Search results for 'Department of Information'

Indian-origin engineer couple donates $20 mn to US varsity for AI college

Indian-origin engineer couple donates $20 mn to US varsity for AI college

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

An Indian-origin engineer couple, Anuradha and Vikas Sinha, have donated $20 million to the University of North Texas (UNT) to establish the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha College of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics. This significant gift aims to create new opportunities for students and faculty, focusing on building and deploying intelligent systems and understanding their operation within human contexts. The donation underscores the couple's belief in education and immigrant contributions to the American dream, supporting leadership, scholarships, professorships, research, and entrepreneurship.

Why Expanding Early Warning Systems Is Crucial For Disaster Mitigation

Why Expanding Early Warning Systems Is Crucial For Disaster Mitigation

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Climate scientist Tapio Schneider advocates for expanding early warning systems beyond rainfall events to include other disaster triggers like flash floods, citing the recent Nepal floods. He highlights the inevitability of 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming and discusses the role of advanced climate modelling and AI in improving predictions and research, particularly for regions like India.

Student suicide: IIT-B apologises, suspends dean; director to stay

Student suicide: IIT-B apologises, suspends dean; director to stay

Rediff.com7 days ago

IIT Bombay has removed Suryanarayana Doolla, Dean of Administrative Affairs, from his post and issued a public apology following the death by suicide of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode, who his parents allege faced caste-based discrimination.

TN CM Vijay plans Rs 1,200 crore edifice to replace Fort St George

TN CM Vijay plans Rs 1,200 crore edifice to replace Fort St George

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced plans for a new Rs 1,200 crore Assembly-cum-Secretariat integrated complex in Chennai, moving the administration from the historic Fort St George. The modern facility will house all state government departments, addressing space constraints and aiming for efficient governance. Additionally, the CM unveiled plans for a Tamil Nadu Olympic City and a Motor Sports City to boost sports infrastructure and tourism.

Narrow escape for Punjabi singer Ammy Virk in Canada gun attack

Narrow escape for Punjabi singer Ammy Virk in Canada gun attack

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Punjabi singer Ammy Virk's concert convoy was targeted in a shooting incident in Abbotsford, Canada, though he escaped unhurt. Police are investigating the targeted attack and a connected vehicle fire.

This Is How We Remember Our Heroes

This Is How We Remember Our Heroes

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Despite repeated demands over the years, the proposal to develop Khudiram Bose's cremation ground in Muzaffarpur into a martyr park has yet to see the light of day due to official apathy.

Should You Buy Dengue Insurance?

Should You Buy Dengue Insurance?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Buyers should check their scope and triggers and whether they need such policies alongside their regular health insurance.

India Rejects US Influence Claims Over UPI MDR Policy

India Rejects US Influence Claims Over UPI MDR Policy

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI transactions. It clarified that NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI and do not favour international cards. The ministry also asserted that the MDR, applicable to person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000, is unlikely to increase cash transactions or cause inflation, with measures in place to prevent burdening consumers.

Gauhati HC Asks Assam Government To Pay Compensation

Gauhati HC Asks Assam Government To Pay Compensation

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Court said state machinery prevented woman from challenging Foreigners Tribunal order; directs authorities to try to locate her in Bangladesh and bring her back to India.

Sikkim has 16 highly-dangerous glacial lakes, shows govt data

Sikkim has 16 highly-dangerous glacial lakes, shows govt data

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Sikkim has identified 40 high-hazard glacial lakes, with 16 at the highest risk of catastrophic outbursts. Following a devastating GLOF in 2023, the state is developing India's first dedicated GLOF Risk Mitigation Protocol, using advanced monitoring and interdisciplinary approaches to protect downstream settlements and serve as a model for other Himalayan regions.

2 NRI women hailing from Chhattisgarh missing in flood-hit Nepal

2 NRI women hailing from Chhattisgarh missing in flood-hit Nepal

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Two Non-Resident Indian (NRI) women linked to Chhattisgarh have been reported missing following flash floods in Nepal, while two other women from the state who were earlier reported missing have established contact with their families, officials said on Friday.

UEFA Seeks Evidence Against FIFA President Infantino In Swiss Case

UEFA Seeks Evidence Against FIFA President Infantino In Swiss Case

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

UEFA is seeking evidence in a US court for a potential Swiss criminal case against FIFA President Gianni Infantino concerning his abandoned World Cup commercial-rights plan.

US halts visa interviews globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

US halts visa interviews globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The US State Department has paused visa appointments worldwide to conduct a 'global training initiative' for consular officers, aiming to ensure applicants are not likely to become a 'public charge' and are comprehensively evaluated, intensifying President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

ATC 'technical issue' grounds flights across UK airports

ATC 'technical issue' grounds flights across UK airports

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A 'technical issue' in the UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) flight processing system grounded hundreds of flights across the UK, including long-haul routes to and from India, leading to widespread disruption and prompting Ryanair to demand the resignation of NATS CEO Martin Rolfe.

CM Orders Strict Action After Teacher Accused Of Harassing Students

CM Orders Strict Action After Teacher Accused Of Harassing Students

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

A teacher at a government residential school in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district has been accused of sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl and other students. Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act, with efforts underway to apprehend the accused. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered a thorough probe, strict action, and directed district authorities to enhance vigilance and conduct regular inspections of girls' hostels and residential schools to ensure child safety.

Netflix Is Offering A Scholarship For...

Netflix Is Offering A Scholarship For...

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

IICT and Netflix are offering scholarships to 100 students and working professionals, with up to 80 per cent financial support for courses in animation, VFX, gaming and creative technologies.

Maggi, Kurkure, Lay's products seized as FDA busts expiry date racket

Maggi, Kurkure, Lay's products seized as FDA busts expiry date racket

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A food tampering racket in Navi Mumbai, involving the alteration of expiry dates on popular brands like Maggi and Lay's, has been busted by the Maharashtra FDA and Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch, leading to the seizure of products worth over Rs 75 lakh.

Law And Order Review: Criminally Bad!

Law And Order Review: Criminally Bad!

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Law And Order not only delivers an outdated and amateurish gangster drama, but also manages to drag Mammootty's iconic Black character into the mess.

9 hours of Delhi police questioning: Why was ex-DoT officer taken away?

9 hours of Delhi police questioning: Why was ex-DoT officer taken away?

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Former bureaucrat Ashish Joshi was questioned for nearly nine hours by the Delhi Police Special Cell in connection with an old case. He was later released without arrest. The questioning followed claims by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit about Joshi being taken away by police.

Jail escapee visits police station for Aadhaar, flees again

Jail escapee visits police station for Aadhaar, flees again

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

An Assam native, Madhur Jya Sonowal, who escaped from Aluva Sub Jail, surprisingly went to the Perumbavoor police station to retrieve his Aadhaar card. Police have intensified their search for Sonowal, who fled the station after being recognised by officials. A detailed investigation into the security lapse has been launched.

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.

UPI MDR: Ministry Addresses Concerns Over Cash Transactions And Inflation

UPI MDR: Ministry Addresses Concerns Over Cash Transactions And Inflation

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has clarified that the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, is not expected to increase cash transactions or cause inflation. The ministry also dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the decision, asserting that the policy aims to promote RuPay credit cards within the UPI ecosystem, and a monitoring mechanism will ensure the MDR burden is not passed on to consumers.

Bank account used in cyber fraud cases, Thane woman kills self

Bank account used in cyber fraud cases, Thane woman kills self

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

A 38-year-old woman in Thane district committed suicide after discovering her bank account was allegedly used in multiple cyber fraud cases across several Indian states, leading to immense anxiety and police questioning notices.

Illegal constructions above 4 floors to be sealed in Delhi

Illegal constructions above 4 floors to be sealed in Delhi

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Following a tragic building collapse in Satya Niketan that claimed five lives, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has ordered the immediate sealing of all illegal constructions with more than four floors and vowed strict action against negligent officials.

How AI Will Revolutionise Healthcare And Empower Doctors

How AI Will Revolutionise Healthcare And Empower Doctors

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, highlighted Artificial Intelligence's transformative potential in healthcare, emphasising its role in augmenting doctors' capabilities and enhancing efficiency. Speaking at PGIMER's Foundation Day, he stressed the need for India to develop AI solutions tailored to its unique healthcare realities, moving beyond being a mere consumer of Western-trained systems. PGIMER Director Vivek Lal also detailed the institute's expansion and commitment to affordable healthcare.

Nepal issues fresh flood warning, rescuers asked to move

Nepal issues fresh flood warning, rescuers asked to move

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal has issued a fresh flood warning for areas previously hit by a devastating flash flood, as water levels rise and a dam on the Tibetan side reportedly burst again. Authorities are urging residents and rescue workers to evacuate, with concerns over a newly formed barrier lake near the Nepal-China border posing a significant risk.

IndiGo's Goa-Delhi flight suffers mid-air engine failure

IndiGo's Goa-Delhi flight suffers mid-air engine failure

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

An IndiGo flight carrying 229 passengers from Goa to Delhi was forced to make an emergency landing back at Manohar International Airport after one of its engines failed mid-air. The aircraft landed safely, and alternative arrangements were made for the passengers.

Fresh flash flood threat in Nepal as Bhotekoshi water level rises

Fresh flash flood threat in Nepal as Bhotekoshi water level rises

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

A senior cryosphere specialist has warned of a potential secondary flash flood in Nepal due to debris from an ice-rock avalanche accumulating at a river confluence, creating a temporary dam that is collecting water.

Finance Ministry Rejects US Influence Claims On UPI MDR

Finance Ministry Rejects US Influence Claims On UPI MDR

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has refuted allegations that US pressure influenced the decision to levy a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI payments. The ministry clarified that the NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI to promote domestic alternatives and ensure a self-sustaining revenue model for smaller domestic companies, countering claims of favouring foreign payment providers.

How AI Is Revolutionising Forest Protection In India

How AI Is Revolutionising Forest Protection In India

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Haldwani forest division has launched India's first AI-based forest acoustic surveillance system. This innovative technology uses AI, acoustic sensors, and long-range wireless communication to detect illegal logging, poaching, and other suspicious activities in real-time, even in remote areas. Powered by solar energy, the system provides continuous monitoring, significantly enhancing forest protection, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity monitoring efforts.

'Misbranded' rabies vaccine seized in Delhi, DCGI intensifies action

'Misbranded' rabies vaccine seized in Delhi, DCGI intensifies action

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Indian drug regulatory and law enforcement agencies have stepped up their efforts against the illegal manufacture and distribution of spurious drugs. This intensified action follows the seizure of a "misbranded" batch of Abhayrab rabies vaccine in Delhi, prompting nationwide vigilance and arrests.

How Each Breath Shapes Your Brain Activity

How Each Breath Shapes Your Brain Activity

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience reveals a precise connection between individual breath patterns and neural activity in the brain. Researchers found that subtle variations in each breath, such as longer inhales or slower exhales, are directly reflected in corresponding brain activity patterns. This goes beyond traditional measures of breathing rate, offering a richer understanding of how respiration influences cognition, emotion, and memory, and could have implications for conditions like SUDEP and SIDS.

Nepal floods: 61 Mansarovar pilgrims from Mumbai untraceable

Nepal floods: 61 Mansarovar pilgrims from Mumbai untraceable

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Anxiety grips Mumbai families as a 61-member Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage group, including prominent doctor-mountaineer Milind Chitley, remains untraceable following devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.

Governor Yadav Champions Drone Tech For Nagaland's Youth

Governor Yadav Champions Drone Tech For Nagaland's Youth

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav has advocated for increased use of technology, especially drones and geospatial systems, to enhance governance and create employment opportunities for the state's youth. During his visit to the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre and Drone Centre of Excellence, he highlighted the broad applications of drone technology and the importance of skill development. The centre is actively training youth in various drone-related courses, aiming to meet the demand for drone pilots in the Northeast.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits flood-hit Gyirong township in Tibet

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits flood-hit Gyirong township in Tibet

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A massive flash flood near the China-Nepal border in Tibet has left hundreds missing and caused significant casualties. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the affected Gyirong Township to oversee rescue and relief operations, with the PLA mobilising forces for search and rescue.

Auto, taxi drivers get one year to learn Marathi: Fadnavis

Auto, taxi drivers get one year to learn Marathi: Fadnavis

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a one-year grace period for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn functional Marathi. This decision comes after the Transport Department issued notices to drivers who failed a Marathi test, prompting driver organisations to request more time due to varying age groups and educational backgrounds. During this period, no action will be taken, and Marathi classes and study materials will be provided.

Remarks on Col Sofiya: Sanction awaited to prosecute MP minister, SC told

Remarks on Col Sofiya: Sanction awaited to prosecute MP minister, SC told

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court was informed that sanction is awaited to prosecute Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his remarks against Army officer Col Sofiya Qureshi. The SIT probe is complete, and a chargesheet will be filed once sanction is obtained. Shah had previously apologised for his controversial comments.

School Education Takes A Hit In Bihar Floods

School Education Takes A Hit In Bihar Floods

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Floods have forced hundreds of government schools across Bihar to shut, disrupting studies for thousands of students.

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

An American Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft reportedly landed in Moscow on Monday morning, according to online air traffic monitoring systems, Russian news agency TASS reported.

Ex-Havildar nabbed for stealing AK-203 rifles, pistols from Army unit

Ex-Havildar nabbed for stealing AK-203 rifles, pistols from Army unit

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

An army personnel has been taken into custody in connection with the theft of service weapons and ammunition from an Army facility in Hyderabad. The theft, which included assault rifles, pistols, and night vision binoculars, was detected on August 31, prompting a joint investigation by Telangana Police and Army authorities.