News for 'Health and Environment'

Auto retail sales rose 6% in FY25; dealers optimistic about FY26

Auto retail sales rose 6% in FY25; dealers optimistic about FY26

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Automobile retail sales in India rose 6 per cent to 2,61,43,943 units in FY25 with rural areas performing better than urban regions across passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments, dealers' body FADA said on Monday. The last financial year saw growth in sales of passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers.

5 Tips To Manage Winter Allergies

5 Tips To Manage Winter Allergies

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Instead of hitting the snooze button and snuggling under your blankets, take charge of your health and exercise indoors, advises Dr Manjusha Agarwal.

Artificial rain in Delhi? AAP govt seeks Centre's nod to combat air

Artificial rain in Delhi? AAP govt seeks Centre's nod to combat air

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Amid Delhi's worsening air quality, which has plunged into the severe plus category with an AQI consistently above 450, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday called for immediate intervention from the central government.

Unloading of Union Carbide waste begins in MP's Dhar

Unloading of Union Carbide waste begins in MP's Dhar

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The unloading of 337 tonnes of hazardous waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal began at an incineration unit in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. The exercise, which commenced amid protests from locals concerned about its impact on health and environment, is being carried out following safety regulations. The waste, comprising soil, reactor residues, pesticide remnants, and other materials, has been transported from Bhopal to Pithampur for disposal. The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board has asserted that the chemical effects of certain substances in the waste have diminished. The local administration has launched an awareness campaign to address concerns regarding the disposal process.

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Among the new entrants to the Union cabinet, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been given the agriculture and rural development portfolios, Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda the health portfolio and former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar the power portfolio.

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

Rediff.com29 May 2025

'My life has been quite difficult. I felt I could see it in words. I thought if everyone else can write, then I can too.'

Protesters perform 'shavasana' against Union Carbide waste disposal in MP

Protesters perform 'shavasana' against Union Carbide waste disposal in MP

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

A group of people in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, performed 'Shavasana' (corpse pose) to protest against the proposed disposal of Union Carbide waste, connected to the Bhopal gas tragedy, in the district. They claim the disposal would harm the health of locals and the environment. The waste has been brought from Bhopal for incineration in Pithampur. Protests have been ongoing since the arrival of the waste last month, and local authorities are conducting an awareness campaign to address concerns.

'Lost My Job. How To Find New One?'

'Lost My Job. How To Find New One?'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

rediffGURU Aamish Dhingra offers advice on how to navigate difficult situations in your career.

Is It Okay To Have Sex During Your Periods?

Is It Okay To Have Sex During Your Periods?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Sexual intercourse or physical intimacy during menstruation could lead to greater bonding between couples as they navigate and normalise bodily process together, suggests rediffGURU Dr Nandita Palshetkar, medical director, Bloom IVF

Hate speech on X spiked 50% after Musk takeover: Study

Hate speech on X spiked 50% after Musk takeover: Study

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

A new analysis has shown that hate speech on the social media platform 'X' spiked by almost 50 percent in the months following Elon Musk's purchase, compared to the months prior. Researchers found that the number of bot and bot-like accounts did not decline during Musk's tenure as CEO, until June 2023. The study, published in PLOS One, also revealed a heightened engagement with hate-related content, with about a 70 percent increase in the average number of 'likes' on such posts.

Budget proposes social security scheme for gig workers

Budget proposes social security scheme for gig workers

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the government will arrange identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal to assist 1 crore gig workers. Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, the finance minister also said a scheme for the socio-economic upliftment of urban workers will be implemented.

Delhi cabinet okays Ayushman scheme, to table CAG reports

Delhi cabinet okays Ayushman scheme, to table CAG reports

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The newly-formed Delhi Cabinet in its first meeting approved the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in the national capital. The cabinet also decided to present 14 pending CAG reports in the first session of the assembly. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the previous AAP government did not allow the health scheme in the city, preventing the people from availing its benefits.

'Too Much Work Pressure. Should I Quit?'

'Too Much Work Pressure. Should I Quit?'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

rediffGURU Major Inderpaul Singh (retd) offers career guidance and helps students and individuals handle challenges in their professional lives.

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'The true measure of Project Tiger's success is not just rising tiger numbers, but our ability to ensure harmonious human-wildlife coexistence'

'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.'

5 Natural Tips To Keep Winter Problems Away

5 Natural Tips To Keep Winter Problems Away

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

These simple home remedies aim to improve your overall health and keep your skin glowing, hair healthy and body pain-free no matter how cold it gets, says Smita Naram, co-founder, Ayushakti.

Ensure separate toilets for transgenders, disabled, orders SC

Ensure separate toilets for transgenders, disabled, orders SC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed all high courts, state governments, and union territories to ensure the availability of separate toilet facilities for men, women, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and transgender persons in all court premises and tribunals across the country. The court stressed the importance of public health and the right to privacy, stating that adequate public toilets protect women and transgender persons. The court also expressed concern about the condition of public toilets near toll plazas on national highways and emphasized the need for proper sanitation facilities in court premises for judges, advocates, litigants, and staff members. This decision highlights the importance of access to basic amenities in ensuring a fair and dignified justice system.

Mother's height linked to child's health

Mother's height linked to child's health

Rediff.com1 May 2009

Children with mothers shorter than 4 foot 9 inches were 70 percent more likely to die than those whose mothers were at least 5 foot 3 inches tall. Maternal height was viewed as an indicator reflecting a mother's own childhood health environment, and thus the study suggests Indian women are effectively passing along their early health status to the next generation.

Half of India Faces Glucose Imbalance

Half of India Faces Glucose Imbalance

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

'Obesity, especially central obesity and increased visceral fat due to physical inactivity, along with the consumption of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar diets, are major contributing factors.'

Govt headhunter fails to find right candidate for BPCL top job

Govt headhunter fails to find right candidate for BPCL top job

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

After HPCL, the government headhunter struggled to find a suitable candidate for the top job at Bharat Petroleum, as most applicants were narrow specialists lacking multidisciplinary experience needed to run a large organisation. The Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) last month interviewed a dozen candidates including BPCL director (finance) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta and its director (refineries) S Khanna but found none suitable for the job of chairman and managing director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), according to a PESB order.

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse is the new school education minister while Uday Samant continues to be the industries minister.

5 Workplace Changes You Will See in 2025

5 Workplace Changes You Will See in 2025

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Workplaces of 2025 will be defined by a deep focus on people-first values, inclusivity, and sustainable growth, foresees Sonica Aron, founder of Marching Sheep.

The Scotsman Who Loves India

The Scotsman Who Loves India

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

'You have to separate the concept of India as a nation State which is very young and the Upanishadic wisdom which is timeless.'

The Silent Crisis of Student Suicides

The Silent Crisis of Student Suicides

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

What is pushing students to take this extreme step?

Jaggi Vasudev's daughter shares her father's health update after brain surgery

Jaggi Vasudev's daughter shares her father's health update after brain surgery

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

In an Instagram story posted on Wednesday, Sadhguru's daughter Radhe Jaggi wrote, "For those asking, Sadhguru is doing well and recovering quickly."

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.

Petition filed in NGT seeking safe disposal of carbide waste

Petition filed in NGT seeking safe disposal of carbide waste

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

A petition has been filed in the National Green Tribunal's Bhopal bench, seeking an assurance from the Madhya Pradesh government that the Union Carbide waste disposal in Pithampur won't harm people in nearby areas. The petition, filed by a Jabalpur-based social organisation, has urged the NGT to direct the state's chief secretary to declare on oath about the safety of people in Pithampur in Dhar district where the waste has been transported for disposal. The petition also seeks direction to the MP government to publish a specific report regarding the disposal of this waste to allay public concerns.

Why did 70 Indian Hindus go to Pakistan

Why did 70 Indian Hindus go to Pakistan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Over 70 Indian Hindu pilgrims returned home on Wednesday after performing religious rituals at the sacred Katas Raj temples in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Govt dismantling India's environment rules: Sonia

Govt dismantling India's environment rules: Sonia

Rediff.com13 Aug 2020

The draft environment impact assessment (EIA) notification, 2020, which involves the procedure of issuing environmental clearances to various projects, was issued by the Environment Ministry in March this year and has received thousands of suggestions from the public.

50% of Delhi govt staffers to work from home amid rising air pollution

50% of Delhi govt staffers to work from home amid rising air pollution

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The Delhi government has ordered half of its staff to work from home, urging private organizations to follow suit as the national capital faces an alarmingly high level of air pollution. The move comes as Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 426 in the "severe" category, with residents reporting health issues. Essential services will continue to operate at full capacity. The government has also advised companies to provide shuttle bus services for employees and suggested that private entities consider shifting office hours to reduce traffic congestion.

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Our politicians solely depend on bureaucrats who are unaccountable and follow their own agenda.' 'Our politicians would dare not dream of establishing a DOGE,' argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Union Carbide waste disposal: Protesters set themselves afire

Union Carbide waste disposal: Protesters set themselves afire

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

Two men were hospitalised after they set themselves afire on Friday amid a bandh call in Madhya Pradesh's Pithampur against the planned disposal of 337 tonnes of Union Carbide waste in the industrial town, an official said.

Three things that could curb bank credit growth this year

Three things that could curb bank credit growth this year

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Bank credit growth is expected to moderate this financial year after a robust 16 per cent estimated for last financial year, driven by strong economic activity and retail credit demand. There are three reasons for this: a statistical high-base effect given the strong growth seen last financial year, revision in risk weights by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and relatively slower economic activity.

Loudspeakers not essential for any religion, rules HC

Loudspeakers not essential for any religion, rules HC

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The Bombay High Court has ruled that the use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion and has directed law enforcement agencies to take prompt action against loudspeakers that violate noise pollution norms. The court also ordered the state government to direct religious institutions to adopt mechanisms for controlling noise levels, including calibrated sound systems with auto-decibel limits. The decision came in response to a petition filed by two housing associations alleging police inaction against noise pollution caused by loudspeakers installed on mosques in the area.

'Budget Could Trigger Market Revival'

'Budget Could Trigger Market Revival'

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'The Budget must be pro-growth, focusing on infrastructure creation while also managing the fiscal deficit.'

Budget will revitalise agri sector, rural economy

Budget will revitalise agri sector, rural economy

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Recent documents by NITI Aayog and periodic labour force surveys on employment show that the importance of agriculture is rising in the Indian economy.

How Menopause Affects Your Sex Life

How Menopause Affects Your Sex Life

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Changes in hormone levels often result in mood swings, anxiety and/or depression, causing erosion in self-esteem, body image perception and a general disinterest in sex in most women, says Dr Gandhali Deorukhkar, consultant-obstetrics and gynaecology, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai.

After 8 deaths, vets, African experts to examine health of Kuno cheetahs

After 8 deaths, vets, African experts to examine health of Kuno cheetahs

Rediff.com24 Jul 2023

Notably, five adult cheetahs and three cubs have died at KNP in Sheopur district of the state since March this year.

Q3 results preview: FMCG stocks vs capital goods sector

Q3 results preview: FMCG stocks vs capital goods sector

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies are expected to witness pressure on volumes in the October-December quarter. However, price hikes will help push up revenues, said brokerages.For India's largest engineering firm, Larsen and Toubro (L&T), the analysts expect a 20 per cent growth in consolidated revenue, and an 8.1 per cent core business Ebitda margin, up 40 bps from a year ago.

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.