News for 'State for Environment'

Unlocking The Genetic Blueprint Of Personality Traits

Unlocking The Genetic Blueprint Of Personality Traits

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

New research from the Revived Genomics of Personality Consortium, published in Nature, suggests that the genetics of personality, involving over 1,200 gene variants linked to the Big Five traits, are significantly associated with various life outcomes including health, education, and career paths. While individual gene variants have small effects, their combined impact is substantial, and environmental factors also play a crucial role in shaping personality.

Prince William, Kate launch sports-led campaign to break silence around suicide

Prince William, Kate launch sports-led campaign to break silence around suicide

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Prince William and Kate have launched a sports-led suicide prevention initiative, urging organisations across Britain to foster open conversations, recognise warning signs and make support accessible.

After HC rebuke, Pune Ganesh festival liquor ban cut to 2 days

After HC rebuke, Pune Ganesh festival liquor ban cut to 2 days

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court strongly criticised the Pune administration's decision to ban alcohol sales for 10 days during the Ganesh festival, questioning why Pune was singled out for such restrictions while other regions were not. The court deemed the blanket ban arbitrary and stigmatising for Pune residents, urging the administration to withdraw the order or face judicial intervention.

Why AI Sovereignty Is Key To India's National Cybersecurity

Why AI Sovereignty Is Key To India's National Cybersecurity

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Gaganyaan astronaut Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair stressed the critical importance of AI sovereignty for national cybersecurity, citing the increasing difficulty in distinguishing between real and fake content due to AI. Speaking at the Kerala Cyber Suraksha Summit, Nair highlighted that future conflicts and industries would involve a 'whole-of-nation approach,' blurring physical and digital boundaries. He urged greater awareness of digital threats and emphasised India's need to build on its technological capabilities in AI and cybersecurity, drawing parallels with the success of Chandrayaan-3. Other speakers also underscored the rising threat of cyberattacks and the potential for Kerala to contribute to national technology requirements.

Orangutans found in Odisha forest: Hunt on for black SUV

Orangutans found in Odisha forest: Hunt on for black SUV

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Odisha Police's STF and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating the rescue of five baby orangutans in Balasore, suspecting an international wildlife trafficking network. The probe focuses on a black SUV seen near the rescue site and potential routes from West Bengal, with officials believing the animals were trafficked from Southeast Asia. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for stringent action against those involved.

UP Governor Calls For Comprehensive AI Integration Across University Curricula

UP Governor Calls For Comprehensive AI Integration Across University Curricula

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel addressed AI Manthan 2.0, advocating for the comprehensive integration of Artificial Intelligence across all university subjects rather than as a standalone course. She urged universities to develop clear, time-bound AI roadmaps covering education, research, healthcare, and agriculture, emphasising indigenous AI development, employment creation, and the importance of "Safe and Trusted AI." The event also saw the formation of an AI Policy Advisory Group and an AI Implementation Group to drive these initiatives.

CM Orders Strict Action After Teacher Accused Of Harassing Students

CM Orders Strict Action After Teacher Accused Of Harassing Students

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

A teacher at a government residential school in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district has been accused of sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl and other students. Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act, with efforts underway to apprehend the accused. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered a thorough probe, strict action, and directed district authorities to enhance vigilance and conduct regular inspections of girls' hostels and residential schools to ensure child safety.

Indian Stocks Fall as West Asia Tensions Push Crude Oil Higher

Indian Stocks Fall as West Asia Tensions Push Crude Oil Higher

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Indian stock markets closed lower due to selling in IT and FMCG shares, triggered by renewed tensions in West Asia which led to a rally in crude oil prices and concerns over inflation and interest rates.

Putin reaches Delhi for BRICS summit, to meet Modi today

Putin reaches Delhi for BRICS summit, to meet Modi today

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a three-day visit to attend the BRICS summit and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on expanding trade, investment, and energy cooperation amidst global geopolitical challenges.

Ladakh Marathon: A Global Sporting Spectacle

Ladakh Marathon: A Global Sporting Spectacle

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

The Ladakh Marathon has registered around 8,000 participants, with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra reviewing preparations. The event is gaining international recognition, showcasing Ladakh's natural beauty and promoting high-altitude sports and tourism. Local participation is encouraged to enhance the event's vibrancy and strengthen Ladakh's identity as a premier destination for adventure sports.

India's 'Vayu UTtaM' System Revolutionises Drone Airspace Management

India's 'Vayu UTtaM' System Revolutionises Drone Airspace Management

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated 'Vayu UTtaM', an indigenously developed multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system, at 'Dronathon 2026' in Pokhran. This ground-based system is designed to manage drone operations in congested airspace and identify rogue drones, with applications extending to critical infrastructure, civil aviation, and public safety. The event also saw the release of the 'IAF UAS Roadmap' to guide indigenous innovation in unmanned systems.

Tension in Kakinada college over NE student's missing phone

Tension in Kakinada college over NE student's missing phone

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

District authorities in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, successfully resolved a dispute between Northeastern and local students at a private nursing college, which arose from a missing mobile phone. The intervention led to the safe relocation of Northeastern students and a warning to the college management to improve facilities and foster inclusivity.

It's A Medical Miracle Review: Confused Thriller

It's A Medical Miracle Review: Confused Thriller

Rediff.com4 days ago

It's A Medical Miracle has a promising superhero premise and some genuinely inventive moments, but a wildly uneven screenplay ultimately squanders its potential.

Why Tata Trusts Should Let Go Of Tata Sons

Why Tata Trusts Should Let Go Of Tata Sons

Rediff.com7 days ago

A stake sale by Tata Trusts will help it to have a larger corpus that could be used to balance the unequal dividends that flow from Tata Sons on an ongoing basis.

The High Cost Of Defending The Rupee

The High Cost Of Defending The Rupee

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The FCNR (B) stratagem relies on using public money to defend the rupee. The State subsidises foreign borrowing to attract dollars. This tool requires large-scale borrowing to make a material difference against a gross external flow of $11 billion a day. A commensurately large fiscal cost falls upon the exchequer. The ministry of finance will choose how much it is willing to spend in exchange for this round number, points out Ajay Shah.

Nirmala Sitharaman Calls For Faster CBDC Progress And Stronger Cybersecurity Measures

Nirmala Sitharaman Calls For Faster CBDC Progress And Stronger Cybersecurity Measures

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged the Reserve Bank of India to accelerate its central bank digital currency initiatives, emphasising the need to sharpen capabilities with the digital rupee amidst rapid advancements in tokenisation, agentic AI, and quantum computing. She also highlighted critical concerns regarding cybersecurity, warning that autonomous AI systems are evolving rapidly and require robust safeguards. Sitharaman proposed a federated industry platform to give India's technology ecosystem a collective international voice.

TN CM Vijay plans Rs 1,200 crore edifice to replace Fort St George

TN CM Vijay plans Rs 1,200 crore edifice to replace Fort St George

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced plans for a new Rs 1,200 crore Assembly-cum-Secretariat integrated complex in Chennai, moving the administration from the historic Fort St George. The modern facility will house all state government departments, addressing space constraints and aiming for efficient governance. Additionally, the CM unveiled plans for a Tamil Nadu Olympic City and a Motor Sports City to boost sports infrastructure and tourism.

US, EU flag India's 'trade barriers' at WTO, citing high tariffs, QCOs, and digital trade curbs

US, EU flag India's 'trade barriers' at WTO, citing high tariffs, QCOs, and digital trade curbs

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The United States and the European Union have strongly criticised India's trade policies at the World Trade Organization review, highlighting concerns over high tariffs, quality-control orders (QCOs), and restrictions on digital trade and services, which they argue undermine India's economic openness.

0.1% of Kumbh funds could have saved for...: SC judge

0.1% of Kumbh funds could have saved for...: SC judge

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Supreme Court Justice Prasanna Varale has voiced serious concerns over the closure of Marathi-medium schools, inadequate facilities in Ashram schools, and insufficient growth in Maharashtra's education budget, suggesting that greater spending could have prevented these shutdowns.

Why Agentic AI Engineers Are India's Hottest Tech Job

Why Agentic AI Engineers Are India's Hottest Tech Job

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A new report by CIEL HR indicates a massive 260 per cent year-on-year surge in demand for Agentic AI engineers in India by 2026. This growth highlights AI's increasing role in automating routine tech functions and the evolving landscape of technology skills, prompting organisations to invest in reskilling and talent development to meet the rising demand for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity expertise.

Banks will take 3-4 months to deploy FCNR(B) flows: Setty

Banks will take 3-4 months to deploy FCNR(B) flows: Setty

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

State Bank of India Chairman C S Setty stated that banks will take three to four months to deploy the significant funds mobilised through foreign currency non-resident (bank), or FCNR(B), deposits, which is unlikely to cause "abnormal lending". He also highlighted the need for agentic artificial intelligence (AI) costs to fall sharply for its widespread deployment in India, envisioning its role in transforming banking from fraud detection to personalised financial assistance.

How UIDAI Is Using AI To Outsmart Aadhaar Fraudsters

How UIDAI Is Using AI To Outsmart Aadhaar Fraudsters

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra announced the extensive deployment of Artificial Intelligence to detect and counter fraud in Aadhaar, describing it as a "cat-and-mouse game." He highlighted the dramatic increase in daily Aadhaar authentications and the launch of the Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK and Sandbox to enhance security and ease of integration for ecosystem partners.

Tsitsipas 'Expected' Kyrgios Drug Ban, Knew 'Before Announcement'

Tsitsipas 'Expected' Kyrgios Drug Ban, Knew 'Before Announcement'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed he was not surprised by Nick Kyrgios's recent drug suspension, stating he 'pretty much expected' it and knew about the positive cocaine test before the official announcement.

Tiger Woods To Appear In Court As DUI Plea Set to Change

Tiger Woods To Appear In Court As DUI Plea Set to Change

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Golf icon Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear in a Florida court to change his not guilty plea in an ongoing impaired-driving case.

The Prince And The Driver

The Prince And The Driver

Rediff.com7 days ago

A Kishore Kumar song, a birthday cake, a prince's break from protocol to thank his driver, a Persian painting on the ceiling of the presidential residence -- the BRICS Summit had many memorable moments.

Sikkim has 16 highly-dangerous glacial lakes, shows govt data

Sikkim has 16 highly-dangerous glacial lakes, shows govt data

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Sikkim has identified 40 high-hazard glacial lakes, with 16 at the highest risk of catastrophic outbursts. Following a devastating GLOF in 2023, the state is developing India's first dedicated GLOF Risk Mitigation Protocol, using advanced monitoring and interdisciplinary approaches to protect downstream settlements and serve as a model for other Himalayan regions.

'SIR Is Legal. But Is it Fair'

'SIR Is Legal. But Is it Fair'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'Now the institutions which have the might of law invested in them think that whatever they do is right.'

AI Transition Is Irreversible, But Regulation And Cost Will Shape Its Future

AI Transition Is Irreversible, But Regulation And Cost Will Shape Its Future

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

TeamLease EdTech Founder and CEO Shantanu Rooj states that the AI-driven world transition is irreversible, with regulation and cost being crucial factors determining its speed and depth. He emphasizes that while AI will transform jobs, not eliminate them, continuous learning, domain expertise, and adaptability will be key for individuals and businesses to thrive in this evolving landscape. Rooj also highlights the need for universities to adapt their curricula to prepare a future-ready workforce.

'China didn't inform, Nepal toll could rise unbelievably'

'China didn't inform, Nepal toll could rise unbelievably'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Nepal's former Forest and Environment Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain has expressed concern over the lack of timely information exchange with China ahead of the devastating floods, stating that the disaster's scale could lead to an 'unbelievable' rise in the death toll.

Bangladesh links Rahman's Delhi visit to Hasina extradition demand

Bangladesh links Rahman's Delhi visit to Hasina extradition demand

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has requested India to create a "conducive environment" for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's potential visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, linking it to their demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. This comes amidst strained relations following Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi, which Bangladesh deemed offensive, and her subsequent death sentence in absentia for "crimes against humanity." India maintains that the extradition request is under examination and that it had no role in Hasina's media event.

Modi's SCO vision: 'Security, Connectivity, Opportunity'

Modi's SCO vision: 'Security, Connectivity, Opportunity'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a two-nation tour to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, where he will attend the SCO Summit. He aims to advance India's vision for the region, focusing on security, connectivity, and opportunity, and to strengthen strategic partnerships in Central Asia, fostering a region free from terrorism.

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A major tragedy was averted in Assam's Hojai district on Wednesday when forest personnel alerted the Rajdhani Express after spotting a large herd of elephants crossing a railway track, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

'No dal, only water': What Delhi students put up with in PG accommodation

'No dal, only water': What Delhi students put up with in PG accommodation

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

A recent building collapse in Satya Niketan, Delhi, which killed seven people, has brought to light the dire living conditions faced by students in paying guest (PG) accommodations near Delhi University's South Campus. Due to a severe shortage of on-campus hostels, students are forced to pay high rents for cramped rooms with poor ventilation, inadequate facilities, and sub-standard food. The article details student experiences with non-functional amenities, mandatory food charges for poor quality meals, and the lack of support from student bodies, highlighting a systemic issue in student housing.

Tiger Woods accepts five-year licence suspension in plea deal over rollover crash

Tiger Woods accepts five-year licence suspension in plea deal over rollover crash

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Tiger Woods agreed to a five-year driving licence suspension in an impaired-driving plea deal, with the judge warning that any violation could result in immediate imprisonment.

Neetal Narang India's First Asian Games Safeguarding Officer For Asian Games

Neetal Narang India's First Asian Games Safeguarding Officer For Asian Games

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Neetal Narang has been appointed as India's first Safeguarding Officer for the upcoming Asian Games, a role mandated by the Olympic Council of Asia.

Bangladesh yet to decide on PM Rahman's visit to India

Bangladesh yet to decide on PM Rahman's visit to India

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has not yet decided on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India for the upcoming BRICS summit, with his office stating that Dhaka is awaiting New Delhi's response to its request for the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other 'fugitive criminals' currently residing in India.

Bengaluru Gets First Gemini Enterprise Experience Centre

Bengaluru Gets First Gemini Enterprise Experience Centre

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Econz IT Services, in partnership with Google Cloud, has launched Bengaluru's first Gemini Enterprise Experience Centre. This centre provides an immersive environment for businesses to develop and deploy advanced Agentic AI solutions, marking a significant step in enterprise AI innovation in the region.

Why BJP, Congress Watch CJP's Future Moves

Why BJP, Congress Watch CJP's Future Moves

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Some see in the CJP the potential of weakening the Opposition. Hence the BJP/RSS's 'softly softly catchee monkey' approach, with co-option being the ultimate aim, points out Aditi Phadnis.

How IIT Dhanbad's New Optical Sensor Revolutionises Structural Monitoring

How IIT Dhanbad's New Optical Sensor Revolutionises Structural Monitoring

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Researchers at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad have secured a patent for a novel temperature-independent optical sensor designed to precisely measure structural tilt in two directions. This lightweight sensor, utilising Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology, offers enhanced monitoring capabilities for various applications including bridges, robotics, aerospace, and geotechnical systems, promising low maintenance and long-term stability checks.

New AI Model Enhances Space Safety By Monitoring Satellites

New AI Model Enhances Space Safety By Monitoring Satellites

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Researchers have developed a new AI model that can monitor satellites and detect anomalies in their behaviour, significantly reducing the risk of in-orbit collisions. This tool, part of the AI4 Space Safety and Sustainability project, learns from satellite light reflections to predict motion and identify unusual activity, crucial for managing the increasingly crowded space environment.