News for 'Office for Standards'

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

'India definitely downed a few Pakistani planes'

'India definitely downed a few Pakistani planes'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

The Indian military also acknowledged suffering some losses but declined to provide the details as the operations are going on.

Pahalgam happened because terrorists feel Muslims...: Vadra

Pahalgam happened because terrorists feel Muslims...: Vadra

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra has triggered a row with his comments suggesting that non-Muslims were attacked in Pahalgam because terrorists feel Muslims are being "mistreated" in the country. The BJP has accused him of using the language of terrorists and demanded an apology. Vadra condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack but suggested that communal issues and a feeling of vulnerability among minorities are contributing to the violence. He said it is time to separate politics and religion and called for introspection by political parties. Vadra's remarks have been met with strong condemnation from the BJP, which accused him of playing politics on the issue and demanded a clarification from the Congress party. The BJP has also criticized Vadra for justifying the actions of terrorists.

India's BPO Industry Gets AI Makeover

India's BPO Industry Gets AI Makeover

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Call centres, once the engine room of India's BPO exports, are evolving too. Depending on the complexity, 30 to 50 per cent of voice and chat volumes are now handled by conversational AI.

Zomato's parent Eternal Q4 net profit falls 78% to Rs 39 cr

Zomato's parent Eternal Q4 net profit falls 78% to Rs 39 cr

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Eternal (formerly known as Zomato) reported a net profit of Rs 39 crore for the fourth quarter of FY25, down 77.7 per cent year-on-year from Rs 175 crore in the same period a year ago. On a sequential basis, profit was also down 33.8 per cent from Rs 59 crore in the preceding quarter (Q3FY25).

'India is a land of opportunities'

'India is a land of opportunities'

Rediff.com13 May 2025

'We've maintained that India is a high-penetration game. It's not only a premiumisation game.'

Techies, Think Beyond Coding!

Techies, Think Beyond Coding!

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Developers are expected to not only just learn coding but also oversee what the AI agents are doing.

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The bank made a Rs 67 crore net profit, up 21% from the previous year. Its deposits grew 8%, the loan book 10%. Net bad loans dropped from 7.53% to 6.07%. So why was the banker, who headed the bank, not promoted?

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Vietnam: A Wonderful Place For A Holiday

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Whether it's navigating the labyrinthine Cu Chi Tunnels, boating on the Mekong, marveling at ancient Champa temples, or the Mekong Bay, Vietnam promises a journey like no other.

Owner, manager held after 14 killed in Kolkata hotel fire

Owner, manager held after 14 killed in Kolkata hotel fire

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The owner and manager of Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata have been arrested following a devastating fire that killed 14 people. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered surprise checks of all establishments in the city to ensure fire safety compliance, after the tragedy highlighted serious violations at the hotel. The hotel has been sealed and special committees will be formed to monitor and identify establishments flouting fire safety norms.

LS Speaker asks Rahul to follow rules; LoP says not allowed to speak

LS Speaker asks Rahul to follow rules; LoP says not allowed to speak

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in India's Lok Sabha, has accused the Speaker, Om Birla, of running the House in a "non-democratic style" and preventing him from speaking. Gandhi claims that he was not allowed to speak on various issues, including unemployment and the Maha Kumbh festival, despite raising his hand to speak. He also alleges that the Speaker made unsubstantiated remarks about him and adjourned the House without giving him an opportunity to respond. The Speaker, however, has urged members to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of the House, especially the Leader of the Opposition.

AI Boom Fuels Demand for IT Specialists

AI Boom Fuels Demand for IT Specialists

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Entry level engineers for these roles can be paid between Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh annually, which can go beyond Rs 30 lakhs for people with more than eight years of experience.

Indians Work More Than Chinese!

Indians Work More Than Chinese!

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The average Indian works 46.7 hours per week, surpassing even China's 46.1 hours. In some sectors, the numbers are even more staggering.

How Tamil Nadu Is Becoming A Global Hub

How Tamil Nadu Is Becoming A Global Hub

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

After Chennai, it is Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli, that are emerging as manufacturing hubs. Coimbatore is India's top Tier-II city in terms of the number of GCCs, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield.

'State Banks Must Take Affordable Housing Seriously'

'State Banks Must Take Affordable Housing Seriously'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

'Unless banks focus on the Rs 10-15 lakh loan segment, growing affordable housing will remain a challenge.'

Used-car Sales Likely To Outpace New Ones In FY26

Used-car Sales Likely To Outpace New Ones In FY26

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

India's used car market, which has been growing steadily at 10-12 per cent over the last 2-3 years, is expected to reach $40 billion in FY26.

Markets In Meltdown: What Should You Do?

Markets In Meltdown: What Should You Do?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'Investors should continue with their SIPs, especially during market corrections.' 'For those looking to start new SIPs, beginning with large-cap funds is a prudent strategy, followed by flexi-cap and value-oriented approaches.'

Realty sector turns cautious as equity market tumbles

Realty sector turns cautious as equity market tumbles

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

'In the past six months, capital markets have seen a dip, and realty is struggling. The stock-market investor will be cautious of putting that investment in real estate when there may be a slowdown coming.'

13-yr-old student sexually assaulted by 3 teachers in TN

13-yr-old student sexually assaulted by 3 teachers in TN

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The girl had not attended school from January 3, following which an inquiry was done by the school in person visiting her home.

Will money in hand from tax breaks spur housing demand?

Will money in hand from tax breaks spur housing demand?

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Real estate developers are hoping that the slew of tax concessions announced in Union Budget 2025, set to take effect this financial year, will spur demand for affordable and mid-segment housing, even as the broader housing market shows signs of fatigue.

Kash Patel takes oath on Bhagavad Gita as FBI director

Kash Patel takes oath on Bhagavad Gita as FBI director

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Kash Patel took oath as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the Bhagavad Gita and spoke about how a first-generation Indian kid is living the American dream, reflecting on his heritage.

High standard of operational readiness must along LAC: Top Army officer

High standard of operational readiness must along LAC: Top Army officer

Rediff.com4 May 2022

Lt Gen Dwivedi, who was referring to the clash between the Indian soldiers and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, also said that PLA's aggression in eastern Ladakh was met with "swift mobilisation and appropriate force posturing".

Modi-Musk Talk: Will Starlink Get Go Ahead?

Modi-Musk Talk: Will Starlink Get Go Ahead?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Starlink's application for offering satcom services in India had been held up for the company's inability to comply with mandatory ownership disclosure norms.

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

India has expressed concern to the US authorities over the treatment of deportees on a flight that landed on February 5, particularly with respect to the use of shackles, especially on women. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also registered its concerns regarding the need to accommodate the religious sensitivities and food preferences of the deportees. The US side has confirmed that no women or children were restrained on the deportation flights that landed in India on 15th and 16th February, 2025.

Bomb hoax: AI flight remains airborne for hours, returns to Mumbai

Bomb hoax: AI flight remains airborne for hours, returns to Mumbai

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

An Air India flight bound for New York returned to Mumbai on Monday morning after a bomb threat was reported. The aircraft, carrying 303 passengers, was thoroughly checked by security agencies, and nothing suspicious was found. The flight has been rescheduled to operate at 5 am on Tuesday, and passengers have been offered hotel accommodation and other assistance. This incident follows a recent trend of hoax bomb threats on flights, with at least 15 flights receiving such threats this year.

Will Sikandar Make More Money Than Pushpa 2?

Will Sikandar Make More Money Than Pushpa 2?

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

'One of the most significant factors contributing to the optimism for 2025 is the lineup of films featuring Bollywood's three superstar Khans.'

OpenAI Plans for India Data Center

OpenAI Plans for India Data Center

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

'It may take some time for them to get down to the details, such as the location and capacity.'

Gujarat: BSF officer, jawan die due to extreme heat

Gujarat: BSF officer, jawan die due to extreme heat

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

A Border Security Force officer and a jawan died during patrol due to exposure to 'extreme weather' at the Harami Nallah creek area along the India-Pakistan international front in Gujarat, the force said on Saturday.

'TN should compete with US, China, and not Indian states'

'TN should compete with US, China, and not Indian states'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

'We don't have to compete with Maharashtra or Gujarat. We have to now start thinking about how we compete with the United States or China.'

How AI is Boosting Indian Edtech Upskilling

How AI is Boosting Indian Edtech Upskilling

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

As AI becomes central to upskilling, a growing number of learners -- from seasoned professionals to school students -- are eager to explore and experiment with technology.

Sports Minister on why he revoked WFI suspension

Sports Minister on why he revoked WFI suspension

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'WFI must reverse all amendments made during its suspension and ensure checks and balances in decision-making within four weeks.'

Trump blames Obama, Biden as 67 feared dead in US air crash

Trump blames Obama, Biden as 67 feared dead in US air crash

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Following the mid-air collision between an American Airlines plane and a United States Army helicopter in which all 67 are feared dead, President Donald Trump on Thursday blamed former Democratic Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama for lowering air safety standards.

'When An Influencer Promotes Everything...'

'When An Influencer Promotes Everything...'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'All credibility is lost.'

Modi Eyes Trade Revival Talks With Trump

Modi Eyes Trade Revival Talks With Trump

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Ahead of the visit, officials from key government departments held intense discussions to identify key trade-related proposals.

The Dupatta Killer Review: Brutal. Sad. Upsetting

The Dupatta Killer Review: Brutal. Sad. Upsetting

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Patrick Graham's crime documentary The Dupatta Killer gives all sides of the story and leaves it to the viewer to fill in the blanks, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, India, has stopped taking deposits from patients at the emergency department after a pregnant woman died after being turned away for non-payment. The hospital faced intense criticism following the incident, which involved the wife of a BJP MLC's personal secretary. The woman was shifted to another hospital where she died after delivering twins.

Indians Spent 1.1 Trillion Hours On...

Indians Spent 1.1 Trillion Hours On...

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

...their smartphones!

Attempting to avoid...: Vanuatu cancels Lalit Modi's passport

Attempting to avoid...: Vanuatu cancels Lalit Modi's passport

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has directed the Citizenship Commission to cancel the passport issued to former Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi, citing his attempt to avoid extradition. Modi had applied to surrender his Indian passport to the Indian High Commission in London, but the Vanuatu government stated that Interpol twice rejected India's request for an alert notice due to lack of evidence. The statement emphasized that holding a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and applicants must seek citizenship for legitimate reasons, which does not include evading extradition.

'Engaging With The US Is Important'

'Engaging With The US Is Important'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'But I don't think the government is in a great hurry to sign the BTA.'

Why Home Insurance Is A Must

Why Home Insurance Is A Must

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

A home insurance policy covers damage from earthquakes, fires, explosions, floods, landslides, cyclones, storms, aircraft damage, and acts of terrorism.