Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has scheduled a meeting on May 11, 2026 with a delegation of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) with regards to latter’s allegation regarding “illegal” issuance of second ballot to two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs during Rajya Sabha election
Prabhas-starrer Fauzi shoot halted after fatal accident kills crew member, 5 injuredThe big-budget film faces indefinite production suspension after a tragic accident resulted in one death and multiple injuries near Hyderabad. May 6, 2026, 16:21:20 IST Written by Monica Yadav Share via Copy link
Himanta to return? Who will be Assam's new chief minister after BJP's poll win?BJP secured a majority in the state, winning 82 of the total 126 seats in the Assam Assembly. Published on: May 06, 2026 4:52 PM IST By Arya Mishra Share via Copy link The Bharatiya Janata Party has managed to retain
‘BJP won’t let funds reach us’: Akhilesh Yadav on why Samajwadi Party cut ties with I-PACFounded by political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, I-PAC is known for managing high-profile election campaigns across the country. Updated on: May 06
JAC class 12 results: Girls dominate in commerce and arts, boys outshine in scienceJAC class 12 results: Girls dominate in commerce and arts, boys outshine in science Published on: May 06, 2026 4:23 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Ranchi, Girls dominated commerce and arts streams in the class 12
Land dispute pits BJP MLAs against each other in UP's UnnaoLand dispute pits BJP MLAs against each other in UP's Unnao Published on: May 06, 2026 4:24 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Unnao , A land dispute in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district has pitted two Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs against each
‘Nobody wanted to talk to me’: Harvard-educated VC on failure and feeling like an outsiderAmy Wu Martin, a Harvard-educated venture capitalist, has opened up about her childhood as an immigrant in the United States. Updated on: May 06, 2026 4:02 PM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link A
The U.S. Military launched another strike on Tuesday (May 6, 2026) on a vessel suspected of transporting drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three men. The attack came a day after U.S. forces struck an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea, killing two people.The U.S
The US Embassy has said that "USAID/India did not receive or provide funding of $21 million for voter turnout in India" from fiscal years 2014 to 2024, nor has it implemented any voter turnout-related activities in India, the Centre has told Rajya Sabha.

The US Embassy has said that "USAID/India did not receive or provide funding of $21 million for voter turnout in India" from fiscal years 2014 to 2024, nor has it implemented any voter turnout-related activities in India, the Centre has told Rajya Sabha.
The government said this in a written response to a query from CPI(M) MP John Brittas on Thursday, asking the status of the actions taken by it on the "reports suggesting the utilisation of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds" to "increase voter turnout in Indian elections".
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in his response said, on February 28, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) requested the US Embassy in New Delhi to "urgently furnish details" of expenditure incurred on all USAID-assisted or funded projects in India over the last ten years (other than those being implemented under the seven Partnership Agreements with the government of India).
The MEA also sought a list of NGOs or implementing partners through which such initiatives were executed.
On July 2, the US Embassy shared data that "it said covered USAID funding in India from 2014 to 2024", including details of implementing partners, objectives, and key accomplishments of each activity undertaken, he said.
In his response, the MoS further said, "The Embassy also maintains that 'USAID/India did not receive or provide funding of $21 million for voter turnout in India from fiscal years 2014 to 2024, nor has it implemented any voter turnout-related activities in India.'".
On July 29, the US Embassy conveyed to the MEA that it plans to bring all USAID operations to a close "by 15 August 2025," the Centre told Rajya Sabha.
On August 11, the US Embassy in New Delhi, in a letter to the Department of Economic Affairs, "conveyed that all seven Partnership Agreements signed with the government of India would stand closed with effect from 15 August 2025", the minister said.
Singh, in his response, said while the review of USAID operations was ongoing in the United States, on February 16, 2025, the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), in a post on X, announced the cancellation of USD486 million in USAID funding for Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) projects worldwide, including USD21 million allocation for increasing "voter turnout in India."
Effective July 1, USAID's operations officially ceased. Approximately 83 per cent of its programmes were terminated, and 94 per cent of its staff were laid off. The State Department assumed responsibility for the remaining 17 per cent of USAID's operations and foreign aid administration, Singh said.
"The full closure of USAID is scheduled to be completed by September 2, 2025," he said.
Brittas also asked whether the government has received from the US the details of expenditures on all USAID projects in India over the last three years, sought through the US Embassy.
Singh, in his response, said a "beneficiary-wise breakdown of USAID allocations made available to the Ministry for three years -- 2022, 2023 and 2024, as sought by the Hon'ble Member of Parliament, is placed at Annexure-A".
Brittas had also asked a similar question in Rajya Sabha, related to USAID, in March this year.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: USAID didn’t receive funding of $21 million for voter turnout in India India did not receive $21 million from USAID for ‘voter turnout’ 7 Flats, one tax claim — Dept said no, Tribunal said yes USAID cuts may cause over 14 million additional deaths by 2030 USAID cancelled rape survivor kits for Congo as conflict erupted India outs embassy-wise emergency contact for nationals in the Gulf India will reopen embassy in Kabul India appoints new envoy to Libya a year after reopening embassy Venezuela Shuts Down Norway Embassy Days After Nobel Peace Prize To Machado US embassy in Baghdad targeted with drones
"We're not just a story. We're not just headlines, we're people with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home," said a tearful Jake Rosmarin. For the American travel vlogger on board the luxury cruise liner MV Hondius in the Atlantic ocean, a dream voyage has taken a deadly turn
59 minutes ago
Pakistani sportspersons will be able to participate in multilateral events in India, but will not be allowed to take part in bilateral tournaments held in the country, stated the Union government on Tuesday. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said in an office memorandum: “In so far as
59 minutes ago
Sanjay Raut and NCP (SP) back Mamata Banerjee's decision not to resign as West Bengal Chief Minister. They allege democratic processes were subverted and central agencies misused to influence the assembly poll outcome. Raut calls for unity against the Centre's dictatorship and the Election
1 hours ago
Delhi’s notoriously toxic air may appear to be cleaner these days, but it could be hiding a bigger, quieter problem. According to a report in The Indian Express, while the national capital’s nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide levels have gradually declined over the years
59 minutes ago
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi has called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened "as soon as possible" in talks with his Iranian counterpart. The pair met in Beijing on Wednesday on what is Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi's first trip to China since the Iran war began
59 minutes ago
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on Thursday (April 30, 2026) announced the results of the ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) main examinations for 2026 with girls outperforming boys in both classes. Over 3.6 lakh students across India and abroad sat for the
59 minutes ago
Spirit release date postponed? Makers clarify on Sandeep Reddy Vanga film with Prabhas and Triptii DimriAmid ongoing speculations that the release date of Spirit has been postponed, the makers have issued a statement. The film stars Prabhas in the lead. May 6, 2026
59 minutes ago
Vivek Ramaswamy will run for the position of Ohio governor in November, after the staunch ally of US President Donald Trump emerged victorious in one of a series of primary contests held in the US Midwest. Projected results on Tuesday night showed the health-tech entrepreneur had defeated Casey
59 minutes ago
Two sides, both jolted out of rhythm just when they seemed unstoppable, now collide in a high-stakes showdown as Sunrisers Hyderabad locks horns with Punjab Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The hosts were riding a wave of confidence
1 hours ago
Should you avoid stepping out between 11 am and 4 pm in summer? Doctor shares 8 reasons your body can't handle the heatKnow why this common medical advice actually holds up and what changes your body undergoes when exposed to extreme heat during these hours. Published on: May 06
59 minutes ago
Bengaluru-based loyalty and customer engagement firm reported a 26% year-on-year (YoY) rise in operating revenue for the March quarter, driven by expansion within its existing customer base, new annual contracts, and integration of the Kognitiv business acquired last year
59 minutes ago
In 105 seats that the Bharatiya Janata Party won in West Bengal, the total number of voters deleted during the special intensive revision exceeds its margin of victory, according to a data analysis by Scroll. Of these, 86 are seats that the BJP has never won before
1 hours ago
The rupee appreciated by 23 paise to 94.95 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) as Brent crude prices retreated from their elevated level after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a possible deal with Iran. Forex traders said oil prices fell to $108 per barrel
1 hours ago
Synopsis: The Future of Knowledge Work Summit 2026 in Bengaluru explores how AI is transforming knowledge work and redefining roles and skills. This exclusive summit brings senior leaders together to understand the shift from automated tasks to the rising importance of human judgment, creativity
59 minutes ago
New Delhi, May 6 (PTI) Multi-brand restaurant operator Trimex Foods on Wednesday said it has bagged franchise rights for American Chinese dining brand Panda Express in India from a subsidiary of Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. Through this alliance
59 minutes ago
The Jharkhand Board on Wednesday announced Class 12th results on the official website of the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC). Students who took the exams can access their results on jac.jharkhand.gov.in, jacresults.com by entering their roll number, roll code, and choosing their respective stream
1 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.The 5 secrets to choosing the perfect rug for your homeRugs shape spaces. The size, material, colour and texture can make all the difference to your personal space
1 hours ago
Oil prices have dropped following reports that the US and Iran are close to a deal to end the war. Brent crude futures, the global benchmark oil price, fell to below $102 (£75) a barrel after the reports. The price was over $108 earlier in the day
1 hours ago
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay has staked a claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu. The party emerged as the single largest in the Assembly elections. Vijay met the Tamil Nadu Governor to formalize the claim. The Congress party has pledged its support to TVK
1 hours ago
Kyle Rittenhouse says ‘felons deserve the right to own guns'; sparks debateKyle Rittenhouse has sparked a debate with a post on X, where he suggested that felons should be given the right to own guns if they serve their time. Published on: May 06
59 minutes ago
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned US-Israel military actions as "illegitimate" during talks with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Beijing. The meeting, part of Tehran's broader diplomatic tour, focused on a regional ceasefire, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz
59 minutes ago
Passengers on a routine international flight got something no one expects to witness: a baby being born mid-air. The incident happened on an ITA Airways flight travelling from Dakar to Rome. About an hour after take-off, while the aircraft was cruising at around 34,000 feet, a pregnant passenger
1 hours ago
In a landmark decision aimed at bridging the educational divide in Maharashtra’s most challenging terrains, the Maharashtra State Cabinet has officially sanctioned the expansion of 24 tribal ashram schools. The meeting chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis approved a strategic plan to upgrade five
59 minutes ago
The Ministry of Education will write to the Chief Secretaries of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, urging them to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementation of the Centre’s PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme in state-run schools at the earliest
1 hours ago
Mumbai, May 6 (PTI) Logistics player MOVIN on Wednesday said it has opened a new facility in Surat, as it aims to serve businesses across key sectors and enhance the capabilities of over 40,000 MSMEs in the region. Leveraging the city’s multi-modal logistics advantages
1 hours ago
The Aam Janata Unnayan Party led by former West Bengal minister Humayun Kabir has moved the Calcutta High Court alleging large-scale violence in Murshidabad district following the Assembly elections, Live Law reported on Wednesday. Kabir had been suspended by the Trinamool Congress in December
59 minutes ago
Pakistan athletes allowed in India, but bilateral sports ban stays as Government clarifies multilateral event policyIndia maintains a bilateral sporting ban with Pakistan but allows Pakistani teams to compete in multilateral events hosted in India. Published on: May 06
59 minutes ago