News for 'Universal Access'

Rashid Khan's emotional plea to Taliban

Rashid Khan's emotional plea to Taliban

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Rashid Khan said education held a central place in Islamic teachings and that the faith emphasised the pursuit of knowledge for men and women.

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

History in Minutes: When Dr Ambedkar Was Denied Water

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

On the 134th birth anniversary of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Utkarsh Mishra revisits three incidents from Dr B R Ambedkar's life that lay bare the deeply entrenched nature of caste prejudice.

Study In US: India Overtakes China

Study In US: India Overtakes China

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

331,602 Indians are studying in the US, making India the 'top sender' of international students to America for the first time in 15 years, as it overtook China for the academic year 2023-2024.

Excited go into microgravity conditions: Astronaut Shukla on ISS travel

Excited go into microgravity conditions: Astronaut Shukla on ISS travel

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), flying aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of a joint effort between NASA and ISRO. Shukla, a group captain in the Indian Air Force, will serve as the pilot for the Axiom Mission 4, scheduled for launch no earlier than spring 2025. The mission will also carry the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the ISS.

K'taka budget: Sidda announces Muslim quota for govt supplies

K'taka budget: Sidda announces Muslim quota for govt supplies

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced reservation for Muslims in supplying goods and services up to a value of Rs 1 crore to various government departments, corporations and institutions in the state budget for 2025-26. The budget also increased the value limit of government contracts in which Muslims can avail reservation to Rs 2 crore. The reservation to Muslims under 2B category is in addition to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Castes coming under Category-1, Category-2A. The budget also included various welfare schemes for minorities, including Rs 50,000 to support simple marriages and Rs 1,000 crore under the Chief Minister's Minority Colony Development Programme.

How Will Trump Change The World On April 2?

How Will Trump Change The World On April 2?

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

We have entered a new era in human history, asserts Aakar Patel.

Salvaging Marx From The 'Marxists'

Salvaging Marx From The 'Marxists'

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

'If we truly wish to understand and apply Marx's insights today, we must reject the rigid dogmas that later 'Marxists' imposed in his name.'

SC shields Hyderabad University professor from Manipur complaints

SC shields Hyderabad University professor from Manipur complaints

Rediff.com14 Aug 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered no coercive steps shall be taken for two weeks against Hyderabad University professor Kham Khan Suan Hausing over two complaints lodged against him in strife-torn Manipur.

Budget proposes social security scheme for gig workers

Budget proposes social security scheme for gig workers

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the government will arrange identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal to assist 1 crore gig workers. Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, the finance minister also said a scheme for the socio-economic upliftment of urban workers will be implemented.

Trump Tariffs: How Must India Respond?

Trump Tariffs: How Must India Respond?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

India should convert the Trump threat to an India opportunity, re-embracing a more liberal trade regime as a way of reviving manufacturing output and exports.

Telecom industry wants govt to junk USOF, slash duties

Telecom industry wants govt to junk USOF, slash duties

Rediff.com27 Jan 2024

Telecom services providers have urged the Ministry of Finance to suspend the universal service obligation (USOF) till the existing corpus is exhausted. In their Budget recommendations, they have also pressed for an exemption from the service tax on "assignment of right to use natural resources" and the slashing of Customs duty on telecom equipment to zero. The Cellular Operators Association of India (Coai), which represents private sector telecom operators Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, called for abolishment of USOF levy.

Study Abroad: 4 SIMPLE TIPS To Save Money

Study Abroad: 4 SIMPLE TIPS To Save Money

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Aditya Mhatre shares some practical and actionable tips to save money and focus on what matters most when you are studying abroad

AI-Enabled Glasses Will Help Visually Impaired

AI-Enabled Glasses Will Help Visually Impaired

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

'Integrated with sensors, cameras, Nvidia Jetson processors, LiDAR technology and AI model computation, the glasses provide a real-time interpretation of the environment and the individual's surroundings.'

US pledges to boost technology ties with India

US pledges to boost technology ties with India

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Artificial Intelligence, innovation and next-generation technologies figured prominently during the high-stakes discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the White House, as the two sides announced transformative measures, including the US-India TRUST initiative, roadmap on accelerating AI infrastructure and INDUS Innovation, to boost tech ties.

Why BJP Still Hasn't Named Nadda's Successor

Why BJP Still Hasn't Named Nadda's Successor

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The prolonged delay over electing J P Nadda's successor possibly stems from the RSS leadership wanting a person who is at least equidistant from the Sangh as well as the Modi/BJP edifice, observes BJP-RSS watcher Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

This MP Wants Ban On Online Betting Apps

This MP Wants Ban On Online Betting Apps

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

'The pressure from these betting games, coupled with financial ruin, is becoming unbearable for many, and tragically, some even resort to extreme measures like suicide.'

Why Are Children So ANGRY, AGGRESSIVE?

Why Are Children So ANGRY, AGGRESSIVE?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'The earlier a child is given a smartphone, the worst it becomes when they are 17, 18.' 'Every year you delay in giving a smartphone to child, the outcome becomes better.' 'The behavioural changes that are very specific to smartphones are aggression and anger.'

Privacy is media's alliance, fear of surveillance is an assault: HC

Privacy is media's alliance, fear of surveillance is an assault: HC

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The Madras High Court has asserted that press freedom and privacy are intertwined and that surveillance constitutes an attack on the press, which is considered the fourth pillar of democracy. The court made this observation while addressing petitions filed by the Chennai Press Club and three reporters seeking protection from harassment by a police Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the leak of an FIR concerning a sexual assault case at Anna University. The court highlighted the importance of protecting journalists' sources and criticized the SIT for seizing reporters' mobile phones without justification and for failing to adequately investigate the source of the leaked FIR.

Google's Willow milestone may revolutionise AI, quantum computing

Google's Willow milestone may revolutionise AI, quantum computing

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

With Google announcing the milestone of Willow - a state-of-the-art quantum computing chip that can solve complex problems in under five minutes, a computation so complex it would have taken a supercomputer around 10 septillion (10^25) years to complete - tech experts believe this breakthrough could impact artificial intelligence (AI), particularly by making it more accessible to the masses. However, industry players caution that it may take several years for this innovation to become commercially viable.

Union Budget 2025: Will 10K new medical seats curb students outflow?

Union Budget 2025: Will 10K new medical seats curb students outflow?

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Indian government's announcement of 10,000 additional seats in medical colleges next year, part of a plan to add 75,000 seats over five years, has been welcomed by education experts and stakeholders. The move aims to address the shortage of medical professionals and reduce the outflow of Indian medical students to other countries. The budget also includes infrastructure expansion at five new IITs to accommodate 6,500 more students and an allocation of Rs 500 crore to set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education.

Review: Naah-daniyan!

Review: Naah-daniyan!

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Nadaaniyan's lack of charm, chemistry and cheek fails to create any ripples sighs Sukanya Verma.

'How Do Students Get 100% In Exams?'

'How Do Students Get 100% In Exams?'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'Because the same stupid questions are repeated year after year when an exam should provoke the students to think and not ask repetitive questions.' 'So, what do coaching institutes do? They teach students to memorise these questions and answers without understanding the subject.'

'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.'

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'While I would never wish for anyone to go through what we are, it has brought out the best in us by making each one of us a better version of ourselves.' 'Being courageous, fighting for freedom, taking the burden of responsibility to help each other...' 'I know hundreds and hundreds of examples where Ukrainians are risking their lives for complete strangers and it is only in moments like this that we truly understand what it means to be human.'

Avoid Mini Trade Deal With US

Avoid Mini Trade Deal With US

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The Budget has given signals that India is sensitive to the US needs and willing to walk the extra mile, but if need be, we should respond in equal measure as a sovereign nation, notes Ajay Srivastava.

India Inc earns fat profits but wages have not kept pace

India Inc earns fat profits but wages have not kept pace

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Growth in corporate profits needs to be commensurate with wages to boost the economy, Economic Survey 2024-25 said, noting that sharp disparities between the two pose risk to the economy by curbing demand. The document tabled in Parliament on Friday noted that while the labour share of GVA (gross value added) shows a slight uptick, the disproportionate rise in corporate profitsredominantly among large firmsaises concerns about income inequality.

EC asks Maha poll officers how to tackle urban apathy

EC asks Maha poll officers how to tackle urban apathy

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during the first day of review of poll preparedness of the state asked the district election officers and municipal commissioners to explain the steps taken by them to deal with 'urban apathy'.

'Create Million To Impact Billion Lives'

'Create Million To Impact Billion Lives'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

'Can we give young India the tools to solve the problems the country or society faces and uplift the community?'

Over 50 mn Indians lack handwashing access: Study

Over 50 mn Indians lack handwashing access: Study

Rediff.com21 May 2020

In India, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, more than 50 million persons in each country were estimated to be without handwashing access, according to the study.

Canada's move on visa program to hit Indian students

Canada's move on visa program to hit Indian students

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

The processing time for students applying under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) was significantly shorter and approval rates higher, something that will change after Canada ended the scheme on Friday.

Which Would You Choose: Gelephu or Neom?

Which Would You Choose: Gelephu or Neom?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Live on one of Gelephu's inhabitable bridges where elephants will saunter past, be it day or night; or be homed in a never-ending building with flying cars and robot maids? asks ambivalent Sandeep Goyal.

2024's 10 Best OTT Films

2024's 10 Best OTT Films

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The top 10 films of the year may not be great by themselves but they stand out amidst the other OTT releases.

'30-40% Of H-1B Visas Cornered By Staffing Companies'

'30-40% Of H-1B Visas Cornered By Staffing Companies'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

'If the Trump administration decides to put guardrails on H-1B visas, that will surely impact both US and Indian firms.'

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

What stood out in his 15-year journey as a member of the political executive at the Centre was his glowing record as India's most successful and effective finance minister. Both as prime minister and finance minister, he understood the importance of gradualism, except when the economy or the polity was in a crisis.

What The Mohan Babu-Manoj Feud Is About

What The Mohan Babu-Manoj Feud Is About

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

All is not well between veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu and his son Manchu Manoj.

Kamala Harris: 'Female Obama' who didn't make it to White House

Kamala Harris: 'Female Obama' who didn't make it to White House

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Kamala's role as vice president was more than just symbolic. Unlike her predecessors, she wielded considerable power during Biden's presidency.

Situation in Bishkek back to normal, pay no heed to rumours: Indian mission

Situation in Bishkek back to normal, pay no heed to rumours: Indian mission

Rediff.com23 May 2024

Last week, India asked its students in Bishkek to stay indoors following the incidents of violence.

2024 Belongs To Payal Kapadia!

2024 Belongs To Payal Kapadia!

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

All We Imagine as Light has been on several critics' best of the year lists, including Sight and Sound (Payal Kapadia appeared on the magazine's cover, perhaps a first for an Indian filmmaker), to The New York Times, Time and it is the number one film recommended by Barack Obama. The future certainly belongs to Payal Kapadia, asserts Aseem Chhabra.