News for 'Covid'

Covid Surge: Check Your Health Cover

Covid Surge: Check Your Health Cover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'Opt for a minimum cover of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, especially in urban and metro areas.'

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Vijay, despite the loud message from his delayed arrival at the road-show/stampede venue, and more so his continued inaccessibility for fans-turned-cadres after graduating from a super-star to a political party leader with electoral ambitions, refuses to change. Or, so it seems, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

COVID-19 Returns, But No Cause For Alarm

COVID-19 Returns, But No Cause For Alarm

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'We have to be wary because if an uncontrolled transmission happens, random mutations may lead to something which could be virulent and then that could land us in a problem.'

Ladakh admin reacts to Wangchuk's wife's 'witch-hunt' claim

Ladakh admin reacts to Wangchuk's wife's 'witch-hunt' claim

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

The administration appealed that the process of law should be allowed to take its own course and expressed confidence that "together we will bring back normalcy in the peace-loving Leh township and continue with our dialogue process".

Maharashtra reports 52 Covid cases, 2 deaths since Jan

Maharashtra reports 52 Covid cases, 2 deaths since Jan

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The health department said a total of 6,066 swab samples have been examined for coronavirus since January, of which 106 tested positive for the infectious disease. Of these, 101 were from Mumbai and the remaining from Pune, Thane, and Kolhapur.

'Next Covid pandemic' far from over: Delhi HC

'Next Covid pandemic' far from over: Delhi HC

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The Delhi high court recently observed the 'next Covid pandemic' was far from over as it asked for details on the Centre's preparedness for the collection of samples, centres and transport policy.

After 5 years, India, China to resume direct flights this month

After 5 years, India, China to resume direct flights this month

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

India and China will resume direct flight services by the end of this month after a five-year gap, signaling an effort to rebuild ties strained by the border standoff in eastern Ladakh.

2021 saw 15% more deaths than 2022 due to Covid: CRS data

2021 saw 15% more deaths than 2022 due to Covid: CRS data

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Nearly 86.5 lakh deaths were reported in the country during 2022, a significant decline of more than 15 per cent from Covid-affected 2021 which had recorded over 1.02 crore deaths, according to a new data from the Civil Registration System (CRS).

'Taliban Was Never Anti-India'

'Taliban Was Never Anti-India'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'Pakistan is uncomfortable with the Indian presence in Afghanistan. They want the Taliban to ensure that there is no Indian presence in Afghanistan.'

'Taliban Never Supported Pakistan On Kashmir'

'Taliban Never Supported Pakistan On Kashmir'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'Pakistan wanted India out of Afghanistan to which again the Taliban told Pakistan to take a walk.' 'Six months after they came back to power in 2021 India was back in Afghanistan at the request of the Taliban.' 'The Taliban realised that India has no agenda of its own in Afghanistan.'

SC hints at relaxing blanket firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR

SC hints at relaxing blanket firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court is considering relaxing the ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali, citing practical concerns and the need to balance environmental and livelihood interests.

All eyes on 5 pm as PM Modi to address nation

All eyes on 5 pm as PM Modi to address nation

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

Modi has in the past taken to addressing the nation to make major announcements, like demonetisation in 2016 or India's successful test of Anti-Satellite Missile to join an elite club of countries in 2019.

Doctor in audio clip tells colleague to kill Covid patient, booked

Doctor in audio clip tells colleague to kill Covid patient, booked

Rediff.com29 May 2025

An audio clip recently surfaced on social media of the purported conversation between the accused, Dr Shashikant Deshpande, who was then additional district surgeon at the Udgir Government Hospital in Latur, and Dr Shashikant Dange, who was posted at a COVID-19 care centre.

104 active Covid cases in Delhi, 99 reported just in a week

104 active Covid cases in Delhi, 99 reported just in a week

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said there is no need to panic about COVID-19 cases, even as she asserted that the hospitals were fully prepared to tackle if the number rises.

'Rasika Is The Female Shah Rukh Khan'

'Rasika Is The Female Shah Rukh Khan'

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

'On the editing table, we would be salivating on how she maintains her continuity to perfection on each take.' 'I have seen this with Shah Rukh sir and I observed the same level of precision with Rasika.'

'I Was Changing Lives'

'I Was Changing Lives'

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

'People message me on Instagram saying that because of your novel, I find happiness, it helps me deal with depression. When I see this, I realise that I'm doing something meaningful'

'Phenomenon That Takes Place Once In A Century'

'Phenomenon That Takes Place Once In A Century'

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

This is the longest winning streak for gold in the last three decades.

Where is Neeraj Chopra heading to recharge for 2026?

Where is Neeraj Chopra heading to recharge for 2026?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Neeraj Chopra spoke a bit about his hopes from the next season, his love for all things Swiss and the eager traveller in him who doesn't mind giving in to occasionally unplanned wanderlust.

Covid originated in US? China claims to have 'proof'

Covid originated in US? China claims to have 'proof'

Rediff.com1 May 2025

China on Wednesday accused the United States for originating COVID-19, claiming America was trying to 'shift the blame' after US President Donald Trump said that the disease was leaked from a Wuhan lab, New York Post reported.

'People Know Gandhi As Villain Or Hero'

'People Know Gandhi As Villain Or Hero'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

'They are clueless about the man on the currency notes.' 'They have been fed with WhatsApp forwards, so either Gandhi is vilified or deified. There's nothing in between.'

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Amid an uptick in Covid cases in some parts of the country, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl said the severity of infections as of now is generally mild and there was no cause for worry. Speaking about new Covid variants being traced, he said genome sequencing of samples in the west and south have shown that the new variants are not severe and are Omicron sub-variants. These are LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB. 1.8.1. The first three are more prevalent, Dr Behl said. "Samples from other places are being sequenced and we will know in a day or two if there are more variants." The ICMR DG said there has been an uptick in cases --first from the south, then west and now from northern India. All these cases are being monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Besides that, ICMR's nationwide respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network is keeping a watch on emerging infections and pathogens, he said. "Whenever cases increase, we look at three things. It's dependent on three factors with the first being how transmissible it is, conversely how fast the cases are increasing. Previously we saw Covid cases double in two days, but this time it is not that cases are increasing rapidly. "Secondly, are the new variants evading our previous immunity? When new variants come, they evade immunity -- be it natural or from the vaccine. But there's nothing to worry about at the moment," Dr Behl said. He also said that the third factor is the percentage of severe cases in all Covid instances. "Are we getting a very severe disease without comorbidities? As of now, the severity is generally low. There's nothing to worry about. We should be vigilant and we should always be prepared," the ICMR DG asserted. Dr Behl also informed reporters that the Union Health secretary chaired a meeting on Sunday that was also attended by the director general of health services and himself. "We have been closely monitoring the situation. We should be vigilant at this moment, but there is no cause to worry. The general public should be vigilant. There is no need to take any such action as of now," he said. The officer added that the WHO database has been showing that the new variants were not causing severe disease. "People do not need to take any immediate action. They should follow normal precautions. So, there is nothing special to do right now." Asked about the need for a booster dose, he said there is no need for vaccination as of now. "India has the capability to make vaccines and if need be, we can make any vaccine in no time."

Covid cases in India cross 4,000-mark; Kerala, Maha, Delhi worst hit

Covid cases in India cross 4,000-mark; Kerala, Maha, Delhi worst hit

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

There are 4,026 active cases in India and five fresh deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

Covid surge: States told to ensure availability of oxygen, beds

Covid surge: States told to ensure availability of oxygen, beds

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

All states have been instructed to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators and essential medicines in view of rising cases of Covid, official sources said on Wednesday.

2 Covid variants, causing fresh cases in Asia, found in India

2 Covid variants, causing fresh cases in Asia, found in India

Rediff.com24 May 2025

As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring, not as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. But these are the variants that are reportedly driving the rise in Covid cases in China and parts of Asia.

Zubeen Garg: The Voice That United A Divided Land

Zubeen Garg: The Voice That United A Divided Land

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Zubeen Garg was not just Assam's voice, he was its heartbeat, its rebellion, and its song of unity in a land often torn apart.

H1B Crisis: Rs 85,500 Cr Wiped Out From IT Stocks

H1B Crisis: Rs 85,500 Cr Wiped Out From IT Stocks

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'It's better to stay away from large IT stocks until there is clarity on tariffs.'

'I Won't Wait For Decades To Get Reform Done'

'I Won't Wait For Decades To Get Reform Done'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'That is going to have an impact on literally every one, whether you buy a toothpaste, a safety pin, a car, shoes or medicines or you go to a diagnostic centre.'

Crime against children records 9.2% rise in 2023: NCRB

Crime against children records 9.2% rise in 2023: NCRB

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

The data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau showed that the crime rate in 2023 stood at 39.9 per one-lakh child population, in comparison to 36.6 in 2022.

Who Will Win The Asia Cup Final?

Who Will Win The Asia Cup Final?

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Sunday's final can be called the ultimate stress-test day for every cricket fan's heartbeat.

Impact of 50% US tariff would be concentrated in Q2: CEA Nageswaran

Impact of 50% US tariff would be concentrated in Q2: CEA Nageswaran

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

The 50 per cent US tariff on Indian goods pose a downside risk to growth but the impact is expected to be short-lived for the economy, and consumption demand could see an uptick after the new goods and service tax (GST) rates are implemented which could even offset the external uncertainty, Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran reckoned on Friday.

Zubeen Garg's wife urges public to maintain peace, defends manager

Zubeen Garg's wife urges public to maintain peace, defends manager

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

Garima Saikia Garg, wife of the late singer Zubeen Garg, appeals to the public to maintain peace and support the singer's manager, Siddhartha Sharma, following Zubeen's death in Singapore.

Homebound Review: Highly Recommended

Homebound Review: Highly Recommended

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

In the slot of rural poor, there are those who struggle to pull themselves out of crumbling hovels, and there are the Jamtara-like bunch who turn to crime. Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound is about the former, whose quest for respect and dignity is thwarted because they are underprivileged, notes Deepa Gahlot.

How Gen Z And Social Media Are Changing Nepal

How Gen Z And Social Media Are Changing Nepal

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

From mobilising protests to choosing the interim prime minister -- Discord, Bitchat became virtual control rooms, even as familiar platforms like TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, etc. played their part.

Janhvi Goes For Gold At TIFF

Janhvi Goes For Gold At TIFF

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Janhvi Kapoor is having a golden moment at the Toronto International Film Festival, and she captures it perfectly by wearing a gown of the same colour.

Noida Airport set to begin operations post-Diwali

Noida Airport set to begin operations post-Diwali

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Noida International Airport (NIA), being developed as a greenfield aviation hub in Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar, is on track to begin operations by the end of this year.

Asia Cup: 'I bowled a lot to Shubman Gill when he was 11-12'

Asia Cup: 'I bowled a lot to Shubman Gill when he was 11-12'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Simranjeet Singh, the left-arm spinner from UAE, distinctly remembers bowling to a talented 12-year-old Shubman Gill at the nets in Mohali.

'World Cup cricket in India is truly next level'

'World Cup cricket in India is truly next level'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

If India win Women's World Cup it would be a seismic moment: England captain Sciver-Brunt

After Covid, management buyouts have seen an uptick

After Covid, management buyouts have seen an uptick

Rediff.com27 May 2025

There have been more instances of a management team buying out the owners of a company after the pandemic. There are eight such transactions, called management buyouts (MBOs), in the five years ending 2024, according to data from tracker LSEG shared with Business Standard.

Ganguly's key challenges as he returns as CAB president

Ganguly's key challenges as he returns as CAB president

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is set to return unopposed as Cricket Association of Bengal president at its annual general meeting in Kolkata on Monday.

Maha denies police clearance to 26/11 acquitted, cites terror watch

Maha denies police clearance to 26/11 acquitted, cites terror watch

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that Faheem Ansari, acquitted in the 26/11 terror attack case, was denied a police clearance certificate due to ongoing suspicion of being a member of a banned terror organization. Ansari sought the certificate to operate an autorickshaw.