News for 'Universal Access'

PWD declares Azam Khan's Jauhar University road open to public

PWD declares Azam Khan's Jauhar University road open to public

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department has declared a 3-km road passing through SP leader Azam Khan's Mohammad Ali Jauhar University campus in Rampur as a public road, erecting signboards to ensure unrestricted access. The road, built by the PWD in 2016-17, had its access restricted by the university since 2019, leading to a legal dispute that is still ongoing in the Allahabad High Court.

Hy'bad law university students object to CJI as chief guest

Hy'bad law university students object to CJI as chief guest

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Students at NALSAR University of Law have written to the university administration, opposing the proposal to invite the Chief Justice of India as the chief guest for their convocation. Their objection stems from the CJI-led Supreme Court bench's refusal to urgently list a plea concerning alleged police brutality during a 'Chalo Sansad' protest, which students feel contradicts the university's values.

Karnataka announces India's first govt-driven AI university

Karnataka announces India's first govt-driven AI university

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the establishment of India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University and an AI Hub in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to position Karnataka as a global leader in responsible AI innovation, fostering talent, research, and collaboration. The state seeks to become an AI-native state, leveraging AI to improve governance and daily life across various sectors.

Indian Scientists Can Now Access ISRO's XPoSat Mission Data

Indian Scientists Can Now Access ISRO's XPoSat Mission Data

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

ISRO has issued an Announcement of Opportunity, inviting Indian scientists and researchers to submit proposals for accessing data from its XPoSat Mission. Launched in January 2024, XPoSat is India's first satellite dedicated to X-ray polarimetry measurements, designed to study extreme astronomical X-ray sources like black holes and neutron stars, thereby enhancing understanding of celestial emissions.

BHU Boosts Biomedical Research With ICMR Funding

BHU Boosts Biomedical Research With ICMR Funding

Rediff.com4 days ago

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has received approximately Rs 15 crore in funding from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for six biomedical research projects. These projects aim to address critical national health priorities, including cancer detection, antimicrobial resistance, and pediatric septic shock, fostering advanced research and improving patient care.

Chief Justice Kant Calls For Proactive Tech Role In Legal Education

Chief Justice Kant Calls For Proactive Tech Role In Legal Education

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged national law universities to proactively lead the integration of technology into the legal system, rather than merely reacting to changes. Speaking at a conclave, he stressed the importance of incorporating academic integrity and responsible AI use into the curriculum, rejecting outright bans on generative AI. The CJI highlighted that law schools must prepare graduates to critically engage with technological tools, ensuring justice, fairness, and human judgment remain central to the evolving legal landscape.

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Students and Alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have opposed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending the upcoming convocation of the varsity.

AI training to free coaching: Modi's big youth push on I-Day

AI training to free coaching: Modi's big youth push on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined a comprehensive plan to empower India's youth, including training one crore youngsters in artificial intelligence skills and providing free online coaching for competitive examinations, aiming to position them at the forefront of the nation's journey to become a developed nation by 2047.

Is India Ready For Digital NEET?

Is India Ready For Digital NEET?

Rediff.com7 days ago

Computer-based testing can make the examination more secure and transparent. Ensuring equal opportunities to prepare will make it fair as well. India needs both, suggests Dibyasree Ganguly.

Can Social Media Age Bans Work?

Can Social Media Age Bans Work?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

At what age should society stop regulating life choices and allow people to make their own?

NEET-UG paper leak chargesheet cites accused's gate control app, digital trail

NEET-UG paper leak chargesheet cites accused's gate control app, digital trail

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The CBI has filed a charge sheet in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, relying heavily on digital forensic evidence including an access control app and call data records. The investigation revealed that three NTA subject experts allegedly exploited procedural gaps to leak confidential questions for money, involving a beautician and a coaching centre owner in the distribution of the leaked material to aspirants.

Anti-reservation protesters detained at Jantar Mantar

Anti-reservation protesters detained at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com3 days ago

Delhi Police detained several anti-reservation protesters at Jantar Mantar who were demanding that economic criteria be prioritised over caste for government support and reservation. The protest, mobilised via social media by 'Reservation Hatao Andolan', proceeded despite police denying permission for Jantar Mantar and offering Ramlila Ground as an alternative venue. Demonstrators called for a review of the existing reservation system and the introduction of a creamy-layer criterion.

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

In response to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the NTA has initiated a significant security upgrade, floating a Rs 7.5 crore tender for comprehensive, round-the-clock security services to protect its critical infrastructure and confidential examination materials.

IIT Dhanbad Joins Forces With South African University

IIT Dhanbad Joins Forces With South African University

Rediff.com15 May 2026

TEXMiN Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has signed an agreement with the University of Pretoria, South Africa, for research collaboration in critical minerals, rare earth element processing, recycling, extraction technologies and advanced mining innovation.

CPI(M) Slams Proposed UPI Charges As Breach Of Public Trust

CPI(M) Slams Proposed UPI Charges As Breach Of Public Trust

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The CPI(M) has strongly opposed the Union government's proposal to levy charges on UPI transactions, calling it a "breach of public trust" and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the legislation. The party highlighted that the government had previously promoted UPI as a free public utility, encouraging widespread adoption, and now seeks to monetise this infrastructure. They also linked this move to a broader trend of increasing banking charges.

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Karnataka To Build Robust AI Ecosystem With Anthropic Partnership

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met with AI major Anthropic to discuss a long-term partnership aimed at accelerating AI adoption across governance, education, healthcare, research, and the state's startup ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on deploying AI solutions responsibly, ensuring data privacy, and developing AI-focused skilling programmes and an AI University.

Foreign Universities Offer Rs 1,000 Cr Scholarships

Foreign Universities Offer Rs 1,000 Cr Scholarships

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The scholarships are expected to support both merit- and need-based categories, including students from non-metro regions and those enrolling in high-demand disciplines such as AI and other STEM fields.

Want To Study At A Foreign University In India?

Want To Study At A Foreign University In India?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Foreign universities are unlikely to gain major ground in India's higher education market in the near term, as students and families continue to prioritise return on investment over brand value in a highly price-sensitive sector.

How Overuse Of 'Watch' Antibiotics Drives Global Resistance

How Overuse Of 'Watch' Antibiotics Drives Global Resistance

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

A new study published in The Lancet Public Health journal reveals that almost all countries are overusing 'watch' class antibiotics, which are stronger drugs meant for specific conditions and contribute significantly to antibiotic resistance. The research developed a framework to assess appropriate antibiotic use and found that while many countries overuse antibiotics, particularly the 'watch' category, some also underuse 'reserve' antibiotics, potentially leaving patients with drug-resistant infections untreated. The study highlights a global inequality where lower-income countries need more specialised antibiotics but higher-income countries use them more.

Kerala University Must Allow Iranian Student To Use Swimming Pool: Rights Body

Kerala University Must Allow Iranian Student To Use Swimming Pool: Rights Body

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The State Human Rights Commission has ruled that an Iranian student of Kerala University has the legal right to use the swimming pool at the Kariavattom campus and directed the Sports and Youth Affairs Department to ensure necessary facilities.

Delhi University College Name Change Sparks Staff Protest

Delhi University College Name Change Sparks Staff Protest

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Staff at Delhi University's Dyal Singh Evening College are protesting the proposed renaming of the institution after Sikh warrior Banda Singh Bahadur, seeking a staff council meeting to discuss the issue.

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the World Cup and other events, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, a move that has drawn fierce criticism from UEFA, who accused the governing body of putting the game's 'soul' up for sale.

Mistakes To Avoid During NEET UG Counselling

Mistakes To Avoid During NEET UG Counselling

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

A good NEET score improves your chances of admission. But the counselling process ultimately determines which college and course you will join.

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the strong health cooperation within BRICS, emphasising the critical role of digital health and artificial intelligence in ensuring continuity of care. Speaking at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting, she noted shared challenges among member nations and showcased India's advancements in digital health infrastructure and AI strategy.

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The challenge thrown by the youth movement creates the opportunity for a more consequential debate on India's economic trajectory because it must remain centered on India's youth as its driving impulse, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has declined to halt the Centre's HPV immunisation campaign, noting that data on 5.5 million administered vaccines showed no 'instant harm'. However, the court emphasised that 'half-baked vaccines' should not be given to the public and raised 'serious issues' regarding past protocol violations in vaccine testing and certification.

Rusticated Student, Associates Attack Staff At Delhi University College

Rusticated Student, Associates Attack Staff At Delhi University College

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A rusticated student and his associates allegedly attacked staff members at Delhi University's Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, prompting a police investigation.

Delhi Police Uncover Exam Cheating Ring Using Remote Access and Outsourced Answers

Delhi Police Uncover Exam Cheating Ring Using Remote Access and Outsourced Answers

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have busted an examination cheating racket involving remote access to computer systems and outsourcing answers to college students, leading to arrests and detentions.

China's Hydropower Plants: Why India Must Be Concerned

China's Hydropower Plants: Why India Must Be Concerned

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

It is very unfortunate that China has decided to proceed with the controversial mega hydropower plants(despite the apparent opposition of many scientists in China). Why is Delhi silent about the development? asks Claude Arpi.

How China, US Crack Down on Paper Leaks

How China, US Crack Down on Paper Leaks

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Beyond imprisonment, candidates caught cheating face cancellation of examination scores, blacklisting under China's social credit system and multi-year bans from appearing in state examinations.

Why FIFA's $20B Plan Has UEFA Up in Arms

Why FIFA's $20B Plan Has UEFA Up in Arms

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, aims to democratise global football finance but has been condemned by UEFA as selling the game's "soul."

Christopher Nolan's Odyssey Is 'Gimmicky', 'Abysmal'

Christopher Nolan's Odyssey Is 'Gimmicky', 'Abysmal'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'None of the characters has convincing motivation for their actions or words. There are no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible.'

How Meghalaya Is Driving Digital Banking Adoption

How Meghalaya Is Driving Digital Banking Adoption

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Meghalaya has shown significant progress in digital transactions and financial inclusion, recording 32.76 crore digital transactions and nearly 10 lakh Jan Dhan accounts by 2025-26. Efforts like the JAM Trinity and financial literacy programmes have expanded banking access, with a high percentage of bank account holders adopting digital modes. The next phase focuses on enhancing financial literacy and cyber resilience, especially in rural areas.

EPFO Interest Credit: What You Should Know

EPFO Interest Credit: What You Should Know

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Millions of EPFO subscribers can now check whether 8.25% annual interest for FY2025-26 has been credited to their provident fund accounts.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day's Post-Credit Scene Explained

Spider-Man: Brand New Day's Post-Credit Scene Explained

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Spider-Man: Brand New Day's seemingly underwhelming post-credit scene may actually be quietly setting up Peter Parker's biggest MCU adventure yet.

'We can't reach them': Families search for detained CJP protesters

'We can't reach them': Families search for detained CJP protesters

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Families of students detained during the Cockroach Janta Party protest in Delhi said they had been unable to contact them for hours and did not know whether any charges had been filed, as concerns mounted over the whereabouts of those detained.

How Mizoram's NHM Boosts India's Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

How Mizoram's NHM Boosts India's Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Environment Ministry has designated the Natural History Museum (NHM) in Mizoram as India's 21st designated repository, significantly enhancing the country's biodiversity conservation and scientific infrastructure, particularly within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.

New EPF Rules Every Employee Must Know

New EPF Rules Every Employee Must Know

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The EPF should remain a retirement nest egg, not be turned into an emergency fund.

Anthropic Slams US' Suspension of Fable 5, Mythos 5 as 'Misunderstanding'

Anthropic Slams US' Suspension of Fable 5, Mythos 5 as 'Misunderstanding'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Anthropic has labelled the US government's directive to suspend its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models as a "misunderstanding" and is actively working to restore access, warning that the current standard for narrow jailbreak findings could "essentially halt all new model deployments for all frontier model providers."