News for 'COVID'

Parliamentary panel to summon Zuckerberg over poll claim

Parliamentary panel to summon Zuckerberg over poll claim

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Seeking an apology from social media giant Meta for 'tarnishing' India's image, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, who heads the Parliament's Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, said on Tuesday that the panel will summon the firm following its chairman's comments that India's ruling dispensation lost the Lok Sabha election last year.

Covid Reduced 2.6 Years Of Life Expectancy In India

Covid Reduced 2.6 Years Of Life Expectancy In India

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

The decline in life expectancy was higher among young individuals and those aged 50 to 60.

Used-car Sales Likely To Outpace New Ones In FY26

Used-car Sales Likely To Outpace New Ones In FY26

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

India's used car market, which has been growing steadily at 10-12 per cent over the last 2-3 years, is expected to reach $40 billion in FY26.

F1: McLaren's Norris chasing hat-trick in China

F1: McLaren's Norris chasing hat-trick in China

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri, who spun off and finished ninth in his home race last Sunday after starting on the front row and challenging for the lead, has another good chance to rev up his season.

'Living With In-laws: I Feel Trapped And Hopeless'

'Living With In-laws: I Feel Trapped And Hopeless'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Relationship expert Dr Upneet Kaur offers advice on how to deal with conflicts while staying in a joint family.

Tariffs, earnings key for FII flows after Rs 1.54 trillion pullout in FY25

Tariffs, earnings key for FII flows after Rs 1.54 trillion pullout in FY25

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Global funds have pulled out Rs 1.54 trillion from domestic stocks in fiscal 2024 - 25 (FY25), the highest-ever outflow recorded so far, according to the data compiled by Business Standard. The last time the global funds exited Indian shores in droves was back in 2022, when they sold a net Rs 1.41 in the backdrop of Covid-19.

'RCB's seniors backing new skipper Patidar'

'RCB's seniors backing new skipper Patidar'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

RCB head coach Andy Flower expressed his confidence in newly appointed captain Rajat Patidar, highlighting the presence of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as a major advantage for him.

Heartbreak for Noah Lyles as COVID ends Paris campaign

Heartbreak for Noah Lyles as COVID ends Paris campaign

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

Noah Lyles said that his Paris Games are over, hours after he needed medical attention

Yuvraj's Special Message for Abhishek

Yuvraj's Special Message for Abhishek

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Abhishek Sharma's record-breaking 135 off just 54 balls against England in the fifth T20I at Wankhede Stadium was a performance for the ages.

5 UP men get life term, additional 40 yrs in jail for raping minor in Kerala

5 UP men get life term, additional 40 yrs in jail for raping minor in Kerala

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

A court in Kerala has sentenced five men from Uttar Pradesh to life imprisonment and an additional 40 years in prison for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl from Kerala five years ago. The accused, who were migrant workers residing near the victim's home, were involved in the crime that occurred in 2020. They enticed the girl with the promise of a SIM card and then subjected her to sexual assault at various locations. The court also directed the convicts to pay compensation to the victim.

AstraZeneca reaffirms Covid vaccine safety amid rare TTS concerns

AstraZeneca reaffirms Covid vaccine safety amid rare TTS concerns

Rediff.com1 May 2024

Despite these rare occurrences, the pharmaceutical company maintains that extensive clinical trial data and real-world evidence consistently support the vaccine's safety and efficacy.

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The "weaponisation" of economic activity - through tariffs and sanctions - is now a reality, with countries leveraging these tools strategically, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue recently.

'No Politics When It Comes To The Country's Finances'

'No Politics When It Comes To The Country's Finances'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'Each state is unique, but when it comes to finance, the fundamentals cannot be different.'

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a tri-services ceremonial welcome in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time such an honor has been bestowed upon a foreign leader. The welcome took place at the historic Independence Square, the venue for national day celebrations. Modi's visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery from a recent economic crisis, with India playing a significant role in providing assistance. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation, energy, and digital initiatives.

These States Stay on Fiscal Track Despite Populist Schemes

These States Stay on Fiscal Track Despite Populist Schemes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisha budgets maintain revenue surpluses despite welfare schemes while Rajasthan and West Bengal face high debt, fiscal deficits and low capital outlay.

An Agitation That Woke Up Kerala

An Agitation That Woke Up Kerala

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

It was a protest which held a mirror to the government of a state taking pride in its commitment to democracy, gender equality and social indices.One person, who in his employed days had known governments and political parties at close quarters, told me that public perception of how the Kerala government handled the ASHA workers' strike had been terrible, reports Shyam G Menon.

Global funds' asset under custody see second-worst plunge amid market rout

Global funds' asset under custody see second-worst plunge amid market rout

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Global fund managers witnessed one of their largest-ever declines in assets under custody (AUC) during the ongoing correction in the Indian markets, as stocks came under pressure from foreign outflows and the weakening rupee.

2 Indian-origin faces in new Canadian PM's cabinet

2 Indian-origin faces in new Canadian PM's cabinet

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Indo-Canadian Anita Anand and Delhi-born Kamal Khera are part of new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet. Anand is the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry while Khera is Minister of Health. Carney's cabinet with 13 men and 11 women is smaller than Trudeau's 37-member team.

HEX20 Elevates India With Nila Launch

HEX20 Elevates India With Nila Launch

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

'The launch of Nila, our very first satellite was very emotional as well as nerve wracking. We tried to calm ourselves by cracking some poor jokes!'

World Happiness Report 2025: Finland tops the list, India ranks...

World Happiness Report 2025: Finland tops the list, India ranks...

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

India has improved its ranking in the World Happiness Report 2025, climbing to 118th from 126th last year. However, it still lags behind neighbouring countries like Nepal, Pakistan, and Ukraine. Finland has topped the list for the eighth consecutive year. The report emphasizes the impact of caring and sharing on happiness, highlighting how sharing meals increases happiness. It also notes a decline in wellbeing in the United States, which has dropped to its lowest ever position at 24th.

Gukesh hails Anand, India's chess boom

Gukesh hails Anand, India's chess boom

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Reigning world chess champion D Gukesh has stated that he is open to competing in all formats of chess, including the newly popular freestyle format, but believes that classical chess, with its rich history, will always hold the greatest significance. Despite concerns of a potential split in the sport between supporters of freestyle and classical chess, Gukesh sees no reason for division, highlighting the excitement of freestyle while acknowledging the importance of the traditional format's legacy.

Covishield side effects: Doctors' group urges govt to review all Covid vax

Covishield side effects: Doctors' group urges govt to review all Covid vax

Rediff.com9 May 2024

The world is learning about a side effect of the COVID vaccine called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, he said.

'Being In The Fauj Is Most Glorious'

'Being In The Fauj Is Most Glorious'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

'No matter how much you get paid or how successful you get, nothing can match the fauj.'

'We Are The RRR'

'We Are The RRR'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'Post COVID, people are much more enthusiastic about going to concerts.' 'The live music scenario has suddenly become very relevant to people's lives.' 'They see that it is cooked on the spot.'

US WHO Exit Won't Impact India: Experts

US WHO Exit Won't Impact India: Experts

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'Both international cooperation and self-reliance will now acquire new purpose.'

IPL 2025: Why Siraj is excited about lifting of saliva ban

IPL 2025: Why Siraj is excited about lifting of saliva ban

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj welcomed the BCCI's decision to lift the ban on using saliva to shine the ball ahead of IPL 2025, saying it will aid "reverse swing" even in unfriendly conditions.

'Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji': Uddhav's reply to BJP's 'Jai Shri Ram'

'Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji': Uddhav's reply to BJP's 'Jai Shri Ram'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Thackeray also drew a comparison between the current regime and Hitler.

Why The Census Is Important

Why The Census Is Important

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

It will be interesting to see what shifts have been recorded in the last decade-and-a-half -- from the effects of demonetisation and Covid's second wave to the drop in fertility and increase in farm workers -- but we will only know this if and when the Census is conducted, points out Aakar Patel.

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Rajiv Kumar, the 25th chief election commissioner of India, has demitted office after a nearly three-year tenure marked by both electoral successes and allegations of bias from opposition parties. Kumar oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, among other major elections. During his tenure, he implemented reforms across various aspects of the Election Commission's functioning, including structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administration. However, he faced criticism from opposition parties and activists on several issues, including the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines, alleged fudging of voter data, and being "lenient" on the ruling BJP. While the Commission responded to the allegations, Kumar often defended himself and the poll authority through poetry. In his farewell address, Kumar expressed concerns about the timing of petitions raising doubts over poll processes and the impact of freebie promises on the fiscal health of the state. He also criticized the practice of showing early trends on counting day by news channels, calling it "nonsense". Kumar's tenure was marked by numerous controversies, with opposition parties and activists alleging bias and irregularities. While the Election Commission defended its actions, the allegations cast a shadow over his time in office.

SC refuses stay on Adani's Dharavi redevelopment project

SC refuses stay on Adani's Dharavi redevelopment project

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has refused to halt the redevelopment project of Dharavi in Mumbai, allowing the Adani Group to proceed with their project. The court rejected a plea from Seclink Technologies Corporation, the original highest bidder for the project in 2018, which challenged the tender process and the award to Adani Properties Pvt Ltd in 2022. The court directed Adani Properties to make payments through a single bank account and ordered Seclink Technologies to file an affidavit detailing their increased offer for the project. The project work has already commenced, with constructions underway and 2,000 people employed on the site.

SC quashes chargesheet against former Army officer in rape case

SC quashes chargesheet against former Army officer in rape case

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has quashed a chargesheet against a retired Army officer in an alleged rape case, calling it an "abuse of process of law". The court found that the complainant's testimony showed no offense and the FIR deserved to be quashed. The court also noted that the Delhi High Court erred in its decision of not quashing the chargesheet. The complainant, a woman, had filed multiple FIRs against different persons, allegedly blackmailing them for money. The court concluded that the former Army officer was a "victim of an unscrupulous abuser" of law whose modus operandi was to extort money by misusing the rape and molestation laws.

IPL 2025: Cricket carnival returns as KKR face RCB in opener

IPL 2025: Cricket carnival returns as KKR face RCB in opener

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

New rules, new captains, but same excitement as two months of cricket extravaganza kicks off in Kolkata.

US top court to hear Tahawwur Rana's new plea against extradition

US top court to hear Tahawwur Rana's new plea against extradition

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has renewed his application to the US Supreme Court seeking a stay of his extradition to India. The Supreme Court will hear the application next month. Rana, currently detained in Los Angeles, claims his extradition would violate US law and expose him to torture in India due to his health and Muslim background. The US government has denied these claims and authorized his surrender to India, citing the Extradition Treaty between the two countries. The Supreme Court's decision will determine if Rana will face justice in India or remain in the United States.

'Goa Beach Shacks Can't Sell Idli-Sambar'

'Goa Beach Shacks Can't Sell Idli-Sambar'

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'These beach shacks were meant to protect the employment of local Goans who in turn would showcase Goan cuisine and culture on the beaches of Goa.'

Djokovic still traumatised at Melbourne airport

Djokovic still traumatised at Melbourne airport

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Djokovic, who is ranked seventh in the world, will be on the hunt for a record 25th major title when the 2025 Australian Open begins next Sunday.

Budget: Can Nirmalaji End The Economic Slowdown?

Budget: Can Nirmalaji End The Economic Slowdown?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The time is ideal for a 'Dream Budget' akin to the 1991 reforms that sparked high growth and unlocked significant gains in productivity, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

US SC rejects Tahawwur Rana's plea against extradition; files fresh one

US SC rejects Tahawwur Rana's plea against extradition; files fresh one

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has renewed his plea for a stay on his extradition to India, citing health concerns and alleging potential torture. He argues that his extradition would violate US law and the UN Convention Against Torture. Rana's lawyers claim he is at risk of being subjected to torture in Indian detention facilities due to his Pakistani origin, Muslim religion, and medical conditions. The US Supreme Court had previously denied his emergency bid for a stay, but he has now appealed to Chief Justice John Roberts. The US government has declined to provide information on any commitment from India regarding Rana's treatment, further fueling his concerns.

Tahawwur Rana seeks stay on extradition, fears torture

Tahawwur Rana seeks stay on extradition, fears torture

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana has moved an 'emergency application' with the United States Supreme Court against his extradition to India, claiming that he will be tortured there since he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin.

290 cases of Covid variant behind surge in Singapore found in India

290 cases of Covid variant behind surge in Singapore found in India

Rediff.com22 May 2024

As many as 290 cases of KP.2 and 34 cases of KP.1, both sub-lineages of COVID-19 that are responsible for surge in cases in Singapore, have been found in India, according to official data.

India's creative plan for 2026 Commonwealth Games

India's creative plan for 2026 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

India has proposed to conduct all those disciplines that were axed from the 2026 Commonwealth Games to ensure that the country's medal tally is not affected when the event is held in Glasgow.