News for 'digital access'

India rolls out next-gen e-passports to stop forgery, impersonation

India rolls out next-gen e-passports to stop forgery, impersonation

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Indian government has introduced a next-generation e-passport with enhanced security features, including an embedded RFID chip, to combat forgery and impersonation. The rollout follows successful pilot testing and implementation across India and abroad.

Microsoft flags the risk AI development faces

Microsoft flags the risk AI development faces

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

The underrepresentation of women in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) poses a significant risk of perpetuating the prevailing societal biases into future technologies, according to a top Microsoft executive. Himani Agrawal, chief partner officer, Microsoft India and South Asia, believes that inclusion is a shared responsibility and if AI continues to be shaped without diverse perspectives, the biases of today risk becoming hardwired into the technology of tomorrow.

'We Aren't Security Conscious As A Nation'

'We Aren't Security Conscious As A Nation'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'Government officials use Gmail and ordinary phones without basic security consciousness.' 'Interoperability, especially in joint exercises with countries like the US, worries me.' 'It often means we open our systems to them, but they don't reciprocate.' 'They could have kill switches in their systems and might even be able to affect ours.'

Lenders tap alternative data as next frontier in credit fraud fight

Lenders tap alternative data as next frontier in credit fraud fight

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Risk assessment platforms are increasingly using diverse data sources to help lenders identify groups attempting to access credit from regulated entities and to improve the process of evaluating new-to-credit (NTC) users.

RBI set to launch UPI-like unified lending platform

RBI set to launch UPI-like unified lending platform

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will launch the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) nationwide in due course, aiming to transform India's lending sector, similar to how the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) revolutionised the payments ecosystem, Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Monday.

'After GST cut, innovation will boost life insurance'

'After GST cut, innovation will boost life insurance'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The reduction in goods & services tax (GST) on individual life and health insurance premiums has been called a "landmark step" for making insurance affordable and inclusive. In a panel discussion at the Business Standard BFSI Insight Summit 2025, Anup Bagchi, managing director (MD) & chief executive officer (CEO) of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance; Mahesh Balasubramanian, MD & CEO of Kotak Life Insurance; Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO of Bajaj Life Insurance; and Ratnakar Patnaik, MD of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), listed what else the industry needs to reach more people.

iPhone Affordability Index Reveals: Most Indians Can't...

iPhone Affordability Index Reveals: Most Indians Can't...

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The average Indian worker must labour for an extraordinary 160 full working days to afford Apple's latest iPhone 17 Pro.

Why OTTs Are Focusing On Bharat

Why OTTs Are Focusing On Bharat

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

'The South today is a creative engine shaping the future of Indian entertainment.'

WazirX Reboots Operations After Mega Hack

WazirX Reboots Operations After Mega Hack

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

'We've not seen a crypto exchange come back after about 45 per cent of the value on the platform was impacted.'

Now you can make final PF pension withdrawal after 3 years

Now you can make final PF pension withdrawal after 3 years

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) board has approved liberalised part withdrawals for subscribers, allowing up to 100 per cent EPF withdrawal, and rolled out the 'Vishwas Scheme' to reduce litigation through rationalised penal damages.

A Day at Mumbai's Museum of Solutions

A Day at Mumbai's Museum of Solutions

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

MUSO is more than a museum; it is a vibrant, innovative playground that fosters curiosity.

'From India-First To India-For-The-World'

'From India-First To India-For-The-World'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

'The next decade will be even more transformative,' says Prime Minister Modi. 'We are moving from digital governance to global digital leadership.'

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday asked fintech firms to focus on risk management at a time when criminals are using AI to mimic voices, clone identities and create lifelike videos to manipulate people.

Payslip To Pension To Long-Term Wealth: How EPF Works

Payslip To Pension To Long-Term Wealth: How EPF Works

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

A 10-part series that explains all you want to know about how India's EPF turns a slice of your monthly salary into long-term savings, pension, and life insurance.

M&M, Manulife to form life insurance JV with 7,200 crore investment

M&M, Manulife to form life insurance JV with 7,200 crore investment

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Canadian firm Manulife and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), an Indian automaker with interests in financial services, have signed an agreement to form a 50:50 life insurance joint venture (JV) with a total capital commitment of up to Rs 3,600 crore each totalling Rs 7,200 crore.

What You Must Know About New Income Tax Act

What You Must Know About New Income Tax Act

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

The contrast with the old Income-Tax Act is stark. The 1961 law ran into 512,000 words; the 2025 one pares that down to 259,000. Chapters have been cut from 47 to 23, while sections have reduced from 819 to 536. One of the clearest changes is terminological. The confusing twin concepts of 'assessment year' and 'previous year' have been scrapped.

World's Top Schools Set Sights On India

World's Top Schools Set Sights On India

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

In the academic year 2024-2025, the IB had 258 authorised schools in India, up from 183 schools in 2019.

OpenAI to set up first India office in 2025

OpenAI to set up first India office in 2025

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

OpenAI on Friday said it will set up its first India office in New Delhi later this year, underlining the swift uptake of its AI tools in a market that is ChatGPT's second-largest after the US and among its fastest-growing. OpenAI said it has officially established an entity in India and has begun hiring a dedicated local team.

Airtel to approach DoT on AGR in coming days: MD

Airtel to approach DoT on AGR in coming days: MD

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Telecom firm Bharti Airtel will approach the government on the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) it has to pay the exchequer following the Supreme Court's judgment that the government can reassess all AGR dues, according to vice-chairman and managing director Gopal Vittal.

Taiwanese among 17 held in Gujarat for 'digital arrest' fraud

Taiwanese among 17 held in Gujarat for 'digital arrest' fraud

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

Seventeen persons, including four hailing from Taiwan, were arrested by Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch for allegedly operating a nationwide 'digital arrest' racket, a Gujarat police official said on Monday.

US tariff tide may lift India's exports, reckons NITI Aayog

US tariff tide may lift India's exports, reckons NITI Aayog

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

India has a comparative edge over key competitors in a majority of products it exports to the US and stands to gain market share as the US raises tariffs on its major trade partners, NITI Aayog said on Monday. In its quarterly trade report, it recommended that the government fast-track the India-US free trade agreement with time-bound goals to resolve non-tariff barriers and finalise digital trade rules on data flows and e-signatures to support services exports.

Cashless Facility On Hold? How To Manage

Cashless Facility On Hold? How To Manage

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

To handle the sudden loss of cashless facility, patients should maintain an emergency fund or a short-term credit line to manage all or part of hospitalisation costs.

Invest in Gold ETF Or Fund-Of-Funds?

Invest in Gold ETF Or Fund-Of-Funds?

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

'Allocating 5 to 10 per cent of one's portfolio and staying disciplined through market cycles helps in having a positive investment experience.'

AI 171 crash: SC seeks govt, DGCA replies on 'fair, expeditious' probe plea

AI 171 crash: SC seeks govt, DGCA replies on 'fair, expeditious' probe plea

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the preliminary report on the Air India crash and has asked for a more independent and thorough investigation.

'Don't Quit Your Job To Start a Business'

'Don't Quit Your Job To Start a Business'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Yamuna Kalyani reveals how she battled stereotypes to build UniteAR, an augmented reality platform that helps users create interactive AR experiences for personal and commercial purposes.

Mukesh Ambani promises to pass on GST relief to consumers

Mukesh Ambani promises to pass on GST relief to consumers

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani on Thursday termed the second-generation GST reforms as a big booster to consumption-driven growth while his firm promised to pass on the benefit of the cut in tax rates to consumers.

500K Free ChatGPT Licences for India

500K Free ChatGPT Licences for India

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

OpenAI will provide 500,000 free ChatGPT licences for six months to students and teachers across government schools from classes 1 to 12, engineering and technical institutes, as well as K-12 educators.

Be Warned! AI Makes Identity Theft Easier

Be Warned! AI Makes Identity Theft Easier

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

'The way the attacks are coming has become much stronger and much wider because of AI.'

Nepal Crisis: A Wake-Up Call For India

Nepal Crisis: A Wake-Up Call For India

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Having control over both digital media and NGOs, it was easy for the US to topple the government and destabilise Nepal -- to undercut Chinese influence and pressure India, argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Is IMAX Luring More Audiences?

Is IMAX Luring More Audiences?

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

'We're witnessing a consistent surge in audience demand for IMAX screenings, particularly for high-octane, spectacle-driven films.'

MFs ease exit load to attract investors

MFs ease exit load to attract investors

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

The competitive intensity in the mutual fund (MF) industry is moving beyond scheme performance, cost structures, and distribution. In recent months, several fund houses have rationalised exit loads applicable on redemptions.

'We May See Fewer IPO In Next Samvat'

'We May See Fewer IPO In Next Samvat'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

'The primary market's rhythm mirrors investor confidence. While sentiment may appear cautious, it reflects maturity, not weakness.'

Amazon, Flipkart deploy war rooms for Rs 1.2 trillion festival battle

Amazon, Flipkart deploy war rooms for Rs 1.2 trillion festival battle

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

At the stroke of midnight, live dashboards lit up simultaneously across Amazon India's World Trade Centre headquarters and Flipkart's Outer Ring Road office in Bengaluru. In sprawling "war rooms" at both the companies, executives monitored real-time data streams tracking payment speeds, inventory levels, and delivery logistics as millions of shoppers flooded online platforms.

Two reasons why rural FMCG basket is expanding

Two reasons why rural FMCG basket is expanding

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

A growing preference for convenience products and hybrid media consumption, and a surge in digital engagement have led to a rise in the average basket size for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) among rural consumers. The average of the rural FMCG basket saw a 60 per cent rise from 5.8 in 2022 to 9.3 in 2024 as it expanded to include convenience products like ready-to-eat packages and beverages, stated the fifth edition of the Rural Barometer Report, brought out jointly by GroupM and Kantar, which surveyed 4,376 rural adults across 20 states.

Walmart to add 1 lakh MSMEs in next 3 years

Walmart to add 1 lakh MSMEs in next 3 years

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

US-based retail giant Walmart will connect one lakh more MSMEs in the next three years to its supplier development programme in India, a company official said here on Thursday. The programme, Walmart Vriddhi, has partnered with Ideas to Impact Foundation (i2i), which will enable more MSMEs to expand their access to both national and international markets, helped by the combined strengths of Walmart's global supply chain and Flipkart's e-commerce capabilities.

Modi to inaugurate Navi Mumbai airport, Mumbai Metro Line on Wednesday

Modi to inaugurate Navi Mumbai airport, Mumbai Metro Line on Wednesday

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Navi Mumbai International Airport and a portion of the Mumbai Metro Line, marking significant improvements to transportation infrastructure in Mumbai.

FAQ: IT Dept Can Check E-mail, WhatsApp

FAQ: IT Dept Can Check E-mail, WhatsApp

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Here's what you must know about the new rule, its implications, and whether it affects taxpayers' rights and privacy.

Apple's New Lineup Will Have You Queueing Up To Buy!

Apple's New Lineup Will Have You Queueing Up To Buy!

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Apple's iPhone 17, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3, and new Watches set the stage for a smarter future, but it comes at a price.

What You Need To Know About New I-T Bill

What You Need To Know About New I-T Bill

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'The new Bill introduces no policy or rate changes, leaving financial planning strategies largely unaffected.'
'The considerations for choosing between the old and new tax regimes remain essentially unchanged.'

Hyundai to make India global export hub, 2nd largest market

Hyundai to make India global export hub, 2nd largest market

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

Lining up its 2030 strategy, Hyundai said it was targeting up to 30 per cent export contribution and over 1.5-fold rise in revenue, to cross the 1 trillion milestone in five years.