News for 'Urban'

West Bengal to fine Rs 100 for spitting, Rs 200 for littering, open defecation

West Bengal to fine Rs 100 for spitting, Rs 200 for littering, open defecation

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

West Bengal's Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal announced that fines for spitting, littering, open defecation, and using single-use plastic bags will be enforced from Tuesday, with penalties ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 200, aiming to change public behaviour rather than generate revenue.

India's Freshers Face Tougher Job Market

India's Freshers Face Tougher Job Market

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Employers are increasingly prioritising professionals with four to 10 years of experience.

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against the 'weaponisation' of technology and critical minerals at the BRICS summit, advocating for cooperation to foster shared prosperity. Concurrently, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans for an open-source AI ecosystem for BRICS nations, positioning Beijing as a key technology partner amid global AI competition.

Delhi building collapse: Bloodied student records video from under rubble

Delhi building collapse: Bloodied student records video from under rubble

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

A five-storey building housing a boys' hostel in Delhi's Satya Niketan collapsed, resulting in three student deaths and five critical injuries. The incident, which occurred on a Sunday afternoon, sparked frantic rescue operations and raised serious concerns about building maintenance and safety in the congested student neighbourhood. An investigation is underway to find the building's owner.

Delhi PG collapse: Locals flag weak foundation, waterlogged basement

Delhi PG collapse: Locals flag weak foundation, waterlogged basement

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

A five-storey PG accommodation in Satya Niketan, South-West Delhi, collapsed, trapping numerous students and raising immediate concerns about building safety and construction standards in congested areas. Residents reported a "sudden tremor" and rushed to assist in rescue efforts, highlighting the precarious state of old buildings converted into student housing without proper maintenance or structural checks.

How Haryana Is Using Drones For Smart Governance

How Haryana Is Using Drones For Smart Governance

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Haryana is institutionalising drone technology as a key governance tool, deploying AI-powered surveillance and high-resolution geospatial mapping. This initiative aims to detect illegal constructions, monitor mining activities, map civic infrastructure, and track pollution across the state. The Chief Secretary reviewed progress on various projects, including an AI-powered Change Detection Application and digital mapping of municipal assets, highlighting the state's commitment to evidence-based governance and improved public service delivery.

Nepal rains push Narayani-Gandak into spate, UP villages on alert

Nepal rains push Narayani-Gandak into spate, UP villages on alert

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The rising water level in the Narayani-Gandak river following heavy rainfall in Nepal has increased the flood threat in villages along the river in Maharajganj district, officials said on Sunday.

Is India Ready For Digital NEET?

Is India Ready For Digital NEET?

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

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.

Aditya Birla Capital targets 1,000 gold loan branches in three years

Aditya Birla Capital targets 1,000 gold loan branches in three years

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Aditya Birla Capital has entered the gold loan business, aiming to establish 1,000 branches within three years, capitalising on the strong structural growth and surge in demand for gold-backed credit in India.

Blinkit extends lead in quick commerce, outperforming rivals beyond major cities

Blinkit extends lead in quick commerce, outperforming rivals beyond major cities

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A new CLSA report indicates that Eternal's Blinkit is significantly widening its lead in India's quick-commerce sector, particularly beyond major metropolitan areas, by expanding its dark store network and securing a first-mover advantage in over 180 cities.

NeoGeoInfo Secures USD 20 Million For Global Expansion

NeoGeoInfo Secures USD 20 Million For Global Expansion

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

NeoGeoInfo Technologies, a spatial intelligence solutions provider, has secured a Series A investment of approximately USD 20 million from Neev II Fund and Aavishkaar Capital. This funding will fuel the company's R&D, expand its international presence in the Middle East and Americas, and strengthen its team for complex projects.

Why Foreign MBBS Graduates Keep Failing FMGE

Why Foreign MBBS Graduates Keep Failing FMGE

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Of the 37,448 candidates registered for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in June, 36,288 appeared and 4,635 qualified.

Bengaluru, Mysuru unaffected by Karnataka bandh call over Cauvery

Bengaluru, Mysuru unaffected by Karnataka bandh call over Cauvery

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

While intense protests were seen in Mandya and preventive detentions carried out at several places, life remained unaffected in major urban centres like Bengaluru and Mysuru.

Abhishek Banerjee's office ransacked, six held; TMC blames BJP

Abhishek Banerjee's office ransacked, six held; TMC blames BJP

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has accused armed BJP men of vandalising the party's Camac Street office in Kolkata, damaging property and stealing items. The BJP has denied the allegations, calling them staged. The incident further intensifies the political confrontation between the two parties in West Bengal, following a recent dispute over a billboard at the same premises.

Delhi Gymkhana Club: No coercive action till Sep 16, govt tells HC

Delhi Gymkhana Club: No coercive action till Sep 16, govt tells HC

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The Centre has assured the Delhi High Court that it will not take coercive action against the Delhi Gymkhana Club until September 16 regarding its eviction from the 27.3-acre premises. This comes as the court hears pleas challenging a show-cause notice for eviction, following the termination of the club's perpetual lease deed by the Land & Development Office. The legal battle centres on the validity of the lease termination and the jurisdiction of the estate officer.

New Book Reveals Ganga's Unique Microbial Intelligence At Triveni Sangam

New Book Reveals Ganga's Unique Microbial Intelligence At Triveni Sangam

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

A new book, "The River That Remembers: Microbial Intelligence of Nature" by Padma Shri awardee Ajai Kumar Sonkar, claims that the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj is a unique viral-bacterial laboratory. It suggests that the sacred dips taken by devotees lead to an intense microbial exchange, accelerating phage evolution, especially during events like Kumbh Mela, as diverse human microbiota interact with the river's existing microbiome.

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

'ISRO will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private sector or public sector undertakings.'

How EVTOLs Can Revolutionise India's Medical Logistics

How EVTOLs Can Revolutionise India's Medical Logistics

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Air India, SkyDrive, and Suzuki Motor Corporation have signed an initial pact to conduct a joint feasibility study on using electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for medical air logistics in India. This collaboration aims to address severe traffic congestion in major Indian cities, which poses challenges for time-critical medical transport, by developing last-mile emergency medical solutions.

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

In many ways, 17th century India occupied a position in the global economy comparable to that of the United States today. Just as millions of people now look towards America because of its economic opportunities, merchants, adventurers and trading companies once looked towards India.

Watch: Take A Tour Of Varun Dhawan's New Farm

Watch: Take A Tour Of Varun Dhawan's New Farm

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Varun Dhawan has made a significant investment in agricultural farmland, declaring it his 'biggest achievement', highlighting a growing trend among celebrities to embrace organic farming and rural living over urban luxury.

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Improved law and order and transparent governance have helped change UP's investment image.'

Dulquer Salmaan's 10 Best Malayalam Movies

Dulquer Salmaan's 10 Best Malayalam Movies

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

From Ustad Hotel to Salute, these Dulquer Salmaan Malayalam films prove why his homecoming with I'm Game is worth celebrating.

Digital Divide Keeps Women Out of India's Gig Economy: Report

Digital Divide Keeps Women Out of India's Gig Economy: Report

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Despite near gender parity in basic bank account ownership, women in India remain significantly underrepresented in the growing platform economy due to gaps in digital financial capability and access to credit, according to a joint report by the International Labour Organization and National Council of Applied Economic Research.

Retail inflation climbs to 4.45% in July, driven by soaring food prices

Retail inflation climbs to 4.45% in July, driven by soaring food prices

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 4.45 per cent in July, up from 4.38 per cent in June, primarily due to higher food prices, particularly onions and ginger. This marks the second consecutive month the inflation rate has remained above the Reserve Bank's median target.

576 Indians Report Rs 100 Crore Income

576 Indians Report Rs 100 Crore Income

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The number of individuals who declared a gross income of Rs 100 crore or more in their income-tax returns had risen to 301 in 2022-23, moderated slightly to 284 in 2023-24, then climbed to 415 in 2024-25.

Ensure every road has encroachment-free pedestrian space: SC to Centre

Ensure every road has encroachment-free pedestrian space: SC to Centre

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to ensure all roads have properly demarcated, encroachment-free spaces for pedestrians, emphasising that the right to walk on a footpath is a fundamental right.

Sarla Aviation Secures Design Organisation Approval For Indigenous Electric Air Taxis

Sarla Aviation Secures Design Organisation Approval For Indigenous Electric Air Taxis

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Bengaluru-based electric air taxi startup Sarla Aviation has received Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a crucial step towards commercial production of its indigenous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company also inaugurated its new headquarters and announced partnerships, highlighting India's growing capabilities in advanced aerospace technology.

Bareilly Administration Acts To Secure Air Force Airspace

Bareilly Administration Acts To Secure Air Force Airspace

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Bareilly administration has initiated comprehensive measures to enhance flight safety around its Air Force station. These steps include stricter monitoring of drones, addressing bird activity, regulating unauthorised construction, improving waste management, and controlling stray animal populations, all identified as potential threats to aircraft operations.

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government has launched the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, aiming to leverage private and market finance for urban infrastructure projects by providing state support in capacity building and credit guarantees.

Zepto to launch Rs 11,000-crore IPO in July, prioritising dense urban markets

Zepto to launch Rs 11,000-crore IPO in July, prioritising dense urban markets

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Quick commerce platform Zepto is reportedly planning to launch its Rs 11,000-crore Initial Public Offering (IPO) in July, following SEBI approval. The company is pursuing a distinct growth strategy, focusing on market density and operational intensity in metro markets rather than rapid geographic expansion, a move that sets it apart from rivals like Zomato and Swiggy.

Pallaburusu Director Uday Chauhan: 'Have Seen Parents Neglected In Villages'

Pallaburusu Director Uday Chauhan: 'Have Seen Parents Neglected In Villages'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'I was thinking how can I do something for these lonely, aging people in the villages. The parents stay and the children leave for a better future.'

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Sumit Sarkar was never intellectually dismissive of the Hindutva project. He took it with deadly seriousness for he grasped the challenge it posed to the aspirations and ideals of the anti-imperialist movement that generated multiple imaginings of freedom and ways to attain it, recalls Pradeep Kumar Dutta.

'Thank You, Dolly, For All Of It'

'Thank You, Dolly, For All Of It'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

'Dolly Parton managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person.'

Assam Floods: Olympian Jayanta Talukdar, Newborn Twins Rescued

Assam Floods: Olympian Jayanta Talukdar, Newborn Twins Rescued

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Olympian and World Cup gold medallist archer Jayanta Talukdar and his one-month-old twin babies were rescued from their flood-hit apartment in Guwahati's Rukmininagar on Friday.

DLTA Denies Land Lease Breaches Amid AITA Election Buzz

DLTA Denies Land Lease Breaches Amid AITA Election Buzz

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) has strongly denied reports of violating land lease conditions for the R K Khanna Tennis Complex, asserting that all facilities comply with government norms. The association suggested that the allegations are "mala fide" and strategically timed to influence the upcoming All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections. DLTA also defended its commercial subletting practices, stating they are approved by the L&DO and are essential for generating revenue as it receives no government funding for maintenance.

'Nobody is...': Tukaram Mundhe on notice to SRK, Ajay Devgn and Tiger

'Nobody is...': Tukaram Mundhe on notice to SRK, Ajay Devgn and Tiger

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Mundhe said the FDA was examining advertisements for products other than tobacco-related items and would act wherever misleading claims or other violations were found.

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Land, business reforms key to India's next phase of growth, say economists

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Economists highlight that resolving domestic policy bottlenecks, particularly through land reforms and improving the ease of doing business, will be critical for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'next-generation reforms' and India's economic transformation towards its 'Viksit Bharat' vision for 2047.

Gujarat Floods: Insurers anticipate Rs 5,000 crore in claims, primarily for property damage

Gujarat Floods: Insurers anticipate Rs 5,000 crore in claims, primarily for property damage

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Insurers are bracing for claims worth nearly 5,000 crore from the recent floods in Gujarat, predominantly for property losses, though they do not foresee an increase in premiums within the competitive property insurance market.

Ahmedabad to set new benchmarks for accessibility, sustainability at 2030 Commonwealth Games

Ahmedabad to set new benchmarks for accessibility, sustainability at 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has outlined Ahmedabad's vision for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, emphasising unparalleled accessibility for para athletes and a strong commitment to sustainability through green energy and electric transport.

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

A devastating fire in a central Kolkata building resulted in nine deaths, primarily due to asphyxia, and the rescue of around 80 people. West Bengal minister Kaushik Chowdhury highlighted the quick response of the Fire Brigade but raised concerns about safety norms, lack of windows, and the proliferation of cramped hotels within the building. An investigation committee will be formed, and fire audits will be conducted across all hotels in the state.