News for 'Covid'

Nearly 3,000 Covid cases, 7 deaths reported in India

Nearly 3,000 Covid cases, 7 deaths reported in India

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Kerala leads with 1,147 active cases, and reconciliation of mortality figures is ongoing. Bihar is awaiting daily Covid-19 updates.

Head's IPL comeback delayed due to Covid-19!

Head's IPL comeback delayed due to Covid-19!

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Head is reportedly recovering well and is expected to rejoin the SRH camp soon.

'Every Time I See A Cancer Victim Smile, I Feel A Surge Of Energy'

'Every Time I See A Cancer Victim Smile, I Feel A Surge Of Energy'

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Meet Zeenath PA, the Kochi social worker whose handmade wigs are helping Cancer survivors reclaim their identity.

Govt plans to levy excise duty on tobacco, cess on pan masala

Govt plans to levy excise duty on tobacco, cess on pan masala

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday introduced two bills in the Lok Sabha to levy excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products, and a new cess on manufacturing of pan masala, which will replace the GST compensation cess on such sin goods.

MeToo in Mollywood: Verdict expected after 8 years

MeToo in Mollywood: Verdict expected after 8 years

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

A Kerala court is expected to deliver a verdict in the 2017 actress assault case involving Malayalam actor Dileep, a case marked by twists, delays, and a battle over narrative.

Will Cancer Soon Be Defeated?

Will Cancer Soon Be Defeated?

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

There is a decisive shift in how cancer may soon be confronted and, hopefully, defeated.

Neymar tests positive for COVID-19

Neymar tests positive for COVID-19

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

The 33-year-old began showing symptoms on Thursday and was immediately removed from team activities.

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.'

India's active Covid cases cross 6,000-mark; Kerala worst hit

India's active Covid cases cross 6,000-mark; Kerala worst hit

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Due to the rising COVID cases, the Centre is conducting mock drills to check facility-level preparedness and has instructed all states to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines, official sources had said.

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.

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

In a measured but scathing attack, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of committing a 'big sin' by creating a controversy over Vande Mataram and claimed that the government pushed for a debate on the national song as the West Bengal assembly polls were approaching.

How To Buy Gold Wisely In 2026

How To Buy Gold Wisely In 2026

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

From Rs 73k to over Rs 1.2L between January-December 2025 -- is buying gold in 2026 still sensible?

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.'

Over 5,000 Covid cases in India, most affected state is...

Over 5,000 Covid cases in India, most affected state is...

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

India's active Covid case tally crossed the 5,000 mark with Kerala remaining the most affected state followed by Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi, according to the Union health ministry data released on Friday.

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.

'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.

Post surgery, Manasi Joshi Sets Sights on World Championships

Post surgery, Manasi Joshi Sets Sights on World Championships

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'In general, I needed a short break from sports because I had worked extremely hard for the Paralympics. I was happy with my performance, but not winning a medal left me a little disappointed. I channelled my energy into other things... overall, the past year has been wonderful in its own way.'

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'There'll be extended periods where things aren't working in your favour. But if you believe in the cause profoundly, then you simply persevere.'

A Heart Surgeon's Stunning Wildlife Photographs

A Heart Surgeon's Stunning Wildlife Photographs

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

'Conservation is is fundamental to the resilience of our communities and the health of our planet,' says Dr Ramakant Panda, who is considered to be one the world's top heart surgeons.

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).

Trump's Language Of Fascism

Trump's Language Of Fascism

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

'Non-compatible with Western Civilization' is about as vague and jingoistic as it gets and Trump saying this gives full license to his acolytes to go full throttle on making life as difficult and scary as possible for as many non-white people as possible,' notes Sree Sreenivasan.

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.

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.

Arunachal woman detained at China airport for 18 hrs over passport

Arunachal woman detained at China airport for 18 hrs over passport

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

An Arunachal Pradesh woman was allegedly detained at Shanghai airport for nearly 18 hours after Chinese immigration officials refused to recognise her Indian passport, claiming Arunachal Pradesh is part of China.

Zubeen's death 'plain and simple murder': Assam CM in assembly

Zubeen's death 'plain and simple murder': Assam CM in assembly

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in the assembly on Tuesday that singer Zubeen Garg's death while swimming in the sea in Singapore is a case of 'plain and simple murder'.

China Eastern launches Shanghai-Delhi flight with 95% capacity

China Eastern launches Shanghai-Delhi flight with 95% capacity

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

China Eastern Airlines has resumed its Shanghai-Delhi service after a five-year gap, marking the first mainland Chinese carrier to restore direct flights to India this year. The resumption follows the resolution of border tensions and aims to boost trade, economic, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

China Eastern to resume flights to India from Sunday

China Eastern to resume flights to India from Sunday

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

Chinese airline China Eastern is set to begin its Delhi-Shanghai flight from Sunday, days after IndiGo's flight to Guangzhou from Kolkata, marking the resumption of the flight services between the two countries after a gap of five years.

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

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."

SC denies bail to man accused of ISIS ties, says 'best morning' to do so

SC denies bail to man accused of ISIS ties, says 'best morning' to do so

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court of India denied bail to a man accused of being associated with ISIS, citing concerns about a potential 'ring of terror' plot. The decision came after the accused challenged a lower court's denial of bail in a case involving charges under UAPA and IPC.

States Pension Bills Surpass Interest Payments

States Pension Bills Surpass Interest Payments

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The committed expenditure recorded a 9.37 per cent increase, reaching Rs 15.64 trillion.

India's festive hiring rises 17%; gig, temp roles see 25% surge this year

India's festive hiring rises 17%; gig, temp roles see 25% surge this year

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

Overall hiring volumes grew by 17 per cent year-on-year across key consumption-linked sectors during the August-October period, driven by heightened consumer sentiment, attractive festive promotions, and wider geographic penetration, according to a report.

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.

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.

Affordable homes lag but premium, luxury segment booms

Affordable homes lag but premium, luxury segment booms

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

'The momentum is driven by rising affluence, strong demand from HNIs (high net worth individuals) and NRIs (non-resident Indians), an increased appetite for larger, well-located homes by branded developers, and support from the economy.'

'Bangladesh women's captain Joty beats up juniors, slaps them': Alam

'Bangladesh women's captain Joty beats up juniors, slaps them': Alam

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Bangladesh women's pacer Jahanara Alam has alleged that captain Nigar Sultana Joty "beats up" junior cricketers, a charge that has been rejected by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Budget 2026: Nirmalaji's Challenges, Opportunities

Budget 2026: Nirmalaji's Challenges, Opportunities

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

The best course for the government at this time would be to tighten the seat belt a little more, without compromising on its investments in creating better infrastructure and giving a push to privatisation, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Rohit-Kohli magic falls short as CA posts $7M loss

Rohit-Kohli magic falls short as CA posts $7M loss

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Cricket Australia (CA) announced a net deficit of A$11.3 million ($7.34 million) for the 2024-25 financial year on Thursday, with a steep increase in costs offsetting a jump in revenue from hosting the Border-Gavaskar series against powerhouse India.

Abhishek Celebrates With Mentor Yuvraj

Abhishek Celebrates With Mentor Yuvraj

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

Yuvraj Singh has been coaching the Punjab left-hander for years, grooming him into one of the best batters in T20 cricket.