News for 'Task Force on Higher Education'

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a National Task Force (NTF) to address the growing concern of student suicides in higher educational institutions. The court took note of the recurring cases and directed Delhi Police to register FIRs on the complaints of families of two students who died by suicide at IIT Delhi in 2023. The NTF, chaired by former apex court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat, will prepare a comprehensive report, including the identification of causes leading to suicides, analysis of existing regulations, and recommendations for strengthening protections. The NTF will also have the authority to conduct surprise inspections of higher educational institutions and make further recommendations to ensure a holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns and eliminating suicides.

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The Bihar government has formed a state-level task force to monitor actions taken by authorities to prevent and eradicate child marriages in the state. Bihar has the second-highest rate of child marriage in India, with 40.8% of women getting married before turning 18. The government is implementing a multipronged strategy to combat child marriage, including stricter enforcement of the law, empowering girls through education, and raising awareness.

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Radical Islamist networks are deliberately targeting Muslim youths embedded within the country's professional and academic ecosystems, leveraging their skills, mobility, and digital reach to quietly strengthen operational capabilities. This trend highlights a dangerous evolution in terror recruitment -- one that exploits ideological faultlines, online echo chambers and transnational radical Islamist influences to attract individuals who outwardly embody India's modern and aspirational narrative, points out Dr Kanchan Lakshman.

Shocking! 13,000 Student Suicides Annually

Shocking! 13,000 Student Suicides Annually

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

...surpassing farmer suicides (11,000) in number. There is a 4 per cent annual increase in student suicides, double the national suicide rate (2 per cent).

Don't worry, says Maharashtra task force chief

Don't worry, says Maharashtra task force chief

Rediff.com20 Apr 2020

'I would like to reassure the general populace that your government, both Centre and state and the city councils are working at an accelerated pace.'

SC seeks FIRs in suicides of IIT Kharagpur student, NEET aspirant

SC seeks FIRs in suicides of IIT Kharagpur student, NEET aspirant

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed its registry to call for a report from IIT Kharagpur and Kota, Rajasthan, after the suicides of a student and a NEET aspirant came to light. The court is seeking to ascertain whether FIRs were registered in both cases, highlighting the disturbing pattern of student suicides in educational institutions. The court has also previously ordered the formation of a national task force to address mental health concerns and prevent suicides in higher educational institutions.

SC questions suicides at IIT Kharagpur, Sharda Univ; orders swift probe

SC questions suicides at IIT Kharagpur, Sharda Univ; orders swift probe

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has expressed concerns over student suicides at IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University, directing expedited investigations into the incidents. The court questioned the institutions' handling of mental health issues and compliance with previous directives.

BCCI's 100-page SOP: NCA chief Dravid part of COVID task force

BCCI's 100-page SOP: NCA chief Dravid part of COVID task force

Rediff.com3 Aug 2020

Support staff, officials and ground staff over 60 years of age and with individuals with underlying medical conditions are barred from attending training camps until "suitable guidelines are issued by the Government".

Why are suicides happening only in Kota? SC grills Rajasthan govt

Why are suicides happening only in Kota? SC grills Rajasthan govt

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded the Rajasthan government over the alarming rise in student suicides in Kota. The court expressed its deep concern over the situation, questioning the state's efforts to address the crisis. The court also ordered an FIR to be filed in the case of a 22-year-old IIT Kharagpur student who died by suicide in his hostel room, citing a delay in reporting the incident to the police.

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

If he cannot do it this term by using his bureaucracy and experts from different fields, it will be a tragedy, asserts Ramesh Menon.

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.'

A Nuclear Scientist Who Advocated Disarmament

A Nuclear Scientist Who Advocated Disarmament

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

M R Srinivasan focused on the peaceful use of nuclear power at a time when the popular view among the 'hawks' was that India should build a nuclear arsenal as a deterrent.

Probe panel quizzes KIIT founder, others in Nepalese student's suicide case

Probe panel quizzes KIIT founder, others in Nepalese student's suicide case

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The founder of KIIT, Achyuta Samanta, and other top officials of the private engineering college were questioned by a government committee about the alleged suicide of a Nepalese girl in her hostel and the assault on students of her country. The incident sparked outrage in the Odisha Assembly, with opposition members demanding a judicial inquiry. Samanta was questioned for two hours, along with the institute's Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Dean, and two suspended women officials. The committee is investigating the circumstances surrounding the student's suicide, the alleged high-handedness of the institute's administration, and the decision to suspend specific students and shut down the institute for them. The Odisha government has assured Nepalese students that it will cover their travel expenses, arrange remedial classes, and reschedule their mid-semester examinations if necessary.

How AI Will Disrupt The Job Market: Should India Worry?

How AI Will Disrupt The Job Market: Should India Worry?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Despite the alarming figures on job displacement, AI is expected to generate millions of new roles, echoing historical trends of technological transformation.

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

Meghalaya polls: BJP woos women voters with govt job quota, scooters

Meghalaya polls: BJP woos women voters with govt job quota, scooters

Rediff.com16 Feb 2023

It also promised financial assistance of Rs 24,000 annually to all dependent widows and single mothers, two free LPG cylinders to all the beneficiaries of the PM Ujjwala Yojana and 24x7 power supply.

Govt to raise legal marriage age of women from 18 to 21

Govt to raise legal marriage age of women from 18 to 21

Rediff.com16 Dec 2021

Experts, however, have raised concern over the decision, saying the move is akin to treating symptoms instead of the underlying causes.

NASA, ISRO to send joint space missions

NASA, ISRO to send joint space missions

Rediff.com22 Jun 2023

"On space, we will be able to announce that India is signing the Artemis Accords, which advance a common vision for space exploration for the benefit of all humankind," a senior administration official said hours before the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden in the Oval Office.

ISRO, NASA in talks to place Indian on ISS next year

ISRO, NASA in talks to place Indian on ISS next year

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

India and the US on Friday said they have started talks to put in place a strategic framework for human space flight by year-end as they plan to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station in 2024.

Activists urge govt not to increase women's marriage age

Activists urge govt not to increase women's marriage age

Rediff.com25 Aug 2020

The government is considering revising the age of marriage of women and for that a task force has been formed.

Key highlights of G20 New Delhi Leaders' declaration

Key highlights of G20 New Delhi Leaders' declaration

Rediff.com9 Sep 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders Declaration, a significant victory for India's G20 presidency that came amid increasing tensions and divergent views over the Ukraine conflict.

'Modiji, Can We Survive Only On Rations?'

'Modiji, Can We Survive Only On Rations?'

Rediff.com19 May 2024

'Modi must see how we live, what we have to do to educate our children.'

'Farmers are our Annadata'

'Farmers are our Annadata'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

This is the full text of the address to the nation by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of India's 78th Independence Day.

Want To Know Where To Invest? Read This

Want To Know Where To Invest? Read This

Rediff.com18 Apr 2024

A portfolio can be rebalanced by either selling a portion of the outperforming asset class or by buying more of the underperforming asset class.

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

'What's sad today is that there are so many people who cannot find work, not because the country is devoid of that opportunity, but because we are not doing enough in the country.'

Schools to reopen in all of Maharashtra from Oct 4

Schools to reopen in all of Maharashtra from Oct 4

Rediff.com24 Sep 2021

Physical classes in schools would resume across Maharashtra from October 4, the state government said on Friday.

No girl asked to remove innerwear at NEET centre: Official tells NTA

No girl asked to remove innerwear at NEET centre: Official tells NTA

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

The police complaint about a girl in Kerala asked to remove innerwear before appearing for medical entrance exam National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is 'fictitious' and has been filed with 'wrong intentions', the exam centre's superintendent has told the National Testing Agency (NTA).

If Modi Wants A Full Term...

If Modi Wants A Full Term...

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

It will be in Modi's interest to reinvent his party, read the writing on the wall that voters wrote, and move ahead. He has little choice now. The country is watching, asserts Ramesh Menon.

What Will Modi's Scientific Advisor Do?

What Will Modi's Scientific Advisor Do?

Rediff.com13 May 2022

Dr Ajay Kumar Sood will have to complete a task his predecessor started: Getting the government to sign off on a new Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy on which work was begun in 2020.

'General Zia was real startled'

'General Zia was real startled'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

'But he was very quick and did a very stylish adab.' 'Of course, I didn't expect him to hug.'

Amarinder keeps home portfolio; Sidhu gets local govt, Manpreet finance

Amarinder keeps home portfolio; Sidhu gets local govt, Manpreet finance

Rediff.com16 Mar 2017

Amarinder would hold the portfolios of General Administration, Personnel, Home Affairs and Justice, Vigilance and other departments not assigned to any other minister.

Another TN village celebrates for a US appointment

Another TN village celebrates for a US appointment

Rediff.com11 Nov 2020

The quaint little village of Perumapalayam near Erode is excited about Indian American, Dr Celine Gounder making it to the United States President-elect Joe Biden's COVID-19 advisory board since she has her roots in it and for her continuing support to its residents.

Gotabaya's home minister appointed as new PM of Sri Lanka

Gotabaya's home minister appointed as new PM of Sri Lanka

Rediff.com22 Jul 2022

This is the first appointment made by President Wickremesinghe on his first day in office.

How India Can Rival China As Production Platform

How India Can Rival China As Production Platform

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

We have the workforce, now we need to ensure that we take full advantage of game-changing technologies and geopolitical openings, suggests Jayant Sinha, chairman, Parliament's Standing Committee on Finance.

India a bright spot for investments despite current volatility: Blackstone

India a bright spot for investments despite current volatility: Blackstone

Rediff.com15 Feb 2023

Despite the recent turmoil in the Indian markets after a scathing report on the Adani group from Hindenburg Research, American private equity major Blackstone is "bullish" on the India growth story and plans to invest more in the country's infrastructure and real estate projects. "We have a long-term view on India, as growth will be higher here. We have invested half of our Asia exposure in India. "Our extraordinary performance in India has made us bullish," said Jonathan Gray, president and chief operating officer of Blackstone.

Budget 2023: Tax sops, fiscal consolidation, a tight rope walk for Sitharaman

Budget 2023: Tax sops, fiscal consolidation, a tight rope walk for Sitharaman

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will have to do a tight-rope walk between staying fiscally prudent and general public expectations of lower taxes and a wider social security net, while at the same time firing the engines of the economy before general elections. Sitharaman will on Wednesday present her fifth straight Budget at a time when the economy is slowing due to global headwinds and specific sectors need attention. In the run-up to the Budget presentation, expectations are rife that she may tweak income-tax slabs to provide relief to the middle class and increase spending on the poor through programmes such as the rural job scheme while ramping up financial incentives for local manufacturing.

'Yogi baba won't allow criminals to survive'

'Yogi baba won't allow criminals to survive'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2023

The murder of Atiq and his brother and the police encounter with his son have raised many questions about the propriety of how crime is tackled by the Yogi government. But Yogi knows he has the support of the people who are fed up with crime holding the state to ransom for decades, asserts Ramesh Menon.

'We have to be prepared for the invisible enemy'

'We have to be prepared for the invisible enemy'

Rediff.com10 May 2023

'Unlike on the western and eastern borders where there is an enemy at the gate, here there is an invisible enemy which is building its own capability and can come into play at a time and place of his choosing.'

Five Indian Americans held in student visa, financial fraud

Five Indian Americans held in student visa, financial fraud

Rediff.com30 May 2014

Each of the defendants was associated with the Micropower Career Institute, a for-profit school with five campuses in New York and New Jersey, or the Institute for Health Education, a for-profit school located in New Jersey. Suman Guha Mozumder reports.

BJP Haryana manifesto: Sops for farmers, elderly

BJP Haryana manifesto: Sops for farmers, elderly

Rediff.com13 Oct 2019

It also pledged to give interest free crop loan of up to Rs 3 lakh to farmers.