A state-wide bandh was observed across Punjab on Thursday following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Markets and educational institutions remained shut, and roads were blocked by protesters, disrupting traffic. Jhota was shot on Tuesday for questioning the illegal sale of addictive drugs. His family, supported by various political parties and farmer unions, has refused to perform his last rites until justice is delivered, demanding resignations of top officials and a CBI probe. The incident has intensified the political debate on drug menace and law and order in Punjab.
Hollywood actor Paul Bettany, known for voicing J.A.R.V.I.S. and playing Vision in the MCU, expresses trepidation about the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. He discusses potential dystopian futures and the need for democratised AI, while promoting his new series "VisionQuest" which started streaming on JioHotstar on Tuesday.
A 'Punjab Bandh' was observed on Thursday, leading to widespread closures of shops and private schools and road blockades across several districts, following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa on Tuesday. Jhota was shot by a chemist owner for questioning the sale of addictive drugs. The incident has triggered significant political backlash against the Aam Aadmi Party government, with various organisations and opposition parties demanding accountability and a CBI probe.
'We're doing a lot of work around work-integrated learning, providing students with every opportunity to take at least part of their education as a practical work-based experience.'
A study suggests that targeting the brain's default mode network (DMN), which becomes active during self-reflection, could be a more effective approach to managing chronic low back pain. Researchers found that DMN activates during chronic pain flares, unlike its deactivation during acute pain, indicating chronic pain is deeply linked to one's sense of self. This finding explains why traditional symptom-based treatments often fail and points towards mind-body and psychedelic therapies.
The scenes are same; placards, viral videos, riot, police but the grievances could hardly be more different, notes Abhay Jere, ex-Vice Chairman, AICTE.
The NSUI's performance in the DUSU elections has highlighted significant internal issues regarding ticket distribution, with rebel candidates outperforming official nominees. This trend, observed across various university elections, points to growing dissent within the Congress's student wing under Kanhaiya Kumar's tenure, despite some recent successes.
The BJP's women's wing announced a protest march against the Congress, alleging that Rahul Gandhi is protecting Inner Manipur MP Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who was dismissed from JNU over sexual harassment allegations involving 11 students. The BJP Mahila Morcha will organise a 'Nari Shakti Hunkar Andolan' on Monday, demanding Akoijam's expulsion and resignation.
From unexpected cameos to sneaky Easter eggs, these Hindi films have quietly created some wonderfully weird cinematic universes of their own.
From Shahid to Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, these films bring real-life lawyers, landmark courtroom battles and extraordinary fights for justice to the screen.
Oscar-winning Hollywood actress Eva Marie Saint, celebrated for her iconic roles in On the Waterfront and Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest, has died at the age of 102.
An Omani citizen, Hamam al-Hammami, has been identified as the flydubai co-pilot who attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and allegedly attempted to take control of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, which the UAE has now confirmed as a 'terrorist act'.
rediffGURU Dr Nagarajan JSK, a career counsellor with nearly 34 years of experience in teaching, research and career guidance, answers students' questions about engineering and dental admissions, counselling rounds, college preferences and admission prospects.
A collaborative study by Indian and South Korean scientists has provided new genetic, anatomical, and ecological insights into the wide-ridged Indo-Pacific finless porpoise. The research, based on a stranded specimen in Kerala, revealed distinct genetic differences from Pacific populations and highlighted significant conservation challenges, including limited protected habitats and anthropogenic pressures.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant affirmed the judiciary's commitment to protecting students' right to peaceful protest during an interaction at CNLU Patna. He also addressed concerns about collegium transparency, stating that disclosure of dissenting opinions could compromise individual dignity. The CJI also praised a proposal to shorten the law degree duration.
Researchers have found that Earth and Mars formed in different ways despite originating from the same solar nebula. Earth's mass primarily came from protoplanets accreting pebbles, while Mars's mass largely originated from planetesimals. This study, published in Nature Astronomy, used volatile elements as chemical fingerprints to reconstruct their formation 4.5 billion years ago, supporting a hybrid model of planet formation.
Avengers: Endgame Encore adds four crucial scenes that connect the old MCU to Avengers: Doomsday, from Loki's shocking return to Doctor Doom's sinister plans for the multiverse.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's planned visits to Uttar Pradesh for electoral literacy club conferences have been postponed, with officials stating it's a routine rescheduling. They denied any link to recent controversies regarding differences among election commissioners, highlighting that the postponements predated the controversy. The Election Commission is also ramping up efforts to engage Gen Alpha and Z ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls through educational outreach.
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.
A new US study reveals that individuals with high neuroticism are more susceptible to prolonged mental distress during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, based on over 100,000 survey responses, found that neuroticism significantly increased anxiety and depression symptoms, persisting even into the post-pandemic period. The findings suggest personality traits can help identify vulnerable groups for targeted mental health support.
Researchers have developed a new atomic clock using the element lutetium, which they claim is the most stable and accurate in the world. This clock can measure a trillionth of a second precisely and is highly resilient to environmental changes like temperature and magnetic fields, making it a significant advancement in timekeeping technology.
'...but could demotivate employees seeking US residency.'
A report by Scholars at Risk, 'Free to Think 2026', states that academic freedom in India is "severely restricted" due to increasing government influence over higher education, university governance, and curbs on student expression. India is listed among six countries in this category, with its Academic Freedom Index score sharply declining. The report cites instances of faculty dismissals, event cancellations, and pressure on student protests, highlighting the alleged use of the UGC as a vehicle for state influence.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook emphasised cricket's pivotal role in enhancing India-Australia relations, fostering business development, economic ties, and trade. He highlighted the upcoming Big Bash League match in Chennai and the opening of the University of Western Australia campus in Mumbai as key initiatives strengthening bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange.
Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen, a veteran of Formula 1 since 1985, shares insights into his four-decade career, the sport's evolution from a niche interest to a global powerhouse, and the roles of Bernie Ecclestone and Liberty Media in its growth. He also discusses the potential return of the Indian Grand Prix, highlighting India's significant F1 fanbase.
Paul Bettany and James Spader bring plenty of personality to VisionQuest, but the Marvel's latest series struggles to find the emotional soul its story needs.
Jamia Millia Islamia has established a four-member fact-finding committee to investigate CCTV footage allegedly showing a chameleon in a student's meal at a hostel mess. This comes amidst ongoing student protests regarding food quality and hygiene. The university is also seeking external agency assistance and will take action if deliberate wrongdoing or misinformation is found, while also installing more CCTV cameras to enhance monitoring.
The first phase of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) polls recorded a 36% voter turnout, with a keen contest between ABVP, NSUI, and the AISA-SFI alliance. Student concerns like accountability, affordable accommodation, and accessible administration were prominent, influenced by past protests. The election also saw allegations between student groups and extensive security arrangements.
Cathy Li, Head of the Centre for AI Excellence at the World Economic Forum, advocates for integrating AI literacy into India's education curriculum and incentivising AI companies to prioritise child safety. She stresses the need for localised solutions that account for India's linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as varying levels of connectivity and digital literacy, to ensure AI systems are safe and beneficial for children.
An IIT Madras study reveals that financial cybercrime victims in India are often highly educated professionals, challenging the notion that only careless or financially unaware individuals are targeted. The research highlights that digital literacy doesn't guarantee protection, as fraudsters exploit stress and emotional vulnerabilities.
Samsung India has launched an Innovation Campus in Karnataka, in partnership with Nrupathunga University, to train 2,000 young individuals in industry-relevant AI skills. This initiative aims to support Karnataka's goal of building an AI-native ecosystem and developing a future-ready technology workforce, expanding access to practical AI education.
From Mithun Chakraborty and Vidya Balan to S J Suryah and Hrithik Roshan, Jailer 2 boasts an eclectic new cast. Here's a look at the fresh faces joining Rajinikanth's Tiger Muthuvel Pandian and the films you know them from.
While no Indian institute features in the Top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2027, IIT-Delhi improved its global standing by climbing from 123rd to 118th place to remain India's highest-ranked institution.
India has strongly criticised the US decision to suspend the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program for eight major IT firms, including Indian giants like TCS and Wipro. New Delhi also condemned US Vice President JD Vance's description of foreign professionals as "indentured servants," calling it "unwarranted and deeply offensive." The move is expected to impact thousands of Indian tech professionals seeking permanent residency in the US and further strains bilateral ties.
Badminton star Saina Nehwal, who retired earlier this year due to a chronic knee condition, is enjoying her post-retirement life by travelling the world, recently visiting Universal Studios Hollywood with her mother.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has stated that the recent suspension of eight IT firms, including itself, from a US green card programme will not impact its workforce strategy or customer engagements, citing its low number of applications and focus on local hiring.
'Ma would fiddle with the radio's knob until the static gave way to music; then, the voice would come on. I would be half-asleep still, understanding little of the Sanskrit words I heard but the words in chants, interspersed with songs, cast a spell. I still remember the goosebumps I felt as the epic tale of Goddess Durga's birth and battles unfolded,' says Radha Roy Biswas.
A recent study by IIT Kharagpur researchers reveals that powerful cyclones can significantly impact groundwater quality up to 100 metres below the surface in deep coastal aquifers. Conducted in the climate-vulnerable Sundarbans region, the research highlights how extreme weather events disturb the freshwater-seawater balance, threatening drinking water security and necessitating depth-specific groundwater management strategies.
A report by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute projects approximately 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India over the next six months due to the 'super El Nino' phenomenon. Globally, nearly 451,000 additional deaths are anticipated. Experts in India emphasize the need for swift action, including implementing Heat Action Plans and focusing on vulnerable populations, while also urging caution regarding model-based projections.
The once promising YRF Spy Universe, which delivered Bollywood's first Rs 500 crore grosser with Pathaan, is now grappling with an uncertain future as recent releases like Alpha and War 2 fail to ignite the box office.
