News for 'building codes'

'Coding Agents Won't Replace Software Engineers'

'Coding Agents Won't Replace Software Engineers'

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'It seems unlikely that organisations will be a bunch of individuals who work on their own and there are no teams anymore, because that is not sustainable.'

Flags should not be thrown on ground: MHA asks states, UTs to follow Flag Code

Flags should not be thrown on ground: MHA asks states, UTs to follow Flag Code

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Union home ministry directed all the states and Union territories on Monday to adhere to the Flag Code, underlining that while flags made of paper may be waved by the public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, those should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after the events.

Viksit Bharat: What Nirmala Sitharaman told India Inc

Viksit Bharat: What Nirmala Sitharaman told India Inc

Rediff.com1 days ago

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called upon Indian industry to prioritise not just scale but also resilience, better governance, and deeper technological capabilities to achieve the 'Viksit Bharat' goal by 2047.

Sitharaman Slams 'Naraz Foofa Jis' Questioning India's Growth

Sitharaman Slams 'Naraz Foofa Jis' Questioning India's Growth

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised commentators who express pessimism about India's demographic dividend, asserting that the country's youth are actively driving economic growth and innovation. She also highlighted the dual nature of AI and the need for robust safeguards in emerging technologies like quantum computing to balance innovation with safety.

Maha UCC panel member quits, flags several concerns

Maha UCC panel member quits, flags several concerns

Rediff.com22 hours ago

Former Bombay High Court judge Justice R C Chavan has resigned from the Maharashtra government's Uniform Civil Code panel, citing profound concerns.

Pakistan star Muhammad Rizwan approaches ICC over corruption probe

Pakistan star Muhammad Rizwan approaches ICC over corruption probe

Rediff.com4 days ago

Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan has contacted the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for clarification on procedures related to corruption investigations, as he faces questioning by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged links to illegal betting and gambling sites. This development follows the confiscation and forensic examination of his mobile phone, alongside Imam-ul-Haq's, during a recent tour, highlighting concerns about the PCB's compliance with ICC anti-corruption protocols and Pakistan cricket's history with such scandals.

Why Justice R C Chavan Quit Maharashtra UCC Panel

Why Justice R C Chavan Quit Maharashtra UCC Panel

Rediff.com6 hours ago

'If the intention was simply to replicate what's already been done elsewhere, there was no need for a committee at all -- there's already an Act passed there (in Uttarakhand); just copy it, paste it, and you're done. Why waste everyone's time convening a panel for that?'

Historic India T20I match can transform cricket in Japan, says JCA chief Curr

Historic India T20I match can transform cricket in Japan, says JCA chief Curr

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is set to host its first-ever T20I against reigning world champions India, a landmark event expected to significantly elevate cricket's profile and drive its long-term growth in Japan, according to JCA COO Alan Curr.

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.'

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

England captain Joe Root has expressed his deep disappointment and frustration over recurring nightclub incidents involving national team players, following fast bowler Brydon Carse's recent arrest and subsequent de-arrest. Root emphasised the team's commitment to building a strong culture and addressing off-field behaviour that detracts from their performance.

PhonePe Charts Ambitious Decade-Long Digital Progress Roadmap

PhonePe Charts Ambitious Decade-Long Digital Progress Roadmap

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

PhonePe, at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, unveiled its strategic vision for the next decade, focusing on inclusive digital progress for individuals, households, and businesses across India. The roadmap details innovations in financial inclusion, wealth creation, credit access, and merchant solutions.

How New UPI MDR Will Boost Digital Payments Ecosystem

How New UPI MDR Will Boost Digital Payments Ecosystem

Rediff.com6 days ago

Experts laud the decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move, along with a dedicated fund for small merchants, is seen as crucial for creating a sustainable digital payments ecosystem, incentivising expansion in rural areas, and funding innovation while keeping most transactions free for users.

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI Models, Sparking Debate On Monitoring And Security

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI Models, Sparking Debate On Monitoring And Security

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Leading global technology companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have introduced new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. However, these releases have ignited significant debate among researchers regarding the transparency and monitorability of AI reasoning, particularly concerning OpenAI's Astra model and its "recurrent depth" architecture.

AI Giants Unveil Advanced Models, Raising Critical Safety Questions

AI Giants Unveil Advanced Models, Raising Critical Safety Questions

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have unveiled new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. OpenAI's Astra model achieved a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, but its novel architecture, using "recurrent depth," has sparked significant safety concerns among researchers who fear it makes monitoring the model's reasoning more difficult. Anthropic and Google also introduced new models and features, further advancing AI technology while the debate over responsible development intensifies.

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI; Astra Sparks Monitoring Concerns

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI; Astra Sparks Monitoring Concerns

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have introduced new AI models with enhanced capabilities. OpenAI's Astra model, achieving a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, has ignited a debate among researchers due to its "recurrent depth" architecture, which some fear makes its reasoning harder to monitor. Anthropic and Google also released new models, focusing on coding, scientific research, and cybersecurity, alongside new image and video AI tools.

Finance Ministry Clarifies UPI MDR Policy, Denies Foreign Pressure

Finance Ministry Clarifies UPI MDR Policy, Denies Foreign Pressure

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Finance Ministry has clarified that the decision to impose a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 was made independently, refuting claims of foreign influence. The ministry stated the policy aims to build a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem, with MDR funding infrastructure and supporting small merchants.

Bengaluru Gets First Gemini Enterprise Experience Centre

Bengaluru Gets First Gemini Enterprise Experience Centre

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Econz IT Services, in partnership with Google Cloud, has launched Bengaluru's first Gemini Enterprise Experience Centre. This centre provides an immersive environment for businesses to develop and deploy advanced Agentic AI solutions, marking a significant step in enterprise AI innovation in the region.

InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy merge to create India's largest AI-powered insurance platform

InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy merge to create India's largest AI-powered insurance platform

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy have merged to establish India's largest artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled insurance distribution platform, targeting a significant premium book and extensive reach across the country.

Amazon Now hits $1 billion annualised gross sales in India, eyes 100 cities by Diwali

Amazon Now hits $1 billion annualised gross sales in India, eyes 100 cities by Diwali

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Amazon's ultra-fast delivery service, Amazon Now, has achieved $1 billion in annualised gross sales in India over the last three months, marking it as the fastest-growing e-commerce business in Amazon India's history, with orders doubling every quarter.

UPI payments above Rs 2,000 to merchants to attract 0.4% MDR from Oct 15

UPI payments above Rs 2,000 to merchants to attract 0.4% MDR from Oct 15

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends nearly six years of fully free UPI payments, though person-to-person (P2P) transfers and small P2M payments remain free. The charges aim to bolster investment in UPI infrastructure, with specific exemptions and caps for essential sectors.

Building code breach intensified devastation in Turkiye earthquakes

Building code breach intensified devastation in Turkiye earthquakes

Rediff.com14 Mar 2023

A recent report outlining preliminary findings of damage assessment of the earthquakes shows violations of the building code stipulations in the past two decades contributed to a large number of lives lost and extensive damage to infrastructure.

Beware Of These Scams!

Beware Of These Scams!

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Do not share OTPs, PINs, authentication codes, card numbers, card verification values (CVVs), KYC details, security answers, Internet-banking passwords or Aadhaar-based authentication credentials through SMS, e-mail or phone calls.

ISRO Staff Step Up Privatisation Protest

ISRO Staff Step Up Privatisation Protest

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The larger question raised by the associations is simple: If ISRO is no longer to manufacture launch vehicles, what will happen to the institution's accumulated capabilities and the people who built them?

Understanding The New UPI Transaction Fees For Merchants

Understanding The New UPI Transaction Fees For Merchants

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% transaction fee on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments exceeding Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, marking the end of nearly six years of free service. Person-to-person transfers and small-value transactions below Rs 2,000 remain free. The new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is capped at Rs 300 for transactions above Rs 75,000, with differentiated rates for essential sectors and investments, and safeguards to prevent costs from being passed to consumers.

How India Is Building AI Resilience Amid Global Access Restrictions

How India Is Building AI Resilience Amid Global Access Restrictions

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India is adopting a two-pronged strategy for artificial intelligence development, focusing on open-source models and indigenous innovation to counter global access restrictions on advanced AI technologies. The government aims to support local developers and ensure AI creates tangible economic impact across various sectors, rather than being solely driven by market speculation.

Raghav Chadha Highlights India's Digital Transformation At Global Conference

Raghav Chadha Highlights India's Digital Transformation At Global Conference

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

BJP MP Raghav Chadha addressed the 12th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, highlighting India's digital transformation journey. He emphasised how technology is widening access and promoting inclusion, citing UPI's success, affordable data, and robust data protection laws. Chadha also discussed India's digital cooperation with Uzbekistan and the importance of digital rights, safety, and skill development for all citizens.

QR code verification for Delhi Census enumerators to curb cyber fraud

QR code verification for Delhi Census enumerators to curb cyber fraud

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Authorities in Delhi have implemented a QR code-based verification system for census enumerators and supervisors to combat rising cyber fraud cases involving impersonation and fake government officials during the Census 2027.

New AI Models From Tech Giants Raise Safety Concerns

New AI Models From Tech Giants Raise Safety Concerns

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Leading technology companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have announced new AI models with advanced capabilities, including OpenAI's Astra reaching a "Critical" cybersecurity tier. However, these advancements have ignited a significant debate among safety researchers and netizens, particularly concerning the transparency and monitorability of OpenAI's novel "recurrent depth" architecture.

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Chandigarh is set to launch the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or digital rupee, for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) on August 14. This initiative makes Chandigarh the first Union Territory to fully roll out CBDC-based DBT for food subsidy, enhancing transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery. The digital rupee, issued by the RBI, will be purpose-bound for purchasing foodgrains from authorised merchants.

Man gets 6-month jail term for derogatory, casteist slurs against Ambedkar

Man gets 6-month jail term for derogatory, casteist slurs against Ambedkar

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A special court in Mumbai has sentenced a 32-year-old man to six months rigorous imprisonment for making derogatory remarks against Dr B R Ambedkar and hurling casteist slurs at an advocate. The court rejected the defence's argument about lack of independent witnesses, noting the incident occurred in public view.

Ram Temple donation scam accused's wife gets notice over illegal building

Ram Temple donation scam accused's wife gets notice over illegal building

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Ayodhya Development Authority has issued a notice to the wife of a Ram temple donation theft accused for alleged unauthorised construction, as police intensify their investigation into the embezzlement case. Recoveries of cash, gold, silver, and a "Ramrajya Kosh" donation box have been made, and eight people have been arrested.

'China Has Built 30,000 High-Risk Dams'

'China Has Built 30,000 High-Risk Dams'

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

'China wants to control and divert rivers.'

'People Were Crying That Their Builder Screwed Them'

'People Were Crying That Their Builder Screwed Them'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

'I met with people who had their flats redeveloped. I saw this was a real human struggle.' 'People get caught in the middle between their dreams, wishes and their community.'

How PhonePe's PulsePro Will Transform Business Decision-Making

How PhonePe's PulsePro Will Transform Business Decision-Making

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Digital payments firm PhonePe has launched PulsePro, an enterprise intelligence platform providing businesses with aggregated and anonymised transaction data. This platform offers near real-time market insights at granular levels, helping companies track consumer spending, identify growth opportunities, and make informed expansion decisions across India.

Why Tata Must Put The Group Before Individuals

Why Tata Must Put The Group Before Individuals

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Corporate leaders' half-life has shrunk over the past few decades. That is the Tata experience as well. Over 144 years till 2012, Tata Sons had just five chairmen. However, in the 15 years till 2027, the same group will see three, points out R Gopalakrishnan.

How Pramaana Labs Is Building Accountable AI With $27 Million Funding

How Pramaana Labs Is Building Accountable AI With $27 Million Funding

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

AI firm Pramaana Labs, with a significant Indian workforce, has successfully raised $27 million in seed funding led by Khosla Ventures. The company aims to use these funds to advance its unique technology that converts complex knowledge into machine-verifiable truth, addressing the accountability gap in AI across regulated sectors like tax, healthcare, and financial compliance.

Nasscom Urges Focus On Deep Engineering Skills Amid AI Adoption

Nasscom Urges Focus On Deep Engineering Skills Amid AI Adoption

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Nasscom has warned that India's technology workforce risks becoming merely AI-reliant rather than truly AI-native if deep engineering expertise is not preserved. The industry body highlights that while many professionals adopt AI, only a fraction are AI-native, necessitating a shift in academic and industry approaches to foster foundational skills and independent problem-solving.

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.

How CII-IWN Is Empowering Women Through Practical AI Skills

How CII-IWN Is Empowering Women Through Practical AI Skills

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Confederation of Indian Industry-Indian Women Network (CII-IWN) organised a hands-on Artificial Intelligence (AI) workshop in Chandigarh for women entrepreneurs and professionals. The session focused on practical applications of AI, including generative AI and LLMs, to address business challenges and enhance productivity across various functions like marketing, content creation, and data analysis.

Will Khalifa 2: The Legacy Be Made? Because...

Will Khalifa 2: The Legacy Be Made? Because...

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

If Khalifa: The Ruler continues to bleed at the box office, the odds of a big-budget sequel materialising drop to practically zero. The harsh reality of franchise filmmaking is incredibly simple: If the 'ruler' fails to conquer, absolutely no one is going to care about the 'legacy', no matter how many superstars you cram onto a poster.