Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Tuesday met Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das and discussed various issues including financial inclusion, payment systems, microfinance and digital lending among others. "Mr.@BillGates visited RBI Mumbai today and held wide ranging discussions with Governor @DasShaktikanta #RBI #rbitoday #rbigovernor #shaktikantadas #BillGates," RBI said in a tweet. Gates Foundation pursues a lot of activity in India including promotion of financial inclusion, health sector and climate change.
Students at Ashoka University in Haryana are protesting against new security measures, including vehicle checks and prohibition on carrying cigarettes and alcohol on campus. The new protocols, reportedly outlined in a January 13 email by the varsity's Vice President of Operations, also include shifting student movement to another gate and submitting students to pocket checks. Students have criticised the measures as invasive and an overreach of authorities, demanding a roll-back.
The alleged entry of 'plainclothes police personnel' on the university campus on Monday also did not go down well with a section of the students and teachers.
The national capital is on high alert for Republic Day, with over 70 companies of paramilitary forces and more than 70,000 police personnel deployed across the city. A six-layered security protocol involving 15,000 security personnel has been deployed in New Delhi district alone. Security measures include over 2,500 CCTV cameras with facial recognition, anti-drone systems, and snipers on rooftops. Traffic restrictions have been imposed in central Delhi, with no traffic movement allowed on Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate from 6 pm on Saturday. Flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms is prohibited over Delhi until February 1.
India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.
Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates's stab at cooking a roti drew praise from Prime Minister N D Modi who encouraged him to try his hand at making millet dishes too.
Rohit Sharma's career has been a mix of brilliant moments and inconsistencies. While his Test record may not be impressive, his white-ball dominance and leadership qualities make him a legend.
'One good outcome of Operation Sindoor -- perhaps, its best outcome -- could be that India has resumed meaningful contact directly with Pakistan at the military-to-military level,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced ticket prices for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with the lowest priced ticket starting at PKR 1000 for the General Enclosure for all matches in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) has proposed a significant increase in User Development Fee (UDF) for international passengers, while domestic passengers will be charged a UDF for the first time. However, MIAL also proposed a 35% reduction in landing and parking charges, aiming to balance infrastructure development with cost-effective air travel for airlines. The new tariff structure is subject to approval by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).
Thousands of fans poured in from as early as 5 am to witness Virat Kohli's long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti alleged that she and her mother, party chief Mehbooba Mufti, were placed under house arrest in Kashmir. They were planning to visit families of victims of army firing incidents in Sopore and Kathua. Iltija Mufti criticized the restrictions, stating that comforting victims' families is being criminalized in Kashmir.
India Gate being cleaned by Delhi Fire Service personnel as part of the preparations for the Republic Day parade 2023.
'He has been one of the clearest thinkers in the history of business.'
A day after six persons died in the Tirupati stampede, the Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday announced a judicial inquiry into the incident that seems to have been the result of a policeman's innocuous act of opening the gate with the intention of aiding a sick woman.
Punjab Kings produced a disciplined bowling performance to outsmart Chennai Super Kings and return to winning ways at Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on Tuesday, April 8 2025.
Vaniya Agarwal says Friday April 11 will be her last day at Microsoft
'The khaps have taken a decision that on May 28, a mahapanchayat will be held under the leadership of women and youth near the new Parliament building. We've taken the decision because this is a fight for the integrity and respect of the womenfolk.'
The ceremonial arch, inaugurated in July 1836, in a rather austere ceremony, stands proudly at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle with 12 grand avenues radiating outward from the commemorative landmark.
Naveen Pulligilla and Musa Sherif are set to create history as the first Indian pairing to compete in the World Rally Championships.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to watch the Champions Trophy matches from the stands, after selling the 30-seat VIP Hospitality Box offered to him for around 400,000 dirhams (INR 94 lakh), and putting the proceeds into the PCB's coffers. Naqvi was offered the premium seating for himself, his family, and guests for the matches in Dubai. However, he chose to sell the box and watch the game, including the game against India, from regular enclosures to experience the atmosphere with the fans.
Delhi Police used an Israeli facial recognition system to identify and arrest two accused persons in an Rs 80 lakh robbery case. The accused were identified as Md Ali and Samir, who were apprehended after police analyzed footage from over 500 CCTV cameras and used the technology to match Md Ali's face with a database, resulting in a 32.09% similarity score. The police recovered Rs 79.5 lakh in cash, a semi-automatic pistol, and other incriminating materials during a raid at Samir's residence. The robbery occurred in the Chandni Chowk area on Monday, when an employee of R K Enterprises was robbed at gunpoint while carrying Rs 80 lakh.
Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.
An auto rickshaw driver in Mumbai unknowingly ferried Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan to Lilavati Hospital in the early hours of Thursday. The driver, Bhajan Singh Rana, said he only realized the passenger was the actor when he arrived at the hospital and requested a stretcher. Saif Ali Khan, who was injured with blood-soaked clothes, had been dropped off by a woman and others near the actor's residence. The auto driver said he did not charge Saif Ali Khan for the ride and that the actor was accompanied by his young son, Taimur.
Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Friday amid protests by opposition and treasury benches over the alleged insult to Dr B R Ambedkar and directions by Speaker Om Birla to members against holding demonstrations at any gate of Parliament.
'It was as if the sacred waters were washing away not just my sins but also my doubts and burdens,' says Aayushi Agarwal.
'At around 16:20hrs [local time] a car collided with the gates of Downing Street on Whitehall,' the Met Police said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pamban sea bridge, providing rail link between Rameswaram island and the mainland and flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service. The bridge is India's first vertical sea-lift bridge, spanning 2.08 kilometers, and includes a 72.5-meter-long vertical lift span that can be raised up to 17 meters, allowing the smooth passage of large ships while ensuring seamless train operations. Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, the bridge features stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade paint, and fully welded joints, enhancing durability while reducing maintenance requirements. The bridge is a remarkable blend of tradition and technology.
Many ordinary citizens are drawn to by a sense of history and India's remarkable journey from bondage to freedom which culminated in this monumental building.
A protest broke out at a private engineering college in Medchal, in the vicinity, after some female students raised suspicions that their videos were being recorded from the hostel washroom, police said on Thursday.
A man allegedly gate-crashed his niece's wedding reception in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district and mixed poison in the food prepared for guests as he was against her marriage, police said on Wednesday.
The government of Pakistan conferred on Gates the Hilal-e-Pakistan, the country's second-highest civil award.
The 76th Republic Day Parade concluded with a memorable display of aerial acrobatics, including a stunning victory roll by Rafale aircraft and daring maneuvers by Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. The flypast, featuring over 40 aircraft, captivated the large crowd gathered along Kartavya Path, including President Droupadi Murmu, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The parade showcased the strength and skill of the Indian Air Force and provided a spectacular visual experience for the audience.
Twenty priests have been booked by the police in Kochi, Kerala, for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a protest at the Bishop's House. The incident occurred on January 11, with the priests protesting against the unified Holy Mass. The police registered a case against the priests under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for unlawful assembly, rioting, and causing hurt to a public servant. The protest follows a controversy over the unified Holy Mass, which the Archbishop has defended, stating that altering decisions approved by Pope Francis is impossible.
'Your vibrancy, your grace, your diversity, and the stories embedded in your soil -- forever in love and awe of you, my beautiful India.'
Yadav told the media that he was saddened by efforts to stop them from entering the centre by deploying the police.
Recalling the incident, Sarangi said, "It happened when we (BJP MPs) were standing near an entry gate, peacefully protesting against the insult of Dr. Ambedkar, holding placards."
Empuraan promises a world of geo-political intrigue, drug wars and action spectacle all rolled into one, observes Arjun Menon.
BJP president JP Nadda said on Sunday that the party does not seek to control the Waqf Board but wants to ensure that those managing it operate within the bounds of law and adhere to established rules. He said the properties and funds of the Waqf Board should be dedicated to promoting education, providing healthcare and employment opportunities for the Muslim community. Nadda also highlighted the BJP's growth and achievements, emphasizing its commitment to national unity and cultural heritage.
The 45-day Maha Kumbh 2025, billed as the world's largest gathering of humans, began on Monday with the first major bathing ritual or 'Shahi Snan' at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, India. This edition of the Kumbh is being held after 12 years, with the Uttar Pradesh government expecting over 35 crore devotees to visit. The event is being touted as a 'Digi-Kumbh' with Artificial Intelligence (AI) being used for various aspects, including security and cleanliness. The Maha Kumbh will be held from January 13 to February 26, and is expected to transform the area into the world's largest temporary city. Thirteen Akharas of seers from different sects are participating in the event, attracting attention from those seeking to learn about Indian spiritual beliefs.
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