News for 'Scientific and Cultural Organisation'

AI is fast becoming central to how drugs will be discovered

AI is fast becoming central to how drugs will be discovered

Rediff.com5 days ago

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a side conversation for Indian pharma. It is fast becoming central to how drugs will be discovered, made, and supplied. Along with that shift comes a sharper focus on innovation, on the one hand, and quality and trust, on the other.

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from over 60 international organisations, including United Nations bodies and the India-France-led International Solar Alliance, calling the institutions 'redundant' and 'contrary' to America's interests.

Riddle Of The Kumbh & Bhutte Ka Shorba

Riddle Of The Kumbh & Bhutte Ka Shorba

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

A stunning book on the Kumbh. And a recipe.

Javed Akhtar event postponed after Muslims protest

Javed Akhtar event postponed after Muslims protest

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

The West Bengal Urdu Academy has postponed a 'mushaira' featuring Javed Akhtar following protests by some Muslim groups who claim his comments hurt religious sentiments. Left student organizations condemn the postponement.

Why The Americans Were Opposed To Agni

Why The Americans Were Opposed To Agni

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'The heat shield technology for re-entry vehicles was first mastered in DRDO for the Agni missile.' 'This is why the Americans were so opposed to Agni in the 1980s, unlike other missiles -- it was a re-entry vehicle.'

Trump pulls US out of UNHRC, cuts funds for Palestinian refugees

Trump pulls US out of UNHRC, cuts funds for Palestinian refugees

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council and prohibiting any future funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Trump also directed the US to review its participation in UNESCO, citing concerns about anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment within the organizations. The executive order argues that the UNHRC, UNESCO, and UNRWA have drifted from their missions and act contrary to US interests. Trump previously halted funds for UNRWA during his first term, and President Joe Biden put a block on US funds for UNRWA in January 2024 over allegations that staff for the agency participated in Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack against Israel.

'Keeladi Could Be Older Than Indus Valley'

'Keeladi Could Be Older Than Indus Valley'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

'There is no doubt about the antiquity of Tamil Nadu.'

From Russia With Love

From Russia With Love

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

Red Square and VDNKh easily rank among the most striking places I've visited -- both for their historical significance and architectural splendour.
My admiration for Russian culture, vision and ambition grew with every step as I clocked the miles, Nitin Sathe tells us after a visit to Moscow and St Petersburg.

High drama in Mumbai over 'kabutarkhana' as protesters clash with police

High drama in Mumbai over 'kabutarkhana' as protesters clash with police

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

The Jain community, for whom feeding pigeons is a sacred tradition, have fiercely opposed the closure, with demonstrations in Mumbai highlighting the cultural significance and the distress of pigeons dying on streets.

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.

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

Bhagavad Gita, Natyashastra enter UNESCO's Memory of World Register

Bhagavad Gita, Natyashastra enter UNESCO's Memory of World Register

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Manuscripts of Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni's Natyashastra have been added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, joining 74 other new documentary heritage collections from 72 countries and four international organizations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the inclusion, describing it as a "proud moment for every Indian across the world." He highlighted the Gita and Natyashastra's contributions to civilization and consciousness, emphasizing their continued inspiration. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also celebrated the recognition, emphasizing the historical significance for India's civilizational heritage. These additions bring the total number of inscribed collections on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register to 570, with India now having 14 inscriptions.

Purple revolution: How J-K's Bhaderwah became India's lavender capital

Purple revolution: How J-K's Bhaderwah became India's lavender capital

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

From using lavender in traditional Dogri embroidery to making essential oils, beauty products and food syrups infused with this flowering plant, Bhaderwah, once known for its maize fields, is embracing lavender to bring about an economic transformation to their small town.

Centre doesn't want to control Waqf Board, our plan is...: Nadda

Centre doesn't want to control Waqf Board, our plan is...: Nadda

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

BJP president JP Nadda said on Sunday that the party does not seek to control the Waqf Board but wants to ensure that those managing it operate within the bounds of law and adhere to established rules. He said the properties and funds of the Waqf Board should be dedicated to promoting education, providing healthcare and employment opportunities for the Muslim community. Nadda also highlighted the BJP's growth and achievements, emphasizing its commitment to national unity and cultural heritage.

Culture has to accompany development: UNESCO chief

Culture has to accompany development: UNESCO chief

Rediff.com27 Jan 2010

On October 15, 2009, Irina Bokova of Bulgaria was elected as the tenth director-general of UNESCO.During her recent visit to India, Bokova spoke to Claude Arpi about her vision and aspirations for UNESCO in a changing world.

Quality Lapses Shut Down Drug Makers

Quality Lapses Shut Down Drug Makers

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

Most of the pharma units are failing in documentation, and validation processes, and many don't have full-fledged quality control laboratories.

RSS outfit starts 'garbh sanskar' to teach cultural values in womb

RSS outfit starts 'garbh sanskar' to teach cultural values in womb

Rediff.com6 Mar 2023

Samvardhinee Nyas, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has started a campaign titled 'Garbha Sanskar' for pregnant women to teach babies culture and values in the womb, its national organising secretary Madhuri Marathe said on Monday.

'This Isn't About Rejecting Our Heritage'

'This Isn't About Rejecting Our Heritage'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

'...but subjecting our heritage to rigorous evidence-based understanding.'

Govt, Oppn spar over who did more for space mission

Govt, Oppn spar over who did more for space mission

Rediff.com21 Sep 2023

During the day-long debate, the lines between science and religion often got blurred with many invoking religious texts and the contribution of 'rishi munis' to highlight India's tryst with the extra-terrestrial world.

5 TN places in UNESCO World Heritage status tentative list

5 TN places in UNESCO World Heritage status tentative list

Rediff.com14 Oct 2012

Five sites in Tamil Nadu, including famous Lord Sri Ranganathar temple in Srirangam, have been included in the tentative list by the Union Culture ministry for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation 's world heritage status, Union Culture Minister Kumari Selja said on Sunday.

FDI in retail and 'Two Cultures'

FDI in retail and 'Two Cultures'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2014

The e-commerce marketplace is like an information intermediary these days.

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

We asked colleagues, present and past, to reflect on a man who has made such a difference to their lives and careers. Here it is then, a rich collection of memories that offer enchanting glimpses of the enigmatic Ajit Balakrishnan.

Science scholarships for women

Science scholarships for women

Rediff.com30 May 2005

L'Oréal India provides financial assistance to women to pursue scientific education.

Stunning heritage sites right here in India!

Stunning heritage sites right here in India!

Rediff.com11 Aug 2010

There are 23 cultural icons in India that have been listed by UNESCO in its world heritage list.

UNESCO honour for two Indian festivals

UNESCO honour for two Indian festivals

Rediff.com1 Oct 2009

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has added Navruz, the Parsi new year, and Ramman, a religious festival and ritual theatre of Uttarakhand, to its illustrious list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Mann ki Baat spiritual journey for me, ensured never cut off from people: Modi

Mann ki Baat spiritual journey for me, ensured never cut off from people: Modi

Rediff.com30 Apr 2023

The milestone broadcast was an occasion for Modi to walk down the memory lane as he asserted that it was not merely a programme but a matter of faith and spiritual journey for him.

Impossible to continue without US funding: UNESCO chief

Impossible to continue without US funding: UNESCO chief

Rediff.com3 Nov 2011

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation chief has pleaded to the United States to "find a way forward" to continue its support to the world body as it will be "impossible" for the organisation to maintain its activities following the US decision to snap funding on Palestine's membership issue.

Govt has no plans to bring back Kohinoor

Govt has no plans to bring back Kohinoor

Rediff.com18 Aug 2010

Demands from several quarters for the return of Kohinoor from Britain notwithstanding, the government said on Wednesday that it had no plans to bring the precious diamond back to the country.

1 million children in India still don't go to school

1 million children in India still don't go to school

Rediff.com27 Jun 2014

India, Indonesia and Pakistan each have more than a million children out of school, according to a United Nations report which said the global number of unschooled children aged 6 to 11 is still as high as 58 million, showing little overall improvement since 2007.

UNESCO approves full membership for Palestine, US cuts funds

UNESCO approves full membership for Palestine, US cuts funds

Rediff.com1 Nov 2011

The United States announced to stop financial contribution to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation after the UN body voted to admit Palestine as its full member, which the Obama administration termed as regrettable and premature.

The dangers of India's water policy

The dangers of India's water policy

Rediff.com18 Jun 2012

A global water report promotes privatisation narrative which could be disastrous for India and the world, says Gopal Krishna.

Bhimbetka, India's newest UNESCO site

Bhimbetka, India's newest UNESCO site

Rediff.com6 Jul 2003

Bhimbetka is one of 24 sites from around the world that have been added to the UNESCO's prestigious list of world heritage sites.

Cong demands apology over K'taka speaker's remark

Cong demands apology over K'taka speaker's remark

Rediff.com18 Jul 2012

An emotional remark by Speaker K G Bopaiah while opposing the heritage tag to Western Ghats has stirred up a controversy as he virtually raked up a separate statehood demand for his home district Kodagu.

UNESCO vote on Palestine: What UN chief says

UNESCO vote on Palestine: What UN chief says

Rediff.com1 Nov 2011

With the United States snapping finances to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation following a vote on Palestinian membership, United Nations chief Ban Ki Moon has said member states will have to look for "practical solutions" to preserve the Paris-based agency's financial resources as the vote could have implications. "This step could have potential implications for funding provided by some member states. This is a decision by the member states."

Yet another Pak journalist killed

Yet another Pak journalist killed

Rediff.com19 May 2012

A Pakistani journalist was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the restive southwest Balochistan province, the fourth scribe to be killed in as many months in the country ranked by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as "the second most dangerous" in the world for reporters.

Will Chandrayaan's Success Make Science More Robust In India?

Will Chandrayaan's Success Make Science More Robust In India?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2023

'Perhaps the government should explain how the same scientific temper, which authored a precise landing for Chandrayaan-3, finds the periodic table and the theory of evolution not good enough for inclusion in the educational curriculum,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

Khangchendzonga, Nalanda make it to UNESCO's World Heritage List

Khangchendzonga, Nalanda make it to UNESCO's World Heritage List

Rediff.com17 Jul 2016

The meeting had resumed for a day on Sunday, after being suspended a day earlier due to a failed coup bid in Turkey which claimed over 260 lives.

Pakistani wins Gandhi-inspired UNESCO prize

Pakistani wins Gandhi-inspired UNESCO prize

Rediff.com22 Oct 2009

Abdul Sattar Edhi of Pakistan and Franois Houtart of Belgium were awarded the '2009 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation-Madanjeet Singh prize for promoting tolerance and non-violence. The two will share a prize money of US $ 10,000 and receive the award on the 'International Day for Tolerance' on November 16, the Paris-headquarted UNESCO said in a statement.

Caste Is Missing In Prohibition Debates

Caste Is Missing In Prohibition Debates

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

The point made by sociologist M N Srinivas, that it represented a Sanskritic act that was linked to caste, is never raised in Indian debates and the disapproval of drink is almost universal, notes Aakar Patel.

US withdraws from UNESCO for its 'anti-Israel' bias

US withdraws from UNESCO for its 'anti-Israel' bias

Rediff.com12 Oct 2017

The withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2018. The US will remain a full member of the Paris-based UNESCO until then.