News for 'USAG'

Unsafe guest houses under lens after Malviya Nagar hotel fire claims 21 lives

Unsafe guest houses under lens after Malviya Nagar hotel fire claims 21 lives

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A fatal fire at a bed-and-breakfast in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, has revealed widespread allegations of safety and building norm violations in numerous local establishments. Locals and guests claim many guest houses operate illegally, exceeding licensed capacities and using unsafe basement accommodations, prompting calls for comprehensive safety audits and stricter enforcement.

Lava Bold N2 5G Now On Sale

Lava Bold N2 5G Now On Sale

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Lava Bold N2 5G has gone on sale in India, just a few days after making its debut on June 3, 2026.

Asus Pad: AI Features, Powerful Speakers, Huge Battery

Asus Pad: AI Features, Powerful Speakers, Huge Battery

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Running on Android 16, the Asus Pad comes loaded with a host of productivity and AI-driven features, including Google Gemini, Circle to Search, Asus GlideX and Face Login. The tablet also supports the Asus Pen 2.0 and Bluetooth keyboards.

The Aurangzeb You Never Knew

The Aurangzeb You Never Knew

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

As a ruler he was a pragmatist and adaptable, and trying all the time to strengthen and perpetuate the empire that he and his forefathers had built.He seldom, if ever, allowed his policies to be determined by his religious beliefs, notes Rudrangshu Mukherjee.

ICC approves pink ball trials and coach access in Test matches

ICC approves pink ball trials and coach access in Test matches

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The ICC has approved trialling the use of pink balls in Test matches to maximise play in bad light, along with allowing coaches on the field during drinks breaks. Cricket Canada has been suspended due to breaches of membership obligations.

ATM Interchange Fee May Be Linked to WPI, Fresh Hike Expected

ATM Interchange Fee May Be Linked to WPI, Fresh Hike Expected

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is set to consider linking the ATM interchange fee to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), alongside a potential hike from the current 19 to 21-22, which could impact customer charges for transactions beyond the free limit.

Cognizant CEO Warns Of AI Spending Trap

Cognizant CEO Warns Of AI Spending Trap

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'There's been a sense of FOMO, fear mongering and that has led to token consumption without linkages to ROI and without linkages to outcomes.'

Delhi ministers switch to virtual meets, metro, EVs, e-bicycles to save fuel

Delhi ministers switch to virtual meets, metro, EVs, e-bicycles to save fuel

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Following Prime Minister Modi's appeal, Delhi ministers are adopting measures like using public transport, electric vehicles, and virtual meetings to reduce fuel consumption and cut expenditure.

'What Happened With Anthropic Is A Wake-Up Call'

'What Happened With Anthropic Is A Wake-Up Call'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

'It shows that access to these technologies cannot be taken for granted.'

AI Adoption in India: Concentrated in Top Cities, But Potential Spreads

AI Adoption in India: Concentrated in Top Cities, But Potential Spreads

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

OpenAI reports India is a leading AI market with strengths in coding, data analysis, and reasoning, but adoption is heavily concentrated in top cities, highlighting a significant regional disparity.

Borrowers Beware! How You Handle Money Now Decides Your Loan

Borrowers Beware! How You Handle Money Now Decides Your Loan

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Lending is no longer just about what you've done. It is about how you manage money over time, says Mohit Jain, Co-founder, Finfinity.

India's peak power demand reaches record high amidst heatwave

India's peak power demand reaches record high amidst heatwave

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India's peak power demand reached an all-time high of 257.37 GW on Monday, driven by increased use of cooling appliances during an intense heatwave, according to power ministry data. The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast continued heatwave conditions in northwest and central India.

Half of Indian companies to adopt AI payroll in a year, ADP report finds

Half of Indian companies to adopt AI payroll in a year, ADP report finds

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A new report by ADP reveals that one in two Indian companies plan to adopt AI-powered payroll systems within the next 12 months, driven by the need for automation in workforce management, compliance, and compensation decisions. However, firms are increasingly cautious about data protection risks, especially with the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.

No vehicle days, convoy cut, public transport, WFH: Andhra's fuel saving plan

No vehicle days, convoy cut, public transport, WFH: Andhra's fuel saving plan

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Andhra Pradesh cabinet has recommended a series of measures, including 'No Vehicle Day,' online classes, and reduced foreign tours, to mitigate the economic impact of the Gulf war.

MoSPI Upgrades Data Portal For AI Models To Ensure Credibility

MoSPI Upgrades Data Portal For AI Models To Ensure Credibility

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has upgraded its official data portal to be directly readable by AI models, aiming to prevent reliance on non-credible sources. This initiative includes standardising 288 priority datasets and addressing semantic interoperability challenges to improve public service delivery.

Gautam Gambhir Welcomes ICC's Pink Ball Decision For Day Tests

Gautam Gambhir Welcomes ICC's Pink Ball Decision For Day Tests

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has endorsed the ICC's new rule allowing pink balls in day Tests to mitigate bad light issues, seeing it as a crucial opportunity for teams to secure results, especially with World Test Championship implications.

CMF Watch 3 Pro: Nothing's New Smartwatch

CMF Watch 3 Pro: Nothing's New Smartwatch

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The CMF Watch 3 Pro, from Nothing's sub-brand, offers a vibrant AMOLED display, AI-powered features including ChatGPT support, comprehensive wellness tracking, and an impressive 13-day battery life, retailing in India from 6,999.

UPI Transactions Surge To Record Highs In May: Key Drivers

UPI Transactions Surge To Record Highs In May: Key Drivers

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

UPI transactions in India reached record highs in May, driven by summer travel and the IPL, with transaction value hitting Rs 29.90 lakh crore and volume reaching 23.2 billion.

Credit Card Transactions Soar 2.6x, Private Banks Dominate

Credit Card Transactions Soar 2.6x, Private Banks Dominate

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Credit card transactions in India have surged over 2.6 times between 2021 and 2025, reaching 570 crore volumes and Rs 23.2 lakh crore in value, with private sector banks significantly increasing their market share, according to a recent RBI report.

SC Sets Boundaries for Court AI

SC Sets Boundaries for Court AI

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

If AI-generated material is found to be 'false, fabricated, misleading or inaccurate', the person filing it will be accountable and cannot cite the AI-generated nature of the material as a defence.

Pollution curbs in Delhi-NCR as AQI turns 'poor' in May

Pollution curbs in Delhi-NCR as AQI turns 'poor' in May

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented stage one measures in Delhi-NCR under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as air quality declined to the 'poor' category.

Why IPL Banned Smart Sunglasses For Players, Officials

Why IPL Banned Smart Sunglasses For Players, Officials

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit has banned the use of smart sunglasses by players and match officials in the ongoing IPL due to security concerns and advanced communication features.

Credit card adoption rises in Tier-II, -III cities

Credit card adoption rises in Tier-II, -III cities

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Credit card adoption is rapidly expanding beyond India's major metropolitan areas into Tier-II and Tier-III cities, driven by increasing incomes, digital awareness, and the integration of RuPay credit cards with UPI, according to a new report by SBI Card.

Cactus To Provide AI Expertise For Government Initiatives

Cactus To Provide AI Expertise For Government Initiatives

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Cactus Technology Solutions Private Limited has been empanelled by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) to provide AI and machine learning expertise for government-led digital initiatives.

ChatGPT Image Generation Crosses 1 Billion Milestone In India

ChatGPT Image Generation Crosses 1 Billion Milestone In India

Rediff.com18 May 2026

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announces that ChatGPT image creation in India has surpassed 1 billion, less than a month after the release of ChatGPT Images 2.0.

Why Are Helmet Prices Rising Across India?

Why Are Helmet Prices Rising Across India?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The start of the West Asia conflict has led to a sharp increase in crude-linked raw material prices, pushing up the price of helmets across the country.

Rupee's Internationalisation: RBI Report Highlights Increased Use in Trade

Rupee's Internationalisation: RBI Report Highlights Increased Use in Trade

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reported a significant increase in the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) for import and export invoicing and settlement, highlighting its growing internationalisation and mutual benefits for trading partners.

Huawei MatePad Pro Max: Unpacking New Tablet Features

Huawei MatePad Pro Max: Unpacking New Tablet Features

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Huawei MatePad Pro Max features a 13.2-inch flexible OLED PaperMatte display, runs on HarmonyOS 4.3 and boasts a 50 MP rear camera, making it a versatile device for productivity and entertainment.

How Much EMI Can Your Salary Handle?

How Much EMI Can Your Salary Handle?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Too many EMIs draining your salary? Ramalingam Kalirajan explains the safe borrowing limit that protects your income from a dangerous debt trap.

How Punjab Schools Plan To Integrate AI Into Education

How Punjab Schools Plan To Integrate AI Into Education

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Punjab School Education Board announces integration of Artificial Intelligence as a core component of the school curriculum, with learning outcomes reflected on student certificates.

'The Way You Buy Is Going To Change'

'The Way You Buy Is Going To Change'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

'Today, we see people go on ChatGPT to ask 'can you plan my holiday' and then they have to go outside of the ChatGPT window to make all the bookings and so how can we complete that really high-intent use case that a user has come to ChatGPT with and help them complete that all the way within the chat GPT window.'

SC releases draft regulations on use of AI in courts

SC releases draft regulations on use of AI in courts

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The draft regulations for use of AI in courts 'shall apply to the use, deployment, or integration of AI in any judicial, adjudicatory or administrative function of the Supreme Court of India, high courts, and all courts including the Tribunals and statutory Commissions performing adjudicatory functions, within the territory of India'.

Which States Have High LPG Consumption?

Which States Have High LPG Consumption?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

India is home to more than 33 crore LPG users, yet consumption habits differ sharply from one region to the next. In metropolitan hubs such as Delhi, cooking gas is used far more frequently. In contrast, families in predominantly rural states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh tend to make a cylinder last close to two months, as per PPAC estimates for 2025-26.

Satheesan justifies use of caste surname at swearing-in

Satheesan justifies use of caste surname at swearing-in

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan defended his use of the caste surname "Menon" during his swearing-in ceremony, saying he had only mentioned his father's name and saw nothing wrong in doing so on such an occasion.

Delhi's Drone Policy Aims for Safe Operations and Ecosystem Growth

Delhi's Drone Policy Aims for Safe Operations and Ecosystem Growth

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Delhi government is developing a drone policy focused on creating research clusters, establishing testing facilities, enabling drone use in traffic management, and providing subsidies to support the drone ecosystem.

AI Impact: Scientific Paper Submissions Surge, Quality Dips

AI Impact: Scientific Paper Submissions Surge, Quality Dips

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A new study reveals a significant increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in scientific paper submissions since the release of ChatGPT, accompanied by a decline in writing quality. The research, focusing on submissions to the journal Organization Science, highlights the strain on the peer-review system and questions the benefits of AI for non-native English speakers and new field entrants.

US used half of THAAD missile stockpile defending Israel: Report

US used half of THAAD missile stockpile defending Israel: Report

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The US has reportedly depleted nearly half of its advanced missile-defence interceptors while defending Israel during recent hostilities with Iran, raising concerns about future readiness.

Zepto to launch Rs 11,000-crore IPO in July, prioritising dense urban markets

Zepto to launch Rs 11,000-crore IPO in July, prioritising dense urban markets

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Quick commerce platform Zepto is reportedly planning to launch its Rs 11,000-crore Initial Public Offering (IPO) in July, following SEBI approval. The company is pursuing a distinct growth strategy, focusing on market density and operational intensity in metro markets rather than rapid geographic expansion, a move that sets it apart from rivals like Zomato and Swiggy.

Water Tankers Supply 119 Marathwada Villages Amidst Heatwave

Water Tankers Supply 119 Marathwada Villages Amidst Heatwave

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Over 100 villages in Marathwada, India, are now dependent on water tankers due to severe water shortages amid peak summer. A total of 194 tankers are supplying water to 119 villages and 55 settlements across six districts, with Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facing the most acute shortages.

Vivo X300 FE: Flagship Features, India Launch, Pricing Details

Vivo X300 FE: Flagship Features, India Launch, Pricing Details

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The new Vivo X300 FE, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, 120Hz AMOLED display, and a versatile 50MP triple camera setup, is set to launch in India on May 14, with prices starting from 79,999.