News for 'Human Development'

Oracle lays off 12,000 staff in India; another round likely

Oracle lays off 12,000 staff in India; another round likely

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

US-based IT firm Oracle has reportedly laid off approximately 12,000 employees in India, with further layoffs expected. The company cited organisational changes and streamlining of operations as reasons for the retrenchment.

Iran's internet blackout sets global record, enters 44th day amid tensions

Iran's internet blackout sets global record, enters 44th day amid tensions

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Amidst the stalling of high-level peace talks between Tehran and Washington, Iran continues to endure severe digital isolation as the nationwide internet blackout reached its 44th day on Sunday.

AI Algorithm Cracks the Code of Intricate Kolam Art

AI Algorithm Cracks the Code of Intricate Kolam Art

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Researchers have developed an AI algorithm capable of generating intricate 'sikku' kolam patterns, an ancient Indian art form traditionally drawn by hand. The algorithm transforms this cultural practice into a complex computational challenge with potential applications in various technical fields.

Indian Banks Discuss AI Security Risks After Global Concerns

Indian Banks Discuss AI Security Risks After Global Concerns

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss the risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns about Anthropic's Mythos model and its potential threat to financial systems' data security.

12 Vegetables And Fruits With Most Pesticides

12 Vegetables And Fruits With Most Pesticides

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The 2026's Dirty Dozen list identifies, globally, the 12 types of fruit and vegetables found to carry the highest levels of pesticide residue among 47 items assessed.

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive in Islamabad for the second round of peace talks with the US, according to Pakistani media reports. This follows a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Araghchi regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.

Meet Amit Kshatriya, Indian-American behind historic moon mission

Meet Amit Kshatriya, Indian-American behind historic moon mission

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Indian-American scientist Amit Kshatriya's journey from watching rocket launches in Houston to becoming NASA's Associate Administrator is a testament to his dedication and expertise in space exploration.

Like Karan Johar's Met Gala Outfit? VOTE!

Like Karan Johar's Met Gala Outfit? VOTE!

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Karan Johar made a stunning impact at the Met Gala, becoming the first Indian director to represent India at the event, with his Manish Malhotra-designed ensemble inspired by the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.

NCW Demands Action In Tamil Nadu Gangrape Case

NCW Demands Action In Tamil Nadu Gangrape Case

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the gangrape of a 15-year-old girl in Tamil Nadu, terming the incident "horrific" and raising concerns over the safety of minor girls.

How AI is Deciphering the Secrets of Intricate Kolam Designs

How AI is Deciphering the Secrets of Intricate Kolam Designs

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Researchers have developed an AI algorithm capable of generating intricate 'sikku' kolam patterns, traditionally drawn by hand in South India. This innovative approach transforms a cultural art form into a complex computational challenge, with potential applications in various fields.

Maharashtra Leaders Pay Tribute to Ambedkar's Legacy of Social Justice

Maharashtra Leaders Pay Tribute to Ambedkar's Legacy of Social Justice

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Maharashtra's Governor and Chief Minister, along with other state leaders, paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, recognising his profound impact on social justice, equality, and the Indian Constitution.

India's Government Embraces AI for Efficiency and Transparency

India's Government Embraces AI for Efficiency and Transparency

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in India is actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into government processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accuracy. Initiatives include AI-enabled solutions for salary processing, grievance handling, and training content development, with a focus on data security and ethical use.

Evacuate Now! Iran Warns Civilians in Neighbouring Gulf Countries

Evacuate Now! Iran Warns Civilians in Neighbouring Gulf Countries

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The IRGC accused US and Israeli forces of using civilians as 'human shields' and warned of continued attacks.

Wild Elephant Tramples Man to Death in Ranchi

Wild Elephant Tramples Man to Death in Ranchi

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

A man was killed by a wild elephant in Ranchi district, Jharkhand. The incident occurred in Chitrakota village. Forest officials provided immediate relief to the family of the deceased and are working to drive the elephant back into the forest.

Ghatak Combat Drone Gets A Boost

Ghatak Combat Drone Gets A Boost

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Once operational, Ghatak could undertake deep-strike missions, penetrating heavily defended airspace to hit high-value targets without placing pilots at risk.

How The Heart's Mechanical Load Suppresses Cancer Growth

How The Heart's Mechanical Load Suppresses Cancer Growth

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

A new study suggests the mechanical load from the constant beating of the heart may suppress cancer cell growth, offering insights into why heart cancer is rare. Researchers found that cellular pathways in heart tissues alter gene regulation in cancer cells, preventing proliferation.

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo announced that the Census 2027 will be a fully digital and paperless exercise, utilising mobile technology, AI, and cloud computing for accuracy and efficiency, marking a shift towards data-driven governance.

Iranian supertanker bypasses US Navy blockade

Iranian supertanker bypasses US Navy blockade

Rediff.com3 May 2026

An Iranian tanker successfully bypassed the US Navy to deliver crude oil to the Asia-Pacific region, despite ongoing tensions and a US blockade.

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If West Bengal does not begin to reclaim its lost pride, the state would have lost -- perhaps irreversibly, this time, notes Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

How AI Is Changing The Gulf War

How AI Is Changing The Gulf War

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

AI reduces the time taken to find a target and launch a strike. This has led to a major increase in the pace of the conflict, with one report mentioning nearly 900 strikes launched on Iranian targets in the first 12 hours of an operation.

Probe into Astrologer Ashok Kharat Expands with Temple Priest Questioned

Probe into Astrologer Ashok Kharat Expands with Temple Priest Questioned

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against astrologer Ashok Kharat has questioned a temple priest and watchman, while further investigations reveal potential property fraud and misuse of water resources.

India Launches Robotic Surgery Systems for Battlefield Emergencies

India Launches Robotic Surgery Systems for Battlefield Emergencies

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched indigenous robotic technologies, Project Vimana and Project Operion, designed to perform life-saving surgeries on the battlefield, potentially revolutionising emergency care for injured security personnel.

The Suvendu Adhikari You Must Know

The Suvendu Adhikari You Must Know

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'When I asked Suvendu about the news that Didi was going to fight in his constituency, he said, 'Aami okhaney lorbo aar okhaney okey harabo (I will contest from there and defeat her there)' This was his comment while we were standing on the truck doing our roadshow.'

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release the pending central dues to West Bengal before professing his love for the state. Banerjee also criticised BJP leaders and defended the 'Jai Bangla' slogan.

Tragedy in Gumla: Wild Elephant Kills Baby, Injures Mother

Tragedy in Gumla: Wild Elephant Kills Baby, Injures Mother

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

A five-month-old tribal girl was killed and her mother injured after a wild elephant attacked their home in Gumla district, Jharkhand, highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region.

Annpurna Devi calls for swift action in Hazaribagh rape and murder case

Annpurna Devi calls for swift action in Hazaribagh rape and murder case

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Union Minister Annpurna Devi has condemned the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Jharkhand and called for immediate arrests and strict punishment for the perpetrators. She also criticised the state government's response.

Indo-UK Life Sciences Innovation Corridor To Deepen Ties

Indo-UK Life Sciences Innovation Corridor To Deepen Ties

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A new MoU between the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) and Imperial College London has paved the way for deepening India-UK ties in the life sciences sector.

8 High-Growth Careers If You Love Sports

8 High-Growth Careers If You Love Sports

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

With growing opportunities in the coaching, sports science, training and wellness industries, a career in sports provides a dynamic and fulfilling career path.

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

This War Has Surpassed All Limits Of Uncivilised Behaviour

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

One of the most uncivilised characteristics of this war has been the total disregard for international law and the laws of armed conflict, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

'Not the ending I planned': Oracle's mass layoffs spark online angst

'Not the ending I planned': Oracle's mass layoffs spark online angst

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Oracle Corporation has reportedly laid off thousands of employees globally, including a significant number in India, with affected individuals receiving early morning termination emails and immediate laptop lockouts, despite the company posting record quarterly revenues of $17.2 billion.

Verushka Singh, first Indian-origin Mrs South Africa, quits after 4 months

Verushka Singh, first Indian-origin Mrs South Africa, quits after 4 months

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Verushka Singh, the first Indian-origin Mrs South Africa, has resigned from her position after four months, citing personal and family reasons. Her reign was marked by advocacy for environmental sustainability and women's empowerment.

Telangana Set to Surpass National Urbanisation Average by 2026

Telangana Set to Surpass National Urbanisation Average by 2026

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Telangana is experiencing rapid urbanisation, projected to exceed the national average by 2026. The state government's Socio Economic Outlook highlights the role of cities as economic engines and the use of AI and other technologies to modernise urban administration.

Siddaramaiah Calls for Ethical AI Use, Protecting Artists in AVGC-XR

Siddaramaiah Calls for Ethical AI Use, Protecting Artists in AVGC-XR

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of ethical AI usage, intellectual property protection, and fair compensation in the AVGC-XR sector, advocating for AI to enhance human creativity rather than replace artists.

10 Hindi Films That Explored Mature Romances

10 Hindi Films That Explored Mature Romances

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Ahead of Daadi Ki Shaadi's release, here's looking at Bollywood's history of mature romances, from classics like Aandhi to modern hits like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, which showed that love needs no retirement age.

India-Africa Initiative Aims to Bridge AI Skills Gap

India-Africa Initiative Aims to Bridge AI Skills Gap

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

JNS Cloud Solutions, in partnership with upGrad Enterprise, has launched the Africa AI Skilling Initiative to accelerate digital transformation and address the skills gap in Africa.

TCS Nashik Case: Male Accused Operated as Organised Gang Targeting Female Staff

TCS Nashik Case: Male Accused Operated as Organised Gang Targeting Female Staff

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Investigation into alleged religious conversion and sexual harassment at a Nashik branch of TCS reveals that seven male accused operated as an organised gang to target female employees.

TCS conversion row: 'Organised gang' targeted female staff

TCS conversion row: 'Organised gang' targeted female staff

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Police in Nashik are investigating multiple cases of attempted religious conversion and sexual harassment at a local IT firm, with evidence suggesting an organised effort to target female employees. The investigation involves multiple agencies to determine if there are wider links.

Democratise AI to make it a tool for inclusion: Modi

Democratise AI to make it a tool for inclusion: Modi

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of democratizing artificial intelligence to ensure its benefits reach the Global South, speaking at the India AI Impact Summit.

Why BJP Claims TMC Rule Is On 'Borrowed Time' In Bengal

Why BJP Claims TMC Rule Is On 'Borrowed Time' In Bengal

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP's West Bengal unit chief, Samik Bhattacharya, criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of crushing democracy and fostering lawlessness in the state. He highlighted alleged political violence, economic decline, and disrespect for constitutional posts under the TMC's rule.

Navy commanders to discuss West Asia crisis impact on energy security

Navy commanders to discuss West Asia crisis impact on energy security

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Top commanders of the Indian Navy will discuss the implications of the West Asia crisis on India's energy security and review operational readiness at a three-day conference.