News for 'Commons'

BRICS Countries Unite To Build Resilient Digital Healthcare Systems

BRICS Countries Unite To Build Resilient Digital Healthcare Systems

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The CEO of the National Health Authority, Sunil Kumar Barnwal, highlighted BRICS nations' shared aspiration for connected, patient-centric, and resilient healthcare systems through digital health infrastructure and responsible AI. Discussions at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting focused on overcoming challenges like limited interoperability and workforce constraints, with countries like Brazil and Indonesia sharing successful digital health initiatives.

El Nino Revives India's Water Disputes

El Nino Revives India's Water Disputes

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Change of guard in some states and evolving El Nino dynamics are triggering fresh actions on raging water-sharing disputes in several states.

GTRI Urges India To Resist US Pressure On UPI Policies

GTRI Urges India To Resist US Pressure On UPI Policies

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A think tank, GTRI, has urged India to resist US pressure regarding its UPI policies, advocating for competition, policy autonomy, and a sustainable payments ecosystem. This comes as the Lok Sabha passed a bill allowing charges on UPI, and the US has criticised India's digital payment systems, raising concerns about the future of India's digital payment landscape.

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

Bihar DGP: Gang Rape Cases More Common Now

Bihar DGP: Gang Rape Cases More Common Now

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar expressed concern over the increasing frequency of gang-rape incidents in the state, attributing it to growing social tolerance and calling for stricter implementation of laws and a change in mindset.

The Man Who Always Played A Woman

The Man Who Always Played A Woman

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'We often lament that even now no mainstream actor wants to come out as openly gay. But Chapal Bhaduri has not hidden his sexuality. He has been open about his relationship with a man for decades. He could well be our first out mainstream actor.'

What People Munch On At Half-Time

What People Munch On At Half-Time

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

What do we eat when we watch football?

Raghav Juyal's Brother Makes A Fascinating Film!

Raghav Juyal's Brother Makes A Fascinating Film!

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'Raghav and I complement each other. He talks to me a lot about form and how he approaches his characters. Our paths are different, but we both are very much aligned emotionally.'

9 Facts About The Puri Rath Yatra

9 Facts About The Puri Rath Yatra

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

July 16 will be the biggest and happiest day of the year in Puri, home to the magnificent Jagannath Temple.

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Spain's 2nd Title in 8 Nations World Cup Club

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Since the FIFA World Cup's inaugural tournament in 1930, 23 competitions have occurred up to 2026. Interestingly, only 8 countries have succeeded in claiming the famous trophy and on Sunday, Spain added their second title.

The Ajinkya Rahane You Must Know

The Ajinkya Rahane You Must Know

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'While his cricketing achievements are obvious, people should remember Ajinkya Rahane, the person. Because he has inspired youngsters in the dressing room by his powerful humane gestures.'

Parliament Panel Pushes OTT Content Review

Parliament Panel Pushes OTT Content Review

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Parliamentary Standing Committee said the proposed comprehensive statutory framework for regulating OTT content should include robust technology-enabled age-verification mechanisms, effective parental controls and suitable penalties for non-compliance.

Gene Activity Linked To Spinal Disc Breakdown And Back Pain

Gene Activity Linked To Spinal Disc Breakdown And Back Pain

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

New research using zebrafish suggests that changes in gene activity can lead to the hardening of spinal discs, a major cause of neck and back pain. The study identified potential drug targets, including existing osteoporosis medication and pathways related to fat and phosphate metabolism, offering new avenues for treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) beyond surgery.

7 Facts About The World Cup Final Stadium

7 Facts About The World Cup Final Stadium

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

What do you need to know about the MetLife Stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup final?

Your KYC Is More Important Than You Think

Your KYC Is More Important Than You Think

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Keeping KYC information accurate and current should, therefore, be seen not merely as meeting a regulatory requirement, but as an important part of safeguarding one's own financial identity and safety, explains RBI Deputy Governor J Swaminathan.

L Subramaniam: 'Honours Are A Passing Cloud'

L Subramaniam: 'Honours Are A Passing Cloud'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'Ultimately, everything has to be shared. That's why you have that talent. To share it. Unless you share, it won't continue.'

Payments Council Confirms UPI Will Remain Free For Consumers And Small Merchants

Payments Council Confirms UPI Will Remain Free For Consumers And Small Merchants

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Payments Council of India has confirmed that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will continue to be free for consumers and small merchants, despite a recent Lok Sabha Bill. This clarification addresses concerns about potential charges, emphasising that while a sustainable financial model for UPI infrastructure is being developed, transaction charges will not be passed on to users or small businesses.

Doctors Warn Of Pollution's Link To Foetal Development Issues

Doctors Warn Of Pollution's Link To Foetal Development Issues

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Doctors and researchers are increasingly concerned about the potential link between exposure to polluted air during pregnancy and its influence on foetal development, particularly the male reproductive system. While hypospadias, a common congenital abnormality, is multifactorial, endocrine-disrupting chemicals in air pollution are being investigated for their role. Experts call for more research and advise expectant mothers on preventive measures.

Dil Chahta Hai@25: 'Didn't Know We Were Making A Cult Film'

Dil Chahta Hai@25: 'Didn't Know We Were Making A Cult Film'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Farhan Akhtar's directorial debut, Dil Chahta Hai, which released 25 years ago, redefined male bonding in Hindi cinema, moving away from the traditional macho template to offer a refreshing and breezy take on friendship, becoming a timeless classic.

CIBIL Score Explained: Why It Matters

CIBIL Score Explained: Why It Matters

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For millions of Indians, this number has become one of the most important financial indicators. It can influence not only whether a bank approves a loan but also the interest rate you pay, the credit limit you receive and, in some cases, how quickly your application is processed.

Hurriyat ex-leader Bilal Lone's political foray sparks family rivalry in J-K

Hurriyat ex-leader Bilal Lone's political foray sparks family rivalry in J-K

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Former Hurriyat Conference leader Bilal Gani Lone on Sunday held a workers' rally in north Kashmir's Handwara constituency, signalling his entry into mainstream politics while asserting his claim to the political legacy of his slain father, Abdul Gani Lone.

Bangladesh PM seeks Hasina's extradition in meeting with Indian envoy

Bangladesh PM seeks Hasina's extradition in meeting with Indian envoy

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has once again sought the extradition of former premier Sheikh Hasina from India during High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi's first meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, amidst fresh strains in ties between the two countries following Hasina's controversial virtual media interaction in New Delhi.

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Gujarat government has imposed a state-wide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of unstandardised analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. Citing public health concerns and the need to protect consumers and the dairy sector, the decision follows detections of substandard artificial dairy products during inspections. Legal action will be taken against violators.

How Ordinary Indians Brought A Mighty Empire To Its Knees

How Ordinary Indians Brought A Mighty Empire To Its Knees

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

What Every Indian Must Know About the Quit India Movement.

My US studies funded by...: Abhijeet Dipke on funding row

My US studies funded by...: Abhijeet Dipke on funding row

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Dipke has clarified the funding of his US education, stating it was supported by a scholarship and an education loan, amidst growing scrutiny and calls for a probe into his finances.

Pradhan's resignation only beginning: Congress

Pradhan's resignation only beginning: Congress

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Congress party has called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that the 'rot' in India's education system is profound. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted alleged scams in Maharashtra's engineering admissions and discrepancies between entrance exam and board results, urging deep introspection beyond mere legislative fixes for paper leaks.

Haryana CM Discusses AI, Digital Governance With World Bank

Haryana CM Discusses AI, Digital Governance With World Bank

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met with a World Bank delegation to discuss advancing Artificial Intelligence, digital governance, and skill development in the state. The discussions focused on leveraging technology to enhance citizen services, with plans to showcase Haryana's AI Sandbox globally and develop a dedicated AI model for the state.

Monsoon Recipe: Citrus Basil Smash

Monsoon Recipe: Citrus Basil Smash

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

A garden-fresh punch, with a lovely kick, it contains cucumber, lime juice and a generous quantity of basil.

ITR Filed? Here's When You Can Expect Your Income Tax Refund

ITR Filed? Here's When You Can Expect Your Income Tax Refund

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The income tax department has significantly reduced refund processing times over the past few years. But while some taxpayers receive refunds within days, others may wait several weeks or even longer. Here's why.

Small Nuclear Reactors To Cost About Rs 7,000 Crore

Small Nuclear Reactors To Cost About Rs 7,000 Crore

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Construction of the approved reactor projects is expected to take five to six years after receiving financial approval.

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha introduced four significant bills on Monday, including amendments to mines and minerals regulations, the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission, and the renaming of Kerala to Keralam, all while facing continuous protests from opposition members demanding a discussion on the July 20 police crackdown on students.

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shah assured that the bill would not be retrospective. Various church and minority organisations have expressed concerns about the bill's impact on NGOs, schools, and healthcare units, urging its withdrawal or referral to a joint parliamentary committee.

Apologise in 3 days or...: Zuckerberg warned over PM video removal

Apologise in 3 days or...: Zuckerberg warned over PM video removal

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

An Indian Parliamentary standing committee has demanded an apology from Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg within three days for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook, threatening to withdraw immunity under the IT Act if he fails to comply. The committee also pushed for government action against Google India regarding financial fraud.

Can Social Media Age Bans Work?

Can Social Media Age Bans Work?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

At what age should society stop regulating life choices and allow people to make their own?

AAP ex-councillor Tahir Hussain gets life term in IB officer murder case

AAP ex-councillor Tahir Hussain gets life term in IB officer murder case

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A Delhi court has sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Delhi riots. The court found Hussain to be part of a heavily armed mob that committed rioting, arson, and murder. Delhi Police had sought the death penalty for the accused, citing the brutal nature of the crime.

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The challenge thrown by the youth movement creates the opportunity for a more consequential debate on India's economic trajectory because it must remain centered on India's youth as its driving impulse, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

'A Student's Life Can't Be Held Hostage To A 3-Hour Performance'

'A Student's Life Can't Be Held Hostage To A 3-Hour Performance'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Education sector experts agree that using the "best technology" was essential to ensure students did not have to sit for an examination all over again because of a question paper leak.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

Digital Marketplace To Empower Jharkhand's Rural Women

Digital Marketplace To Empower Jharkhand's Rural Women

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Jharkhand has partnered with CSC eStore to create a digital marketplace for products made by women's self-help groups (SHGs). This initiative aims to expand market access, boost income for rural women, and strengthen the rural economy through e-commerce and digital governance. The state also plans to extend Aadhaar services to all panchayats by November 15.

Six 5-Minute Healthy Meals

Six 5-Minute Healthy Meals

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Who says wholesome eating has to be complicated?