News for 'digital access'

Why India-US Trade Deal Is Delayed

Why India-US Trade Deal Is Delayed

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

A trade deal makes sense only if it is fair and reciprocal. If the cost is strategic dependence or loss of policy space, waiting is the wiser option, asserts Ajay Srivastava.

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI investigation into the role of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, senior police officials and others for allegedly obstructing its raids in Kolkata against political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director in connection with an alleged coal scam.

Live selfie, location lock: India tightens KYC rules for crypto exchanges

Live selfie, location lock: India tightens KYC rules for crypto exchanges

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Under the new rules, users must take a "live selfie" using software that verifies their presence, typically through eye-blinking or head movement. The measure helps prevent the use of static photos or deepfakes.

RBI in no hurry to launch digital currency nationwide

RBI in no hurry to launch digital currency nationwide

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is in no rush to launch the central bank digital currency (CBDC) nationwide, as its most promising use case - cross-border payments - depends on other countries rolling out their own CBDCs simultaneously for the system to work effectively. That said, the CBDC pilot is progressing well, with the user base in India expanding to about seven million, said RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar.

Tamil Nadu bets big on India's first full-stack sovereign AI park

Tamil Nadu bets big on India's first full-stack sovereign AI park

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The sovereign AI park will be a first-of-its-kind, purpose-built district in India, integrating AI compute infrastructure, secure data frameworks, model research labs, and AI innovation clusters, along with a dedicated institute for AI in governance.

'Most Mental Health Issues Start Before Age 25'

'Most Mental Health Issues Start Before Age 25'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

A large-scale international study published in the journal, Molecular Psychiatry, has been tracking over 7 lakh individuals and has shown that 34.6 per cent of mental disorders begin before the age of 14 years, 48.4 per cent before 18 years and 62.5 per cent by the age of 25 years.

Budget reflects a maturing economy

Budget reflects a maturing economy

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

The Budget reflects a clear focus on strengthening India's long-term prospects by leaning on nation-building sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Budget 2026: Next 5 Reforms Needed To Boost Growth

Budget 2026: Next 5 Reforms Needed To Boost Growth

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Sustaining 8 per cent-plus growth rates is necessary if we are to reach high-income status by 2047, points out Amitabh Kant.

2025 Marks India's Arrival As A Great Power

2025 Marks India's Arrival As A Great Power

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

In a world fractured by uncertainty, India stands out for its policy consistency, paired with sustained ambition, points out Pritam Banerjee.

RBI Eyes Zero-Fraud Payments

RBI Eyes Zero-Fraud Payments

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

The amount involved in banking system frauds surged to Rs 21,515 crore in the first half of FY26, up 30 per cent from the same period last year, even as the number of frauds fell 2.8 times to 5,092.

IOC voices concern for Iranian athletes

IOC voices concern for Iranian athletes

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The IOC has expressed concern for the welfare of Iranian athletes amid escalating unrest, mass arrests and reports of deaths, saying it remains in contact with Iran's Olympic community.

SIP inflows into equity MFs from small towns cross Rs 10K cr mark

SIP inflows into equity MFs from small towns cross Rs 10K cr mark

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

SIP inflows into active equity schemes from areas beyond the top 30 cities (B30), which first crossed this milestone in September 2025, stood at Rs 10,080 crore in October, industry data shows.

Indo-US deal 'wholesale surrender': Rahul vs govt in LS

Indo-US deal 'wholesale surrender': Rahul vs govt in LS

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Rahul Gandhi said that had an INDIA Bloc government negotiated the trade agreement with the US, it would have told US President Donald Trump that he should treat India as an equal.

Can't treat compliance as a quarter-end activity: RBI DG

Can't treat compliance as a quarter-end activity: RBI DG

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Banks cannot treat compliance as a quarter-end activity, and must have stronger operational discipline and data governance throughout the year, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor Swaminathan J said in a speech at the Third Annual Global Conference of the College of Supervisors.

At Rs 506 trillion, derivatives turnover hit 12-month high in October

At Rs 506 trillion, derivatives turnover hit 12-month high in October

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

The average daily turnover (ADTV) in the derivatives market rose to a 12-month high in October, touching 506 trillion - up nearly 46 per cent since June - as volatility picked up and concerns over further regulatory tightening eased. Derivatives activity had slumped earlier this year after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) capped weekly expiries to two days and discontinued weekly contracts on non-benchmark indices.

Digipin: Mapping Addresses Digitally

Digipin: Mapping Addresses Digitally

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Digipin promises to revolutionise location-based services in India with safeguards.

AI adoption in MSMEs can unlock over $500 bn value: BCGX-FICCI report

AI adoption in MSMEs can unlock over $500 bn value: BCGX-FICCI report

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India's 64 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) alone could unlock over $500 billion in economic value, but the country must pivot from an "adopt-first" to an "invent-first" mindset to realise this potential, according to a new report.

2026: How Will Residential Real Estate Grow?

2026: How Will Residential Real Estate Grow?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

While gold continues to provide safety after its strong 2025 rally, well-chosen real estate investments held with a long-term view remain attractive.

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

This Budget positions India's taxation ideology as not merely a revenue source but as a strategic catalyst for growth, inclusion and long-term confidence.

SUVs rule resale market despite small cars getting cheaper

SUVs rule resale market despite small cars getting cheaper

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Data from used-car platforms suggest that buyer preferences have remained broadly stable post-GST, with SUVs retaining their dominance even as price adjustments played out across segments.

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday announced plans to invest $17.5 billion in India to help build infrastructure and sovereign capabilities for the country's AI-first future, marking the third major AI-driven investment in the country in the past two months. Microsoft said that the $17.5 billion (around Rs 1.58 lakh crore) investment builds on the $3 billion (around Rs 26,955 crore) funding announced earlier this year, which the company is on track to spend by the end of CY (calendar year) 2026.

'Sensex Captures Changing Structure Of Economy'

'Sensex Captures Changing Structure Of Economy'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

'Only four or five original companies remain; the rest have been replaced every decade as sectors evolve or leadership shifts.' 'Companies that fail to adapt -- like many textile mills from the 1970s and shipping firms from the 1980s -- disappear.' 'Benchmark indices reward those who reinvent themselves in line with economic demands.'

India-US to resume trade talks in January

India-US to resume trade talks in January

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Talks on the proposed trade deal between India and the United States will resume after the year-end holidays, coinciding with Sergio Gor -- a close aide of American President Donald Trump -- taking charge as the US Ambassador to India in early January, according to a person privy to the development.

Pricing to remain key in corporate bond mkt this year

Pricing to remain key in corporate bond mkt this year

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

A neutral monetary policy stance, heavy government borrowing, and issuers adjusting to a higher-for-longer yield environment have set the stage for a largely stable corporate bond market in 2026.

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Budget 2026 sticks to fiscal discipline, shuns populist measures despite five key state elections coming up, but ends up rattling stock markets with a higher transaction tax on derivatives trading.

Low-Wage Trap Looms Over India's Services Sector, Warns Niti Report

Low-Wage Trap Looms Over India's Services Sector, Warns Niti Report

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

The services sector employs 188 million people but remains highly informal, trapping most workers in low-wage jobs without social protection.

SIM-Binding Standoff: Telcos Vs Apps

SIM-Binding Standoff: Telcos Vs Apps

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

App-based communication services providers and Indian telcos are at loggerheads over the SIM-binding directions issued by the department of telecom, which are to be complied with by the end of February 2026.

Prosus says India as one of its most critical growth markets

Prosus says India as one of its most critical growth markets

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Prosus, the Amsterdam-based technology investor with net assets valued at over $200 billion spanning payments to e-commerce, has identified India as one of its most critical growth markets, and is increasing its strategic investments here.

In Bengal, Modi calls for ending 'maha jungle raj' of TMC

In Bengal, Modi calls for ending 'maha jungle raj' of TMC

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday charged the Trinamool Congress government with 'playing with national security by protecting infiltrators' for vote-bank politics, and said ending the ruling party's 'maha jungle raj' was vital to restore law and order, development and investor confidence in the state.

Google readies plans for AI push in healthcare, agriculture

Google readies plans for AI push in healthcare, agriculture

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Google on Tuesday announced funding support of USD 8 million to India's AI Centers of Excellence for health, agriculture, education, and sustainable cities, and committed USD 4,00,000 to support development of India's health foundation model.

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'There'll be extended periods where things aren't working in your favour. But if you believe in the cause profoundly, then you simply persevere.'

Healthcare IPOs See A Surge In 2025

Healthcare IPOs See A Surge In 2025

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The surge has come alongside a decline in average issue sizes and more muted listing-day returns compared with last year.

First Drive: Is Mahindra XUV 7XO better than XUV7OO?

First Drive: Is Mahindra XUV 7XO better than XUV7OO?

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

The XUV 7XO comes with high tech features, comfort and safety but it will be interesting to see if 7XO can match the popularity of XUV 700, notes Rediff's Hemant Waje.

RBI Warns Against Stablecoins, Backs CBDCs

RBI Warns Against Stablecoins, Backs CBDCs

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

'We have seen that stablecoins lack the basic attributes of money, their advantages are neither unique nor unambiguous and their risks are all too real.'

How will India's auto industry perform in 2026?

How will India's auto industry perform in 2026?

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

After a record-breaking year, India's automobile industry is entering 2026 on a relatively strong footing, with sales growth expected in the 6-8 per cent range. The outlook is underpinned by policy support, including GST rationalisation, easing monetary conditions, and income tax relief, which together are likely to improve affordability and sustain consumer demand across vehicle segments.

How India Can Beat Global Tech Giants

How India Can Beat Global Tech Giants

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

With a confident new generation of innovators, India now has the scale and self-belief to shape its own digital destiny marked by creation, observes Ajay Kumar chairman, UPSC.

X blocks 3,500 posts, deletes 600 accounts after Grok AI row

X blocks 3,500 posts, deletes 600 accounts after Grok AI row

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

X has accepted its mistake, and said it will comply with Indian laws, sources said, adding that in future, the platform will not allow obscene imagery.

Fraud Bleeds Insurers Of Rs 10,000 Crore A Year

Fraud Bleeds Insurers Of Rs 10,000 Crore A Year

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

These losses increase insurance premiums for customers and reduce insurer margins on the other.

UPSC exams to allow change of scribe, screen-readers for visually impaired

UPSC exams to allow change of scribe, screen-readers for visually impaired

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to incorporate provisions for scribe changes and implement screen-reader software for visually-impaired candidates in its examinations. The court emphasized the constitutional rights of differently-abled people and the need for inclusive governance.

A peek into what Indian workplaces will be like in 2026

A peek into what Indian workplaces will be like in 2026

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The convergence of artificial intelligence, evolving labour regulations and rising employee expectations will redefine how organisations manage pay, people and performance in the coming year, a report says.