News for 'COVID'

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.

Kerala woman found infected with Covid sub-strain JN.1

Kerala woman found infected with Covid sub-strain JN.1

Rediff.com16 Dec 2023

A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN. 1 has been detected in Kerala as part of an ongoing routine surveillance activity of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a senior official from the Indian Council of Medical research (ICMR) said on Saturday.

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.

Centre alerts states, UTs as country sees surge in Covid cases

Centre alerts states, UTs as country sees surge in Covid cases

Rediff.com18 Dec 2023

In a letter to states and Union Territories, Union health secretary Sudhansh Pant underlined that "due to consistent and collaborative actions between the Centre and state governments, we have been able to sustain the (COVID-19) trajectory at sustainable low rates".

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.

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!'

No plan for mandatory Covid testing at airports now, say govt sources

No plan for mandatory Covid testing at airports now, say govt sources

Rediff.com21 Dec 2023

Even though the number of cases is rising and the JN.1 sub-variant has been detected in the country, there is no cause of immediate concern as 92 per cent of those infected are opting for home-based treatment, indicating mild illness, they 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.'

'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.'

Kerala logs 115 Covid cases out of 142 reported across country

Kerala logs 115 Covid cases out of 142 reported across country

Rediff.com19 Dec 2023

According to data on the Union health ministry's website, of the 142 COVID cases reported in the country till 8 am on Tuesday, 115 were from Kerala.

Visa applications to beat pre-Covid levels in 2024

Visa applications to beat pre-Covid levels in 2024

Rediff.com21 Feb 2024

VFS Global expects visa applications from India to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024 with the easing of appointment availability. Vishal Jairath, head-South Asia, VFS Global, said during a media interaction that based on indications from the client governments in terms of appointment availability and the resources deployed by them, visa applications would surpass the pre-Covid levels by a healthy margin. "We have geared up. We have looked at our infrastructure and increased capacity in many locations," he added.

Covid vax didn't increase risk of sudden death among young: Govt

Covid vax didn't increase risk of sudden death among young: Govt

Rediff.com8 Dec 2023

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has observed that COVID-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults in India, the government informed Parliament on Friday.

Covid vax pioneers awarded Nobel Prize in Medicine

Covid vax pioneers awarded Nobel Prize in Medicine

Rediff.com2 Oct 2023

Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman have been jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their discoveries that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

'Despite Covid we don't care about health'

'Despite Covid we don't care about health'

Rediff.com7 Feb 2024

'The first duty of the government is to learn lessons from a bad experience and course correct. It's a pity that the government is making policy without looking at evidence and differentiating between immediate and urgent.'

'HMPV Has Been Circulating For Decades'

'HMPV Has Been Circulating For Decades'

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

'But it is only now being detected more via a test that costs about Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000.' 'The HMPV virus typically causes mild respiratory symptoms in most people, but can be more severe in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity.'

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.

Should You Buy a Super Top-up Health Insurance?

Should You Buy a Super Top-up Health Insurance?

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

It is similar to top-up health insurance plan, but provides for one or more claims cumulatively crossing the threshold limit.

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.

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.

India logs 797 new Covid cases, highest since May; 5 dead

India logs 797 new Covid cases, highest since May; 5 dead

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

India has logged 797 new cases of COVID-19, the highest in 225 days, while the number of active cases of the infection have been recorded at 4,091, the health ministry said on Friday.

China braces for return of Covid, vax for elders advised

China braces for return of Covid, vax for elders advised

Rediff.com13 Nov 2023

China's top respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan warned of a small COVID-19 spike in the winter and reminded the elderly and vulnerable populations to get vaccinated as soon as possible, state-run Global Times reported.

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.

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

P K Mishra, a retired IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as the principal secretary to the prime minister.

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.

Govt fixes capex at Rs 11.21 lakh cr for FY26

Govt fixes capex at Rs 11.21 lakh cr for FY26

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Having missed the target for the current financial year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday proposed to spend Rs 11.21 lakh crore towards capital expenditure (capex) for FY26. However, the capex target is going to be missed by about 93,000 crore for the current financial year.

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The cabinet of the new government led by Rekha Gupta balances representation of all major communities that propelled the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in Delhi with a massive majority after over 26 years.

Brand ambassador, cricket...: How Maldives aims to attract 3L Indians in 2025

Brand ambassador, cricket...: How Maldives aims to attract 3L Indians in 2025

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Maldives government has set a target of attracting 300,000 Indian tourists in 2025, aiming to regain its position as a top destination for Indian travelers. The country's tourism sector has been impacted by strained relations between Male and New Delhi, which led to a decline in Indian tourist arrivals in 2024. To revive the Indian tourist market, the Maldives is planning a major campaign, including a brand ambassador, cricket summer camps, and expanded flight routes from more Indian cities.

Indians Work More Than Chinese!

Indians Work More Than Chinese!

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The average Indian works 46.7 hours per week, surpassing even China's 46.1 hours. In some sectors, the numbers are even more staggering.

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Budget should undertake further reductions in import tariffs and seriously consider an announcement of India's intention to join one or both of the two Asian mega-regional free trade agreements, suggests Shankar Acharya, former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.

Hero Moto says sales may rebound in 'big way'

Hero Moto says sales may rebound in 'big way'

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Hero MotoCorp anticipates a big rebound in two-wheeler (2W) sales in rural India over the next four to eight quarters, driven by favourable factors such as a decent monsoon, rising crop prices, improved employment conditions, and increasing consumer confidence, its chief executive officer (CEO) Niranjan Gupta said on Wednesday. Amid tepid rural sales, he stated that there is a "strong case" for GST (goods and services tax) on entry-level two-wheelers, which are under 125 CC, to be moved down from 28 per cent to 18 per cent as they are used by "masses".

RSS returns to old office in Delhi, rebuilt with Rs 150 crore

RSS returns to old office in Delhi, rebuilt with Rs 150 crore

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has moved back its office in New Delhi to its old address following the near completion of the rebuilding project spread across over 3.75 acre premises, housing three 13-storey towers and around 300 rooms and offices in total.

For how long freebies can be given to migrant workers? SC asks Centre

For how long freebies can be given to migrant workers? SC asks Centre

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of providing free rations to migrant workers, emphasizing the need for job creation and capacity building instead. The court's remarks came during a hearing on the ongoing issue of providing relief to migrant workers, a matter that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court questioned the government's reliance on freebies and stressed the importance of creating opportunities for migrant workers to become self-sufficient. The debate highlighted the challenges of balancing immediate relief with long-term economic solutions for vulnerable populations.

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'A government whose policies are focused around making the life of ordinary citizens, specially the most deprived sections, richer; a government that prioritises education, health and transport, that doesn't treat its citizens as subjects who must come to it for everything, is rare in our country.' 'When such a government is thrown out, one is left stunned,' notes Jyoti Punwani.

Cong leaders' remarks on Prez Murmu unfortunate: Rashtrapati Bhavan

Cong leaders' remarks on Prez Murmu unfortunate: Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

The President's office has condemned comments made by Congress leaders regarding President Droupadi Murmu's address to Parliament, stating that they hurt the dignity of the high office. The statement clarified that the President was not tired during her speech and that the comments were in "poor taste" and "unacceptable." The Congress leaders had reportedly discussed the speech, with Sonia Gandhi commenting on the President's alleged tiredness. The statement suggested that the leaders may have misunderstood the President's speech due to their unfamiliarity with Indian languages.

India's Next Test Captain: The Choice Is Clear?

India's Next Test Captain: The Choice Is Clear?

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Bumrah's exclusion wasn't solely about workload management-his leadership potential played a crucial role in the decision. The BCCI has all but finalised him as India's next Test captain.

Employment in informal sector below pre-Covid level, shows NSO data

Employment in informal sector below pre-Covid level, shows NSO data

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

After adding 11.7 million workers in the October 2022-September 2023 period from the pandemic lows in April 2021-March 2022, total workers employed in the vast informal sector in India - at 109.6 million - still remains below the pre-pandemic period.

No unusual HMPV surge in India but precautions must: Experts

No unusual HMPV surge in India but precautions must: Experts

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Amid growing concerns over the detection of human metapneumovirus cases in India, health experts have emphasised the virus is not new, and advised people to stay calm and take basic precautions.

Having family on tour important for players: Buttler

Having family on tour important for players: Buttler

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

England captain Jos Buttler has defended the presence of families on long overseas tours.

Want To Invest In Banking Sector Funds?

Want To Invest In Banking Sector Funds?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The ideal time to invest in sector funds, is during a downturn so that investors can capitalise on a turnaround in 1.5 to 2 years.

Australian broadcaster apologises to Djokovic, Serbian fans

Australian broadcaster apologises to Djokovic, Serbian fans

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has apologised to Novak Djokovic and fans of the Serbian for comments he made on TV on Friday night.