News for 'Universal Access'

RBI, Govt Unveil Measures to Attract Up to $50 Billion in Foreign Capital

RBI, Govt Unveil Measures to Attract Up to $50 Billion in Foreign Capital

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the central government have introduced a package of measures, including tax exemptions for FPIs on government securities and a concessional foreign-exchange swap facility, aiming to attract up to $50 billion in foreign capital. This initiative is designed to strengthen India's balance of payments and potentially cover the projected BoP gap for FY27.

Inside GSB Cuisine Queen Komal Prabhu's Kitchen

Inside GSB Cuisine Queen Komal Prabhu's Kitchen

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

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.

Population Foundation of India Urges Inclusive Approach to Digital Census

Population Foundation of India Urges Inclusive Approach to Digital Census

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Population Foundation of India welcomes the digitisation of the Census but emphasises the need for inclusivity, data security, and addressing the under-reporting of women's contributions.

How the Open Quantum Institute Plans to Make Quantum Computing Accessible to All

How the Open Quantum Institute Plans to Make Quantum Computing Accessible to All

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The Open Quantum Institute (OQI), a joint initiative by Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) and CERN, aims to ensure equitable access to quantum computing when it becomes widely available, fostering international cooperation and addressing societal implications.

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

There has never been a woman Chief Justice of India, although Justice B V Nagarathna is expected to become the first -- in 2027 if the convention of seniority is followed.

Haryana Revamps Sports Policy For Olympic Glory And Athlete Welfare

Haryana Revamps Sports Policy For Olympic Glory And Athlete Welfare

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana is revamping its 2015 Sports Policy to focus on long-term talent development for future Olympians, moving beyond just prize money and jobs. Key initiatives include 'Mission Olympics-2036 Vijayee Bhavah' for young athletes and the 'Khelo Haryana App' for integrated athlete services. The state aims to strengthen athlete welfare, infrastructure, and institutional support.

Meet The New CBSE Chief

Meet The New CBSE Chief

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Sarthak Sidhant, a 17-year-old student from Jharkhand affected by CBSE's online marking system, made a presentation before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Tuesday on alleged irregularities in the tendering process for the selection of vendors for online marking of Class 12 answer scripts.

Andhra Pradesh to Unveil India's First Indigenous Quantum Computing Test Beds

Andhra Pradesh to Unveil India's First Indigenous Quantum Computing Test Beds

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh is set to inaugurate India's first indigenously developed, open-access quantum computer test beds, Amaravati 1S and 1Q, at SRM University, marking a significant advancement in the nation's quantum computing capabilities.

New Wearable Polygraph System Senses Hidden Stress

New Wearable Polygraph System Senses Hidden Stress

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Researchers have developed a lightweight, wearable polygraph system that adheres to the chest and measures heart activity, breathing patterns, sweat response, blood flow, and temperature to provide a real-time, whole-body view of stress.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Weight Loss Drugs May Alter Your Brain

Weight Loss Drugs May Alter Your Brain

Rediff.com12 May 2026

A new study suggests that newer oral weight loss drugs may do more than suppress appetite, potentially altering brain circuits that control motivation and reward, impacting how one experiences pleasure.

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Sacred spots and soaring peaks: Bucket-listing across the heartland. Roopa Unnikrishnan and her father journey through the heart of India.

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

The Doctor Who Saved Thousands Of Babies

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Thousands and thousands and thousands of adults owe their lives to the commitment and medical fervour of Dr Armida Fernandez, who a grateful nation honoured with the Padma Shri this year.

Messi Event Chaos: Organiser Blames Political Interference

Messi Event Chaos: Organiser Blames Political Interference

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Sports event organiser Satadru Dutta alleges that political interference, security failures, and administrative lapses led to the chaotic Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata last December, claiming he was made a scapegoat.

Why Imran Khan's Lawyers Want Al Qadir Case Delayed

Why Imran Khan's Lawyers Want Al Qadir Case Delayed

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Lawyers for Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have requested an adjournment in the 190 million-pound Al Qadir case, citing difficulties in obtaining instructions from their clients in jail. The case involves allegations of corruption related to the Al-Qadir Trust.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Law Students Face Charges Over Ragging Allegations In Pune

Law Students Face Charges Over Ragging Allegations In Pune

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Police in Pune have registered a case against five law students for allegedly ragging a junior, following a complaint initially lodged with the college authorities in 2024. The FIR was filed after the complainant escalated the matter through the UGC's anti-ragging mechanism.

Andhra Pradesh Inaugurates Quantum Facility to Boost Indigenous Tech Manufacturing

Andhra Pradesh Inaugurates Quantum Facility to Boost Indigenous Tech Manufacturing

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh has launched India's first quantum reference facility, aiming to build a sovereign hardware ecosystem and boost indigenous manufacturing of advanced computing systems.

India flags energy, maritime threats at BRICS amid West Asia crisis

India flags energy, maritime threats at BRICS amid West Asia crisis

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India has expressed serious concerns about the West Asia crisis and its potential impact on energy supplies and maritime stability, urging BRICS nations to find practical solutions to geopolitical challenges and unilateral sanctions.

Family Establishes Scholarship Fund for Slain Indian-Origin Student

Family Establishes Scholarship Fund for Slain Indian-Origin Student

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The family of Savitha Shanmugasundaram, an Indian-origin student killed in a shooting in Austin, has launched a one-million-dollar scholarship in her memory to support students from low-income families.

Anurag Kashyap's 10 Best Movies, Ranked

Anurag Kashyap's 10 Best Movies, Ranked

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Anurag Kashyap, despite his claims of being done with Bollywood, continues to deliver compelling cinema, with his latest film 'Bandar' set to release on June 5.

CBI cracks NEET paper leak with arrest of 'source' professor in Pune

CBI cracks NEET paper leak with arrest of 'source' professor in Pune

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The CBI claims to have cracked the NEET paper leak case with the arrest of a Pune-based professor, identified as the source of the leak. The professor allegedly exploited his position to leak the paper to students in exchange for money.

Law Students Face Charges Over Pune Ragging Incident

Law Students Face Charges Over Pune Ragging Incident

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Five students from a law college in Pune have been booked for allegedly ragging a junior student. The FIR was registered after the complainant escalated the matter to the UGC following dissatisfaction with the college's initial investigation.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

CBSE Slashes Revaluation Fees

CBSE Slashes Revaluation Fees

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The fee cuts come amid an outcry over CBSE's first full-scale rollout of the Online Scoring Mechanism for Class 12 examinations, with students, parents, and some teachers alleging unusually low marks, unchecked answers, and discrepancies between expected and awarded scores.

Slimming Drug Boom Sparks Misuse Concerns: 'They Are Not Meant For Cosmetic Weight Loss'

Slimming Drug Boom Sparks Misuse Concerns: 'They Are Not Meant For Cosmetic Weight Loss'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The fast-growing GLP-1 market, propelled by lower-cost generics following patent expiry, is widening availability beyond patients with obesity and diabetes -- but also driving unsupervised, appearance-led demand, according to doctors.

Andhra Pradesh to Launch India's First Indigenous Quantum Computers

Andhra Pradesh to Launch India's First Indigenous Quantum Computers

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh is set to launch India's first indigenously built, open-access quantum computers, marking a significant step towards building a sovereign quantum hardware ecosystem. The initiative aims to position the state as a global hub for quantum technology and enable applications in various sectors.

Haryana Government Invests in AI Skills for Public Sector Employees

Haryana Government Invests in AI Skills for Public Sector Employees

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Haryana government is launching an initiative to equip its employees with artificial intelligence (AI) skills through the iGOT Karmayogi platform, aiming to enhance governance and public service delivery.

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.

Japan's Onestruction, IISc Join Hands For Urban Data Exchange

Japan's Onestruction, IISc Join Hands For Urban Data Exchange

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Onestruction Inc and DataKaveri Systems have signed an MoU to establish a framework for strategic and technical collaboration in urban and built environment data exchange.

Rouble Nagi, Winner, Global Teacher Prize: 'A Single Teacher's Faith Can Alter The Trajectory Of A Child's Life'

Rouble Nagi, Winner, Global Teacher Prize: 'A Single Teacher's Faith Can Alter The Trajectory Of A Child's Life'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Many of the children I work with had never attended school before and had never been given the right environment or opportunity to learn.'
'When education became accessible -- through flexible learning spaces, creative methods and community-based classrooms -- these same children began to thrive.'
'Over time, many who had never stepped into a formal classroom not only entered the education system but continued their studies further, with some going on to university.'

J-K SIA charges doctors among 10 in white-collar terror module case

J-K SIA charges doctors among 10 in white-collar terror module case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against 10 accused persons in the 'white collar' terror module case involving several doctors from Jammu and Kashmir.

NEET-UG 2006 Cancellation: Dos And Don'ts For Students

NEET-UG 2006 Cancellation: Dos And Don'ts For Students

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'

NEET-UG 2026 Cancellation: Dos And Don'ts For Students

NEET-UG 2026 Cancellation: Dos And Don'ts For Students

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'

Digital access intrinsic to right to life, says SC, bats for disabled

Digital access intrinsic to right to life, says SC, bats for disabled

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed changes in digital know your customer (KYC) guidelines for persons with disability and acid attack survivors, citing the right to digital access as an intrinsic component of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court found that existing KYC procedures, which require visual tasks such as head movements and facial positioning, pose significant challenges for these groups, preventing them from accessing essential services like bank accounts and welfare schemes. The court emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring universal accessibility to digital services for all citizens.

AI Learning Surges in India

AI Learning Surges in India

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Learners in India prefer to pursue newer courses, such as Gen AI by building apps and code using the technology, along with learning about it.

South Asian Cricket's Impact In Britain Showcased At Lord's

South Asian Cricket's Impact In Britain Showcased At Lord's

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

A new exhibition highlighting the significant impact of the South Asian community on cricket in Britain has opened at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

'It's Not Modi's Rupee That Benefits. It's India's Rupee That Benefits'

'It's Not Modi's Rupee That Benefits. It's India's Rupee That Benefits'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'In all these years of rupee depreciation, of rising oil prices, of inflation caused by import dependence, not one leader had the courage to look the people in the eye and say: Please do this for your country.'

Conflict with US, Israel in 'no war, no peace' state: Iran's envoy

Conflict with US, Israel in 'no war, no peace' state: Iran's envoy

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Iran's representative in India, Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, describes the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance as a state of 'no war, no peace,' calling for an immediate halt to the conflict and questioning the lack of pressure on the US and Israel to cease aggression.

Ankur Warikoo: AI Could Be Your 'Best Friend' in the Future

Ankur Warikoo: AI Could Be Your 'Best Friend' in the Future

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

'Relationships do not work out because people are unpredictable. They're emotional. They are biased. An AI companion will not be any of these,' says entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo.