News for 'Covid'

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.'

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.

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.

'Sikandar Sealed Salman's Fate'

'Sikandar Sealed Salman's Fate'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

'Salman's bad phase is going on for the last five-six years.'

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.

COVID-positive Marsh to captain Australia from a distance

COVID-positive Marsh to captain Australia from a distance

Rediff.com8 Feb 2024

Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia from a distance when they take on West Indies in the first of three Twenty20 internationals on Friday.

300 fresh COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths in Kerala

300 fresh COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths in Kerala

Rediff.com21 Dec 2023

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that despite the increase in COVID cases in Kerala, there was nothing to be concerned about as the hospitals were well-prepared to handle the virus infection.

'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.

'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.

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.

'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.'

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.

Amid JN.1 scare, Karnataka reports 2 Covid deaths

Amid JN.1 scare, Karnataka reports 2 Covid deaths

Rediff.com21 Dec 2023

Two Covid-19 related deaths and 20 fresh cases were reported in Karnataka, according to a Health bulletin issued on Wednesday.

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.

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.

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.

Are hospitals ready to handle Covid surge?

Are hospitals ready to handle Covid surge?

Rediff.com26 Dec 2023

Larger hospitals are not worried about a spike in cases, as they are now accustomed to converting ICUs and general wards into negative pressure zones or isolation rooms. For smaller hospitals, the task is tedious.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

Covid surge: WHO urges South East Asian countries to step up surveillance

Covid surge: WHO urges South East Asian countries to step up surveillance

Rediff.com24 Dec 2023

Considering the limited available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low at the global level, Singh said.

Kerala woman found infected with Covid sub-strain JN.1

Kerala woman found infected with Covid sub-strain JN.1

Rediff.com16 Dec 2023

A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN. 1 has been detected in Kerala as part of an ongoing routine surveillance activity of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a senior official from the Indian Council of Medical research (ICMR) said on Saturday.

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.

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.

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!'

Centre alerts states, UTs as country sees surge in Covid cases

Centre alerts states, UTs as country sees surge in Covid cases

Rediff.com18 Dec 2023

In a letter to states and Union Territories, Union health secretary Sudhansh Pant underlined that "due to consistent and collaborative actions between the Centre and state governments, we have been able to sustain the (COVID-19) trajectory at sustainable low rates".

'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.'