News for 'Essential Services'

Microsoft Restores Services To Nayara

Microsoft Restores Services To Nayara

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Microsoft Corp has restored all services -- including email access -- to Russian oil giant Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy, just before a scheduled hearing in the Delhi high court over the service suspension.

Delhi orders 50% WFH for govt, private offices as air quality worsens

Delhi orders 50% WFH for govt, private offices as air quality worsens

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

Delhi government mandates 50% work from home for offices and private establishments under GRAP stage three due to severe air pollution. Essential services are exempted.

Security forces set up new camp in Chhattisgarh's Maoist stronghold

Security forces set up new camp in Chhattisgarh's Maoist stronghold

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Security forces have established a new camp in the Karregutta Hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, a former Naxal stronghold, following a major anti-Naxal operation.

IndiGo operations to normalise in 3 days, says govt; launches probe

IndiGo operations to normalise in 3 days, says govt; launches probe

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Friday said various operational measures, including keeping new flight duty norms in abeyance, will help address the IndiGo flight disruptions, and complete restoration of services is expected in next three days.

'Most Mental Health Issues Start Before Age 25'

'Most Mental Health Issues Start Before Age 25'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

A large-scale international study published in the journal, Molecular Psychiatry, has been tracking over 7 lakh individuals and has shown that 34.6 per cent of mental disorders begin before the age of 14 years, 48.4 per cent before 18 years and 62.5 per cent by the age of 25 years.

AI Cameras: RCB's Proposal To Keep IPL In Bengaluru

AI Cameras: RCB's Proposal To Keep IPL In Bengaluru

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

IPL champions RCB have proposed the installation of 300-350 AI-enabled cameras at the venue and offered to bear the estimated cost of Rs 4.50 crore for this crowd management initiative.

Budget 2026: Next 5 Reforms Needed To Boost Growth

Budget 2026: Next 5 Reforms Needed To Boost Growth

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Sustaining 8 per cent-plus growth rates is necessary if we are to reach high-income status by 2047, points out Amitabh Kant.

Inderjit Singh Bindra: Architect of Modern Indian Cricket

Inderjit Singh Bindra: Architect of Modern Indian Cricket

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

As he is laid to rest, Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its greatest administrators -- a visionary who understood that breaking monopolies and building stadiums were about the same thing: Giving millions of cricket-loving Indians the infrastructure worthy of their passion.

6 Reasons Why Apricots Are A Superfood

6 Reasons Why Apricots Are A Superfood

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Apricots aren't just nutritious. Health sites, like Cleveland Clinic, place them in the superfood category.

'Keep protesting, help is on its way', Trump tells Iranians amid unrest

'Keep protesting, help is on its way', Trump tells Iranians amid unrest

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Trump's remarks came amid heightened US messaging about the Iran situation and a series of White House statements indicating that multiple options remain under review.

8 Benefits Of Pomegranate

8 Benefits Of Pomegranate

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Half a cup of pomegranate seeds packs only 72 calories, yet brims with heart-friendly nutrients and is rich in antioxidant that calm inflammation.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM, dies in plane crash

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM, dies in plane crash

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Learjet 45 (LJ45), a mid-size business jet aircraft produced by the Learjet Division of Bombardier Aerospace, went off the runway while attempting to land at Baramati airport and burst into flames.

CR seeks report on employees' flash strike after death of 2 commuters

CR seeks report on employees' flash strike after death of 2 commuters

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

Central Railway authorities are investigating an employee agitation that disrupted train services and led to commuter deaths. Unions protested an FIR against engineers in a previous accident, while commuters demand accountability for the disruption and resulting chaos.

'India Lags Behind In Innovation Leadership'

'India Lags Behind In Innovation Leadership'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'We frequently discuss AI, but we're waiting for other countries to develop solutions rather than creating intellectual property ourselves.' 'We haven't yet produced comprehensive AI solutions developed in India for global markets.'

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra municipal elections showed a troubling shift, where votes were traded for cash, convictions no longer mattered, and ideology became an afterthought, observes Ramesh Menon.

Red Fort blast accused communicate with Pak handlers via 'ghost' SIM cards

Red Fort blast accused communicate with Pak handlers via 'ghost' SIM cards

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

The outcome of the investigations essentially formed the basis for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to issue a sweeping directive on November 28 last year, mandating that app-based communication services like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal must be continuously linked to an active, physical SIM card within the device.

Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc in Sri Lanka, 80 killed; India provides relief

Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc in Sri Lanka, 80 killed; India provides relief

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Sri Lanka is facing a severe crisis after Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in numerous deaths and displacement. India has launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to provide relief. The situation is expected to remain critical with rising river levels and continued rainfall.

Mumbai receives over 200 mm rainfall in 24 hours

Mumbai receives over 200 mm rainfall in 24 hours

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Several parts of Mumbai received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, with Vikhroli reporting the highest downpour. The IMD reported significant rainfall in various areas of the city.

India makes 85% of digital payment through UPI: RBI Guv Malhotra

India makes 85% of digital payment through UPI: RBI Guv Malhotra

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

About 85 per cent of the digital payment transactions take place through UPI in India, and the country can be a case study in inclusive, secure, and scalable Digital Public Platforms (DPPs), Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra has said. He was speaking at a "High-Level Dialogue on Forging Economic Resilience through Digital Public Platforms" organised by RBI on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC on Tuesday.

Decoding govt order on active SIM link for WhatsApp, other apps

Decoding govt order on active SIM link for WhatsApp, other apps

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The missive has, however, polarised stakeholders, with mobile operators under COAI coming out in its support, while digital platforms under the aegis of Broadband India Forum expressing "serious concerns" around overreach and calling for a pause in implementation of timelines.

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing prosecution material suggesting their involvement in planning and strategic direction. The court granted bail to other activists but emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Khalid and Imam.

'Trapped in Payday-Loan Debt! Help'

'Trapped in Payday-Loan Debt! Help'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

$6-Billion Foreign Bet on India's Private Banks

$6-Billion Foreign Bet on India's Private Banks

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Cleaner balance sheets, regulatory support and strong growth prospects helped Indian private banks attract over $6 billion in foreign capital, with more deals expected in 2026.

'After GST cut, innovation will boost life insurance'

'After GST cut, innovation will boost life insurance'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The reduction in goods & services tax (GST) on individual life and health insurance premiums has been called a "landmark step" for making insurance affordable and inclusive. In a panel discussion at the Business Standard BFSI Insight Summit 2025, Anup Bagchi, managing director (MD) & chief executive officer (CEO) of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance; Mahesh Balasubramanian, MD & CEO of Kotak Life Insurance; Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO of Bajaj Life Insurance; and Ratnakar Patnaik, MD of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), listed what else the industry needs to reach more people.

'GCCs Have Evolved To Strategic Innovation Hubs'

'GCCs Have Evolved To Strategic Innovation Hubs'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'Solutions developed in India are being commercialised and offered globally because we're executing at scale, creating new markets and revenue streams.'

ITR Filing: Your Essential Document Checklist

ITR Filing: Your Essential Document Checklist

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Organise your PAN, Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS, and all other proofs before e-filing.

Why Weddings Need Insurance

Why Weddings Need Insurance

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Wedding insurance goes far beyond protecting against cancellations.

How Winter Session Sets Stage For Budget

How Winter Session Sets Stage For Budget

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Three laws passed in Parliament could boost central revenues, reshape GST cess flows, shift MGNREGA costs to states and create new budget headroom ahead of the 2026-2027 Union Budget, points out A K Bhattacharya.

How Operation Sindoor Changed Security Doctrine

How Operation Sindoor Changed Security Doctrine

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'Some success has been achieved in raising the costs of terrorism for Pakistan.'

Tharoor's remarks on Advani draw rebuke from Congress

Tharoor's remarks on Advani draw rebuke from Congress

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

The Congress party has distanced itself from Shashi Tharoor's remarks praising BJP leader L.K. Advani, stating that Tharoor speaks for himself and that his continued membership in the CWC reflects the party's democratic spirit.

The Man Challenging 18% GST On Air Purifiers

The Man Challenging 18% GST On Air Purifiers

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

'If a common man wants to buy an air purifier for Rs 10,000, then he will have to shell out Rs 11,800 with 18 percent GST.' 'If he is charged GST at 5 percent the same air purifier will cost Rs 10,500.' 'This saves a one time amount of Rs 1,300 -- and that too just to breathe clean air.'

Will 1600 Number Stop Scam Calls?

Will 1600 Number Stop Scam Calls?

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Trai has ordered BFSI firms to move service and transaction calls to the 1600 series from 2026 to reduce spam, financial fraud, and rising digital arrest scams.

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel.

'After 2 Decades Of Dedication, What More Does The Party Expect?'

'After 2 Decades Of Dedication, What More Does The Party Expect?'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'When a grassroots worker has laboured day and night for the organisation, does the party not have a responsibility to recognise and uplift such workers?'

Proposed Nuclear Bill Caps Liability At 3,000 Cr

Proposed Nuclear Bill Caps Liability At 3,000 Cr

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

The operator's liability in the case of an incident is limited to 3,000 crore for reactors with thermal power above 3,600 Megawatt; 1,500 crore for reactors with thermal power between 1,500 Mw and 3,600 Mw; 750 crore for reactors with thermal power between 750 Mw and 1,500 Mw; 300 crore for reactors with thermal power between 150 Mw and 750 Mw; and 100 crore for reactors having thermal power up to 150 Mw, fuel cycle facilities other than spent fuel reprocessing plants and transportation of nuclear materials.

IndiGo seeks 10 days to normalise ops as 1,000 flights cancelled on Friday

IndiGo seeks 10 days to normalise ops as 1,000 flights cancelled on Friday

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

IndiGo cancelled over 1,000 flights on Friday and said operations are expected to normalise in the next 10 days, as the country's largest airline received flight duty norms relaxation from watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which will probe the disruptions that have impacted thousands of passengers for four straight days.

Paid Rs 1.35L Insurance Premium: 'Can I Get It Back?'

Paid Rs 1.35L Insurance Premium: 'Can I Get It Back?'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Ask rediffGURU Naveenn Kummar your insurance mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

Top Government Exams In 2026

Top Government Exams In 2026

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

rediffGURU Nayagam PP, founder of EduJob360, breaks down the top government competitive exams aspirants can target in 2026, along with their eligibility criteria, important dates, syllabus essentials and preparation strategies.

Hospital Fires Expose Alarming Safety Failures

Hospital Fires Expose Alarming Safety Failures

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

'Faulty alarms, delays in shutting off oxygen, poor electrical maintenance and staff untrained for emergencies. These are not isolated incidents but reflect a larger pattern of weak oversight.'

How insurers stand to gain from GST rate cut

How insurers stand to gain from GST rate cut

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The exemption of individual life and health insurance premiums from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) enables the insurance industry to make products affordable and attractive, said Ajay Seth, chairman of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) at the Business Standard BFSI Insight Summit 2025.