News for 'Standard'

Delhi Development Authority Unveils Strict SOP Against Land Encroachment

Delhi Development Authority Unveils Strict SOP Against Land Encroachment

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to tackle land encroachment and unauthorised constructions in the capital. Following Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu's directive for "zero tolerance," the SOP mandates demolition within 72 hours of detection by dedicated Quick Response Teams and flying squads. The policy also incorporates technology like geo-tagging and drone inspections, alongside continuous monitoring to prevent re-encroachment.

Anurag Thakur files privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Anurag Thakur files privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

BJP MP Anurag Thakur has submitted a notice of breach of privilege and contempt of the House against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging use of "unparliamentary and derogatory language" and "unsubstantiated allegations" against Home Minister Amit Shah during a Lok Sabha debate.

Can VinFast Sustain Its Blistering India Start?

Can VinFast Sustain Its Blistering India Start?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

VinFast has gone from an unknown brand to India's fifth-largest EV carmaker in just seven months, but its toughest battle is only beginning.

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has declined to halt the Centre's HPV immunisation campaign, noting that data on 5.5 million administered vaccines showed no 'instant harm'. However, the court emphasised that 'half-baked vaccines' should not be given to the public and raised 'serious issues' regarding past protocol violations in vaccine testing and certification.

AI Reshapes IT Campus Hiring

AI Reshapes IT Campus Hiring

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'Hiring within IT services firms is going to be very specialised.'

N R Narayana Murthy: 'There Is Lot Of Confusion About AI'

N R Narayana Murthy: 'There Is Lot Of Confusion About AI'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'At the end of the day, it is just another technology produced by the human mind.'

'Terrorist is a terrorist,' no justification for murderous ideology: India at UN

'Terrorist is a terrorist,' no justification for murderous ideology: India at UN

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, asserted that 'a terrorist is a terrorist' and called on the international community to collectively root out the 'murderous ideology' without seeking any justification for terrorism.

Centre Tightens Rules on Alcohol-Based Medicines

Centre Tightens Rules on Alcohol-Based Medicines

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The move follows reports from several state drug-regulatory authorities indicating misuse and hoarding oral formulations with high ethyl-alcohol concentration, which people use as a substitute for liquor.

BRICS Countries Unite To Build Resilient Digital Healthcare Systems

BRICS Countries Unite To Build Resilient Digital Healthcare Systems

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The CEO of the National Health Authority, Sunil Kumar Barnwal, highlighted BRICS nations' shared aspiration for connected, patient-centric, and resilient healthcare systems through digital health infrastructure and responsible AI. Discussions at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting focused on overcoming challenges like limited interoperability and workforce constraints, with countries like Brazil and Indonesia sharing successful digital health initiatives.

Pellet guns cannot be banned outright, specific misuse to be examined: SC

Pellet guns cannot be banned outright, specific misuse to be examined: SC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has stated that a complete ban on pellet guns is not possible as long as existing advisories permit their use for crowd control in exceptional circumstances by security agencies. However, the court clarified that allegations of specific misuse can be examined on a case-by-case basis, particularly in light of recent protests against the NEET paper leak.

Mbappe takes blame after France's FIFA World Cup heartbreak

Mbappe takes blame after France's FIFA World Cup heartbreak

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted his side failed both tactically and technically in their 2-0 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, ending their hopes of a third successive final appearance.

Rajesh Ramesh: India's Relay Star Ready for Commonwealth Games Debut

Rajesh Ramesh: India's Relay Star Ready for Commonwealth Games Debut

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Rajesh Ramesh, a key figure in India's 4x400m relay teams, is set to make his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow, aiming to contribute to the team's success and make the nation proud.

M Chinnaswamy Stadium Upgrades To State-Of-The-Art LED Floodlights

M Chinnaswamy Stadium Upgrades To State-Of-The-Art LED Floodlights

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Karnataka State Cricket Association has upgraded the M Chinnaswamy Stadium's floodlighting system to advanced LED technology, replacing older metal-halide lights. This upgrade ensures superior illumination, energy efficiency, and compliance with modern broadcasting standards, enhancing the experience for players, officials, and viewers.

HAL Secures Major Long-Term Deal With Safran For LEAP Engine Parts

HAL Secures Major Long-Term Deal With Safran For LEAP Engine Parts

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Aircraft Engines have signed a long-term agreement for the production and supply of turbine ring forgings for the CFM LEAP engine programme. This multi-year contract, signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, will see HAL manufacture critical superalloy components at its Bengaluru facility, enhancing India's capabilities in advanced aerospace manufacturing and expanding its presence in the international civil aerospace market.

SRK's Knight Riders Play First Match At New Cricket Ground In Los Angeles

SRK's Knight Riders Play First Match At New Cricket Ground In Los Angeles

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, which is set to host cricket at the 2028 Olympics, recently held its inaugural competitive match.

Delhi Capitals all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma joins Hampshire for One-Day Cup

Delhi Capitals all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma joins Hampshire for One-Day Cup

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Delhi Capitals all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma has been signed by English county Hampshire for the upcoming One-Day Cup. The move was facilitated by the GMR Group, which co-owns both teams. Sharma, known for his explosive batting and record-breaking T20 fifty, will bring his power-hitting skills to the 50-over domestic tournament in England.

Chembur tree collapse: Contractor fined, BMC to implement new SOPs

Chembur tree collapse: Contractor fined, BMC to implement new SOPs

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A committee investigating the fatal Chembur tree crash has recommended fines of Rs 5 lakh on the roadwork contractor and Rs 2 lakh on the supervising consultant. The panel found no prima facie fault with BMC's garden and roads departments but suggested implementing a Standard Operating Procedure for urban tree safety and appointing tree experts to oversee pruning work to prevent future incidents.

'Are they terrorists?': Cong blasts BJP for deploying AK-47 at Bihar protests

'Are they terrorists?': Cong blasts BJP for deploying AK-47 at Bihar protests

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Congress party has strongly criticised the BJP government following allegations that AK-47 rifles were used against protesting students in Bihar, with Rahul Gandhi demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology and action against those responsible for the 'deadly attacks and brutality'.

RAF probes use of excessive force, pellet guns during Delhi protests

RAF probes use of excessive force, pellet guns during Delhi protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has initiated an inquiry into allegations of its personnel using disproportionate force and firing pellet guns during recent student protests in Delhi, following social media footage and reports of injuries.

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'There is no need for panic as there is widespread protective immune memory in the population from vaccination as well as prior infections.'

The Real Reasons India Can't Reach the FIFA World Cup

The Real Reasons India Can't Reach the FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Despite a population of 1.45 billion, India's football team is ranked a lowly 138th in the world and failed to qualify for next year's Asian Cup, highlighting deep-rooted systemic issues and a failure to implement reforms that keep the World Cup dream distant for fans.

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.

Why Rs 5 Lakh Health Cover Falls Short

Why Rs 5 Lakh Health Cover Falls Short

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Marriage, childbirth, dependent parents and ageing increase the cover a person needs.

E20 petrol safe, no engine failure reported, Gadkari tells Parliament

E20 petrol safe, no engine failure reported, Gadkari tells Parliament

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Indian government has defended its E20 ethanol blending programme, stating that extensive testing and field experience show no evidence of abnormal engine wear, corrosion, or reduced vehicle life, despite a potential 2-6% reduction in fuel economy.

National Record Holder Jyothi Yarraji Breaches Asian Games Qualifying Mark

National Record Holder Jyothi Yarraji Breaches Asian Games Qualifying Mark

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

National record holder Jyothi Yarraji made a remarkable return to competition after a year-long injury lay-off, breaching the Asian Games qualifying standard in the 100m hurdles at the National Inter-State Championships. She achieved the feat with a time of 13.14 seconds, well within the AFI's requirement.

Bullet-proof vehicles, no straying: CRPF's SOP for Manipur

Bullet-proof vehicles, no straying: CRPF's SOP for Manipur

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has implemented a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for its personnel in Manipur, mandating the use of bulletproof vehicles and restricting stray movements, following recent ambushes on Assam Rifles troops. Concurrently, two elite CoBRA battalions have been deployed to conduct operations against armed miscreants, aiming to strengthen security and restore peace in the violence-hit state.

'Mid- Small-Caps May Deliver More Selective Returns'

'Mid- Small-Caps May Deliver More Selective Returns'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

'The market is currently neither cheap enough to be exciting about nor expensive enough to worry about.'

'Cricket lost one of its geatest': Kohli, Sachin mourn Sobers

'Cricket lost one of its geatest': Kohli, Sachin mourn Sobers

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar have paid heartfelt tributes to the late West Indies icon Sir Garfield Sobers, remembering his unparalleled legacy and personal interactions. Both stars expressed their sorrow and highlighted Sobers' immense contribution to the sport, inspiring generations of cricketers.

Maruti Brezza Targets First-Time SUV Buyers

Maruti Brezza Targets First-Time SUV Buyers

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The refreshed Brezza will target first-time, replacement and additional-car buyers as Maruti responds to changing preferences and intensifying competition in compact SUVs.

Portion of Ganga Expressway link road washed away in first monsoon rain

Portion of Ganga Expressway link road washed away in first monsoon rain

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

A portion of a link road connecting the Kanpur-Lucknow National Highway with the Ganga Expressway in Unnao district caved in after the first monsoon rain, raising concerns about construction quality and prompting repair work.

New Toyota Hilux Set To Redefine India's Pick-Up Segment

New Toyota Hilux Set To Redefine India's Pick-Up Segment

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The highly anticipated new generation Toyota Hilux is set to launch in India in July this year with significant upgrades, premium features, and a powerful mild-hybrid diesel engine, aiming to capture the Indian pick-up truck market.

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has argued that video-recording of the ongoing CJP-led protest against the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar is in 'legitimate state interest' for security reasons, while petitioners allege 'continuous, indiscriminate and intrusive surveillance'.

Police seeks custody of 3 more in Ram temple embezzlement case

Police seeks custody of 3 more in Ram temple embezzlement case

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Ayodhya Police are intensifying their investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, preparing to seek custodial remand for three more accused. A Special Investigation Team's preliminary report found prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during donation counting, with CCTV footage showing personnel concealing cash.

Police seeks custody of 3 more in Ram temple embezzlement case

Police seeks custody of 3 more in Ram temple embezzlement case

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Ayodhya Police are intensifying their investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, preparing to seek custodial remand for three more accused. A Special Investigation Team's preliminary report found prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during donation counting, with CCTV footage showing personnel concealing cash.

1st T20I: Skipper Shreyas Iyer opens account with crushing victory over Zimbabwe

1st T20I: Skipper Shreyas Iyer opens account with crushing victory over Zimbabwe

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer hailed his bowlers for making the most of the lively conditions here on Thursday and said the comprehensive victory over Zimbabwe in the opening T20I would give his side the confidence it needs for the remainder of the series.

10 years in jail, Rs 50 lakh fine: Govt tables new paper leak bill

10 years in jail, Rs 50 lakh fine: Govt tables new paper leak bill

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Amidst widespread student protests over the NEET paper leak, the Indian government has introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. The bill proposes significantly stricter punishments, including jail terms of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes, aiming to enhance transparency and fairness in public examinations.

Can Neeraj Chopra beat Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem at CWG 2026?

Can Neeraj Chopra beat Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem at CWG 2026?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

India's Neeraj Chopra will face reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage in a highly anticipated men's javelin clash at the Commonwealth Games, as India aims to surpass its previous medal tally in athletics.

GenZ Protests: 'First Thing Police Should Have Done Was Negotiate'

GenZ Protests: 'First Thing Police Should Have Done Was Negotiate'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

'But they had nothing to negotiate as the government did not negotiate. It is completely the fault of the government as they dumped it on the police.'

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

India is set to introduce a new amendment to its anti-paper leak law in the Lok Sabha, aiming to establish fast-track courts across all states and union territories for swift trials and significantly harsher penalties for exam malpractices, including jail terms of 5 to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes.

'Will monitor everything closely': SC on NEET paper leaks

'Will monitor everything closely': SC on NEET paper leaks

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has informed the Centre that it will closely monitor the steps taken to curb NEET examination paper leaks, emphasising that 'ad hocism has caused trouble for years' and demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the examination process.