News for 'Standards Authority of India'

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

HC orders Customs to ensure old jewellery of flyers are...

HC orders Customs to ensure old jewellery of flyers are...

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed Customs officials to ensure that old and personal jewellery of travellers, including ornaments being worn by them during travel, are not unnecessarily detained at airports and they are not harassed. The court was hearing a batch of more than 30 petitions raising issues on the procedure for detention of goods belonging to the tourists travelling to India, of both Indian and foreign origin, by the Customs department.

AI to light the path at India Mobile Congress

AI to light the path at India Mobile Congress

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

The government is expected to outline a policy framework for artificial intelligence (AI) at the annual India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, beginning Tuesday, officials said. Apart from industry participation, the four-day event will feature booths from over 15 ministries showcasing how AI is being integrated into their departments.

Going local for global: Bharat Global Ports to test waters at home first

Going local for global: Bharat Global Ports to test waters at home first

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

The government is looking to give Bharat Global Ports a certain amount of domestic exposure after it set up the state-owned consortium to increase India's global maritime heft, officials aware of the development said. The intended domestic exposure is meant to give the consortium experience and build its credentials for international projects.

Lasik Surgery Market Eyes 2X Growth In 5 Years

Lasik Surgery Market Eyes 2X Growth In 5 Years

Rediff.com20 May 2025

India currently performs around 6,00,000 to 7,00,000 laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) and refractive procedures a year, and the uptake is accelerating.

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'When so many young Baloch men and women are willingly volunteering as fighters and even suicide bombers.'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.'

'Going by your prayer...': SC junks plea on Tirupati laddu row

'Going by your prayer...': SC junks plea on Tirupati laddu row

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday junked a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus under the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime.

'This Year, We Will Commence Full Refit Of B787s'

'This Year, We Will Commence Full Refit Of B787s'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'That refresh programme -- because they are big aircraft and we cannot ground them all at the same time -- will last well into 2027.'

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar told PTI that the accident took place above the forests of Gaurikund amid poor visibility due to bad weather.

Rafale stayed 300 km behind Pakistani border because....

Rafale stayed 300 km behind Pakistani border because....

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The western media is going all out to prove that India suffered a major setback in Operation Sindoor and how China helped shoot down Indian fighter jets. One of the articles published in British newspaper Telegraph stated Operation Sindoor shattered the myth of India's air dominance over Pakistan. "The Pakistani Air Force, aided by Chinese targeting satellites and AWACS executed a sensor-fusion kill. The Rafales never got a lock, never even saw their adversary. When the missiles hit, it was already over," wrote the British Newspaper, The Telegraph.

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.

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

...the DMK chief minister's campaign -- which includes criticism of the BJP's 'pro-Hindutva, anti-Tamil, anti-federal' policies and building on his own government's social welfare programmes targeting especially women and youth -- appeals to Tamil Nadu's voters in next year's assembly election, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

In talks with US to ensure fair treatment of deportees: Jaishankar in RS

In talks with US to ensure fair treatment of deportees: Jaishankar in RS

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified the process of deportation of Indian nationals from the US, stating that it is not a new phenomenon and has been ongoing for several years. He assured the Rajya Sabha that the government is engaging with the US to ensure that the deported Indians are not mistreated during their transit. Jaishankar also emphasized the need for strong action against the illegal migration industry while ensuring ease of visas for legitimate travellers. The minister provided details about the number of Indians deported from the US since 2009, highlighting the peak in 2019 with 2,042 deportations.

No Digital Data Protection Act Change Likely

No Digital Data Protection Act Change Likely

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The "construct of the DPDP Act" cannot be changed at this stage, though there may be some minor tweaks in the language of the Rules and formats in certain legitimate cases.

India's First Dengue Vaccine Likely To Be Ready By 2026

India's First Dengue Vaccine Likely To Be Ready By 2026

Rediff.com30 Jul 2024

Dengue has become a major public health concern in India with 289,235 cases reported last year. This year there were 19,447 cases of dengue which resulted in 19 deaths till April 2024.

How To Create Wealth And Retire Early? Ask rediffGURUS

How To Create Wealth And Retire Early? Ask rediffGURUS

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Start your journey to financial freedom today. Ask your questions and let our experts show you the way to a secure and prosperous future.

It's confirmed! McDonald's India uses authentic cheese

It's confirmed! McDonald's India uses authentic cheese

Rediff.com5 Mar 2024

Westlife Foodworld, fast-food chain McDonald's operator in West and South India, on Tuesday said food safety regulator FSSAI has verified the cheese used by it and is now allowed to use the word cheese in the name of its products. Additionally, an independent NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) has also confirmed that Westlife Foodworld uses authentic cheese in its food preparation and not cheese analogues or substitutes, its managing director Saurabh Kalra said.

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.

'Cab segment drives up to 25% of Rapido's total bookings'

'Cab segment drives up to 25% of Rapido's total bookings'

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Ride-hailing unicorn Rapido is quickly scaling up its four-wheeler segment, which now contributes up to 25 per cent of its total bookings. Aravind Sanka, Rapido's cofounder, in a video interview with Udisha Srivastav/Business Standard, shares insights on the company's plans to expand into the segment, how BluSmart's exit has created an opportunity for the company, its push towards green mobility, and navigating state-specific policies.

Spice row: Govt plans greater scrutiny, SOPs

Spice row: Govt plans greater scrutiny, SOPs

Rediff.com13 May 2024

The government is formulating guidelines on the use of ethylene oxide (ETO) in samples of spices for the domestic market and exports, people aware of the matter said, as it plans to step up efforts to make quality checks more stringent. ETO, a flammable, colourless gas, is typically used as a disinfectant. It is also used as a sterilising agent and an insecticide to reduce microbial contamination in spices. However, its use is considered carcinogenic, beyond permissible limits.

More than 15K Indians deported from US since 2009: Jaishankar in RS

More than 15K Indians deported from US since 2009: Jaishankar in RS

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The minister's statement in the Rajya Sabha came amid opposition protests over the treatment meted out to 104 Indians, who were deported from the United States.

Flight Kitchens Under FSSAI Scanner

Flight Kitchens Under FSSAI Scanner

Rediff.com27 Jan 2024

FSSAI is looking to tap the Airport Health Organisation to ensure that such incidents aren't reported in the future.

50% medical prescriptions in India deviated from guidelines: Study

50% medical prescriptions in India deviated from guidelines: Study

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Nearly one in every two medical prescriptions issued in India deviated from standard guidelines, with approximately a tenth showing 'unacceptable deviations', a study, conducted by a team of researchers including those at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, has found.

2nd US flight with 119 deportees to arrive in Punjab today

2nd US flight with 119 deportees to arrive in Punjab today

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the US, followed by another 119 set to arrive in Amritsar on Saturday night, has sparked controversy in India over the treatment of returnees. The US government's intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants has led to criticism of the use of handcuffs and shackles for deportees, even those who have committed no crimes beyond immigration violations. The issue has led to heated debates in the Indian Parliament, with opposition leaders demanding an inquiry into the deportation process. The Indian government is engaging with US officials to ensure the humane treatment of deportees, while also facing the challenge of reintegrating returnees into Indian society. The deportations highlight the ongoing tension between border control and human rights, and the complexities of US-India relations.

Tirupati laddu row: Food safety regulator notice to ghee supplier

Tirupati laddu row: Food safety regulator notice to ghee supplier

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

The controversy has sparked reactions across states. The famous Mankameshwar temple in Uttar Pradesh has now banned offerings of 'prasad' bought by devotees from outside and said they can offer homemade 'prasad' or fruits.

'Why Couldn't Pakistan Stop Indian Attacks?'

'Why Couldn't Pakistan Stop Indian Attacks?'

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'When one air force (India's) hits the other's airbases with impunity and that air force (Pakistan's) is not able to respond, then the air force, which has put the other's airbases out of commission, has won.'

Vistara-Air India merger: How these two distinct brands will blend

Vistara-Air India merger: How these two distinct brands will blend

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

In about a fortnight, Vistara - known for its premium service - will take off on its final flight before merging into the legacy of Air India. Set for November 12, the merger has sparked discussions on how these two distinct brands will blend.

GST Authority Summon Insurance Intermediaries

GST Authority Summon Insurance Intermediaries

Rediff.com2 Mar 2023

At least 120 insurance intermediaries and aggregators from across the country are under scrutiny, mainly from Mumbai, Gurugram and Bengaluru.

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?

'How Can IRDAI Ask Insurers To Invest In Bima Sugam?'

'How Can IRDAI Ask Insurers To Invest In Bima Sugam?'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

'It is imprudent on the part of Indian insurance companies to invest out of the shareholders' fund in a private limited company.'

Tribunal orders liquidation of Go First

Tribunal orders liquidation of Go First

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Monday ordered the liquidation of Go First, the budget carrier that stopped flying nearly three years ago after being bogged down by financial woes. In May 2023, the airline filed for a voluntary insolvency resolution process citing financial woes. The tribunal, in a 15-page order, said it is ordering the liquidation of the corporate debtor Go Airlines (India) Ltd.

Two Insurers Announce Investment In Bima Sugam

Two Insurers Announce Investment In Bima Sugam

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

New India Assurance and Niva Bupa have invested in the Bima Sugam India Federation.

Irdai seeks IPO road map from 10 insurers

Irdai seeks IPO road map from 10 insurers

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has asked at least 10 general and life insurance companies to submit a detailed road map for their listing strategies by the end of this month, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter. "The regulator met four life and six general insurers last month and asked them to provide their listing strategies by the end of February," said one of the sources.

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.

When Cricket Legends Walked Away Without A Roar

When Cricket Legends Walked Away Without A Roar

Rediff.com15 May 2025

While Sachin Tendulkar's 2013 farewell became a national pilgrimage, a vibrant celebration befitting a cricketing deity, the exits of many other Indian icons this century have been quieter journeys into the twilight.

GST authorities quiz auto dealers on fake invoicing

GST authorities quiz auto dealers on fake invoicing

Rediff.com26 Apr 2023

Expanding investigation into allegedly wrongful claims of input tax credit by insurance companies, the tax authorities are probing a section of automobile dealers who have supposedly generated fake invoices without providing any service, which is a punishable offence under goods and services tax (GST) law. The authorities are learnt to have questioned the car dealers to explain the services they provided general insurance companies. The investigators suspect car dealers pitched for insurance schemes that give them commissions in excess of those insurance regulations permit.

India cuts arbitration time for foreign investors in UAE pact

India cuts arbitration time for foreign investors in UAE pact

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

India has reduced the time period for foreign investors to seek international arbitration from five years to three years as part of the recently signed investment pact with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a departure from its model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Under the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism, if the Indian judicial system is unable to resolve a dispute within this shortened period, investors can resort to international arbitration. The investment pact, signed on February 13 in Abu Dhabi, came into force on August 31, replacing the previous pact.

Builder-Buyer Deals: How To Stay Alert

Builder-Buyer Deals: How To Stay Alert

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

'Buyers should be provided either a fixed possession date or a firm date for the start of construction.'

Sharp Increase In Illegal Indian Migration To US

Sharp Increase In Illegal Indian Migration To US

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Indians have topped the number of illegal immigrants from Asian countries caught at land, sea, and air checkpoints of the US since 2022.