News for 'COVID-19'

Delhi-Guangzhou direct flights to resume after 6 years as Modi-Xi meet

Delhi-Guangzhou direct flights to resume after 6 years as Modi-Xi meet

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

China Southern Airlines is set to resume its Guangzhou-New Delhi passenger service from September 21, ending a six-year suspension. This move is part of a broader normalisation of India-China relations, following recent high-level diplomatic meetings and previous flight resumptions by other carriers.

Japan yet to catch Asian Games fever as Nagoya welcomes athletes

Japan yet to catch Asian Games fever as Nagoya welcomes athletes

Rediff.com2 days ago

Five years after the Tokyo Olympics were held without spectators, Japan's Asian Games in Nagoya are struggling to generate local enthusiasm, with many residents unaware of the event despite the return of fans.

Indian Golfer Krishiv Tekchandani Ventures Into Ultra-Luxury Watch Market

Indian Golfer Krishiv Tekchandani Ventures Into Ultra-Luxury Watch Market

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Indian golfer Krishiv Tekchandani, known for his philanthropic efforts, has launched an ultra-luxury watch brand called 'XII NOON'. The venture aims to create exclusive timepieces of Bharat origin and will dedicate a portion of its earnings to support widows of Indian Army soldiers.

'Abominable practice': HC orders SBI to refund widow's Rs 19.90 lakh FD

'Abominable practice': HC orders SBI to refund widow's Rs 19.90 lakh FD

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 19.90 lakh debited from a widow's fixed deposit to recover her deceased husband's personal loan. The court deemed the bank's action an "abominable" breach of banking practice and also directed SBI to pay Rs 1 lakh in compensation to the woman.

SEMICON India 2026: Unpacking India's Strategic Push For Chip Manufacturing

SEMICON India 2026: Unpacking India's Strategic Push For Chip Manufacturing

Rediff.com4 days ago

India is making a significant push to establish itself as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, driven by strategic investments and policy support. The upcoming SEMICON India 2026 event will showcase the country's advancements and ambitions in this critical industry, which underpins virtually all modern electronic devices and has faced global supply chain vulnerabilities.

Kashmir Police Investigate COVID-19 Funds Misappropriation

Kashmir Police Investigate COVID-19 Funds Misappropriation

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch in Kashmir conducted searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts concerning the alleged siphoning of government funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why Japan Scrapped Athletes' Village For Asian Games 2026 In Nagoya

Why Japan Scrapped Athletes' Village For Asian Games 2026 In Nagoya

Rediff.com2 days ago

Organisers of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have defended their decision to forgo an Athletes' Village, opting instead for a mix of hotels, container huts, and a cruise ship, despite complaints about cramped conditions and shared rooms.

Will India travel to Pakistan for 2027 SAF Games?

Will India travel to Pakistan for 2027 SAF Games?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

India has clarified its policy regarding participation in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, stating decisions will align with national sports policies and international governing bodies. While bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan remain suspended, Indian athletes are permitted to compete in multilateral events. The government also aims to simplify visa processes to position India as a global sports hosting destination.

From 'pointless' to US Open final: Zverev's incredible revival

From 'pointless' to US Open final: Zverev's incredible revival

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Alexander Zverev has made a remarkable turnaround at the U.S. Open, progressing from early struggles to reach his second final at Flushing Meadows. After being pushed to five sets in his initial matches, he has since won four consecutive matches without dropping a set, setting the stage for a potential second Grand Slam title.

BRICS Nations Endorse India's Sports Technology And Goods Conclave Initiatives

BRICS Nations Endorse India's Sports Technology And Goods Conclave Initiatives

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration has endorsed India's proposals for a Working Group on Sports Technology and a Sports Goods Manufacturing Conclave, aiming to enhance cooperation and innovation among member nations in the sports sector.

India to sustain 7% growth in FY27 despite global headwinds: Sitharaman

India to sustain 7% growth in FY27 despite global headwinds: Sitharaman

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India is likely to sustain economic growth of 7 per cent or more in 2026-27, continuing the pace recorded since the Covid-19 pandemic, despite geopolitical uncertainties and supply-chain disruptions.

South Asian Games Set For Pakistan Amid India Participation Uncertainty

South Asian Games Set For Pakistan Amid India Participation Uncertainty

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Pakistan is set to host the 14th South Asian Games in April next year across Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, after a six-year delay. While the South Asia Olympic Council has approved the dates and venues, India's participation remains uncertain due to political tensions, despite its representative attending the planning meeting.

5 Rakhi Ads That Melted Our Hearts

5 Rakhi Ads That Melted Our Hearts

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Five Raksha Bandhan ads that stayed with us long after the festival was over...

Xi calls on BRICS countries to help end war in West Asia

Xi calls on BRICS countries to help end war in West Asia

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the BRICS summit, urging the bloc to play a significant role in achieving peace and tranquillity in West Asia and the Gulf region. He highlighted BRICS' growth over two decades, its efforts in tackling global challenges, and its steadfastness in safeguarding the interests of the Global South. Xi called for opposing the Cold War mentality, strengthening multilateralism, and promoting cooperation in emerging domains like AI, as China prepares to chair the next summit.

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.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

Asia Games: Why Indian athletes are sleeping in shipping containers

Asia Games: Why Indian athletes are sleeping in shipping containers

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Indian athletes are undergoing a unique acclimatisation process at NSNIS Patiala and Bengaluru, spending nights in makeshift shipping container rooms. This initiative by the Sports Authority of India aims to prepare them for the unusual container-style accommodation awaiting them at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, ensuring logistical issues do not distract from their performance.

Omicron RF.5 variant detected in Andhra, health minister urges calm

Omicron RF.5 variant detected in Andhra, health minister urges calm

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced the detection of the Omicron RF.5 variant in four COVID-19 samples from Kadapa district, confirmed by genome sequencing in Pune. While the variant is being monitored by WHO and health officials, there is currently no indication it is more dangerous than other Omicron strains, and public vigilance is advised over panic.

80th Independence Day: Modi vows to realise 'Viksit Bharat' dream by 2047

80th Independence Day: Modi vows to realise 'Viksit Bharat' dream by 2047

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 80th Independence Day address, expressed strong confidence that India will achieve developed nation status by 2047, urging citizens to embrace big dreams and unwavering resolve to realise 'Viksit Bharat'. He highlighted India's economic transformation and significant growth in various sectors, including defence production, electronic manufacturing, and mobile phone production.

46-year-old man dies of Covid in Andhra's Kadapa as antibiotics fail

46-year-old man dies of Covid in Andhra's Kadapa as antibiotics fail

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A 46-year-old man in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, died of Covid-19 after a four-day course of antibiotics failed to alleviate his severe breathlessness and cough. The man, an alcoholic, had severely damaged lungs due to pneumonia, and a subsequent CT scan confirmed the coronavirus infection, leading to containment measures.

Earning spouses must share household expenses, says HC

Earning spouses must share household expenses, says HC

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that both earning partners must contribute to household and child's education expenses to maintain a lifestyle, reducing a man's monthly maintenance payment to his estranged wife and son. The court emphasised that equality cannot be claimed selectively, especially when both parties are earning.

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Opposition leaders have questioned how caste responses will be recorded without state-wise pre-prepared lists.

Is Your Office Making You Sick?

Is Your Office Making You Sick?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, our everyday workplace can quietly influence both our physical and mental wellbeing, warns Dr Vikram Vora.

From NCC To Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's Remarkable Shooting Journey

From NCC To Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's Remarkable Shooting Journey

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Vidarsa K Vinod, a 27-year-old rifle shooter from Kozhikode, has secured a spot in the Indian squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Her path from an NCC introduction to elite competition was marked by financial struggles, training with borrowed equipment, and overcoming setbacks like the COVID-19 pandemic. With crucial support from her family, husband, and the National Centre of Excellence, she now aims to become the World No. 1 in her sport.

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Two Indian-origin individuals, Pritesh Walia, a jazz guitarist, and Venkata Vasamsetty, a green-card holder grandmother, have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in separate cases, highlighting the Trump administration's intensified deportation and enforcement drive.

Use PM CARES' Rs 8,500 crore fund for rural schools, says Abjhijeet Dipke

Use PM CARES' Rs 8,500 crore fund for rural schools, says Abjhijeet Dipke

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has called for the PM CARES Fund, which holds over Rs 8,452 crore, to be used to improve infrastructure in rural schools and build more than 1,000 new high-tech schools, highlighting the dire conditions faced by children.

Census 2027: What personal details will you have to disclose?

Census 2027: What personal details will you have to disclose?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In addition to caste details, the Census will, for the first time, collect personal information such as the total number of bank accounts held by individuals, along with their mobile number, Aadhaar number, voter ID number, passport number and driving licence status, according to the 40 questions notified by the Registrar General of India on Friday.

India-China border trade via Lipulekh to start from Aug 1

India-China border trade via Lipulekh to start from Aug 1

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India-China border trade via Uttarakhand's Lipulekh Pass is set to resume on August 1 after a gap of more than six years, with the neighbouring country granting permission to 20 Indian traders to visit Purang (Taklakot), according to officials.

No Khel Ratna for 2025; Tejaswin, Divya and Gayatri Gopichand among Arjuna awardees

No Khel Ratna for 2025; Tejaswin, Divya and Gayatri Gopichand among Arjuna awardees

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Seventeen Indian sportspersons, including World Cup winning chess player Divya Deshmukh, decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, and shuttler Gayatri Gopichand, have been named for the prestigious Arjuna Award for 2025.

Tigers, Boars, Pythons, 400 Kg Tomatoes...

Tigers, Boars, Pythons, 400 Kg Tomatoes...

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Arti Dwarkadas, a former advertising professional, shares her experiences of transitioning from a balcony gardener to a rural Maharashtra farmer in Two Bandra Girls Buy A Farm.

Budigina Nears Podium, Nataraj Misses Backstroke Final At CWG

Budigina Nears Podium, Nataraj Misses Backstroke Final At CWG

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Indian para-swimmer Karthik Budigina finished a commendable fourth in the men's 100m Freestyle S13 final at the Commonwealth Games, narrowly missing a medal. Meanwhile, Olympian Srihari Nataraj failed to qualify for the men's 50m backstroke final, finishing seventh in his semifinal heat. Another Indian para-swimmer, Imam Ali, placed seventh in his final.

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Vidarsa K Vinod, a 27-year-old shooter from Kerala, has secured a spot in India's Asian Games squad for the 10m Air Rifle and 50m Rifle 3 Positions events, overcoming significant financial hurdles and training setbacks through resilience and family support.

Navneet Kaur wants hockey team to repeat cricket's feat

Navneet Kaur wants hockey team to repeat cricket's feat

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Veteran striker Navneet Kaur believes the Indian women's hockey team is inspired by the cricket team's ODI World Cup triumph and aims to script a similar title-winning story at the FIH Women's World Cup.

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of 'Compromised' Foreign Policy and Insensitivity to COVID-19 Suffering

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of 'Compromised' Foreign Policy and Insensitivity to COVID-19 Suffering

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy and his remarks referencing the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the West Asia situation.

Karthik Budigina misses podium in Commonwealth Games para swimming

Karthik Budigina misses podium in Commonwealth Games para swimming

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Karthik Budigina narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth in the men's 100m Freestyle S13 final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Fellow Indian Imam Ali placed seventh, while Srihari Nataraj also qualified for the 50m backstroke semifinals.

Know More About Mohanlal's Daughter Vismaya Before Her Thudakkam Debut

Know More About Mohanlal's Daughter Vismaya Before Her Thudakkam Debut

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

As Vismaya Mohanlal makes her acting debut with Thudakkam, here's what you need to know about Mohanlal's daughter, from her Muay Thai training to her life away from the spotlight.

From elbow injury to CWG silver: Raja Muthupandi vows to learn and improve

From elbow injury to CWG silver: Raja Muthupandi vows to learn and improve

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Raja Muthupandi completed a remarkable comeback from a career-threatening elbow injury to win Commonwealth Games 2026 silver, dedicating the medal to his parents and coach while vowing to return stronger.

10 Sequels That Came With Longest Gaps

10 Sequels That Came With Longest Gaps

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Awarapan 2, featuring Emraan Hashmi, is set to release 19 years after its original, joining a growing trend of long-delayed Bollywood sequels attempting to capitalise on nostalgia and past successes like Gadar 2 and Border 2, but not all such reboots guarantee box office triumph.

Jhandu Kumar Wins India's First Medal At Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Jhandu Kumar Wins India's First Medal At Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Jhandu Kumar, an Indian para powerlifter, secured India's first medal at the Commonwealth Games, winning bronze in the men's heavyweight category.