News for 'Covid-19'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.com4 days ago

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.

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.

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.com5 days ago

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.

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.

Navneet Kaur wants hockey team to repeat cricket's feat

Navneet Kaur wants hockey team to repeat cricket's feat

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.

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.

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.

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Rediff.com3 days ago

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Journey To 2026 Commonwealth Games Bronze

Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Journey To 2026 Commonwealth Games Bronze

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

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

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.

Southampton's Utilita Bowl to host first men's Ashes Test in 2025

Southampton's Utilita Bowl to host first men's Ashes Test in 2025

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Southampton's Utilita Bowl will host a men's Ashes Test for the first time in 2025, as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the concurrent scheduling of the men's and women's Ashes series against Australia, mirroring the successful 2023 format.

Geopolitical risks, supply shocks could keep credit-deposit gap elevated: SBI

Geopolitical risks, supply shocks could keep credit-deposit gap elevated: SBI

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

A recent SBI Economic Research report indicates that the significant gap between credit and deposit growth, currently over 530 basis points, is likely to persist if geopolitical risks and external supply shocks continue. However, an improvement in deposit growth is anticipated with inflows into foreign currency non-resident (bank) deposits.

Jaspreet Kaur, Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Para Powerlifting Journey

Jaspreet Kaur, Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Para Powerlifting Journey

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Jaspreet Kaur and Jhandu Kumar, two Indian para powerlifters, have overcome significant personal challenges, including polio and poverty, to qualify for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Bira 91 Founder Ankur Jain Exits Board, Executive Roles Following Settlement

Bira 91 Founder Ankur Jain Exits Board, Executive Roles Following Settlement

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Bira 91 founder Ankur Jain and his family have stepped down from the board and executive positions of B9 Beverages, the parent company, after reaching a settlement with the craft beer maker's lenders and investors.

Why India's Youth Anger Exploded

Why India's Youth Anger Exploded

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The failure of the State when it directly affects our lives, through a corrupt exam system, has produced this current anger, points out Aakar Patel.

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'There is no need for panic as there is widespread protective immune memory in the population from vaccination as well as prior infections.'

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

'We ourselves hadn't heard it initially. Many people called us. The entire village was overjoyed.'

The Marriage Secret That Still Works!

The Marriage Secret That Still Works!

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Bhanu Iyer from Bengaluru tells us about the simple habits and values that helped her marriage celebrate 15 years.

Delhi Sees Spike In Dowry Deaths Post-Pandemic, Data Reveals Disturbing Trends

Delhi Sees Spike In Dowry Deaths Post-Pandemic, Data Reveals Disturbing Trends

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Official data reveals that Delhi recorded 141 dowry death cases in 2021, the highest in five years, with a subsequent gradual decline. The COVID-19 pandemic is cited as a factor exacerbating domestic tensions. Cases of cruelty by husband or relatives under Section 498A also show significant numbers, alongside efforts to strengthen prosecution and increase awareness.

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Yastika Bhatia scripted history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's. Here's the inspiring story of her journey from Baroda prodigy and ACL injury comeback to India's latest cricket hero.

Rupee Exchange Rate Is Not Just A Number

Rupee Exchange Rate Is Not Just A Number

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

If we really want to curb the further depreciation of the rupee and make the rupee appreciate, we want to come out of the mindset that the exchange rate is merely a number, bring policy corrections to help reduce the outflow of foreign exchange by imposing suitable tariffs to discourage imports and bring self reliance, discipline FPIs, and correcting rules governing royalty outflows, suggests Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convenor, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.

Did Kangana Really Make Vir Das' Lips Bleed During Kiss?

Did Kangana Really Make Vir Das' Lips Bleed During Kiss?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

'This is unfair slander to Kangana.'

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

World Cup music isn't random; FIFA's 'Stadium Entertainment Team' curates over 750 songs, mixing global classics with country-specific favourites, with each team having signature, warm-up, and goal-scoring tracks.

End of Ben Stokes era: Iconic highs and dark lows

End of Ben Stokes era: Iconic highs and dark lows

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career defined by match-winning brilliance, iconic Ashes moments, World Cup glory, and a transformative impact on English cricket across all formats.

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Watching the World Cup and hearing the music in the stadium may have left you wondering - how is that chosen? Is it just coincidence that "Wonderwall" plays after England matches? Are "Freed from Desire" or "Livin' on a Prayer" always played? And why?