News for 'Integrated Research and Action for Development'

SEBI Chairman Highlights Cybersecurity As Board-Level Issue

SEBI Chairman Highlights Cybersecurity As Board-Level Issue

Rediff.com6 days ago

SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey stated that cybersecurity is now a board-level concern, not just an IT challenge, emphasising the need for caution when deploying artificial intelligence in critical infrastructure. He highlighted that AI for cybersecurity must be secure, governed, and accountable, and also addressed the emerging risks from quantum computing, urging collective resilience and sharing of best practices among regulators.

LG Sinha Urges Scientists To Translate Immunology Into Public Health Action

LG Sinha Urges Scientists To Translate Immunology Into Public Health Action

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha addressed the 'IMMUNOCON-2026' conference, stressing the importance of translating scientific immunological knowledge into public health action. He urged scientists to focus on precision medicine, immuno-AI fusion, climate immunity, and accelerating translational research to combat infectious diseases and enhance healthcare delivery.

NEET, UGC-NET fallout: NTA axes 50 staffers, begins leadership overhaul

NEET, UGC-NET fallout: NTA axes 50 staffers, begins leadership overhaul

Rediff.com6 days ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is undergoing significant reforms, including the removal of over 50 staff members and the onboarding of new leadership and domain specialists. This comes after recent issues like errors in UGC-NET papers, leading to re-tests, and the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026. The Education Ministry has directed a complete overhaul of exam protocols and a thorough audit of all processes to ensure integrity.

Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre rushes expert team to Gujarat, Rajasthan

Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre rushes expert team to Gujarat, Rajasthan

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Union health ministry has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to strengthen the response to the ongoing Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) outbreak.

Lawyers ask Supreme Court to retract remarks on greens stalling development

Lawyers ask Supreme Court to retract remarks on greens stalling development

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A group of lawyers and activists have petitioned the Chief Justice of India to retract recent Supreme Court remarks that cast doubt on the legitimacy of environmental pleas against developmental projects.

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

As many as 274 fugitives have been repatriated from 36 countries in the last 7 years, an average of around 40 per year and a 10-fold jump from the 2004-13 period when around four fugitives were brought back every year, the government said on Tuesday.

IIT Mandi Develops Real-Time Landslide Monitoring System

IIT Mandi Develops Real-Time Landslide Monitoring System

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Researchers at IIT Mandi have developed a real-time landslide monitoring and early warning system that has been deployed in landslide-prone areas of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. The system uses machine learning and sensors to detect ground movements and provide early warnings to authorities and the public.

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have significantly advanced the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, securing crucial agreements on defence, critical minerals, and maritime security, including BrahMos missile supply and Sabang port development.

How AI Can Help Retailers Track Sustainability Preferences

How AI Can Help Retailers Track Sustainability Preferences

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Researchers have developed an AI-enabled framework to help retailers understand and respond to changing consumer sustainability preferences. The framework uses machine learning to identify consumer segments in real time and translate analytics into business strategies.

NCERT textbook row: Govt promises action after SC ban

NCERT textbook row: Govt promises action after SC ban

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed strong disapproval of a chapter in an NCERT Class 8 textbook addressing judicial corruption, prompting government action and a Supreme Court ban on the book's circulation.

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

For the foreseeable future, the most likely outcome remains continuation of the status quo. Taiwan will remain self-governing without formally declaring independence, while China continues to apply sustained pressure short of war, predict Krishnan Srinivasan and Manoj Mohanka.

Govt Not Complacent, More Reforms In The Pipeline: Shaktikanta Das

Govt Not Complacent, More Reforms In The Pipeline: Shaktikanta Das

Rediff.com12 May 2026

'Policy consistency combined with timely and calibrated reforms are expected to ensure that India not only maintains macroeconomic stability, but also emerges as a globally competitive and inclusive economy.'

Heatwaves Trigger Hidden Ozone Threat

Heatwaves Trigger Hidden Ozone Threat

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'Can you believe there are over 26,500 deaths linked to heatwave-driven ozone in 2024?'

Insects' Lightning-Fast Reactions Could Inspire New AI Designs

Insects' Lightning-Fast Reactions Could Inspire New AI Designs

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A new study reveals that insects' lightning-fast reactions are due to a 'turbo boost' feature in their brains, which could inspire more energy-efficient robots and self-driving cars.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

AI System To Transform Training, Injury Tracking In Indian Sports

AI System To Transform Training, Injury Tracking In Indian Sports

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India launches AI-driven SPEEED platform to track athlete performance, predict injuries, tackle age fraud and revolutionise sports science nationwide.

P T Usha pushes for 'Made in India' doping kits

P T Usha pushes for 'Made in India' doping kits

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

India is bidding to become an Olympic host in 2036 and the International Olympic Committee has made it clear that the country will have to considerably improve its current doping record.

CAG to conduct pan-India audit on ease of doing biz for MSMEs

CAG to conduct pan-India audit on ease of doing biz for MSMEs

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has launched an integrated audit across 32 states and Union Territories to assess the ease of doing business for the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.

'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.'

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'The tools of warfare are changing. The MoD must deepen its engagement with technology thinkers that can present compelling visions of where warfare may be heading.'

'Bangladesh-Pakistan-China Nexus Is Alarming'

'Bangladesh-Pakistan-China Nexus Is Alarming'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'Should China's interest in the Teesta River projects be approved, it would likely result in heightened Chinese presence near the Siliguri corridor.'

'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.

Why Budget 2026 Deserves 8.5/10

Why Budget 2026 Deserves 8.5/10

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

This is the first Budget in my memory of Budgets over the last half a century which has embraced upfront, enthusiastically and emphatically, technology, modernity and fiscal sobriety, notes Shreekant Sambrani.

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The real story of 2025 is that India officially stopped being a 'market of the future' and started acting as the world's primary economic engine.'

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.'

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

We have nothing to gain by raising our concerns internationally as our narrative has got entangled with several controversial concepts in the United Nations, asserts Ambassador T N Sreenivasan.

'Pak's arms shopping spree post Op Sindoor concerning'

'Pak's arms shopping spree post Op Sindoor concerning'

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Vice Admiral K Swaminathan highlights concerns over Pakistan's arms procurement and China's growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean Region.

Armed forces gear up for counter-drone exercise in Oct

Armed forces gear up for counter-drone exercise in Oct

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

The Indian armed forces will conduct an exercise to test the capabilities of its drones and counter-drone systems. The exercise, named 'Cold Start', will involve all three services and will take place in Madhya Pradesh.

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Luckily for us, a Russia that is desperate to stay relevant in an emerging multipolar world finds in India a reliable geostrategic partner. The Russian proximity to India also keeps China from exploiting its economic dominance vis a vis Russia, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

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.

Vietnam Emerges As India's Key Defence Partner

Vietnam Emerges As India's Key Defence Partner

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The 15th India-Vietnam Defence Dialogue signalled a move from routine talks to deeper cooperation, with new deals on submarine rescue and defence industry to support stability in the Indo-Pacific, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

VSHORADS Missile In Action

VSHORADS Missile In Action

Rediff.com28 Sep 2022

The VSHORADS missile is meant for neutralising low altitude aerial threats at short ranges.

What Shux Did In His 1st Week In Space

What Shux Did In His 1st Week In Space

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Shubhanshu Shukla's first seven days in space have combined science, ceremony, and moments of levity.

Harvard is not Harvard...: Varsity sues Trump admin over foreign student ban

Harvard is not Harvard...: Varsity sues Trump admin over foreign student ban

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to revoke the university's certification to enroll foreign students. The lawsuit claims that the government's action is unlawful and unwarranted and that Harvard is not Harvard without its international students. The university argues that the government's decision will have a devastating effect on Harvard and its thousands of international students. The lawsuit comes a day after the Trump administration ordered the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.

Lifestyle for environment likely to become national mission

Lifestyle for environment likely to become national mission

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Currently, the NAPCC has eight active missions across sectors like water, energy, and agriculture, aimed at addressing climate change.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

What Tech Risks Will the World Face in 2025?

What Tech Risks Will the World Face in 2025?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

While advancements in biotechnology hold immense promise for health and innovation, they also come with significant risks if misused.

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Pahalgam massacre highlights the evolution of terrorism into a multi-domain challenge. India's response must similarly evolve -- from tactical retaliation to comprehensive strategic deterrence. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina and Rahul Mishra. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina & Rahul Mishra.

'US Remains Invested In Quad'

'US Remains Invested In Quad'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

'Trump's aggressive stance towards China and preference for military posturing could shift the Quad's balance towards overt militarisation.'