News for 'COVID'

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.

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.

Why Fund Managers Are Avoiding IT Stocks

Why Fund Managers Are Avoiding IT Stocks

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

IT services stocks have had tough two years, with prices coming under pressure from 2025 and the sell-off extending through the first half of 2026.

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.

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.

Why Hampshire Withdrew Ex-CSK Player

Why Hampshire Withdrew Ex-CSK Player

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Hampshire withdrew former csk all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn after protests over his signing revived controversy surrounding the New Zealander despite his 2017 acquittal following a rape charge.

Don't travel abroad, don't buy gold: Modi's advice despite GDP growth

Don't travel abroad, don't buy gold: Modi's advice despite GDP growth

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded India's 7.8 per cent GDP growth, achieved despite global conflicts and instability. He emphasised the importance of Swadeshi and self-reliance for a developed India by its 100th year of Independence, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary foreign expenditures.

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...

Don't Be Shy, Bianca Arora Is Ready For Bollywood!

Don't Be Shy, Bianca Arora Is Ready For Bollywood!

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Say hello to Bianca Arora, who's all set to make her debut in Alia Bhatt's Don't Be Shy.

'As the Sun's Glow Falls On Mount Kailash, The Sight Is Breathtaking'

'As the Sun's Glow Falls On Mount Kailash, The Sight Is Breathtaking'

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Usha Vedasalam completed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra just a week before the devastating floods in Nepal. This is her account of the pilgrimage.

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.

'Chulbuliness Is Very Close To Me'

'Chulbuliness Is Very Close To Me'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

'I was very sceptical when I was doing a Bollywood film.'

India's Biggest Stock Market Booms And Busts

India's Biggest Stock Market Booms And Busts

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Every period of excessive optimism eventually gives way to a correction, while periods of extreme pessimism often create the best investment opportunities.'

Modern Marriage: 'We Are Friends First, Husband-Wife Later'

Modern Marriage: 'We Are Friends First, Husband-Wife Later'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Mumbai-based Raj Thakur tells us how his relationship with his wife, Mamta, blossomed from friendship to marriage and the little secrets that have kept their relationship alive for nearly three decades.

New Covid-Like Virus Found In Bats

New Covid-Like Virus Found In Bats

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Scientists stress there is currently no evidence of human infections, or community spread linked to the virus.

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.

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.

Why Nobody Cares About Building Toilets

Why Nobody Cares About Building Toilets

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

We raid restaurants for cockroaches but never raid the roadside. Public hygiene runs entirely on faith and fumes. Even after so many years of being a free nation, points out Binu Alex.

Govt reveals where PM CARES money is invested

Govt reveals where PM CARES money is invested

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The PM CARES Fund experienced a 30 per cent decrease in domestic donations and an 18 per cent drop in foreign contributions during the fiscal year 2024-2025. Despite this, the total balance in the fund increased to Rs 8,452 crore, primarily held in fixed deposits and savings accounts. The fund's expenditure on the PM CARES for Children Scheme also saw a sharp reduction.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'Why Are Our Best Students Dying?'

'Why Are Our Best Students Dying?'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Poor families, she said, cut corners on their own needs to pay for coaching and fees, and when their child clears JEE, it's the happiest day the family has had in years. So why, she asked, her voice already starting to climb, does the same system that we're told is the best in the country keep pushing those very students toward what she called 'institutional deaths'?

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.

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.

'FY27 Should Be A Recovery Year For India'

'FY27 Should Be A Recovery Year For India'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'A favourable base, last year's policy measures, the carryover impact of a good monsoon and improving earnings should all help.'

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.

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Several prominent BJP leaders, including former Union minister Smriti Irani, RSS veteran Ram Madhav, and former chief ministers Biplab Kumar Deb and Tirath Singh Rawat, have been reinstated into significant roles within the party's national team. This reshuffle marks a political recovery for many who had previously seen their influence wane or lost electoral battles, positioning them for key organisational responsibilities ahead of upcoming elections.

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.

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.

11-YO Bodhana, 17-YO Shreyas create history at British Chess Champs

11-YO Bodhana, 17-YO Shreyas create history at British Chess Champs

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Indian-origin chess prodigies Bodhana Sivanandan, 11, and Shreyas Royal, 17, have made history by winning the 2026 British Chess Championships. Bodhana became Britain's youngest-ever Women's chess champion, while Royal scooped the overall British title, establishing their status as emerging world-class talents.

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.

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

China sailed through the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz relatively unscathed even as the impact of its steps shielded other consuming nations from having to pay high crude oil prices.

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.

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'Frankly, I'm in that zone for another Olympics.'

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.