News for 'Livelihood'

How India Is Poised For A Major Tech Transformation

How India Is Poised For A Major Tech Transformation

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Atomic Energy Commission chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty stated that India is on the verge of a significant technological transformation, driven by advancements in AI, quantum technologies, and other fields. Speaking at BIT Mesra's convocation, he emphasised the need for strong indigenous capabilities, skilled professionals, and interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve a developed India. Other speakers, including BIT Mesra's Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, echoed the importance of continuous learning and contributing to national progress.

Jantar Mantar: From voice of protest to a silenced space

Jantar Mantar: From voice of protest to a silenced space

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in New Delhi, is facing de-notification by Delhi Police, raising concerns about its future as a space for public dissent. The site has been central to numerous significant movements, from Anna Hazare's anti-corruption fast and the Nirbhaya protests to recent agitations over NEET paper leaks and wrestlers' grievances. Its proximity to power centres made it a crucial platform for citizens to voice concerns and demand accountability, a role now threatened by its potential loss of status.

Hasina slams Bangladesh PM for skipping BRICS meet

Hasina slams Bangladesh PM for skipping BRICS meet

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's decision to skip the BRICS summit in India, calling it "immature" and detrimental to Bangladesh's national interest. She argued that the absence lost opportunities for economic development and that foreign policy should not be driven by personal considerations. Hasina also highlighted the current "grave national crisis" in Bangladesh and her intention to return to restore democracy.

Rs 1,200-cr TN secretariat project hits hurdle amid Oppn, fisherfolk protest

Rs 1,200-cr TN secretariat project hits hurdle amid Oppn, fisherfolk protest

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

A proposed Rs 1,200 crore Secretariat-Assembly complex in Pattinapakkam, Chennai, has ignited significant opposition from local fishing communities and various political parties. Residents fear displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental damage, citing ancestral rights and broken promises. Political leaders across the spectrum are urging Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to reconsider the site, highlighting concerns about ecological impact, traffic, and financial priorities.

'Hammer to kill a fly': SC slams curbs imposed in Delhi ahead of protests

'Hammer to kill a fly': SC slams curbs imposed in Delhi ahead of protests

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the closure of 57 Metro stations and cancellation of trains in Delhi ahead of protests, stating the Centre 'cannot use a hammer to kill a fly' and ordered against complete prohibition of transport services.

Why Were Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal All Smiles?

Why Were Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal All Smiles?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The 15th annual Mijwan Fashion Show took place on September 26, 2026, at Taj Lands End in Mumbai, marking a milestone celebration of ethical luxury and heritage.

How Long Can The Modi Government Stay Deaf?

How Long Can The Modi Government Stay Deaf?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

When it pretends to be deaf, a situation can snowball into something it cannot contain. The government cannot dismiss public anger merely because protests are inconvenient or politically embarrassing, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Modi's 'neighbours' meet Rahul, seek help to prevent eviction

Modi's 'neighbours' meet Rahul, seek help to prevent eviction

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Residents from three slum clusters near the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi met Rahul Gandhi, seeking his intervention against their proposed relocation to Savda Ghevra. They claim the move, mandated by a Delhi High Court order, would severely disrupt their livelihoods, children's education, and access to essential services, despite the Centre citing defence infrastructure security as the reason for eviction.

Vijay drops cases against farmers, teachers booked for protests

Vijay drops cases against farmers, teachers booked for protests

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced the withdrawal of police cases against farmers who protested against the Parandur airport and SIPCOT projects, and against teachers who protested for their rights. The decision, made on humanitarian and democratic grounds, aims to strengthen democratic rights and public trust in the government.

'I Have Nothing Left': Nepal's Flood Survivors

'I Have Nothing Left': Nepal's Flood Survivors

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The aftermath of catastrophic flash floods and mudslides that swept through Nepal's Nuwakot and Dhading districts in September 2026. Survivors in Betrawati, Devighat, Ratamate, Angitar and Galchhi recount narrow escapes and shattered livelihoods, as a damaged school and thousands still missing underscore the scale of a disaster triggered by a glacial collapse.

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Goa has successfully completed its first pilot drone-skilling workshop for 12 women and plans to train 100 women annually under the Goa Drone Didi Training Scheme. This initiative aims to promote drone technology, rural livelihoods, and women-led entrepreneurship, aligning with the Centre's Namo Drone Didi programme.

Maha auto, taxi drivers welcome Marathi learning deadline extension

Maha auto, taxi drivers welcome Marathi learning deadline extension

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has extended the deadline for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to acquire working knowledge of Marathi by one year, a decision welcomed by unions who say it removes the immediate threat to their livelihoods.

'Monetary Policy Can Bring Inflation To The Target'

'Monetary Policy Can Bring Inflation To The Target'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

'In fact, when monetary policy has been deployed, it does not distinguish between types of shocks. It goes straight for the kill.'

After Franco rape battle, 3 Kerala nuns stitch a new life with 'Stand By Me'

After Franco rape battle, 3 Kerala nuns stitch a new life with 'Stand By Me'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Three nuns in Kerala, who supported a nun accusing a Catholic bishop of rape, have launched a clothing venture called 'Stand By Me'. Facing financial hardship after their assistance was stopped, they revived tailoring skills to earn a livelihood. This initiative provides them with independence and a new purpose, expanding from local orders to online sales and employing workers.

AI Can Disrupt Jobs, Not Doom Humanity

AI Can Disrupt Jobs, Not Doom Humanity

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

'My biggest fear about AI is that humans are going to rush to deploy it before AI is ready.'

Governor Yadav Champions Drone Tech For Nagaland's Youth

Governor Yadav Champions Drone Tech For Nagaland's Youth

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav has advocated for increased use of technology, especially drones and geospatial systems, to enhance governance and create employment opportunities for the state's youth. During his visit to the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre and Drone Centre of Excellence, he highlighted the broad applications of drone technology and the importance of skill development. The centre is actively training youth in various drone-related courses, aiming to meet the demand for drone pilots in the Northeast.

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, strongly criticised Pakistan for its support of terrorism, asserting India's right to self-defence and stating that friendship cannot coexist with terrorism. He also highlighted India's global responsibilities, contributions to the Global South, and its stance on reformed multilateralism and AI.

TN assembly seeks TET exemption for 3.28 lakh teachers

TN assembly seeks TET exemption for 3.28 lakh teachers

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to grant a permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for government teachers appointed before August 23, 2010. This move aims to protect the job security and benefits of over 3.28 lakh experienced educators who face the risk of losing their positions due to the mandatory TET requirement.

Nithari accused Surendra Koli murdered? Victim's father says.....

Nithari accused Surendra Koli murdered? Victim's father says.....

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The father of a Nithari case victim has questioned the death of Surendra Koli, alleging he was murdered and did not die by suicide. Koli, who was acquitted in all Nithari cases, was found hanging in Haridwar. Police are investigating, while the victim's father claims Koli was about to reveal important information and points to Moninder Singh Pandher as the main culprit.

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Maha cabbies to get Marathi lessons before action: Govt

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that autorickshaw and taxi drivers will be given an opportunity to learn Marathi before any action is taken against them for non-compliance with the language requirement. This move softens the state's earlier stance, which had evoked mixed reactions and concerns about livelihoods.

'Pressure from Delhi': Raut slams Fadnavis on Marathi test extension

'Pressure from Delhi': Raut slams Fadnavis on Marathi test extension

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's decision to grant a one-year extension to autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi, alleging it was due to 'pressure from Delhi' and a message to BJP's ally Shiv Sena.

How AI Shapes India's Cultural Wealth And Music Industry

How AI Shapes India's Cultural Wealth And Music Industry

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Prasar Bharati Chairman Prasoon Joshi voiced concerns over AI's impact on India's cultural heritage, including music and endangered languages, advocating for human-AI collaboration. Meanwhile, a Spotify report revealed significant growth in royalties for Indian artists, with linguistic diversity driving economic strength in the creative industries, highlighting the platform's role in enabling talent across various Indian languages.

Iran won't bow to 'bullying': Pezeshkian's message to US, Israel from Delhi

Iran won't bow to 'bullying': Pezeshkian's message to US, Israel from Delhi

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran will not succumb to "bullying" from the US and Israel, vowing to protect national interests amidst escalating West Asian hostilities. During his visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, Pezeshkian also discussed strengthening bilateral ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advocated for local currencies in BRICS trade, positioning Iran as a strategic energy and transport partner.

Fintech 'Valuable Partner' in Building Future Financial System: RBI Governor

Fintech 'Valuable Partner' in Building Future Financial System: RBI Governor

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the central bank consistently views fintechs as 'valuable partners' in shaping India's future financial system, crediting the sector with expanding financial inclusion, enhancing customer experience, and streamlining credit delivery, particularly for MSMEs.

Gillespie on Pakistan crisis: 'They are playing with fear'

Gillespie on Pakistan crisis: 'They are playing with fear'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its constant upheaval, including the 'disrespectful' sacking of players and frequent changes in coaching staff, which he believes creates instability and fear among players.

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Nepal floods revive Uttarakhand's Rishiganga, Dharali horrors

Nepal floods revive Uttarakhand's Rishiganga, Dharali horrors

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The devastating floods in Nepal have brought back memories of two major disasters in Uttarakhand in recent years, the Rishiganga tragedy of February 2021 and the Dharali disaster of August 2025, which caused extensive loss of life and property and left thousands struggling to rebuild their lives.

Alternative Fuels Overtake Petrol as India's Auto Retail Sales Hit Record 24.23 Lakh Units in August

Alternative Fuels Overtake Petrol as India's Auto Retail Sales Hit Record 24.23 Lakh Units in August

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

India's automobile retail sales reached an unprecedented 24.23 lakh units in August, marking a 17.51 per cent year-on-year growth, with alternative fuels (CNG, hybrid, and electric) collectively surpassing petrol in the passenger vehicle segment for the first time.

Maha govt to act against drivers not knowing Marathi from tomorrow

Maha govt to act against drivers not knowing Marathi from tomorrow

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced a drive against auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers lacking a 'working knowledge' of Marathi, with penalties ranging from licence suspension to cancellation, sparking fears among non-Marathi speaking drivers.

BJP Faces West Bengal Investment Test

BJP Faces West Bengal Investment Test

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

West Bengal could be the Bharatiya Janata Party's real test case of its business-friendly policies, points out Kanika Datta.

Ladakhis get rights over barren land, relief for thousands

Ladakhis get rights over barren land, relief for thousands

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved new rules for the regularisation of 'nautor lands', granting proprietary rights to eligible landholders. This move aims to resolve a long-pending issue, provide legal certainty, and allow land to be used as a financial asset for thousands of residents in the Union Territory.

'Mother was swept away': Nepal flood leaves 5-year-old girl alone

'Mother was swept away': Nepal flood leaves 5-year-old girl alone

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Five-year-old Ishara Tamang lies in a hospital bed in Kathmandu, injured and separated from her family, after surviving the flash floods that devastated Rasuwa district on the Nepal-Tibet border.She was rescued from the floodwaters in Khalte, a village in Rasuwa, after being trapped in a net.

From accidental shooter to Asian Games: Army man Kedarling's incredible journey

From accidental shooter to Asian Games: Army man Kedarling's incredible journey

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Naib Subedar Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve, a 27-year-old from a farming village in Karnataka, is set to represent India at the Asian Games in shooting, a sport he discovered only after joining the Indian Army in 2018 with no prior sporting ambition.

Kangana: I Identify As A Bhakt...'

Kangana: I Identify As A Bhakt...'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has publicly endorsed Isha Koppikar's 'andhbhakt' declaration, asserting that such devotion is rooted in love for the country.

Cremations move to rooftops as Ganga water level rises in Varanasi

Cremations move to rooftops as Ganga water level rises in Varanasi

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Ganga river in Varanasi is experiencing a significant rise in water level, disrupting daily activities along the ghats. This has led to severed connectivity between ghats, relocation of cremation activities at Manikarnika Ghat, and growing concern among residents as the river approaches its danger mark.

24,000 Manipur violence-hit families yet to get aid? SC seeks verification

24,000 Manipur violence-hit families yet to get aid? SC seeks verification

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday asked an apex court-appointed committee to verify claims that around 24,000 families affected by the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence are yet to receive benefits under government rehabilitation and welfare schemes.

From Maoist Camps To The Fashion Ramp

From Maoist Camps To The Fashion Ramp

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

From guns to handlooms. From forest trails to a public runway. Women who had once been associated with that conflict walked into the spotlight wearing Bastar's traditional textiles.

US issues details of new Green Card rules effective from September 18

US issues details of new Green Card rules effective from September 18

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating Form I-485 for permanent residence, effective September 18, 2026, with no grace period for older versions. This change, aligning with public-charge inadmissibility rules, significantly impacts Green Card applicants, particularly Indian nationals facing visa backlogs, who must use the correct form version to avoid rejection.

Modi's new target on I-Day: 6 crore 'Lakhpati Didis'

Modi's new target on I-Day: 6 crore 'Lakhpati Didis'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new target of creating six crore 'Lakhpati Didis' to empower women and transform the rural economy. He highlighted the success of the existing initiative and the growing contribution of women in various sectors, from defence to technology.

Marathi fine rumours trigger protests by Mumbai auto, taxi drivers

Marathi fine rumours trigger protests by Mumbai auto, taxi drivers

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Widespread fear amongst autorickshaw and taxi drivers over rumoured steep fines linked to a state government Marathi proficiency drive erupted into street protests in parts of Mumbai on Monday, forcing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to step in and address the panic. During protests, some drivers tried to prevent other members from transporting passengers, inconveniencing common people in the morning hours.