News for 'Covid'

'We have no option but to strike back'

'We have no option but to strike back'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'If they aim to remain aligned with the public sentiment, as any democratic government should, then they must respond. Why else would the prime minister have cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia? And why would he have instructed the home minister himself to travel to Srinagar to assess the situation firsthand? This suggests that something is indeed being planned. I am quite certain of that, although the exact form it will take remains to be seen.'

Will 300 be breached in IPL 2025?

Will 300 be breached in IPL 2025?

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The batters who will be salivating at the prospect of breaching the 300-mark when IPL 2025 gets under way on Saturday.

Duplantis eyes another World Record

Duplantis eyes another World Record

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

One of the main attractions will be pole vaulter 'Mondo' Duplantis, who soared 6.27 metres to break the world record for a staggering 11th time in Clermont-Ferrand last month.

Salaries, allowances, pensions of MPs hiked; monthly income rises to...

Salaries, allowances, pensions of MPs hiked; monthly income rises to...

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The Indian government has increased the salaries of Members of Parliament (MPs) by 24 percent, effective April 1, 2023. This increase was based on the Cost Inflation Index and brings their monthly salary to Rs 1.24 lakh. The notification also included increases in daily allowances for sitting members, pension, and additional pension for former MPs. While some MPs welcomed the increase, others expressed dissatisfaction and instead advocated for a rise in the MP Local Area Development Fund (MPLADS). The increase has been implemented based on the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act and the Cost Inflation Index specified in the Income Tax Act of 1961.

'People Don't Recognise Me Now. One Day They Will'

'People Don't Recognise Me Now. One Day They Will'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'You need patience. You need to focus and keep going.' 'That is true not only for the entertainment industry, but in every field.' 'Only then, the magic happens.'

Rana not in custody, says US Bureau of Prisons

Rana not in custody, says US Bureau of Prisons

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India after the US Supreme Court denied his last-ditch effort to avoid being sent back. Rana, a close associate of David Coleman Headley, another key conspirator in the attacks, was expected to be extradited "shortly" after his legal appeals failed. This decision comes after a multi-agency team from India traveled to the US to complete all necessary paperwork and legalities with the US authorities. Rana's extradition marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Mumbai attacks.

Yet to firm up modalities on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA

Yet to firm up modalities on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that India and China have reached an understanding to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025. While an understanding has been reached, the modalities of the pilgrimage are yet to be firmed up. The Yatra has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and non-renewal of Yatra arrangements by the Chinese side.

Gold at fresh record high of Rs 91,950/10 gm

Gold at fresh record high of Rs 91,950/10 gm

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Gold prices advanced Rs 700 to reach a new lifetime high of Rs 91,950 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday on the back of continued buying by jewellers ahead of wedding season, according to the All India Sarafa Association. Besides, increased tensions in the Middle East and concerns about the US economic slowdown have kept the demand for safe-haven assets intact.

Used-car Sales Likely To Outpace New Ones In FY26

Used-car Sales Likely To Outpace New Ones In FY26

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

India's used car market, which has been growing steadily at 10-12 per cent over the last 2-3 years, is expected to reach $40 billion in FY26.

Meta apologises for Zuckerberg's remarks on Indian elections

Meta apologises for Zuckerberg's remarks on Indian elections

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier called out the remarks made by Zuckerberg on the Joe Rogan podcast. "Mr. Zuckerberg's claim that most incumbent governments, including India in 2024 elections, lost post-COVID is factually incorrect," Vaishnaw had said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 13.

F1: McLaren's Norris chasing hat-trick in China

F1: McLaren's Norris chasing hat-trick in China

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri, who spun off and finished ninth in his home race last Sunday after starting on the front row and challenging for the lead, has another good chance to rev up his season.

Tariffs, earnings key for FII flows after Rs 1.54 trillion pullout in FY25

Tariffs, earnings key for FII flows after Rs 1.54 trillion pullout in FY25

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Global funds have pulled out Rs 1.54 trillion from domestic stocks in fiscal 2024 - 25 (FY25), the highest-ever outflow recorded so far, according to the data compiled by Business Standard. The last time the global funds exited Indian shores in droves was back in 2022, when they sold a net Rs 1.41 in the backdrop of Covid-19.

Parliamentary panel to summon Zuckerberg over poll claim

Parliamentary panel to summon Zuckerberg over poll claim

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Seeking an apology from social media giant Meta for 'tarnishing' India's image, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, who heads the Parliament's Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, said on Tuesday that the panel will summon the firm following its chairman's comments that India's ruling dispensation lost the Lok Sabha election last year.

'RCB's seniors backing new skipper Patidar'

'RCB's seniors backing new skipper Patidar'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

RCB head coach Andy Flower expressed his confidence in newly appointed captain Rajat Patidar, highlighting the presence of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as a major advantage for him.

'Living With In-laws: I Feel Trapped And Hopeless'

'Living With In-laws: I Feel Trapped And Hopeless'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Relationship expert Dr Upneet Kaur offers advice on how to deal with conflicts while staying in a joint family.

5 UP men get life term, additional 40 yrs in jail for raping minor in Kerala

5 UP men get life term, additional 40 yrs in jail for raping minor in Kerala

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

A court in Kerala has sentenced five men from Uttar Pradesh to life imprisonment and an additional 40 years in prison for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl from Kerala five years ago. The accused, who were migrant workers residing near the victim's home, were involved in the crime that occurred in 2020. They enticed the girl with the promise of a SIM card and then subjected her to sexual assault at various locations. The court also directed the convicts to pay compensation to the victim.

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The "weaponisation" of economic activity - through tariffs and sanctions - is now a reality, with countries leveraging these tools strategically, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue recently.

'No Politics When It Comes To The Country's Finances'

'No Politics When It Comes To The Country's Finances'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'Each state is unique, but when it comes to finance, the fundamentals cannot be different.'

Yuvraj's Special Message for Abhishek

Yuvraj's Special Message for Abhishek

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Abhishek Sharma's record-breaking 135 off just 54 balls against England in the fifth T20I at Wankhede Stadium was a performance for the ages.

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a tri-services ceremonial welcome in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time such an honor has been bestowed upon a foreign leader. The welcome took place at the historic Independence Square, the venue for national day celebrations. Modi's visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery from a recent economic crisis, with India playing a significant role in providing assistance. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation, energy, and digital initiatives.

COVID-19 death toll in India 8 times more than official: Study

COVID-19 death toll in India 8 times more than official: Study

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

In India, 11.9 lakh excess deaths occurred in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, 17 per cent higher compared to 2019, an international study has found.

AstraZeneca withdraws COVID-19 vaccine globally: Report

AstraZeneca withdraws COVID-19 vaccine globally: Report

Rediff.com8 May 2024

Pharma giant AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine is being withdrawn worldwide after the company acknowledged for the first time in court documents that it can cause a rare and dangerous side effect, according to a report in the British newspaper The Telegraph.

Covid Reduced 2.6 Years Of Life Expectancy In India

Covid Reduced 2.6 Years Of Life Expectancy In India

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

The decline in life expectancy was higher among young individuals and those aged 50 to 60.

HEX20 Elevates India With Nila Launch

HEX20 Elevates India With Nila Launch

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

'The launch of Nila, our very first satellite was very emotional as well as nerve wracking. We tried to calm ourselves by cracking some poor jokes!'

These States Stay on Fiscal Track Despite Populist Schemes

These States Stay on Fiscal Track Despite Populist Schemes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisha budgets maintain revenue surpluses despite welfare schemes while Rajasthan and West Bengal face high debt, fiscal deficits and low capital outlay.

An Agitation That Woke Up Kerala

An Agitation That Woke Up Kerala

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

It was a protest which held a mirror to the government of a state taking pride in its commitment to democracy, gender equality and social indices.One person, who in his employed days had known governments and political parties at close quarters, told me that public perception of how the Kerala government handled the ASHA workers' strike had been terrible, reports Shyam G Menon.

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 Vaccine: The TTS Factor

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 Vaccine: The TTS Factor

Rediff.com1 May 2024

'It is admitted that the AZ vaccine can, in very rare cases, cause TTS.'

2 Indian-origin faces in new Canadian PM's cabinet

2 Indian-origin faces in new Canadian PM's cabinet

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Indo-Canadian Anita Anand and Delhi-born Kamal Khera are part of new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet. Anand is the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry while Khera is Minister of Health. Carney's cabinet with 13 men and 11 women is smaller than Trudeau's 37-member team.

Global funds' asset under custody see second-worst plunge amid market rout

Global funds' asset under custody see second-worst plunge amid market rout

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Global fund managers witnessed one of their largest-ever declines in assets under custody (AUC) during the ongoing correction in the Indian markets, as stocks came under pressure from foreign outflows and the weakening rupee.

World Happiness Report 2025: Finland tops the list, India ranks...

World Happiness Report 2025: Finland tops the list, India ranks...

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

India has improved its ranking in the World Happiness Report 2025, climbing to 118th from 126th last year. However, it still lags behind neighbouring countries like Nepal, Pakistan, and Ukraine. Finland has topped the list for the eighth consecutive year. The report emphasizes the impact of caring and sharing on happiness, highlighting how sharing meals increases happiness. It also notes a decline in wellbeing in the United States, which has dropped to its lowest ever position at 24th.

'Being In The Fauj Is Most Glorious'

'Being In The Fauj Is Most Glorious'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

'No matter how much you get paid or how successful you get, nothing can match the fauj.'

Heartbreak for Noah Lyles as COVID ends Paris campaign

Heartbreak for Noah Lyles as COVID ends Paris campaign

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

Noah Lyles said that his Paris Games are over, hours after he needed medical attention

Gukesh hails Anand, India's chess boom

Gukesh hails Anand, India's chess boom

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Reigning world chess champion D Gukesh has stated that he is open to competing in all formats of chess, including the newly popular freestyle format, but believes that classical chess, with its rich history, will always hold the greatest significance. Despite concerns of a potential split in the sport between supporters of freestyle and classical chess, Gukesh sees no reason for division, highlighting the excitement of freestyle while acknowledging the importance of the traditional format's legacy.

'We Are The RRR'

'We Are The RRR'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'Post COVID, people are much more enthusiastic about going to concerts.' 'The live music scenario has suddenly become very relevant to people's lives.' 'They see that it is cooked on the spot.'

IPL 2025: Why Siraj is excited about lifting of saliva ban

IPL 2025: Why Siraj is excited about lifting of saliva ban

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj welcomed the BCCI's decision to lift the ban on using saliva to shine the ball ahead of IPL 2025, saying it will aid "reverse swing" even in unfriendly conditions.

AstraZeneca reaffirms Covid vaccine safety amid rare TTS concerns

AstraZeneca reaffirms Covid vaccine safety amid rare TTS concerns

Rediff.com1 May 2024

Despite these rare occurrences, the pharmaceutical company maintains that extensive clinical trial data and real-world evidence consistently support the vaccine's safety and efficacy.

'Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji': Uddhav's reply to BJP's 'Jai Shri Ram'

'Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji': Uddhav's reply to BJP's 'Jai Shri Ram'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Thackeray also drew a comparison between the current regime and Hitler.

US WHO Exit Won't Impact India: Experts

US WHO Exit Won't Impact India: Experts

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'Both international cooperation and self-reliance will now acquire new purpose.'

Why The Census Is Important

Why The Census Is Important

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

It will be interesting to see what shifts have been recorded in the last decade-and-a-half -- from the effects of demonetisation and Covid's second wave to the drop in fertility and increase in farm workers -- but we will only know this if and when the Census is conducted, points out Aakar Patel.

SC refuses stay on Adani's Dharavi redevelopment project

SC refuses stay on Adani's Dharavi redevelopment project

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has refused to halt the redevelopment project of Dharavi in Mumbai, allowing the Adani Group to proceed with their project. The court rejected a plea from Seclink Technologies Corporation, the original highest bidder for the project in 2018, which challenged the tender process and the award to Adani Properties Pvt Ltd in 2022. The court directed Adani Properties to make payments through a single bank account and ordered Seclink Technologies to file an affidavit detailing their increased offer for the project. The project work has already commenced, with constructions underway and 2,000 people employed on the site.