News for 'USEFUL'

How Digital India Has Redefined Governance And Empowered Citizens

How Digital India Has Redefined Governance And Empowered Citizens

Rediff.com2 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 11 years of the Digital India initiative, highlighting its role in redefining governance, empowering citizens, and accelerating all-round development. He emphasised its impact on digital payments, direct benefit transfers, and expanding digital public infrastructure, making technology a powerful instrument for 'Ease of Living' across India, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Ram Temple donation theft: Family seeks justice for accused

Ram Temple donation theft: Family seeks justice for accused

Rediff.com1 days ago

The family of Avinash Shukla, one of eight arrested in connection with the alleged theft of offerings from the Ram temple in Ayodhya, has stated he should be punished if guilty but receive justice if innocent. Shukla was involved in cash reconciliation, and Rs 20 lakh was reportedly recovered from him. The case follows allegations of embezzlement and an ongoing SIT investigation.

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.

India's Junior Badminton Team Exits Asia Championship After Hong Kong Loss

India's Junior Badminton Team Exits Asia Championship After Hong Kong Loss

Rediff.com4 days ago

India's junior badminton team was eliminated from the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championship after a 1-2 loss to Hong Kong in the quarterfinals. Despite a strong start in the opening match, India could not maintain their lead and ultimately fell short in the decider.

Manika Batra Alleges TTFI Violated Constitution In Asian Games Squad Selection

Manika Batra Alleges TTFI Violated Constitution In Asian Games Squad Selection

Rediff.com7 days ago

Star Indian table tennis player Manika Batra has accused the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) of violating its own Constitution during the selection of the Asian Games squad, where she was named a reserve. Batra claims a nine-member committee, exceeding the constitutional limit, finalised the team, leading to her "mental exhaustion" from the ongoing fight.

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Rediff.com17 hours ago

Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Wednesday hinted at an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

Petrol, diesel prices in India are unlikely to be cut anytime soon

Petrol, diesel prices in India are unlikely to be cut anytime soon

Rediff.com18 hours ago

Despite international crude oil prices falling to a four-month low, retail petrol and diesel prices in India are unlikely to be cut immediately because state-run refiners are still processing costlier crude purchased during the peak of the West Asia crisis, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said.

Inside GSB Cuisine Queen Komal Prabhu's Kitchen

Inside GSB Cuisine Queen Komal Prabhu's Kitchen

Rediff.com4 days ago

Discover the inspiring journey of Komal Prabhu, called the Queen of GSB Cuisine, that saw her switch professions -- a Bharata Natyam dancer became a celebrated chef devoted to preserving traditional Gaud Saraswat Brahmin food traditions.

Semwal Leads Indian Charge At HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour

Semwal Leads Indian Charge At HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's Om Semwal defeated Spain's Hugo Jaen in a hard-fought five-game match at the HCL Squash PSA Challenger Tour in Mumbai. Several other Indian players also advanced in both men's and women's categories, showcasing strong performances on home ground.

New Research Reveals How Excess Iron Lowers Brain Cell Defences

New Research Reveals How Excess Iron Lowers Brain Cell Defences

Rediff.com6 days ago

Researchers have identified a new process, 'chronoferroptosis', where excess iron in neurons reduces their resilience to stress, increasing vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery highlights iron accumulation as a critical target for predicting, preventing, and treating conditions like Alzheimer's.

Riaz And Semwal Stun Top Seeds In HCL-SRFI Squash

Riaz And Semwal Stun Top Seeds In HCL-SRFI Squash

Rediff.com3 days ago

Indian squash players Shameena Riaz and Om Semwal have caused significant upsets at the USD 15,000 HCL-SRFI PSA Challenger tournament in Mumbai, defeating top seed Hayley Ward and third seed Diego Gobbi respectively. Riaz, a recent Asian Games team selection, rallied from a game down, while Semwal secured a five-game victory. Both players have now advanced to the quarterfinals.

CBI Uses 3D Scanners In Probe Of Bengal Politician's Aide Murder

CBI Uses 3D Scanners In Probe Of Bengal Politician's Aide Murder

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The CBI revisited the crime scene in North 24 Parganas as part of its investigation into the death of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The agency is using advanced 3D scanners to reconstruct the events leading to Rath's death.

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

Rediff.com5 days ago

As India marks a decade of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the focus is shifting towards enhancing efficiency through artificial intelligence, data sharing, and process simplification. The reform, which unified India's indirect tax system, has significantly broadened the tax base and boosted revenues, with future plans including a streamlined two-tier rate structure and continued technological integration to reduce compliance costs and combat evasion.

Hyderabad sees high-voltage drama as Cong ministers, BRS leaders lock horns

Hyderabad sees high-voltage drama as Cong ministers, BRS leaders lock horns

Rediff.com22 hours ago

A high drama unfolded in Hyderabad on Thursday as ministers of the Congress government arrived at the Telangana Martyrs' Memorial to engage in a public debate with the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders over allegations of scams and debt accumulation that both the ruling and opposition parties have raised against each other.

Ireland coach Heinrich Malan quits after India T20I series sweep

Ireland coach Heinrich Malan quits after India T20I series sweep

Rediff.com4 days ago

Following a stunning T20I series triumph against World champions India, Ireland coach Heinrich Malan has stepped down from his role.

3 Indian-origin men jailed for running drugs ring in UK

3 Indian-origin men jailed for running drugs ring in UK

Rediff.com6 days ago

A Metropolitan Police investigation into a "sophisticated" west London organised crime network dealing in heroin and crack cocaine has resulted in three Indian-origin men being sentenced to a total of over 22 years.

How Pramod Bhagat Secured Gold In Dublin

How Pramod Bhagat Secured Gold In Dublin

Rediff.com4 days ago

Indian para badminton star Pramod Bhagat clinched the men's singles SL3 gold medal at the British & Irish International, defeating compatriot Nitesh Kumar in the final. Bhagat also secured a bronze in mixed doubles. Tokyo Paralympic champion Krishna Nagar added a silver and two bronze medals to India's tally, highlighting a strong performance by the Indian contingent in Dublin.

'Had To Have A Beach Body Without Losing The Glow On The Face'

'Had To Have A Beach Body Without Losing The Glow On The Face'

Rediff.com3 days ago

'The biggest thing I've learnt is that this journey is not linear.' 'There will be films that work, films that don't, moments where you feel confident and moments where you question yourself.'

UP authorities demolish banquet hall after beef served at wedding

UP authorities demolish banquet hall after beef served at wedding

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Authorities in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, have initiated demolition proceedings against the Mughal Banquet Hall in Kairana after it was found to be an unauthorised structure and allegedly served beef at a wedding reception. Four individuals, including the groom and hall owner, have been arrested in connection with the case, with a car also seized.

The EPlane Company Unveils E200X Electric Air Taxi Prototype

The EPlane Company Unveils E200X Electric Air Taxi Prototype

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Chennai-based deep-tech startup The ePlane Company has successfully completed the assembly of its full-scale electric air taxi, the e200X. This prototype, designated PT-01, is now ready for ground testing, marking a significant step towards flight testing and eventual type certification. The versatile e200X is designed for passenger air taxi services, urban cargo transport, and air ambulance operations, aiming to leverage existing city infrastructure.

Unexplained Light Aircraft Crash Rocks Beijing's Citic Tower

Unexplained Light Aircraft Crash Rocks Beijing's Citic Tower

Rediff.com6 days ago

A light sport aircraft crashed into Beijing's Citic Tower, the city's tallest skyscraper, causing an immediate evacuation and scattering debris. The incident, which occurred in the prominent business district, has raised concerns, with authorities yet to comment and the origin and circumstances of the crash remaining unknown. The aircraft was identified as a Sunward SA60L Aurora, and the crash highlights recent stringent regulations on recreational flying in Beijing's airspace.

Kolkata warehouse toll rises to 11, rescue ops underway after 24 hours

Kolkata warehouse toll rises to 11, rescue ops underway after 24 hours

Rediff.com7 days ago

The death toll from the Taratala warehouse collapse in south Kolkata has risen to 10, with rescue operations continuing using advanced Army equipment. Five individuals have been arrested, including the warehouse owner and structural engineer, as police investigate potential safety norm violations.

Gukesh And Praggnanandhaa To Compete In Grand Chess Tour's Zagreb Event

Gukesh And Praggnanandhaa To Compete In Grand Chess Tour's Zagreb Event

Rediff.com3 days ago

World champion D Gukesh and Indian star R Praggnanandhaa are set to compete in the Zagreb Rapid and Blitz Tournament, part of the prestigious Grand Chess Tour. Despite Gukesh's sabbatical from classical chess, he joins a strong field including recent Norway Chess winner Praggnanandhaa, promising an exciting week of high-stakes chess.

OpenAI Strengthens India Presence With New Managing Director

OpenAI Strengthens India Presence With New Managing Director

Rediff.com6 days ago

OpenAI has appointed Prabhjeet Singh as its Managing Director for India, a key market for the AI company. Singh, formerly President of Uber India and South Asia, will oversee consumer growth, enterprise adoption, partnerships, and regulatory engagement, reinforcing OpenAI's commitment to India's rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.

Trainer aircraft crash-lands in UP, second mishap in a week; pilot safe

Trainer aircraft crash-lands in UP, second mishap in a week; pilot safe

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating two separate trainer aircraft incidents in Uttar Pradesh within four days. One involved a Cessna 152 crash-landing in Kasganj with the pilot safe, and the other saw a trainee pilot injured by a propeller at Kanpur airport.

Dell Expands Local Server Production In India Driven By AI And Data Sovereignty

Dell Expands Local Server Production In India Driven By AI And Data Sovereignty

Rediff.com2 days ago

Dell Technologies is significantly expanding its domestic manufacturing in India, with a majority of its servers now produced locally, driven by data sovereignty and AI adoption. The company also launched new AI infrastructure solutions, including PowerStore Elite, designed for secure on-premises data management and AI workflows, while asserting that AI creates more jobs.

Indian Volleyball Team's Historic Bronze Medal Achievement

Indian Volleyball Team's Historic Bronze Medal Achievement

Rediff.com3 days ago

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the Indian men's volleyball team for winning the country's first-ever medal at the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup. India secured a bronze medal by defeating Bahrain, marking a historic achievement and reflecting the sport's growth in the nation. This success is expected to inspire young athletes and boost volleyball's development.

Devdutt Padikkal Stars Before Weather Ends India A-Sri Lanka A Test in Draw

Devdutt Padikkal Stars Before Weather Ends India A-Sri Lanka A Test in Draw

Rediff.com4 days ago

Devdutt Padikkal scored a patient 67 as India A set Sri Lanka A a target of 312, but persistent rain forced the opening unofficial Test in Galle to end in a draw.

Sinner's Wimbledon Defence Under Spotlight After French Open Setback

Sinner's Wimbledon Defence Under Spotlight After French Open Setback

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Defending champion Jannik Sinner heads to Wimbledon under scrutiny after his French Open disappointment, but coaches and experts believe the world No. 1 remains the favourite to retain his title despite fitness concerns.

Why Hardik Pandya Is Making Bengaluru His New Training Hub

Why Hardik Pandya Is Making Bengaluru His New Training Hub

Rediff.com3 days ago

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has made the unprecedented move of permanently shifting his training base to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. This decision aims to leverage the COE's facilities for injury rehabilitation and skills training throughout his career, marking a significant shift from traditional player practices.

US Official Urges Nations Not To Re-Invent AI Stack

US Official Urges Nations Not To Re-Invent AI Stack

Rediff.com3 days ago

A senior US official has warned against the weaponisation of digital and artificial intelligence sovereignty by political voices, urging nations to avoid costly re-invention of existing technology. The official highlighted the economic dangers of rebuilding entire tech stacks and emphasised India's crucial role as an indispensable partner in global technological leadership due to its engineering talent and innovation ecosystem.

Zomato, Zepto, Swiggy, Urban Company, Porter Challenge Karnataka Gig Workers Act

Zomato, Zepto, Swiggy, Urban Company, Porter Challenge Karnataka Gig Workers Act

Rediff.com2 days ago

'If there are different laws governing the same subject, it can increase the compliance burden on platforms. The process would be easier and more transparent if there were a singular national-level law.'

Massive fire breaks out at Bengal's Haldia refinery, 20 injured

Massive fire breaks out at Bengal's Haldia refinery, 20 injured

Rediff.com3 days ago

A major fire at a naphtha pipeline in Haldia, West Bengal, injured over 10 people and damaged railway equipment, disrupting services. Firefighting operations are ongoing, and an investigation into the cause has been launched.

Brahmin Discontent May Reshape UP Politics

Brahmin Discontent May Reshape UP Politics

Rediff.com1 days ago

A caste recalibration is simmering just below the surface in UP.

Avoid Costly Mistakes In ITR Filing

Avoid Costly Mistakes In ITR Filing

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

With more granular reporting and enhanced data matching, mismatches are likely to be identified more quickly.

Global Streaming Transforms Music But...

Global Streaming Transforms Music But...

Rediff.com6 days ago

Streaming has globalised the entertainment industry, enabling artists like Diljit Dosanjh and Arijit Singh to reach diverse international audiences.

How India's VALORANT Team Qualified For Esports Nations Cup

How India's VALORANT Team Qualified For Esports Nations Cup

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's VALORANT esports team has successfully qualified for the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 main event in Riyadh, emerging as one of two teams from the Asia regional qualifiers. The team, led by Sagnik Roy, overcame tough competition, including a crucial victory against Hong Kong, to secure their spot in the global tournament featuring a USD 1.5 million prize pool.

Indian-American Akshay Bhatia Eyes Fourth PGA Tour Title

Indian-American Akshay Bhatia Eyes Fourth PGA Tour Title

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia is in a strong position, tied for third place at the Travelers Championship, heading into the final round. Despite slipping five shots behind leader Viktor Hovland, Bhatia, who previously won the Arnold Palmer Invitational this season, is aiming for his fourth PGA Tour title. The tournament also features a close battle between Hovland and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

One killed, 20 injured after major fire at naphtha pipeline in Bengal

One killed, 20 injured after major fire at naphtha pipeline in Bengal

Rediff.com2 days ago

One person died, and more than 20 others were injured after a major fire broke out in a naphtha-carrying pipeline of Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district in the early hours of Tuesday, the police said.

'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.'