 'timely intervention' in 2025 conflict with India

At UNGA, Sharif thanks Trump for 'timely intervention' in 2025 conflict with India

Rediff.com   26 Sep 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his UN General Assembly address to thank former US President Donald Trump for his "timely intervention" in the 2025 conflict with India, a claim India consistently denies. Sharif also raised the Kashmir issue and discussed the Indus Waters Treaty, while touting Pakistan's role in mediating US-Iran peace.

Terrorist country asking me that question: Jaishankar blasts Pak scribe

Terrorist country asking me that question: Jaishankar blasts Pak scribe

Rediff.com   25 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly rebuked a Pakistani journalist at the UN headquarters who questioned India's alleged sponsorship of terrorism, calling Pakistan a "terrorist country."

Don't let Putin drag you into this war: Zelenskyy to India, others

Don't let Putin drag you into this war: Zelenskyy to India, others

Rediff.com   24 Sep 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the UN General Assembly, accusing Russia of using citizens from over 40 countries, including India, to fight in its war against Ukraine. He urged these nations to prevent their citizens from being drawn into the conflict, highlighting that Ukraine has taken prisoners of war from these countries and that many have perished. Zelenskyy also called for limiting trade with Russia to cut off its war funding and criticised the weakening of sanctions.

Jaishankar meets Rubio at UNGA, shares concerns on sanctions bill

Jaishankar meets Rubio at UNGA, shares concerns on sanctions bill

Rediff.com   23 Sep 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. India raised its concerns regarding the recently signed "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," which authorises tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Both leaders also discussed bilateral relations, regional priorities, and the situations in the Gulf and Ukraine.

Trump backs India-Middle East-Europe corridor amid Iran war

Trump backs India-Middle East-Europe corridor amid Iran war

Rediff.com   23 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), citing the necessity to move energy infrastructure away from Iranian checkpoints following attacks in West Asia. He made these remarks during a multilateral meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council at the UN General Assembly, emphasising the corridor's role in overcoming regional challenges.

Turkey's Erdogan again raises Kashmir issue at UNGA

Turkey's Erdogan again raises Kashmir issue at UNGA

Rediff.com   23 Sep 2026

This is not the first time Erdogan has spoken about the Kashmir issue during his UNGA address. Last year in September, he had called for a resolution on the issue of Kashmir at UNGA.

India co-sponsors UN resolution to end child marriage

India co-sponsors UN resolution to end child marriage

Rediff.com   6 Sep 2026

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by India, to designate November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. This global initiative aims to raise awareness and accelerate efforts to combat this harmful practice, which disproportionately affects women and girls, hindering their education, health, and overall human rights.

India, 163 other nations back UN's 'Correct the World map' move; US opposes

India, 163 other nations back UN's 'Correct the World map' move; US opposes

Rediff.com   5 Sep 2026

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, backed by India, to correct the world map for a more accurate representation of continental landmasses. The resolution addresses the distortions caused by the widely used Mercator projection, which minimises the perceived sizes of regions like Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, promoting an unbalanced global view. India supports the move towards more accurate cartographic practices, specifically endorsing broader use of Equal Area map projections.

NVIDIA's Strategic Move: Acquiring Hugging Face To Boost AI Ecosystem

NVIDIA's Strategic Move: Acquiring Hugging Face To Boost AI Ecosystem

Rediff.com   3 Sep 2026

NVIDIA has acquired AI startup Hugging Face for USD 12.9 billion, aiming to scale its platform, strengthen infrastructure, and expand AI access for developers and institutions globally while maintaining an open ecosystem.

How NVIDIA's Hugging Face Acquisition Will Shape Open AI

How NVIDIA's Hugging Face Acquisition Will Shape Open AI

Rediff.com   3 Sep 2026

NVIDIA has acquired AI startup Hugging Face for USD 12.9 billion, aiming to scale its platform, strengthen infrastructure, and expand access to AI for developers and institutions worldwide while maintaining an open ecosystem.

Indian-origin man loses US citizenship 15 years after rape conviction

Indian-origin man loses US citizenship 15 years after rape conviction

Rediff.com   1 Sep 2026

The US District Court for the Eastern District of New York has revoked the naturalisation of Gurmeet Singh, an Indian-origin man, after he was convicted of rape and kidnapping. Singh had concealed these serious criminal acts during his naturalisation process, leading to the federal court's decision to strip him of his US citizenship.