News for 'universal'

Former Delhi chief secy Rakesh Mehta dies by suicide at his residence

Former Delhi chief secy Rakesh Mehta dies by suicide at his residence

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Former Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta, who served under ex-chief minister Sheila Dixit, has allegedly died by suicide at his Noida residence. Police recovered a suicide note citing 'mental and health issues' as reasons. Mehta, a 1975 batch IAS officer, was 74 and had been credited with significant infrastructure projects in Delhi during his tenure from 2007 to 2010.

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.com16 Sep 2026

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.

Delhi University Staff Fight College Name Change

Delhi University Staff Fight College Name Change

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The staff association of Dyal Singh Evening College is protesting the proposed renaming of the college to Banda Singh Bahadur, following a decision made in December 2025. They met with the Governing Body chairman to voice their concerns and request a staff council meeting to discuss the matter.

X account suspended of outfit handling Mohan Bhagwat's NYC event

X account suspended of outfit handling Mohan Bhagwat's NYC event

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A US Congress-constituted advisory body on religious freedom, the USCIRF, has urged the Trump administration to revoke the visa issued to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, citing concerns over alleged violent attacks against religious minorities by RSS subgroups.

Delhi building collapse: Absconding PG operator surrenders before court

Delhi building collapse: Absconding PG operator surrenders before court

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Shubham Tyagi, an accused in the Satya Niketan building collapse that killed seven people. Tyagi was allegedly co-running a paying guest facility in the collapsed building and failed to disclose a crucial rent agreement, which weighed heavily against his plea. The court noted a "joint venture" with co-accused Sudhanshu and the need for further investigation into their roles and the money trail.

Revolutionary Morphing Skin Enhances Aircraft Safety And Fuel Efficiency

Revolutionary Morphing Skin Enhances Aircraft Safety And Fuel Efficiency

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT,M) have developed a novel "morphing skin" concept for aircraft wings, inspired by bird flight. This adaptive external skin dynamically reshapes in real time to prevent aerodynamic stalls, enhance lift, reduce drag, and significantly improve aircraft safety and fuel efficiency. The technology holds promise for commercial aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and defence applications.

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.

Ghamasaan Revives Bollywood's Chambal Fascination

Ghamasaan Revives Bollywood's Chambal Fascination

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia returns to the Chambal world with Ghamasaan, pitting Pratik Gandhi's police officer against Arshad Warsi's dreaded Maharaj.

RSS links in new NCERT political science textbook panel: What will change?

RSS links in new NCERT political science textbook panel: What will change?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has reconstituted the Textbook Development Team for class 11 and 12 political science with a mandate to integrate cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems and inclusion, with at least four of the members having direct or indirect links with the RSS.

Get A Scholarship Worth Rs 75,000

Get A Scholarship Worth Rs 75,000

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The scholarship is open to students from Classes 1 to 12, as well as those pursuing their diploma, ITI, polytechnic, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including both general and professional programmes.

'I have a good chance': Karkera eyes Asian Games podium

'I have a good chance': Karkera eyes Asian Games podium

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Asian Games debutant Kartik Karkera, an orthopaedic doctor, expresses confidence in securing a podium finish in the men's marathon despite facing faster international competitors. He believes the challenging heat and humidity will make it a tactical race, playing to his strengths, and prioritises a medal over a personal best. Karkera also highlights the advantage of his 1500m background and medical knowledge in his training.

New Study Links Long Covid, PTSD, And Other Conditions To Common Biological Pathways

New Study Links Long Covid, PTSD, And Other Conditions To Common Biological Pathways

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

A new study has identified a shared biological process that could explain chronic exhaustion in conditions like long Covid, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Researchers found that despite different triggers, these illnesses converge on common biological systems, including immune and metabolic regulation, leading to profound fatigue. The findings suggest a deeper connection between these seemingly disparate disorders at a network level, rather than at an individual gene level.

Lucknow University Teacher Under Investigation After Allegations

Lucknow University Teacher Under Investigation After Allegations

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Lucknow University has launched an inquiry and filed a police report against a teacher following allegations of inappropriate conduct with a female student and claims of leaking examination papers. The teacher denies the accusations, citing internal politics.

What It Was Like To Live In The '80s?

What It Was Like To Live In The '80s?

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

For five Mumbaikars who were teenagers or in their 20s during the 1980s, the decade was not a sepia-toned Instagram filter. It was their everyday life, they tell Rediff's Rishika Shah. And while they remember its limitations, what they seem to miss most is something technology can't recreate -- the unhurried warmth of human connection.

BHU Boosts Biomedical Research With ICMR Funding

BHU Boosts Biomedical Research With ICMR Funding

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has received approximately Rs 15 crore in funding from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for six biomedical research projects. These projects aim to address critical national health priorities, including cancer detection, antimicrobial resistance, and pediatric septic shock, fostering advanced research and improving patient care.

Key Athletes Dropped From India's Asian Games Athletics Team

Key Athletes Dropped From India's Asian Games Athletics Team

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

India's Asian Games athletics team has been trimmed to 74 members, with prominent athletes like javelin thrower Annu Rani, long jumper Shahnavaz Khan, and sprinter Nithya Gandhe dropped due to performance or medical reasons. The decision followed a confirmatory event, while some injured national record holders were cleared to participate.

'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 NDTL And SGT University Are Shaping Clean Sport's Future

How NDTL And SGT University Are Shaping Clean Sport's Future

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) and Shree Guru Govind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University have signed an MoU to promote clean sport through joint research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. This partnership aims to advance scientific research in anti-doping, forensic analysis, and healthcare diagnostics, while also shaping the next generation of professionals in these fields.

'Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' don't know their mother'

'Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' don't know their mother'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Kerala University vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal on Saturday said those who do not say Vande Mataram do not know who their mother is.

How Microplastics Act As Trojan Horses For Contaminants

How Microplastics Act As Trojan Horses For Contaminants

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

A new review reveals that microplastics are not just pollutants but also act as carriers for toxic chemicals, microorganisms, and antibiotic resistance genes across various environmental compartments. This "Trojan horse effect" allows them to transport persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals, releasing them into organisms upon ingestion. Additionally, microplastics foster microbial communities, known as the plastisphere, which can accelerate the spread of antimicrobial resistance, amplifying ecological hazards.

Delhi University Stops St Stephen's Principal Appointment

Delhi University Stops St Stephen's Principal Appointment

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Delhi University has instructed St Stephen's College to halt the appointment of a new principal, citing that the selection committee was not formed in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018.

Saiyaara Girl Aneet Padda's Next: 'Hunkkaar Is Our Battle Cry'

Saiyaara Girl Aneet Padda's Next: 'Hunkkaar Is Our Battle Cry'

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

'We feel strongly about so much injustice that is out there in the world. For us, it is very important that we take away this word called 'victim' and make something out of it. I want to celebrate survivors, always.'

'Friend' stabs DU girl student for talking to other men

'Friend' stabs DU girl student for talking to other men

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A 21-year-old Delhi University student was brutally stabbed to death at her home in Tilak Nagar. Police suspect a known acquaintance, Imran, committed the crime out of rage over her talking to another person. Imran is currently absconding, and multiple police teams have been formed to apprehend him as investigations continue.

Indian Athletics Series Final Sees New National Record And Sable's Strong Return

Indian Athletics Series Final Sees New National Record And Sable's Strong Return

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Tanya Chaudhary broke the women's hammer throw national record with a distance of 68.35m at the Indian Athletics Series Final. Avinash Sable also made a strong return to the 3000m steeplechase, winning his first race in over a year. The event served as a crucial tune-up for Indian athletes heading to the Asian Games, with several other notable performances including wins by Harita Bhadra, Animesh Kujur, Rohit Yadav, and Tajinderpal Singh Toor.

'We always face racism here': Murder leads to fear among northeast community

'We always face racism here': Murder leads to fear among northeast community

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A Manipuri musician, C Vikram Singh, was allegedly beaten to death by a group of delivery workers and dhaba staff in Delhi after he objected to their loud behaviour. The incident has led to the arrest of seven men and a juvenile. The local Northeastern community has expressed outrage, alleging that the incident highlights persistent racism and discrimination they face in the city, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into potential racist motives.

'SIR Is Legal. But Is it Fair'

'SIR Is Legal. But Is it Fair'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'Now the institutions which have the might of law invested in them think that whatever they do is right.'

SAI And University Of Tsukuba Sign MoU For Sports Development

SAI And University Of Tsukuba Sign MoU For Sports Development

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan's University of Tsukuba to facilitate specialised training and exchange programmes for Indian athletes, coaches, and sports scientists. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation in various sports-related fields and boost India's international competitiveness, especially in disciplines like athletics, archery, table tennis, swimming, and judo.

'Removal of critical wall led to Delhi PG building collapse'

'Removal of critical wall led to Delhi PG building collapse'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Police investigations into the collapse of a five-storey PG building in Delhi's Satya Niketan reveal that three truckloads of debris were used to level the basement, and a crucial wall was removed on the ground floor shortly before the incident. Seven people died and five were injured. The building owner, labour contractor, and a PG operator have been arrested, while another operator is absconding. Concerns about building safety and unauthorised construction in the area have been raised.

Want justice, not revenge: Family of slain Manipuri musician

Want justice, not revenge: Family of slain Manipuri musician

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The family of Chongtham Vikram Singh, a Manipuri musician beaten to death in south Delhi, has appealed for justice and an impartial probe, stating they seek accountability, not revenge, for his sudden loss.

Ladakh sets precedent with 4 percent job reservation for outstanding sportspersons

Ladakh sets precedent with 4 percent job reservation for outstanding sportspersons

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Ladakh has approved a four per cent reservation for outstanding sportspersons in Group 'C' government jobs, becoming the first Union Territory in India to implement such a fixed quota. This initiative aims to provide financial security and career opportunities for talented athletes, fostering an ecosystem where sporting excellence is recognised and rewarded.

Delhi building collapse: Student's family questions four-hour rescue delay

Delhi building collapse: Student's family questions four-hour rescue delay

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A 20-year-old student, Aditya, survived a building collapse in Delhi after being trapped for four hours, during which he communicated with his family. His family is now questioning the significant delay in his rescue, despite him being conscious and able to call for help. The incident, which killed seven, has led to an inquiry and the arrest of the building owner.

How Mathematical Biology Is Revolutionising Cancer Therapy

How Mathematical Biology Is Revolutionising Cancer Therapy

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Professor Philip Maini, an Indian-origin academic at the University of Oxford, is pioneering the application of mathematical biology to understand and develop new cancer therapies. His work focuses on creating models that predict treatment outcomes and developing adaptive therapy strategies to combat drug resistance in tumours, offering a novel approach to improving patient care.

Himalayan disasters: Climate change is not the only factor

Himalayan disasters: Climate change is not the only factor

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

A recent study by scientists indicates that the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region is experiencing increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change, including rapid glacial melting and changing rainfall patterns. However, the research also cautions against solely blaming climate change, highlighting that human factors like population growth, commercial activities, and non-enforcement of regulations contribute significantly to the vulnerability and impact of these disasters. The study points out that many devastating floods originate from small glaciers and rain-fed streams, exacerbated by encroachment on unstable slopes and floodplains.

Nepal Rescue Via Zip Line

Nepal Rescue Via Zip Line

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Rescue teams led by the Nepal army continue search operations to locate survivors from the August 26 disaster. 4,873 people remain missing.

Tanya Chaudhary Breaks Hammer Throw National Record, Sable Dominates Steeplechase

Tanya Chaudhary Breaks Hammer Throw National Record, Sable Dominates Steeplechase

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Tanya Chaudhary shattered the women's hammer throw national record with a distance of 68.35m at the Indian Athletics Series Final. Concurrently, Avinash Sable marked a triumphant return to the 3000m steeplechase, winning his first race in over a year. Both athletes are part of India's Asian Games contingent, with Sable also eyeing a 5000m entry. The event saw a lucrative prize fund, highlighting significant performances across various disciplines.

Cricket Coaching Student Drowns In University Pool: What Happened?

Cricket Coaching Student Drowns In University Pool: What Happened?

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A 28-year-old student pursuing a post-graduate diploma in cricket coaching allegedly drowned in a swimming pool at the Sports University of Haryana campus in Sonipat. Police are investigating the incident, and the university has formed a committee to probe the matter.

Satya Niketan collapse: Nadda assures Delhi CM of all support

Satya Niketan collapse: Nadda assures Delhi CM of all support

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

A five-storey building housing a boys' hostel in Satya Niketan, South Delhi, collapsed, resulting in three student deaths and several injuries. Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured support and are monitoring the situation. Rescue operations are ongoing, with many feared trapped, and an investigation into the building's owner is underway.

Bar Council revokes order banning enrolment of NALSAR graduates after outcry

Bar Council revokes order banning enrolment of NALSAR graduates after outcry

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Bar Council of India initially directed state bar councils not to enrol 2026 NALSAR University of Law graduates due to alleged student protests against the CJI's convocation participation. However, following widespread social media criticism, the BCI reversed its decision, allowing students to enrol while an inquiry into the instigators continues.

Chief Justice Kant Calls For Proactive Tech Role In Legal Education

Chief Justice Kant Calls For Proactive Tech Role In Legal Education

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged national law universities to proactively lead the integration of technology into the legal system, rather than merely reacting to changes. Speaking at a conclave, he stressed the importance of incorporating academic integrity and responsible AI use into the curriculum, rejecting outright bans on generative AI. The CJI highlighted that law schools must prepare graduates to critically engage with technological tools, ensuring justice, fairness, and human judgment remain central to the evolving legal landscape.

Delhi building collapse: Bloodied student records video from under rubble

Delhi building collapse: Bloodied student records video from under rubble

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

A five-storey building housing a boys' hostel in Delhi's Satya Niketan collapsed, resulting in three student deaths and five critical injuries. The incident, which occurred on a Sunday afternoon, sparked frantic rescue operations and raised serious concerns about building maintenance and safety in the congested student neighbourhood. An investigation is underway to find the building's owner.