News for 'Centre for Policy Research'

Google plans $15 bn AI hub in Visakhapatnam

Google plans $15 bn AI hub in Visakhapatnam

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Google plans to invest $15 billion over the next five years in setting an artificial intelligence hub in Visakhapatnam, a senior official of the company said on Tuesday.

Buoyant demand has failed to push steel prices

Buoyant demand has failed to push steel prices

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

The Indian steel industry is faced with a paradox: Rising demand and falling prices. Demand continues to surge as user industries gather pace, with the World Steel Association projecting around 9 per cent annual growth for India over 2025 and 2026, the year domestic demand is projected to be almost 75 million tonnes (mt) higher than in 2020.

Return of coal threatens India's emission commitments

Return of coal threatens India's emission commitments

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

India's new climate pledge to the UN could be weakened by its growing use of coal, even as the country plans a 2035 roadmap to cut emissions and boost clean energy.

'We Aren't Security Conscious As A Nation'

'We Aren't Security Conscious As A Nation'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'Government officials use Gmail and ordinary phones without basic security consciousness.' 'Interoperability, especially in joint exercises with countries like the US, worries me.' 'It often means we open our systems to them, but they don't reciprocate.' 'They could have kill switches in their systems and might even be able to affect ours.'

Realty developers see a cracker of sales in key cities this festival season

Realty developers see a cracker of sales in key cities this festival season

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

India's housing market has remained resilient this festival season (Dussehra-Diwali period), despite global macroeconomic challenges, tech-sector layoffs, and affordability pressures, with developers reporting 10-25 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) rise in home sales across major cities.

Delhi chokes under post-Diwali haze as AAP, BJP trade blame

Delhi chokes under post-Diwali haze as AAP, BJP trade blame

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 'very poor' levels, sparking a blame game between AAP and BJP over the causes and responsibility for the pollution.

Realty firms eye revenue upside, portfolio diversification from data centre boom

Realty firms eye revenue upside, portfolio diversification from data centre boom

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Data centres are increasingly becoming a key part of the real estate landscape, as reality firms - with rich expertise in land acquisition, construction and dealing with government approvals - are seeing them as opportunities to build long-term assets with continuous revenue flow.

Omar Yaghi: The Live-Wire Nobel Laureate

Omar Yaghi: The Live-Wire Nobel Laureate

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

'It was from him I learnt that if you gave the student the freedom to find his own path, he would be more courageous to experiment.'

From Gujarat To Global Stage: Modi's 25 Year Journey

From Gujarat To Global Stage: Modi's 25 Year Journey

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

'I disagree with much of Modi's politics, but it cannot be denied that in these years in office, he has carved more than a niche for himself in history,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, author, Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times.

Will budget for agri research get a big boost this year?

Will budget for agri research get a big boost this year?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Several leading scientists, academicians, and agriculturalists have called for raising government support for research and development to make Indian agriculture future-ready.

SC Nod For Green Crackers; Sale Restricted In Delhi-NCR

SC Nod For Green Crackers; Sale Restricted In Delhi-NCR

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has allowed certified manufacturers to produce green crackers, but restricted their sale in Delhi-NCR without approval. The court has asked the Centre to review the ban on firecracker manufacturing in the region.

Haryana IPS officer's suicide: Rohtak SP shunted out

Haryana IPS officer's suicide: Rohtak SP shunted out

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

The Haryana government transferred Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarniya after an IPS officer's suicide and allegations of caste-based discrimination.

India's Startup Dreams, Ready to Bloom

India's Startup Dreams, Ready to Bloom

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Let's work flat out and create a policy framework that fosters the growth of Indian non-family business VC and private equity firms. This will allow our Indian startups' dreams to flourish, explains Ajit Balakrishnan.

Why Academic Freedom Isn't Absolute

Why Academic Freedom Isn't Absolute

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Confusing academic freedom with the right to free speech of an individual and expecting unconditional institutional support is not realistic. Academic freedom provides an opportunity for an academic to pursue their passion and contribute to the society through the outcome of their research and/or thought process, points out N Ravichandran.

Is AI Wiping Out Entry Level Jobs?

Is AI Wiping Out Entry Level Jobs?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

Generative AI is transforming workplaces but at a cost -- there are fewer jobs for young workers just entering the workforce, reveals a Goldman Sachs report.

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said the 'wholesale attack on the democratic system' currently underway in India is the single biggest risk the country is facing, and asserted that allowing different traditions to thrive is very important as 'we cannot do what China does, which is to run an authoritarian system'. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com Speaking at a seminar titled 'The Future is Today' at the EIA University in Medellin, Colombia, Gandhi also alleged that there are 'huge amounts of corruption at a centralised level' in India now. "In India, we have huge amounts of corruption now at a very centralised level. So, three or four businesses taking over the whole economy, having a direct relationship with the prime minister, is rampant in India," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said. "But I believe decentralising power, making things more transparent, bringing people into conversations, and bringing people into processes is the best way forward," Gandhi said while addressing the seminar on Wednesday. Hitting back at the Congress leader for his remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday accused Gandhi of insulting and degrading India on foreign soil. Posting a video clip of Gandhi's speech on X, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, 'Rahul Gandhi does it again, degrades India on foreign soil. From defaming our democracy in London, to mocking our institutions in the US, now in Colombia he spares no chance to insult Bharat globally.' 'This isn't dissent. It's disgrace to the fake Gandhi. Criticising BJP may be your right but dare you malign Mother India for your cheap and petty politics,' Bhatia said. Speaking at the seminar, Gandhi said India has a much more complex system as compared to China and its strengths are very different from that of the neighbouring country. India also has a very old spiritual tradition and a thought system with profound ideas that are useful in today's world, he said, adding that there is a lot that the country can offer in terms of tradition and way of thinking. "I am very optimistic about India, but at the same time, there are fault lines within the Indian structure. There are risks that India has to overcome. The single-biggest risk is the attack on democracy that is taking place in India," the Leader of Opposition said. "India has multiple religions, traditions and languages. India is actually a conversation between all its people. Different ideas, religions and traditions require space. The best method for creating that space is the democratic system," he said. "Currently, there is a wholesale attack on the democratic system in India, so that is a risk. The other big risk is different conceptions -- some 16-17 different languages, different religions... So, allowing these different traditions to thrive, and giving them space to express themselves is very important for a country like India.

Space Economy Takes Off in Andhra Pradesh

Space Economy Takes Off in Andhra Pradesh

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Andhra Pradesh will establish two expansive integrated space cities in Lepakshi and Tirupati, spanning around 33,000 acres.

Indian IT Cos Feel H-1B Heat

Indian IT Cos Feel H-1B Heat

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

'It is good to have the H1-B visa option but if tomorrow things happen to change, it is not the end of the world situation.'

GST and income tax cuts to spark sustained growth

GST and income tax cuts to spark sustained growth

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

GST Reform 2.0, which trims tax slabs from four to two, signals a push for demand-led growth, and together with recent income tax cuts, sets the stage for sustained economic growth, experts said. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on September 3 approved an overhaul of the indirect tax regime by taxing essentials at 5 per cent and other goods at 18 per cent. A new 40 per cent tax will be applicable on luxury and sin items.

How To Get Hired By India's $68 Bn GCCs

How To Get Hired By India's $68 Bn GCCs

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'Employers increasingly want candidates who can take AI pilots from proof-of-concept to production-ready systems.' 'That requires governance, monitoring, and ROI measurement -- skills that go beyond coding and into business impact.'

Centre To Boost States' Heatwave Plans

Centre To Boost States' Heatwave Plans

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

About 57 per cent of Indian districts, home to 76 per cent of the country's population, are currently at high to very high risk from extreme heat.

New jetty at Mumbai's Gateway of India gets SC nod

New jetty at Mumbai's Gateway of India gets SC nod

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea against the construction of a new passenger jetty and terminal at the Gateway of India in Mumbai, upholding a Bombay High Court verdict that allowed the project to proceed. The project aims to improve passenger travel between South Mumbai and other locations.

Extreme poverty nearly alleviated in India: SBI research

Extreme poverty nearly alleviated in India: SBI research

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

As the poverty rates in the country declined below 5 percent in 2024, a research study by State Bank of India also highlighted that the extreme poverty in the country has been reduced to minimal.

'We Are Not Listening To The Alarms'

'We Are Not Listening To The Alarms'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

'What we are witnessing is not a freak incidence or a freak occurrence, but a new climate reality where warming oceans, monsoon variability and local geography are combining to produce extreme events.'

American Tech Caught in Trade Crossfire

American Tech Caught in Trade Crossfire

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

'Amazon, Meta, Google, Microsoft have large operations in India and rely on smooth trade and data flows.' 'Restrictions could raise their costs, limit AI chip exports, and complicate their India strategies.'

Tesla opens its first India showroom in Mumbai's BKC

Tesla opens its first India showroom in Mumbai's BKC

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

"I welcome Tesla here in Mumbai. Tesla has opened an experience centre here, and it is a statement that Tesla has arrived and it's a statement they Tesla has arrived in the right city and right state," Fadnavis said on the occasion.

India eyes 10% of global green hydrogen exports by 2030: Minister

India eyes 10% of global green hydrogen exports by 2030: Minister

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

India is aiming to become a global hub for green hydrogen exports, eyeing nearly 10 per cent of the worldwide demand by 2030, Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik said on Tuesday. Addressing FICCI Green Hydrogen Summit 2025, the minister said 8.62 lakh tonne annual hydrogen production capacity has been awarded to 19 companies.

If India wants to be treated as a strategic ally of US...: Trump official

If India wants to be treated as a strategic ally of US...: Trump official

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Notably, US President Donald Trump and his administration have continuously targeted India over its purchase of Russian crude oil. India, on the other hand, has always maintained that India's purchases are based on its domestic needs and economic security.

India's Oil Reforms Aim To Counter US, EU Pressure

India's Oil Reforms Aim To Counter US, EU Pressure

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The government has no say in where the country's refiners source oil from because these are commercial transactions.

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Simplifying GST rates, removing exemptions, easing disputes, and speeding up refunds can boost investment in India and offer the best reply to Trump's tariffs, observes V S Krishnan, former member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

'Companies Will Be More Powerful Than Nations'

'Companies Will Be More Powerful Than Nations'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'If you align your ambition with India's rise, the peak of your careers will unfold alongside the peak of India's power.'

Flash floods devastate Uttarkashi village; 4 killed, houses buried

Flash floods devastate Uttarkashi village; 4 killed, houses buried

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

A cloudburst in the high altitude villages of Dharali in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand led to flash floods, causing damage to houses and sweeping away structures. Several people are feared buried under debris.

'3 Cs haunt Indian education': Sonia slams Centre over NEP

'3 Cs haunt Indian education': Sonia slams Centre over NEP

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Noting that these three Cs haunt Indian education today, the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson said in an article that this "carnage" of India's public education system must end.

Indian-American Jay Bhattacharya to be Trump's health agency head

Indian-American Jay Bhattacharya to be Trump's health agency head

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Indian-American scientist Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the country's top health research and funding institutions. Bhattacharya, a professor of Health Policy at Stanford University, is known for his research on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. Trump also nominated Jim O'Neill as the deputy secretary of Health and Human Services to work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Medtech MNCs bet big on localisation

Medtech MNCs bet big on localisation

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Several multinational medical device makers are focusing on deepening their presence in India by expanding their local manufacturing footprint and research capabilities, a move that can catapult India into a strategic hub for the medical technology (medtech) industry. Among those increasing their reach in the country are Siemens Healthineers and Philips, signalling a broader shift from India being only a sales destination to becoming a global production and innovation base.

Is Trump Winning Immigration Battle?

Is Trump Winning Immigration Battle?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

Mr Trump's actions, because of their extreme nature and the dangerous rhetoric that accompanies them, receive the most attention, points out Mihir S Sharma.

How AI Will Disrupt The Job Market: Should India Worry?

How AI Will Disrupt The Job Market: Should India Worry?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Despite the alarming figures on job displacement, AI is expected to generate millions of new roles, echoing historical trends of technological transformation.

Why Did IMF Loan Pakistan Money During War?

Why Did IMF Loan Pakistan Money During War?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

It is time for India to raise its voice not just through military prowess, but through professionalism, principled voting and partnerships, asserts Deepak Mishra.

10 Medical Streams After Class 12

10 Medical Streams After Class 12

Rediff.com15 May 2025

While MBBS continues to be the most sought-after stream for medical aspirants, post pandemic, the demand for skilled nurses and physiotherapists are on the rise, notes Nayagam PP, career counsellor and founder of EduJob360.

Trump's drug price cut plan may put pressure on India

Trump's drug price cut plan may put pressure on India

Rediff.com12 May 2025

US President Donald Trump's plan to sign an executive order to cut prescription drug prices by 30-80 per cent could lead to a global price adjustment with pharma firms pushing lower-cost countries like India to raise prices, according to the economic think tank GTRI. The US move could push prices in lower-cost countries like India as manufacturers would seek to recover losses and R&D costs from these nations.