News for 'Covid'

IPL 2025: Cricket carnival returns as KKR face RCB in opener

IPL 2025: Cricket carnival returns as KKR face RCB in opener

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

New rules, new captains, but same excitement as two months of cricket extravaganza kicks off in Kolkata.

US top court to hear Tahawwur Rana's new plea against extradition

US top court to hear Tahawwur Rana's new plea against extradition

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has renewed his application to the US Supreme Court seeking a stay of his extradition to India. The Supreme Court will hear the application next month. Rana, currently detained in Los Angeles, claims his extradition would violate US law and expose him to torture in India due to his health and Muslim background. The US government has denied these claims and authorized his surrender to India, citing the Extradition Treaty between the two countries. The Supreme Court's decision will determine if Rana will face justice in India or remain in the United States.

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Rajiv Kumar, the 25th chief election commissioner of India, has demitted office after a nearly three-year tenure marked by both electoral successes and allegations of bias from opposition parties. Kumar oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, among other major elections. During his tenure, he implemented reforms across various aspects of the Election Commission's functioning, including structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administration. However, he faced criticism from opposition parties and activists on several issues, including the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines, alleged fudging of voter data, and being "lenient" on the ruling BJP. While the Commission responded to the allegations, Kumar often defended himself and the poll authority through poetry. In his farewell address, Kumar expressed concerns about the timing of petitions raising doubts over poll processes and the impact of freebie promises on the fiscal health of the state. He also criticized the practice of showing early trends on counting day by news channels, calling it "nonsense". Kumar's tenure was marked by numerous controversies, with opposition parties and activists alleging bias and irregularities. While the Election Commission defended its actions, the allegations cast a shadow over his time in office.

SC quashes chargesheet against former Army officer in rape case

SC quashes chargesheet against former Army officer in rape case

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has quashed a chargesheet against a retired Army officer in an alleged rape case, calling it an "abuse of process of law". The court found that the complainant's testimony showed no offense and the FIR deserved to be quashed. The court also noted that the Delhi High Court erred in its decision of not quashing the chargesheet. The complainant, a woman, had filed multiple FIRs against different persons, allegedly blackmailing them for money. The court concluded that the former Army officer was a "victim of an unscrupulous abuser" of law whose modus operandi was to extort money by misusing the rape and molestation laws.

Covishield side effects: Doctors' group urges govt to review all Covid vax

Covishield side effects: Doctors' group urges govt to review all Covid vax

Rediff.com9 May 2024

The world is learning about a side effect of the COVID vaccine called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, he said.

'Goa Beach Shacks Can't Sell Idli-Sambar'

'Goa Beach Shacks Can't Sell Idli-Sambar'

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'These beach shacks were meant to protect the employment of local Goans who in turn would showcase Goan cuisine and culture on the beaches of Goa.'

US SC rejects Tahawwur Rana's plea against extradition; files fresh one

US SC rejects Tahawwur Rana's plea against extradition; files fresh one

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has renewed his plea for a stay on his extradition to India, citing health concerns and alleging potential torture. He argues that his extradition would violate US law and the UN Convention Against Torture. Rana's lawyers claim he is at risk of being subjected to torture in Indian detention facilities due to his Pakistani origin, Muslim religion, and medical conditions. The US Supreme Court had previously denied his emergency bid for a stay, but he has now appealed to Chief Justice John Roberts. The US government has declined to provide information on any commitment from India regarding Rana's treatment, further fueling his concerns.

Tahawwur Rana seeks stay on extradition, fears torture

Tahawwur Rana seeks stay on extradition, fears torture

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana has moved an 'emergency application' with the United States Supreme Court against his extradition to India, claiming that he will be tortured there since he is a Muslim of Pakistani origin.

Budget: Can Nirmalaji End The Economic Slowdown?

Budget: Can Nirmalaji End The Economic Slowdown?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The time is ideal for a 'Dream Budget' akin to the 1991 reforms that sparked high growth and unlocked significant gains in productivity, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Djokovic still traumatised at Melbourne airport

Djokovic still traumatised at Melbourne airport

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Djokovic, who is ranked seventh in the world, will be on the hunt for a record 25th major title when the 2025 Australian Open begins next Sunday.

India's creative plan for 2026 Commonwealth Games

India's creative plan for 2026 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

India has proposed to conduct all those disciplines that were axed from the 2026 Commonwealth Games to ensure that the country's medal tally is not affected when the event is held in Glasgow.

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

P K Mishra, a retired IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as the principal secretary to the prime minister.

'Unapologetically Indian' In New York

'Unapologetically Indian' In New York

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'I always cook from my heart,' says New York Chef Vijaya Kumar who won his third Michelin Star recently.

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In Kerala's society, known for its high material standard of living, plunging into a state of having nothing overnight can be terrible for one's social standing and sense of self-esteem. Rehabilitation entails piecing a community back together after a disturbance and while its aim is noble, the act of reassembling will bring alive disparities and inequalities, explains Shyam G Menon.

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.

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The cabinet of the new government led by Rekha Gupta balances representation of all major communities that propelled the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in Delhi with a massive majority after over 26 years.

GDP Growth Disappoints: Is There Hope?

GDP Growth Disappoints: Is There Hope?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Headline growth was quite weak heading into the Covid period but averaged 6.4 per cent and 6.7 per cent in the five years between FY16 and FY20 for GVA and GDP respectively, points out Abhishek Upadhyay.

Indians Work More Than Chinese!

Indians Work More Than Chinese!

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The average Indian works 46.7 hours per week, surpassing even China's 46.1 hours. In some sectors, the numbers are even more staggering.

How Modi Has Changed Babus

How Modi Has Changed Babus

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

At the PMO, policies are framed by factoring in analytical perspectives, implications, sustainability, and other dimensions.

RSS returns to old office in Delhi, rebuilt with Rs 150 crore

RSS returns to old office in Delhi, rebuilt with Rs 150 crore

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has moved back its office in New Delhi to its old address following the near completion of the rebuilding project spread across over 3.75 acre premises, housing three 13-storey towers and around 300 rooms and offices in total.

Govt fixes capex at Rs 11.21 lakh cr for FY26

Govt fixes capex at Rs 11.21 lakh cr for FY26

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Having missed the target for the current financial year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday proposed to spend Rs 11.21 lakh crore towards capital expenditure (capex) for FY26. However, the capex target is going to be missed by about 93,000 crore for the current financial year.

Brand ambassador, cricket...: How Maldives aims to attract 3L Indians in 2025

Brand ambassador, cricket...: How Maldives aims to attract 3L Indians in 2025

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Maldives government has set a target of attracting 300,000 Indian tourists in 2025, aiming to regain its position as a top destination for Indian travelers. The country's tourism sector has been impacted by strained relations between Male and New Delhi, which led to a decline in Indian tourist arrivals in 2024. To revive the Indian tourist market, the Maldives is planning a major campaign, including a brand ambassador, cricket summer camps, and expanded flight routes from more Indian cities.

'Mayawati Is Afraid Of The BJP'

'Mayawati Is Afraid Of The BJP'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'She feels it will send her to jail.'

India's Next Test Captain: The Choice Is Clear?

India's Next Test Captain: The Choice Is Clear?

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Bumrah's exclusion wasn't solely about workload management-his leadership potential played a crucial role in the decision. The BCCI has all but finalised him as India's next Test captain.

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'A government whose policies are focused around making the life of ordinary citizens, specially the most deprived sections, richer; a government that prioritises education, health and transport, that doesn't treat its citizens as subjects who must come to it for everything, is rare in our country.' 'When such a government is thrown out, one is left stunned,' notes Jyoti Punwani.

290 cases of Covid variant behind surge in Singapore found in India

290 cases of Covid variant behind surge in Singapore found in India

Rediff.com22 May 2024

As many as 290 cases of KP.2 and 34 cases of KP.1, both sub-lineages of COVID-19 that are responsible for surge in cases in Singapore, have been found in India, according to official data.

Post-Covid boom in profits yet to show in India Inc capex

Post-Covid boom in profits yet to show in India Inc capex

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

The last four years, the best for corporate profits in a long time, have not been as impressive for corporate capital expenditure. The combined net profits of India's top listed companies excluding banks, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.4 per cent since FY20, a sharp jump from the 7.4 per cent in corporate earnings between FY14 and FY19.

Huge Ports Deal Sparks US-China Tensions

Huge Ports Deal Sparks US-China Tensions

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The $22.8 billion CK Hutchison ports deal intensifies geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Chinese media has already called it 'a betrayal of all Chinese people'. Shyam G Menon explains how the proposed sale will reshapes global trade infrastructure.

'For The First Time I'm Enthusiastic About India'

'For The First Time I'm Enthusiastic About India'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

'I am more optimistic about India than before.'

'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.'

'Trump Won't Hesitate To Use Hard Power'

'Trump Won't Hesitate To Use Hard Power'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

'The touchstone is reciprocity which will be applied to friends and foes alike.' 'It will be a bitter pill to swallow.'

Computers, electronics sectors add highest workers after Covid

Computers, electronics sectors add highest workers after Covid

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Of the total 29 major industry groups covered in the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), 'manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products' has seen the highest growth in the number of people engaged between the pre-pandemic period (2019-20) and 2022-23. A Business Standard analysis of the latest ASI results has taken into consideration only industry groups having more than 1,000 operating factories. This industry group, which includes manufacture of electronic components, computer equipment, consumer electronics and optical instruments, among others, saw the total number of people engaged rise nearly 50 per cent to 425,000 from 283,000.

'Congress Has Many Capable Leaders In Kerala'

'Congress Has Many Capable Leaders In Kerala'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

'Maybe this has created some minor issues which can happen in any party.'

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Budget should undertake further reductions in import tariffs and seriously consider an announcement of India's intention to join one or both of the two Asian mega-regional free trade agreements, suggests Shankar Acharya, former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.

'Trump Can Apply Waiver In Deportation'

'Trump Can Apply Waiver In Deportation'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'The strategic direction of the relationship will not be affected. But the perception has been affected.'

'New Covid surge is a seasonal wave but spreads faster'

'New Covid surge is a seasonal wave but spreads faster'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2024

'Seek medical help if after five days of the first symptom the fever has not subsided.'

Cong leaders' remarks on Prez Murmu unfortunate: Rashtrapati Bhavan

Cong leaders' remarks on Prez Murmu unfortunate: Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

The President's office has condemned comments made by Congress leaders regarding President Droupadi Murmu's address to Parliament, stating that they hurt the dignity of the high office. The statement clarified that the President was not tired during her speech and that the comments were in "poor taste" and "unacceptable." The Congress leaders had reportedly discussed the speech, with Sonia Gandhi commenting on the President's alleged tiredness. The statement suggested that the leaders may have misunderstood the President's speech due to their unfamiliarity with Indian languages.

Will Modi Opt For More Energy Imports From US?

Will Modi Opt For More Energy Imports From US?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

US shale oil would act as an alternative to India's heavy dependency on Russian crude, which is currently facing sanctions.

Can India bring home gold at Asia Mixed Team C'ships?

Can India bring home gold at Asia Mixed Team C'ships?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

While India have never won the gold at the Asia Mixed Team Championships, they did secure mixed team gold and silver at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and 2022.

RBI may cut interest rate by 25 bps on Feb 7

RBI may cut interest rate by 25 bps on Feb 7

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The RBI is likely to reduce the key interest rate by 25 basis points this week after keeping it on hold for two years, complementing the Union Budget initiatives to push consumption-led demand, though the sliding rupee continues to be a concern. As the retail inflation has remained within the Reserve Bank's comfort zone (less than 6 per cent) for most of the year, the central bank can take rate action to boost growth hit by sluggish consumption, opined experts.