Search results for ' The Initiative'

Indian EVMs are secure, not connected to internet: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Indian EVMs are secure, not connected to internet: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has affirmed that Indian electronic voting machines (EVMs) are manufactured by public sector companies and operate without internet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring their security and reliability.

Defence ministry official dies by suicide, parents allege marital harassment

Defence ministry official dies by suicide, parents allege marital harassment

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

A 30-year-old Assistant Section Officer in the Ministry of Defence died by suicide in Dwarka, Delhi. Her parents have subsequently alleged mental and physical harassment by her husband and in-laws, leading to an FIR being registered and an ongoing police investigation.

India removes hurdle for rupee export payments, eyes wider international use

India removes hurdle for rupee export payments, eyes wider international use

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

India has removed a key regulatory hurdle, allowing exporters to receive payments in Indian currency while retaining incentives under the country's foreign trade policy, a move aimed at promoting wider use of the rupee in international trade.

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Maharashtra's transport department has initiated a statewide drive to assess taxi and autorickshaw drivers' working knowledge of Marathi, issuing notices to 1,268 drivers on the first day. Those who fail the initial 16-question test will receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, with subsequent failure leading to a three-month badge suspension.

Colombo Test: Devdutt Padikkal's red-hot run continues as 2nd ton gives India strong start

Colombo Test: Devdutt Padikkal's red-hot run continues as 2nd ton gives India strong start

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal struck his second century of the series, capitalising on Sri Lanka's early dropped chances to make 117 and steer India towards a strong first-innings total.

Suspense over Xi's BRICS visit continues as Doval meets Chinese VP Han, FM Wang

Suspense over Xi's BRICS visit continues as Doval meets Chinese VP Han, FM Wang

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged in Special Representatives talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, focusing on the India-China boundary question and enhancing bilateral relations. These crucial discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, aiming to address persistent border differences and stabilise ties strained by past conflicts like the Galwan Valley clash.

NRI Deposit Inflows Drop 23% in Q1 FY27, RBI Data Reveals

NRI Deposit Inflows Drop 23% in Q1 FY27, RBI Data Reveals

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Inflows into non-resident Indian (NRI) deposit schemes decreased by 23.24 per cent to $2.78 billion during the first quarter of FY27, down from $3.61 billion in the previous year, according to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data.

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Economists highlight that resolving domestic policy bottlenecks, particularly through land reforms and improving the ease of doing business, will be critical for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'next-generation reforms' and India's economic transformation towards its 'Viksit Bharat' vision for 2047.

Rashmika Mandanna on the Mend, Set for Cautious Return to Work

Rashmika Mandanna on the Mend, Set for Cautious Return to Work

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Fans of Rashmika Mandanna can rejoice as she is on the path to recovery from a hip injury and will soon return to work] .

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.

'Cannot be adjudicated in public': CJI on SC judge's charges against Raj HC judge

'Cannot be adjudicated in public': CJI on SC judge's charges against Raj HC judge

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has stated that allegations of "maladministration" and "favouritism" made by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta against Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Sanjeev Prakash Sharma cannot be adjudicated in the public domain, emphasising that Justice Sharma must be given a fair opportunity to respond.

How Neeraj Chopra's Co-Ownership Will Boost Grassroots Sports In India

How Neeraj Chopra's Co-Ownership Will Boost Grassroots Sports In India

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has become a co-owner of the UBS Athletics Kids Cup, a grassroots initiative promoting sports among children. Having served as an ambassador, Chopra's new role aims to expand the programme's reach to one million children across India, fostering confidence, discipline, and a stronger sporting culture from the ground up.

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.

Sebi streamlines FPI onboarding, allows digitally signed Power of Attorney

Sebi streamlines FPI onboarding, allows digitally signed Power of Attorney

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

India's capital markets regulator, Sebi, has simplified the onboarding process for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) by permitting them to submit a digitally signed Power of Attorney (PoA) to their custodians, eliminating the need for notarisation or apostillisation.

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.

BHU Boosts Biomedical Research With ICMR Funding

BHU Boosts Biomedical Research With ICMR Funding

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has received approximately Rs 15 crore in funding from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for six biomedical research projects. These projects aim to address critical national health priorities, including cancer detection, antimicrobial resistance, and pediatric septic shock, fostering advanced research and improving patient care.

India's Regional Air Connectivity Set To Soar With Electric Seaplanes

India's Regional Air Connectivity Set To Soar With Electric Seaplanes

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

SkyHop Aviation has partnered with Norwegian firm NOEMI Aerospace to explore deploying electric seaplanes in India and South Asia, aiming to enhance regional air connectivity. The collaboration includes evaluating NOEMI's aircraft for SkyHop's fleet, with plans to induct up to 10 by FY2030, and exploring manufacturing opportunities in India.

Fashion Quick Commerce Gets Festive Boost

Fashion Quick Commerce Gets Festive Boost

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Qcom platforms are prioritising convenience, selection, AI-driven inventory planning and loyalty rewards over deep discounting.

Digital Divide Keeps Women Out of India's Gig Economy: Report

Digital Divide Keeps Women Out of India's Gig Economy: Report

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Despite near gender parity in basic bank account ownership, women in India remain significantly underrepresented in the growing platform economy due to gaps in digital financial capability and access to credit, according to a joint report by the International Labour Organization and National Council of Applied Economic Research.

H1N1 Surge: Who Is Most Vulnerable?

H1N1 Surge: Who Is Most Vulnerable?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Delhi is experiencing a significant surge in H1N1 (swine flu) cases, with over 1,777 infections reported this year, a six-fold increase from last year. Doctors highlight that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses are most susceptible to severe infection. The rise has prompted increased inquiries about seasonal influenza vaccination, and medical experts are cautioning against self-medication and delayed consultation, urging early medical attention for severe symptoms.

IIM Bangalore Incubator Creates 35,000 Jobs, $7 Bn In Value

IIM Bangalore Incubator Creates 35,000 Jobs, $7 Bn In Value

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As NSRCEL enters its next phase, the incubator plans to focus on AI, deep technology and global partnerships as it looks to expand its reach.

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'One important clarification is that the reported US action is not a blanket cancellation of all US tourist visas.'

'Hydraulic failure, sudden altitude drop': Airbus analysis on Air India Phuket flight

'Hydraulic failure, sudden altitude drop': Airbus analysis on Air India Phuket flight

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

An initial analysis reveals that an Air India Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi experienced multiple hydraulic system failures, leading to a four-second loss of flight controls and a sudden 300-foot altitude drop, injuring 24 people. The incident is under investigation by the AAIB, and the pilot-in-command subsequently tested positive for a psychoactive substance, prompting Air India to implement mandatory testing for all its pilots.

Rishikesh mother saves son, is electrocuted with infant

Rishikesh mother saves son, is electrocuted with infant

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

A tragic incident in Rishikesh saw a mother and her two-year-old daughter electrocuted in a waterlogged area due to a snapped power line. The mother, Suman Jethudi, managed to save her 12-year-old son before her death. Following public outcry and a complaint, a Junior Engineer of Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) has been suspended, and a high-level inquiry committee has been formed. UPCL has also launched a statewide safety inspection drive.

Actor Tim Curry Dies At 80: 'He Was A Force'

Actor Tim Curry Dies At 80: 'He Was A Force'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Tim Curry, celebrated for his unforgettable performances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clue, and Annie, has passed away at 80, prompting an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood and fans worldwide.

IT dept seizes car with Rs 9 cr in Benglauru, find Rs 1.3 crore in TN

IT dept seizes car with Rs 9 cr in Benglauru, find Rs 1.3 crore in TN

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Income Tax officials seized Rs 9 crore in cash from a car near Bengaluru's Electronic City, leading to further recovery of Rs 1.3 crore in Tamil Nadu, bringing the total to Rs 10.3 crore. The interception followed police information about illegal cash transportation, and an investigation is underway to determine the source and purpose of the funds.

38 killed as 7.7 magnitude quake jolts Indonesia; tsunami alert issued

38 killed as 7.7 magnitude quake jolts Indonesia; tsunami alert issued

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

At least 38 people were killed after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, triggering a tsunami warning that was later lifted, CBS News reported.

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Rediff.com7 days ago

Nepal is grappling with one of its worst disasters in recent years as massive flash floods, triggered by an ice avalanche, have claimed 270 lives and left thousands missing across multiple districts, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

Coal India, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Ink MoU For Odisha Gasification Plant

Coal India, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Ink MoU For Odisha Gasification Plant

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS) have signed an MoU to explore setting up a coal gasification plant near AMNS's Paradip pellet plant in Odisha. This initiative aims to produce synthesis gas for cleaner steel production, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and align with India's goal of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030, supported by a Rs 37,500-crore government incentive scheme.

Doval in Beijing for talks amid border tensions, Xi visit uncertainty

Doval in Beijing for talks amid border tensions, Xi visit uncertainty

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

National security advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for a two-day visit to take part in the Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary question with his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The rules require nuclear plant operators to maintain an insurance policy, financial security or a combination of both to cover civil liability for nuclear damage.

LA28 Olympics: Over 6 Million Tickets Sold, Next Sale in 2027

LA28 Olympics: Over 6 Million Tickets Sold, Next Sale in 2027

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Ticket sales for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have surpassed 6 million, with organizers planning the next public sale for 2027, featuring new sports like flag football and squash, and the return of cricket.

Operation Safed Sagar Brings IAF's Kargil Story Alive For Gen Z

Operation Safed Sagar Brings IAF's Kargil Story Alive For Gen Z

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

If an OTT series can make a young person curious about the armed forces, make a family understand the sacrifices made by those in uniform, or simply make someone walk up to a veteran and say, "Thank you for your service," then it has achieved something far more important than merely getting its history right, notes Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Espi's 90th-minute goal seals dramatic 2-1 win for Real Madrid over Espanyol

Espi's 90th-minute goal seals dramatic 2-1 win for Real Madrid over Espanyol

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Carlo Espi, a close-season signing, scored in the 90th minute to give Real Madrid a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their LaLiga opener, securing three points for Jose Mourinho's returning side.

Irdai's crackdown on insurer operating costs signals stricter compliance

Irdai's crackdown on insurer operating costs signals stricter compliance

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India's (Irdai) recent actions against insurers for breaching expense of management (EoM) limits indicate a serious commitment to enforcing operating and distribution cost controls, according to industry experts.

14,000 sign petition for action against Priyanka's 'gau mutra expert' remark

14,000 sign petition for action against Priyanka's 'gau mutra expert' remark

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Over 14,000 members of the academic and scientific community have petitioned Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking intervention against Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's "gau mutra expert" remark concerning IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti during parliamentary proceedings. The petition calls for the withdrawal of the derogatory expression, arguing it undermines the dignity of an eminent scientist and the institution he leads, and urges for respectful democratic discourse.

FIA Praises Indian Prodigy Atiqa Mir's Motorsport Talent

FIA Praises Indian Prodigy Atiqa Mir's Motorsport Talent

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

The world motorsport body FIA has strongly endorsed 11-year-old Indian racer Atiqa Mir, highlighting her as a rising star redefining the future of the sport. Atiqa, the first Indian backed by the F1 Academy, has achieved significant success in European karting series, including a pole position and top-10 finishes in FIA European Championship rounds.

FPIs flock to financials, extend buying spree in IT sector in early August

FPIs flock to financials, extend buying spree in IT sector in early August

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) significantly increased their buying in Indian equities during the first half of August, with financial services attracting the largest inflows, reversing previous outflows. The IT sector also continued to see strong interest from overseas investors, driven by a reassessment of valuations and the role of Indian IT firms in AI deployment.

'It will take time': Chadwick on women reaching F1

'It will take time': Chadwick on women reaching F1

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Jamie Chadwick, a triple W Series champion, believes that increasing female participation at grassroots levels is crucial for women to reach the top echelons of motorsport. She highlights the importance of creating welcoming environments for young girls in karting and addresses the historical disparity, noting that it has been 50 years since a woman last raced in Formula One. Chadwick is confident that new initiatives will lead to a higher quality of female drivers in the coming years, despite the overall growth in talent across the sport.

Air India to conduct drug test for all pilots after Phuket incident

Air India to conduct drug test for all pilots after Phuket incident

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Air India and Air India Express are implementing mandatory psychoactive substance testing for all their 5,000+ pilots. This decision follows an incident where the pilot of a Phuket-Delhi flight, which experienced a sudden altitude drop injuring 24 people, tested positive for marijuana. The testing aims to enhance safety standards and reassure passengers.