News for 'Commons'

IIT Kharagpur Breakthrough: Smartphone Cameras To Detect Invisible Objects

IIT Kharagpur Breakthrough: Smartphone Cameras To Detect Invisible Objects

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Researchers at IIT Kharagpur, in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, have developed a highly sensitive sensor technology. This innovation allows ordinary smartphone cameras to detect extremely tiny, invisible objects, potentially leading to low-cost, portable medical testing and other applications requiring the detection of minute substances.

'If you want to die, then die': Noida bus driver smoked bidis, refused to stop

'If you want to die, then die': Noida bus driver smoked bidis, refused to stop

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Nine passengers died in a bus fire on the Yamuna Expressway after the driver and conductor allegedly ignored repeated warnings about a burning smell and refused to stop the vehicle. An FIR has been lodged based on a passenger's complaint, accusing the crew of gross negligence.

Delhi minister Parvesh Verma slaps man during road inspection

Delhi minister Parvesh Verma slaps man during road inspection

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Delhi after a video surfaced showing PWD Minister Parvesh Singh slapping a man who was recording a road inspection in Tilak Nagar.

Govt Deliberates Allowing Airport Operators to Own Airlines Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

Govt Deliberates Allowing Airport Operators to Own Airlines Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu stated that no decision has been made regarding allowing Delhi and Mumbai airport operators to own and run airlines, as the government is carefully considering the implications of relaxing cross-ownership restrictions, including potential conflicts of interest and the need for more airlines.

World Letter Writing Day: 8 Letters, 8 Special Stories

World Letter Writing Day: 8 Letters, 8 Special Stories

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

World Letter Writing Day is a time to recall historic letters. Some letters were written in love. Some in grief. Others at moments when the world stood on the brink of change.

Rising Inflation? Protect Your Money Now

Rising Inflation? Protect Your Money Now

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

'Separate needs from wants and minimise discretionary spending.'

India-Japan Navy Pact Sends China A Warning

India-Japan Navy Pact Sends China A Warning

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

India has accumulated experience organically and in public, through blood, sweat and toil -- one commissioning and one agreement at a time -- and is called a regional power. China has accumulated hulls, by misdirecting its industrial capacity, and is mistakenly called a superpower. The Indo-Japan defence agreement pushes this theory to its limits without ever naming the dragon in the room, points out Dr Abhishek Puri.

Will Vijay's Magic Work In TN Bypolls?

Will Vijay's Magic Work In TN Bypolls?

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Assembly by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram will offer an early measure of the TVK's electoral strength and put the dynamics of its new alliance in focus.

Congress Alleges Modi Govt Paving Way For UPI Fees, Surrendering To US Pressure

Congress Alleges Modi Govt Paving Way For UPI Fees, Surrendering To US Pressure

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government over a notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for imposing fees, especially on transactions above Rs 2,000. Rahul Gandhi claimed the government is surrendering to American pressure, while Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the potential burden on common citizens amidst inflation. The government's notification prohibits charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 but remains silent on higher amounts, sparking fears of a "Digital Payments Tax."

'Can I Apply For JEE With Two Class 12 Marksheets?'

'Can I Apply For JEE With Two Class 12 Marksheets?'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

rediffGURU Radheshyam Zanwar, founder of Zanwar Classes, clarifies doubts and guides young aspirants on eligibility for science, and engineering entrance exams.

India finally win 1st table tennis medal at Asian Games 2026

India finally win 1st table tennis medal at Asian Games 2026

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Indian table tennis mixed doubles pair Diya Chitale and Manush Shah secured a coveted Asian Games medal, overcoming a recent slump in form and the personal tragedy of Diya's coach Peter Engel's death. Their triumph is seen as a fitting tribute to Engel and fuels India's hopes for an Olympic medal in the future.

Watch: UN delegates walk out of Netanyahu speech

Watch: UN delegates walk out of Netanyahu speech

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised delegates who walked out of the United Nations General Assembly during his speech, labelling them 'moral cowards.' He also addressed rising antisemitism and accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of fostering an unsafe environment for Jewish residents.

Why India's Global Capability Centres Struggle With AI Scaling

Why India's Global Capability Centres Struggle With AI Scaling

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A joint report by Dell Technologies and Zinnov reveals that despite high ambition, nearly 70% of India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are stuck at the pilot stage for AI adoption. Foundational gaps in data, infrastructure, and governance are identified as key bottlenecks preventing the scaling of AI initiatives into enterprise-wide production. The report highlights the need for significant reskilling of the workforce and robust foundations for industrialising AI responsibly.

Delhi Study Reveals Alarming Heavy Metal Levels In Yamuna-Irrigated Vegetables

Delhi Study Reveals Alarming Heavy Metal Levels In Yamuna-Irrigated Vegetables

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A University of Delhi study has found significant heavy metal contamination in agricultural soil and vegetables grown along the Yamuna river in the capital. The research highlights potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to consumers due to crops irrigated with polluted wastewater, with specific vegetables showing dangerously high levels of metals like nickel, chromium, and molybdenum.

7 Krishna Temples Around The World

7 Krishna Temples Around The World

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

What do a Rajasthani style building, an island and a striking lotus-shaped shrine have in common? They are all home to Krishna devotion far from India. Unexpected settings to fascinating architecture, these seven temples offer a glimpse of how Krishna's timeless tradition has travelled across the globe.

Why NCP (SP) Calls UPI MDR A 'Betrayal'

Why NCP (SP) Calls UPI MDR A 'Betrayal'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The NCP (SP) has demanded a complete rollback of the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. The party termed the move a "direct assault" on small traders and shopkeepers, accusing the Modi government of "double standards" by burdening small merchants while large industrialists benefit from loan write-offs.

Xi outlines four-point formula to reset India-China ties

Xi outlines four-point formula to reset India-China ties

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting, outlining a four-point approach for the steady and long-term development of China-India relations. The leaders stressed strategic understanding, win-win cooperation, mutual respect, and inclusive multilateral engagement, reaffirming their commitment to resolving the boundary question and addressing economic concerns. They also discussed global challenges and strengthening people-to-people ties.

Don't Be Shy Review: CLICHED!

Don't Be Shy Review: CLICHED!

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Sreeti Mukerhi's cliched coming-of-age delivers its moments of sass but never quite defines the age of confusion, sighs Sukanya Verma.

From success to setbacks, Gautam Gambhir takes stock of his two years at India's helm

From success to setbacks, Gautam Gambhir takes stock of his two years at India's helm

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Gautam Gambhir reflects on two years as India coach, accepting successes and failures, praising four captains for their team-first approach, and backing Shubman Gill's leadership future.

Why Rashmika Replaced Sai Pallavi

Why Rashmika Replaced Sai Pallavi

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Rashmika Mandanna has replaced Sai Pallavi as the lead in the highly anticipated M S Subbulakshmi biopic.

Traders call for 'No UPI Day' on October 2 to protest new MDR levy

Traders call for 'No UPI Day' on October 2 to protest new MDR levy

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Trade and business associations across India are organising a 'No UPI Day' on October 2 to protest the upcoming 0.4 per cent merchant discount rate (MDR) on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions exceeding 2,000, effective from October 15.

Mumbai Rental Battle: 'You Can't Invade A Woman's Privacy'

Mumbai Rental Battle: 'You Can't Invade A Woman's Privacy'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A Reddit post about a hidden camera in a shared living room has reopened an old question -- how far can a landlord interfere in a home he no longer fully controls? Here's what two Mumbai lawyers have to say.

Fist fights in J-K Assembly as CM moves statehood resolution

Fist fights in J-K Assembly as CM moves statehood resolution

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced a resolution in the assembly demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood for the union territory. The resolution, which referenced previous autonomy resolutions, led to intense protests and "ugly scenes" from opposition BJP members, resulting in the adjournment of the House. Abdullah highlighted the unfulfilled promise by the Government of India regarding statehood after delimitation and elections.

Why Justice R C Chavan Quit Maharashtra UCC Panel

Why Justice R C Chavan Quit Maharashtra UCC Panel

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'If the intention was simply to replicate what's already been done elsewhere, there was no need for a committee at all -- there's already an Act passed there (in Uttarakhand); just copy it, paste it, and you're done. Why waste everyone's time convening a panel for that?'

4th coal mine near MP's tiger corridor gets green nod

4th coal mine near MP's tiger corridor gets green nod

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Union environment ministry's expert panel has approved a fourth underground coal mining project in Madhya Pradesh's Umaria district, close to the vital Bandhavgarh-Achanakmar tiger corridor. These clearances, granted since July, raise concerns about biodiversity and tiger movement, despite conditions for wildlife conservation plans and compensatory afforestation. The projects involve significant forest land diversion and pose risks like land subsidence and habitat disturbance for Schedule-I species.

Gujarat Vs Kerala: A Tale Of Two States

Gujarat Vs Kerala: A Tale Of Two States

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Comparing the two states is comparing an apple to an orange. I ate apples for years. Then I felt I needed some citrus, and I moved to oranges. That doesn't make the apple a lesser fruit, reflects Binu Alex.

Supreme Court Explains 'Rarest Of Rare' In Death Sentence Commutation

Supreme Court Explains 'Rarest Of Rare' In Death Sentence Commutation

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court commuted the death sentence of a man convicted of sexually assaulting and strangling his six-year-old step-daughter to life imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life. The court affirmed his conviction but cited mitigating circumstances and the state's failure to exclude the possibility of his reformation, while also highlighting issues with the trial court's sentencing procedure.

Naruka And Dhaliwal's Historic Skeet Bronze At Asian Games

Naruka And Dhaliwal's Historic Skeet Bronze At Asian Games

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal overcame a challenging start to secure India's first-ever bronze medal in the Asian Games skeet mixed team event. Their remarkable comeback, fueled by mutual support and a fighting spirit, culminated in a significant achievement for Indian shooting, adding to their individual medal tallies at the Games.

FCNR(B) funds find a runway ahead of festival season-led credit demand

FCNR(B) funds find a runway ahead of festival season-led credit demand

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain highlighted that banks are well-positioned to deploy $133 billion mobilised through FCNR(B) deposits, especially with strong credit demand ahead of the festival season, while also stressing the importance of robust technology governance and cyber defences in the financial sector.

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Raksha Bandhan takes on a different character as you travel across India.

Modi to Xi: Border peace 'essential' for better ties

Modi to Xi: Border peace 'essential' for better ties

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping that peace and tranquillity along the frontier remains an "essential" basis for the development of India-China relations, even as the two leaders welcomed "steady progress" in bilateral ties during their talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

Xi announces US visit, Trump plans rare airport welcome

Xi announces US visit, Trump plans rare airport welcome

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the United States from September 23 to 25 for summit talks with US President Donald Trump, with discussions expected to cover critical economic and trade issues, including AI, and the recently signed US sanctions law targeting countries buying Russian oil and gas.

Xi calls on BRICS countries to help end war in West Asia

Xi calls on BRICS countries to help end war in West Asia

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the BRICS summit, urging the bloc to play a significant role in achieving peace and tranquillity in West Asia and the Gulf region. He highlighted BRICS' growth over two decades, its efforts in tackling global challenges, and its steadfastness in safeguarding the interests of the Global South. Xi called for opposing the Cold War mentality, strengthening multilateralism, and promoting cooperation in emerging domains like AI, as China prepares to chair the next summit.

Days after signing sanctions bill, Trump may receive Xi at airport

Days after signing sanctions bill, Trump may receive Xi at airport

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Top US and Chinese officials, including Vice Premier He Lifeng and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, held "candid, in-depth and constructive" talks in New York on economic and trade issues, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence. These discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to Washington and occur amidst new US sanctions targeting countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, and the US unveiling an "AI Force."

Varun Chakravarthy Focuses On Process, Not Results

Varun Chakravarthy Focuses On Process, Not Results

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy emphasises the importance of focusing on the 'process' rather than 'results' to maintain consistency and mental fortitude in cricket, especially after a period of mixed performances.

Digital Ecosystem Key To Unlocking MSME Credit

Digital Ecosystem Key To Unlocking MSME Credit

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

India's MSME sector faces a significant formal credit gap of approximately Rs 60 lakh crore, with traditional channels meeting only a fraction of the demand. A new report suggests that a centralised, interoperable digital layer could effectively bridge this gap and enhance productivity across the formal business sector by digitising workflows and enabling cash-flow-based underwriting.

Mayawati Criticises New UPI Merchant Transaction Fee

Mayawati Criticises New UPI Merchant Transaction Fee

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

BSP chief Mayawati has criticised the Centre's decision to introduce a 0.4 per cent fee on UPI merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. She termed it a "capitalist profiteering attitude" that burdens the common people, while the government clarified that the charge is on merchants and not customers for person-to-person transactions.

Why Opposition Calls New UPI MDR A Surrender To US Pressure

Why Opposition Calls New UPI MDR A Surrender To US Pressure

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, and RJD, have strongly criticised the government's decision to impose a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 made to merchants. They allege the move is a result of "American imperialism" and will lead to increased commodity prices, while the government maintains the charge is on merchants and not consumers, with person-to-person transactions remaining free.

New Study Suggests Brain Developed From Two Separate Systems

New Study Suggests Brain Developed From Two Separate Systems

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

A new study from Stanford University suggests the human brain may have evolved as two independent organs, challenging the long-held belief of a single progenitor cell. Researchers found two parallel nervous systems developing without intersection, which could explain difficulties in growing hindbrain neurons in labs and open new avenues for treating neurological diseases.

Katrina Is A Mom... This Is What Happened To Her Body

Katrina Is A Mom... This Is What Happened To Her Body

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

When the Internet reduced Katrina Kaif to her post-pregnancy body, it exposed how society prioritises cruel 'bounce back' ideals over genuine postpartum healing.