News for 'building safety'

'No fire alarm, sprinkler failed': Man who lost son in Amravati hospital fire

'No fire alarm, sprinkler failed': Man who lost son in Amravati hospital fire

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

A devastating fire in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a government hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, resulted in the deaths of three newborns. Eyewitnesses and grieving parents allege that fire alarms remained silent and water sprinklers failed to activate, pointing to severe safety lapses and hospital negligence. While 36 infants were rescued, families are demanding accountability for the tragic loss of life.

How AI Is Revolutionising Forest Protection In India

How AI Is Revolutionising Forest Protection In India

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Haldwani forest division has launched India's first AI-based forest acoustic surveillance system. This innovative technology uses AI, acoustic sensors, and long-range wireless communication to detect illegal logging, poaching, and other suspicious activities in real-time, even in remote areas. Powered by solar energy, the system provides continuous monitoring, significantly enhancing forest protection, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity monitoring efforts.

Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after talks at BRICS

Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after talks at BRICS

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian concluded his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit, announcing that Iran and the UAE agreed to move past previous tensions. This diplomatic breakthrough occurred during talks with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince on the summit sidelines. Pezeshkian also met with PM Modi to discuss bilateral ties and West Asia developments, with Modi emphasising dialogue for regional peace. The BRICS summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, calling for global governance reforms and de-escalation in West Asia.

Last Man In Tower Review: Unsettling Must Watch

Last Man In Tower Review: Unsettling Must Watch

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Last Man In Tower is an unsettling portrait of a society that can turn against one another when greed dangles the promise of a better life, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

ISRO, IN-SPACe Face Rocket Transfer Row

ISRO, IN-SPACe Face Rocket Transfer Row

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

There is no answer to the question of how IN-SPACe invited EOIs for ISRO's mature rockets and whether it was based on any government policy decision.

At least 15 students killed in Lucknow building fire, many trapped

At least 15 students killed in Lucknow building fire, many trapped

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

A devastating fire ripped through a three-floor commercial building in Lucknow, claiming the lives of at least 12 students and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing ex-gratia for the deceased and injured.

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary alleges 'harassment' after Asian Games squad drop

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary alleges 'harassment' after Asian Games squad drop

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary, dropped from the Asian Games squad due to an alleged ACL tear, has accused the national federation of physical and mental harassment, claiming she was cleared by doctors to compete and was replaced unfairly.

Asian Games Wushu Player Divyanshi Choudhary Alleges Harassment, Threatens Suicide

Asian Games Wushu Player Divyanshi Choudhary Alleges Harassment, Threatens Suicide

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary, dropped from the Asian Games squad due to an alleged ACL tear, has accused the national federation of physical and mental harassment, claiming she was medically cleared to compete. The Wushu Association of India maintains she was replaced due to a high-grade ACL tear confirmed by MRI, while Divyanshi alleges foul play to favour another athlete.

Bengal Government To Prioritise Women's Safety And Complaints

Bengal Government To Prioritise Women's Safety And Complaints

Rediff.com13 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul announced that the state government will ensure women's freedom of movement at any time and prioritise their complaints. CCTV monitoring will be introduced across civic bodies to enhance transparency and curb corruption. The government also plans to address illegal activities such as toll plazas, sand extraction, and coal mining, while streamlining welfare schemes and improving infrastructure projects.

'When We Divert A River's Flow, We're Inviting Trouble'

'When We Divert A River's Flow, We're Inviting Trouble'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

'When a glacier collapse or a major flood event does occur, the water will simply reclaim its original path, and anything built in that path will be swept away.'

Is Your Office Making You Sick?

Is Your Office Making You Sick?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, our everyday workplace can quietly influence both our physical and mental wellbeing, warns Dr Vikram Vora.

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

SHANTI Rules Boost Nuclear Investment

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The rules require nuclear plant operators to maintain an insurance policy, financial security or a combination of both to cover civil liability for nuclear damage.

Search on for 5,000 missing in Nepal, over 1,000 bodies unidentified

Search on for 5,000 missing in Nepal, over 1,000 bodies unidentified

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Eleven days after devastating floods triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, Nepal continues to grapple with a rising death toll of 1,344 and nearly 5,000 missing. Authorities face significant challenges in identifying the deceased, with many bodies severely damaged. DNA samples are being collected from relatives to aid identification, while the government mobilises relief and rehabilitation efforts. A fresh flood incident in Gorkha district also caused damage.

Colombia Earthquake: CONMEBOL Postpones Club Matches, Expresses Support

Colombia Earthquake: CONMEBOL Postpones Club Matches, Expresses Support

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

CONMEBOL has postponed two continental club matches following a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia that killed at least 164 people, with revised dates and venues to be announced later.

'India And China Have Arrived At A Nash Equilibrium'

'India And China Have Arrived At A Nash Equilibrium'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

'The Chinese military cannot advance much in Ladakh, even if they want to.' 'Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, they can rename a village or two, intrude here or there, but cannot do much more realistically.'

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

How Goa's Drone Didi Scheme Is Empowering Women

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Goa has successfully completed its first pilot drone-skilling workshop for 12 women and plans to train 100 women annually under the Goa Drone Didi Training Scheme. This initiative aims to promote drone technology, rural livelihoods, and women-led entrepreneurship, aligning with the Centre's Namo Drone Didi programme.

Delhi Government To Formulate New Rules For Coaching Centres

Delhi Government To Formulate New Rules For Coaching Centres

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Delhi government is establishing a multidisciplinary committee to develop a regulatory framework for coaching institutes. This initiative follows recent tragedies, including the Saket building collapse and the Old Rajendra Nagar coaching centre incident, and aims to address issues like fee structures, student safety, infrastructure, and grievance redressal.

'Taapsee Is A Risk Taker'

'Taapsee Is A Risk Taker'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'I wanted to push the buttons further and see what can come out of putting Taapsee in this intense role where she has to deep-dive into a woman and her sense of great loss.'

'Illegal' UP mosque razed amid heavy police deployment

'Illegal' UP mosque razed amid heavy police deployment

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

An 'illegally' constructed mosque within the Saharanpur district collectorate complex was demolished following a court order, drawing strong condemnation from opposition parties who accused the government of engaging in 'politics of hate' and undermining social harmony.

School Education Takes A Hit In Bihar Floods

School Education Takes A Hit In Bihar Floods

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Floods have forced hundreds of government schools across Bihar to shut, disrupting studies for thousands of students.

Nashik-Palghar Tremors: Cause For Alarm?

Nashik-Palghar Tremors: Cause For Alarm?

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

'Hydro-seismicity is a phenomenon that typically shows up during and just after the monsoon.' 'Heavy rain causes water to percolate deep into the rock, and where there are fractures, that water fills the pores and builds up what we call pore water pressure.' 'That pressure can widen existing cracks, and eventually the rock gives way -- which surfaces as tremors.'

Nepal Disaster Sparks Crisis In Bihar

Nepal Disaster Sparks Crisis In Bihar

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal's devastating flash floods have created a worrisome flood situation in Bihar.

US may ease J-K travel advisory after security improvements: Envoy Gor

US may ease J-K travel advisory after security improvements: Envoy Gor

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, announced during his visit to Srinagar that the United States would reconsider its travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the efforts by the central government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in enhancing safety in the region, expressing hope that more Americans would visit the "incredibly beautiful place." Gor also met with CM Abdullah to discuss strengthening US-J&K relations.

China mobilises forces for Tibet-Nepal border flood rescue

China mobilises forces for Tibet-Nepal border flood rescue

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered extensive rescue operations following devastating flash floods and mudslides near the China-Nepal border in Tibet. The disaster has caused heavy casualties, left nearly 400 people missing, including 105 Indians and 37 NRIs, and damaged infrastructure. Emergency teams have been deployed, and efforts are underway to evacuate residents and provide medical aid.

Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Tewolde Gebremariam is new Air India boss

Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Tewolde Gebremariam is new Air India boss

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Air India has announced the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam, former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Campbell Wilson. This strategic appointment comes as the airline navigates expansion amidst significant challenges.

Man seeking ban on DJs, loudspeakers assaulted in Pune

Man seeking ban on DJs, loudspeakers assaulted in Pune

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Vidyanand Bapat, a Pune-based activist advocating for a ban on high-decibel DJ systems and loudspeakers during festivals, was publicly assaulted by a man named Santosh Chavan while speaking to media persons.

Mumbai Rental Battle: 'You Can't Invade A Woman's Privacy'

Mumbai Rental Battle: 'You Can't Invade A Woman's Privacy'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A Reddit post about a hidden camera in a shared living room has reopened an old question -- how far can a landlord interfere in a home he no longer fully controls? Here's what two Mumbai lawyers have to say.

Teacher's alarm saves 400 students as floods hit Nepal school

Teacher's alarm saves 400 students as floods hit Nepal school

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A devastating flood in Baireni, Nepal, transformed a school playground into a sea of sand and buried classrooms under sludge. Timely warnings from teachers, prompted by an upstream guardian, allowed 400 students to evacuate safely just before the flood hit. The school remains closed, covered in debris, while UNICEF estimates 17,000 children need humanitarian aid following the floods that killed over 900 people.

Reliance Retail to build manufacturing, export platforms for next phase of growth: Mukesh Ambani

Reliance Retail to build manufacturing, export platforms for next phase of growth: Mukesh Ambani

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is preparing for its next phase of growth by establishing advanced manufacturing and export platforms to strengthen its consumer products ecosystem and expand its global footprint, Chairman and MD Mukesh Ambani announced.

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.

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

'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.'

Yamaha Enters India's 200cc Sportsbike Segment with YZF-R2

Yamaha Enters India's 200cc Sportsbike Segment with YZF-R2

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The all-new, globally first YZF-R2 is priced from Rs 2,30,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Delhi playschool horror: '3-year-old tied up, touched inappropriately'

Delhi playschool horror: '3-year-old tied up, touched inappropriately'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The father of a three-year-old boy, who allegedly endured hours of physical abuse inside his playschool in northeast Delhi, has claimed that CCTV footage showed his son tied to a chair for nearly three hours, beaten and kicked repeatedly, and, in one instance, a person placing hands on the child's private parts.

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

9 killed in hotel blaze in Bengal's Tarapith; owner among 2 detained

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Hotel officials claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit. A woman from Kolkata, who managed to escape the blaze, recalled the panic inside the hotel.

Watch Out! SKY Is Coming To A Govinda Near You!

Watch Out! SKY Is Coming To A Govinda Near You!

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the brand ambassador for the Pro Govinda League (PGL) -- India's first professional human-pyramid league.

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Clashes erupted between police and students in Jharkhand protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, even as the high court provided interim relief by staying notifications cancelling appointments for Child Development Project Officers and those recruited through JSSC-CGL tests.

Voice Of India Platform To Assess AI Systems For Indian Contexts

Voice Of India Platform To Assess AI Systems For Indian Contexts

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

AI4Bharat at IIT Madras and Josh Talks AI have launched 'Voice of India', a multimodal AI evaluation platform designed to assess AI systems against Indian conditions, languages, accents, and dialects. This platform aims to provide scientifically rigorous, India-specific evaluations, covering areas like Voice AI, large language models, document processing, safety, cultural appropriateness, and Indian legal reasoning, to build trust and enable informed deployment decisions.

Maha govt buys Mumbai's iconic Air India building for Rs 1,601cr

Maha govt buys Mumbai's iconic Air India building for Rs 1,601cr

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra government has formally acquired the iconic Air India building in south Mumbai for Rs 1,601 crore, completing the transfer of agreements from Air India Assets Holding Company to the state Public Works Department.

How Delhi's New Drone Policy Aims To Boost Employment And Innovation

How Delhi's New Drone Policy Aims To Boost Employment And Innovation

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Delhi government is set to introduce a comprehensive drone policy aimed at creating over 1,000 jobs and regulating drone operations. The policy will focus on establishing research clusters, flight testing facilities, and providing subsidies, while also addressing drone usage for government purposes like traffic management and surveillance, considering the city's extensive 'no drone zones'.