Lalit K Jha And K J M Varma

Stories by Lalit K Jha And K J M Varma

China reported nearly 250mn Covid cases in just 20 days: Report

China reported nearly 250mn Covid cases in just 20 days: Report

Rediff.com   24 Dec 2022

The report came at the time when British-based health data firm Airfinity, said that the infections in China are likely to be more than one million a day with deaths at more than 5,000 a day.

Biden nominates Indian-American lawyer Rich Verma to top diplomatic post

Biden nominates Indian-American lawyer Rich Verma to top diplomatic post

Rediff.com   24 Dec 2022

Verma, 54, who served as a former US ambassador to India from January 16, 2015, to January 20, 2017 is currently the chief legal officer and head of global public policy at Mastercard.

China our only competitor with intent to reshape international order: Blinken

China our only competitor with intent to reshape international order: Blinken

Rediff.com   23 Dec 2022

Blinken also underlined that diplomacy is the only way to definitively end the Russian conflict in Ukraine.

Yangtse clash spells danger for Xi Jinping's new term

Yangtse clash spells danger for Xi Jinping's new term

Rediff.com   22 Dec 2022

Observers say China should re-address its policies towards India or else it will continue to face flare-ups increasing the tensions between the two countries at a time China's increasing tension with the US over Taiwan and the South China Sea besides the downturn in the Chinese economy which is hit hard by the zero-covid policy.

Current Covid wave may lead to new variants, warn Chinese health experts

Current Covid wave may lead to new variants, warn Chinese health experts

Rediff.com   21 Dec 2022

Wang Guangfa, a respiratory expert from Peking University First Hospital, warned that Beijing may experience a spike in severe COVID-19 cases over the next fortnight.

US warns Taliban over decision to ban women from universities

US warns Taliban over decision to ban women from universities

Rediff.com   21 Dec 2022

The Taliban rulers on Tuesday banned university education for women nationwide, as they took decisive steps to crush their right to education and freedom.

India in danger of becoming Hindu nationalist State: US Congressman

India in danger of becoming Hindu nationalist State: US Congressman

Rediff.com   16 Dec 2022

'I am a lover of Hinduism, a lover of Jainism, Buddhism and other religions that were born in India, but we need to protect the rights of all people there. Whether they're Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Jains'

Clinics flooded with patients as China reels under massive Covid wave

Clinics flooded with patients as China reels under massive Covid wave

Rediff.com   15 Dec 2022

Videos circulating in China's social media showed clinics in Beijing and some other cities flooded with patients with queues extending onto footpaths with people patiently waiting for their turn in the cold winter.

Border situation 'generally stable': China after clashes with India

Border situation 'generally stable': China after clashes with India

Rediff.com   13 Dec 2022

At a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the two sides have maintained smooth communication on border-related issues through diplomatic and military channels.

After 2 years, Beijing relaxes COVID-19 test norms following protests

After 2 years, Beijing relaxes COVID-19 test norms following protests

Rediff.com   6 Dec 2022

However, Beijing residents will still require a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours to enter restaurants, schools, bars, internet cafes, indoor gaming stadiums, nursing homes, welfare facilities, hospitals and medical institutions.

Ro Khanna questioned Twitter's censoring of story on Biden's son

Ro Khanna questioned Twitter's censoring of story on Biden's son

Rediff.com   3 Dec 2022

Two Indian Americans -- Congressman Ro Khanna and Vijaya Gadde -- prominently figure in United States President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden's laptop story whose full disclosure Twitter CEO Elon Musk has announced would be released on the microblogging site.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai receives Padma Bhushan in US

Google CEO Sundar Pichai receives Padma Bhushan in US

Rediff.com   3 Dec 2022

Indian-American Pichai was awarded the Padma Bhushan for 2022 in the Trade and Industry category.

Looking forward to support my friend Modi during India's G20 presidency: Biden

Looking forward to support my friend Modi during India's G20 presidency: Biden

Rediff.com   2 Dec 2022

The US President also underlined that both countries "will advance sustainable and inclusive growth while tackling shared challenges like the climate, energy, and food crises."

China will have 1500 nuclear warheads by 2035, says Pentagon report

China will have 1500 nuclear warheads by 2035, says Pentagon report

Rediff.com   30 Nov 2022

China is expanding its nuclear force and is likely to have a stockpile of about 1,500 warheads by 2035, up from the current estimated number of 400, the Pentagon has said in a report that notes that Beijing aims to expand its national power through both domestic and foreign policy initiatives.

India-US army drills near LAC violate border agreements, says China

India-US army drills near LAC violate border agreements, says China

Rediff.com   30 Nov 2022

China on Wednesday said it was opposed to the joint Indo-US military exercises being held near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), asserting that it violates the spirit of the two border agreements signed between New Delhi and Beijing.

Amid LAC row, China warns US against interfering in ties with India

Amid LAC row, China warns US against interfering in ties with India

Rediff.com   30 Nov 2022

Throughout its standoff with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Chinese officials sought to downplay the severity of the crisis, emphasising Beijing's intent to preserve border stability and prevent the standoff from harming other areas of its bilateral relationship with India, the Pentagon said in a report on Tuesday.

China buckles under global pressure, hints at relaxing Covid curbs

China buckles under global pressure, hints at relaxing Covid curbs

Rediff.com   29 Nov 2022

Seeking to address international concerns, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China has been adjusting the zero-COVID policy based on the changing circumstances.

China defends Covid policy, downplays protests as country logs 40K fresh cases

China defends Covid policy, downplays protests as country logs 40K fresh cases

Rediff.com   28 Nov 2022

China's national health commission said 39,452 new cases were reported on Monday, including 36,304 local asymptomatic cases, as authorities scrambled to contain the fresh surge in infections.

China protests over Covid lockdowns; demand Xi's resignation

China protests over Covid lockdowns; demand Xi's resignation

Rediff.com   28 Nov 2022

Crowds carrying lighted candles in memory of those killed in the fire at an apartment block reported under COVID-19 lockdown in Urumqi in Xinjiang shouted slogans against the arbitrary lockdowns by the government to curb the spread of the virus and in solidarity with the weekend protests in Shanghai.

Covid lockdown protests spread across China; people shout 'Step down Xi'

Covid lockdown protests spread across China; people shout 'Step down Xi'

Rediff.com   27 Nov 2022

Several videos have emerged on social media which showcased people chanting slogans against restrictions imposed by the Chinese government to curb the spread of Covid.