News for 'Common Cause'

Explainer: What is HMPV and how does it spread?

Explainer: What is HMPV and how does it spread?

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that causes illnesses ranging from mild respiratory discomfort to severe complications. It spreads through respiratory droplets, similar to other respiratory viruses such as RSV and influenza. This article provides an overview of HMPV including its symptoms, transmission, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and how it differs from COVID-19.

Trump Has Become A Reset Button

Trump Has Become A Reset Button

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Trump's sweeping tariffs and penalties on China-built ships have turned global shipping into the front line of economic war, observes Shyam G Menon.

Is It Okay To Have Sex During Your Periods?

Is It Okay To Have Sex During Your Periods?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Sexual intercourse or physical intimacy during menstruation could lead to greater bonding between couples as they navigate and normalise bodily process together, suggests rediffGURU Dr Nandita Palshetkar, medical director, Bloom IVF

Delhi crime branch to probe Parl scuffle case against Rahul Gandhi

Delhi crime branch to probe Parl scuffle case against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The Delhi Police's Crime Branch will investigate the case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with a scuffle on the Parliament premises that left two BJP MPs injured. An FIR was registered against Gandhi after a BJP complaint accused him of physical assault and incitement. Police will also investigate a separate complaint filed by the Congress, accusing BJP MPs of misbehaving with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has banned demonstrations by MPs and political parties at any of the Parliament gates following the incident.

'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.'

Rajouri mystery illness hit victims' brain, nervous system

Rajouri mystery illness hit victims' brain, nervous system

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Over 200 individuals in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, have been quarantined after 17 people, including 13 children, died from a mysterious illness. The deaths have sparked concerns about the spread of the illness, and a medical emergency has been demanded by local officials. A central team is investigating the cause of the deaths, with over 230 samples sent for testing. Officials have identified a common factor among the deceased: brain involvement and damage to the nervous system. Three patients have been airlifted to a hospital in Jammu, and one patient has been airlifted to PGI Chandigarh for further treatment.

Rahul Gandhi booked in Parliament scuffle case; likely to be quizzed

Rahul Gandhi booked in Parliament scuffle case; likely to be quizzed

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The BJP has filed a police complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of "physical assault and incitement" during a scuffle in Parliament premises. The complaint alleges that Gandhi, along with other opposition MPs, forcefully barged toward NDA MPs who were protesting against "misinformation" being propagated by opposition parties. The BJP has sought Gandhi's indictment under sections of attempt to murder and other charges. The Congress has strongly rejected the claim, alleging that BJP MPs pushed their chief Mallikarjun Kharge and "physically manhandled" Rahul Gandhi. Both parties have filed complaints with the police.

All you need to know about the disease that killed Zakir Hussain

All you need to know about the disease that killed Zakir Hussain

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, the condition that led to the death of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, is an extremely debilitating disease -- a virtual death sentence.

Can Smoking Lead To Heart Attack?

Can Smoking Lead To Heart Attack?

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Dr Ashish Mishra, consultant interventional cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, explains how smoking and alcohol can impair your heart health and lead to cardiac arrest.

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses

Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Aviation watchdog DGCA has issued a warning letter to Akasa Air's accountable manager Vinay Dube, who is also its founder and CEO, for regulatory lapses, days after the airline was warned for violating norms related to handling dangerous goods.

ISRO's SpaDeX satellites close in for historic docking

ISRO's SpaDeX satellites close in for historic docking

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

The two Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) satellites that the Indian Space Research Organisation is hoping to unite are at a distance of 1.5 km and will be brought much closer on January 11, the space agency said on Friday.

India's HMPV cases rise to 5; govt says no need to panic

India's HMPV cases rise to 5; govt says no need to panic

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

It is important to note that neither of the patients have any history of international travel, the ministry underlined.

'Global Warming Isn't Going To Come Down'

'Global Warming Isn't Going To Come Down'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'The global climate system doesn't look at where the carbon dioxide is coming from. 'It may be emitted by the US, but it will not remain above the US alone but covers the whole world.'

Wildlife cameras installed in Corbett misused to surveil women

Wildlife cameras installed in Corbett misused to surveil women

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

A study published in the journal Environment and Planning F has revealed that cameras and drones originally intended for conservation activities in Corbett National Park are being misused by local government officials and men to surveil women without consent. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge, found that forest rangers intentionally flew drones over local women to scare them and prevent them from collecting natural resources, despite their legal right to do so. The researchers argue that these technologies, deployed under the guise of wildlife monitoring, are being used to intimidate and exert power over women, invading their privacy and altering their behavior in the forest. This has had a negative impact on women's mental health, with one woman interviewed for the study being killed in a tiger attack.

'Band-aid for bullet wounds': Oppn slams Budget, says poll-centric

'Band-aid for bullet wounds': Oppn slams Budget, says poll-centric

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India's opposition parties have sharply criticized the Union Budget, calling it inadequate to address the country's economic woes and accusing the BJP-led government of using it to woo voters in Bihar and Delhi ahead of upcoming elections. Leaders from the Congress, TMC, DMK, SP, and CPI(M) voiced their disapproval, highlighting concerns over inflation, unemployment, and the lack of substantial measures to support the agricultural sector and the poor. They also criticized the tax cuts for the middle class as insufficient and coming too late after years of high taxes and rising prices.

Loudspeakers not essential for any religion, rules HC

Loudspeakers not essential for any religion, rules HC

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The Bombay High Court has ruled that the use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion and has directed law enforcement agencies to take prompt action against loudspeakers that violate noise pollution norms. The court also ordered the state government to direct religious institutions to adopt mechanisms for controlling noise levels, including calibrated sound systems with auto-decibel limits. The decision came in response to a petition filed by two housing associations alleging police inaction against noise pollution caused by loudspeakers installed on mosques in the area.

Unable To Fall Asleep? Try This...

Unable To Fall Asleep? Try This...

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Dr Aarti Ullal lists remedies to help you improve the quality of your sleep.

Let our son die, aged parents plead before SC

Let our son die, aged parents plead before SC

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

Describing the case as a "very hard one", the Supreme Court sought the Centre's response on Tuesday on a plea of a couple whose 30-year-old son has been lying in a vegetative state in a hospital since 2013 after suffering head injuries.

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.

What You Should Know About Arthritis

What You Should Know About Arthritis

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

Treatment for arthritis is mainly focused on symptom management and slowing the progression of the disease, says Dr Vishal Shinde.

The Political Mystique Of Sitaram Yechury

The Political Mystique Of Sitaram Yechury

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Sitaram Yechury strived to have the country's Left movement shed its doctrinaire approach to India's socio-cultural complexities and stitch electoral and social alliances to fight the Sangh Parivar.

How To Avoid HUGE Losses In Markets

How To Avoid HUGE Losses In Markets

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Don't let panic ruin your wealth. Avoiding these mistakes can save you from HUGE losses, says Ramalingam Kalirajan

'This fight is not just for Bengal, but for entire country'

'This fight is not just for Bengal, but for entire country'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2024

'I've come here as a commoner. Justice is needed to ensure that this incident is never repeated.'

Deadly Spanish floods force cancellation of matches

Deadly Spanish floods force cancellation of matches

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

All soccer matches scheduled to be played in the Valencian region this weekend have been postponed, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Thursday due to the deadly floods which have killed at least 95 people.

Rohit's knee injury not serious, says pacer Akash Deep

Rohit's knee injury not serious, says pacer Akash Deep

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

India pace bowler Akash Deep played down concerns over skipper Rohit Sharma's knee injury in the build-up to the fourth Test against Australia this week after the batsman was hit during a practice session on Sunday.

AQI Spike Triggers Health Crisis

AQI Spike Triggers Health Crisis

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

'Many of these patients arrive at emergency departments in distress, struggling to breathe and requiring immediate medical intervention.'

Antarctica turning green 'dramatically', says study

Antarctica turning green 'dramatically', says study

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

Researchers found that vegetation cover across the Antarctic Peninsula increased more than tenfold -- from less than a square kilometre to almost 12 square kilometres -- between 1986 and 2021.

Sambhal violence: Focus shifts to Turk-Pathan rivalry

Sambhal violence: Focus shifts to Turk-Pathan rivalry

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

The communal violence in Sambhal that claimed four lives and left over 20 people injured has now sparked a debate over a purported rivalry between the Turk and Pathan communities, with political and administrative figures weighing in on the cause of the unrest.

How To AVOID LOSSES When Markets Crash

How To AVOID LOSSES When Markets Crash

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

In a falling market, the value of your investment keeps going down. However, the reduction in value is purely a notional loss if you remain invested. When you redeem in a falling market, the notional loss becomes a permanent loss, explains Anamika Pareek.

ICC issues arrest warrant against Netanyahu, Hamas official for war crimes

ICC issues arrest warrant against Netanyahu, Hamas official for war crimes

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The charges include -- starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, wilfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health, intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population, other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity, among other charges, as per the statement.

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Kerala unit of the Congress instantly gets a headache when Shashi Tharoor lets loose one of his observations showering flowers on enemy territory. With every such action triggering controversy within a nervous Congress party, some feel it is high time Tharoor showed a degree of solidarity with the ideals of his party, notes Shyam G Menon.

Drug victims need rehabilitation, not demonisation: SC

Drug victims need rehabilitation, not demonisation: SC

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India expressed deep concern over the rising drug abuse problem in the country, highlighting the impact on youth and the need for urgent intervention. The court emphasized the need for rehabilitation rather than demonization of drug users and called for open discussions to address the issue. The judgment came while granting bail to a man accused in a heroin smuggling case. The court cited a 2019 report that indicated a significant number of people in India use opioids, cannabis, and other substances, with alarming trends in opioid dependence.

Why Satya Continues To Sting And Sing

Why Satya Continues To Sting And Sing

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

While Satya's pleasures are palpable -- among them the poetry of the coarse language, the mercifully rough-hewn texture, the oh-so-familiar underdog story -- these pleasures hit you at a completely different speed. The movie is charged with a sense of discovery, and every shot is a cornucopia of details existing independent of the main story. It's touching, notes Sreehari Nair.

Shah insulted Ambedkar, should resign as HM: Cong

Shah insulted Ambedkar, should resign as HM: Cong

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Congress on Tuesday accused Home Minister Amit Shah of harboring "hatred" towards B.R. Ambedkar, demanding an apology from him for his remarks in the Rajya Sabha. Congress leaders pointed out that Shah's comments, which criticized the frequent invocation of Ambedkar's name by the opposition, demonstrate a deep-seated animosity towards the architect of India's Constitution. The allegations sparked outrage among Congress members, who accused the BJP and RSS of having a history of disdain for Ambedkar. The incident has fueled political tensions, with the Congress vowing to hold Shah accountable for his remarks.

Lokpal dismisses corruption complaint against ex-CJI Chandrachud

Lokpal dismisses corruption complaint against ex-CJI Chandrachud

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

India's anti-corruption ombudsman, the Lokpal, has dismissed a complaint alleging corruption against former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The complaint, filed in October 2024, alleged abuse of office, corruption, and favoritism by Chandrachud while he was CJI. The Lokpal, in its order, concluded that sitting judges of the Supreme Court, including the CJI, are not subject to its jurisdiction under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. The Lokpal stated that the Supreme Court was established by the Constitution of India, not an Act of Parliament, making it outside the scope of its jurisdiction.

ED raids shouldn't cause change in people's behaviour: RSS chief

ED raids shouldn't cause change in people's behaviour: RSS chief

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

He was speaking at the 101st anniversary event of Lokmanya Seva Sangh, a Mumbai-based organisation set up to build a 'socially vigilant, disciplined, cultured and progressive society'.

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

The golden rule is to change your toothbrush when it starts to 'flower', says rediffGURU Shyam Jamalabad.

Byju's $200 million rights issue fully subscribed

Byju's $200 million rights issue fully subscribed

Rediff.com21 Feb 2024

Edtech major Byju's top official on Wednesday said the company's $200 million rights issue has been fully subscribed and asked all shareholders to participate in the "renewed mission". Think and Learn Private Limited, which operates under Byju's brand name, has floated $200 million rights issue at less than 99 per cent enterprise valuation compared to its peak valuation of $22 billion. "Our rights issue is fully subscribed and my gratitude to my shareholders remains strong.

Ronaldo panned for promoting controversial supplement

Ronaldo panned for promoting controversial supplement

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

The most scathing criticism came from Dr. Cyriac Abby Phillips, a Indian hepatologist and social media influencer known as 'The Liver Doc' on X.