News for 'Health department'

Jharkhand Health Department Investigates Hospital Over Newborn's Body Transport

Jharkhand Health Department Investigates Hospital Over Newborn's Body Transport

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The Jharkhand health department has launched an investigation into allegations that a hospital in Chakradharpur failed to provide an ambulance to a parent to transport his dead newborn, forcing him to carry the body in a box.

5 rescued orangutans undergo extensive health checks in Odisha zoo

5 rescued orangutans undergo extensive health checks in Odisha zoo

Rediff.com3 days ago

Five rescued baby orangutans quarantined at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar underwent extensive health checks, including X-rays and blood sample collection, to assess their condition and facilitate DNA testing. The health check-up was prompted after one primate developed a fever. Officials are identifying a suitable laboratory for DNA analysis, which is crucial for determining their origin and aiding an ongoing international wildlife smuggling investigation.

Maha govt canteens, official events get a healthy menu makeover

Maha govt canteens, official events get a healthy menu makeover

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Maharashtra Public Health Department has issued a directive making healthy foods and beverages mandatory in all government canteens and official events. The order aims to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and combat the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases by promoting a menu designed with ICMR-NIN and FSSAI guidelines.

Omicron RF.5 variant detected in Andhra, health minister urges calm

Omicron RF.5 variant detected in Andhra, health minister urges calm

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced the detection of the Omicron RF.5 variant in four COVID-19 samples from Kadapa district, confirmed by genome sequencing in Pune. While the variant is being monitored by WHO and health officials, there is currently no indication it is more dangerous than other Omicron strains, and public vigilance is advised over panic.

Odisha Doctor Suspended For Allegedly Aiding Prisoner's Threat Call To Witness

Odisha Doctor Suspended For Allegedly Aiding Prisoner's Threat Call To Witness

Rediff.com6 hours ago

A doctor at Berhampur circle jail in Odisha has been suspended for allegedly facilitating a murder-accused BJD leader, Bikram Kumar Panda, to threaten a witness over the phone from inside the prison. The incident led to a fresh case against the doctor, the BJD leader, and his aide.

Nurse found dead in govt hospital washroom in Kolkata

Nurse found dead in govt hospital washroom in Kolkata

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A 30-year-old nurse was found dead in a Kolkata hospital washroom, with preliminary investigations suggesting a possible overdose of an anaesthetic drug. Police are probing all angles, including mental stress, while an internal health department committee has been formed.

Abhijit Dipke tenders his 'resignation' as 'Madhya Pradesh CM'

Abhijit Dipke tenders his 'resignation' as 'Madhya Pradesh CM'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, used a satirical "resignation" letter to criticise the Mohan Yadav government in Madhya Pradesh over the deaths of over 30 tribal children in Balaghat district. His letter, addressed to the Governor, highlighted failures in compensation, basic amenities like water and education, and tribal welfare, questioning the government's accountability. The issue has also drawn the attention of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which sought responses from state departments regarding the alleged deaths due to infectious diseases and inadequate facilities.

Why Rs 5 Lakh Health Cover Falls Short

Why Rs 5 Lakh Health Cover Falls Short

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Marriage, childbirth, dependent parents and ageing increase the cover a person needs.

Bengaluru healthcare firm owner held in interstate fake drug racket

Bengaluru healthcare firm owner held in interstate fake drug racket

Rediff.com4 days ago

Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader announced the busting of a major interstate counterfeit drug racket, leading to an arrest and an ongoing investigation into the suspected supply of fake medicines to hospitals. The racket involved procuring cheap drugs, refilling them, and relabelling them as premium brands, with seizures worth Rs 5 crore. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the widespread network.

Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre rushes expert team to Gujarat, Rajasthan

Chandipura virus outbreak: Centre rushes expert team to Gujarat, Rajasthan

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Union health ministry has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to strengthen the response to the ongoing Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) outbreak.

Expired food seized from 23 PG accomodations in Bengaluru

Expired food seized from 23 PG accomodations in Bengaluru

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Expired food articles were seized during inspections conducted at 23 paying guest accomodations across the city on Friday and noticies were issued to them, officials said.

Should You Buy Dengue Insurance?

Should You Buy Dengue Insurance?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Buyers should check their scope and triggers and whether they need such policies alongside their regular health insurance.

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Karnataka government has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and Bigbasket due to the online sale of toxic Dhatura fruits/seeds. Citing public health and food safety concerns, authorities have also ordered the suspension of licences for suppliers to these platforms and mandated the removal of all Dhatura-related listings.

Flood-hit Nepal's looming crisis: Trauma among survivors

Flood-hit Nepal's looming crisis: Trauma among survivors

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

With the death toll crossing 900 and nearly 4,000 people still missing, the trauma of loss, displacement and uncertainty is settling in among thousands of survivors, prompting the government to step up its mental health response.

H1N1 Surge: Who Is Most Vulnerable?

H1N1 Surge: Who Is Most Vulnerable?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Delhi is experiencing a significant surge in H1N1 (swine flu) cases, with over 1,777 infections reported this year, a six-fold increase from last year. Doctors highlight that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses are most susceptible to severe infection. The rise has prompted increased inquiries about seasonal influenza vaccination, and medical experts are cautioning against self-medication and delayed consultation, urging early medical attention for severe symptoms.

Death toll in TN ammonia leak rises to 9, all women

Death toll in TN ammonia leak rises to 9, all women

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A gas leak at a seafood processing facility in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district has resulted in the deaths of nine women, with 69 others hospitalised. The victims, primarily from Odisha and Assam, suffered severe ammonia inhalation symptoms. Authorities are investigating the cause and monitoring the health of those affected.

GMCK Student Dr Komal Saluja Honoured With Researcher Of The Year Award

GMCK Student Dr Komal Saluja Honoured With Researcher Of The Year Award

Rediff.com6 days ago

Dr Komal Verma Saluja, a final-year student at Government Medical College Kota (GMCK), has been awarded the "Researcher of the Year Award 2026" by the India chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP). She is the youngest and first medical student to receive this prestigious accolade. Saluja's research includes identifying an imaging biomarker for early cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes and developing a diagnostic method for fatty liver disease using echocardiography. Her achievements have brought pride to GMCK and highlight the need for more novel diagnostic and therapeutic research in India.

Unlocking The Genetic Blueprint Of Personality Traits

Unlocking The Genetic Blueprint Of Personality Traits

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

New research from the Revived Genomics of Personality Consortium, published in Nature, suggests that the genetics of personality, involving over 1,200 gene variants linked to the Big Five traits, are significantly associated with various life outcomes including health, education, and career paths. While individual gene variants have small effects, their combined impact is substantial, and environmental factors also play a crucial role in shaping personality.

Shigella infection claims woman's life in Kerala; 18 new cases reported

Shigella infection claims woman's life in Kerala; 18 new cases reported

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A 59-year-old woman in Malappuram district has died of a Shigella infection, the Kerala health department confirmed on Friday. Officials also reported 18 fresh cases of the bacterial disease across the state.

The Right Screen Time For A Child Is...

The Right Screen Time For A Child Is...

Rediff.com3 days ago

For a child who is six years old, one hour is the limit, says rediffGURU Dr Deepa Suvarna.

Eating goat meat here is...: WB minister on Bageshwar Baba's diktat

Eating goat meat here is...: WB minister on Bageshwar Baba's diktat

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial, countering Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's call for vegetarianism. Ghosh highlighted Bengal's traditions, including goat sacrifice as prasad, and criticised attempts to dictate food choices or government involvement in community pujas. He also touched upon a controversy regarding an 11-handed Durga idol.

Delhi sets up 24x7 command centre for BRICS summit

Delhi sets up 24x7 command centre for BRICS summit

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is establishing a 24x7 command centre and implementing extensive civic preparations to ensure the smooth hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit. These measures include enhanced sanitation, beautification, traffic management, and coordination among various agencies to present a welcoming city for world leaders.

Gujarat Jail Staff To Receive Mental Health Training

Gujarat Jail Staff To Receive Mental Health Training

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A week-long mental health training programme, 'Psychological Risk Assessment, Health Awareness and Resilience' (PRAHARI), has commenced for jail staff at Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The initiative aims to equip prison personnel with skills to identify and manage mental health risks among inmates and to support their own mental well-being.

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reached out to the Brahmin community, asserting that 'PDA' includes Pandits, and also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of targeting opposition workers, Brahmins, and religious leaders, including Shankaracharya.

Junk food to paper leaks: HC takes up Gen Z, Alpha, Beta challenges

Junk food to paper leaks: HC takes up Gen Z, Alpha, Beta challenges

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Rajasthan high court, Jodhpur, has taken suo motu cognisance of issues concerning Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta, expressing concern over junk food, excessive screen time, paper leaks, inadequate infrastructure in rural schools and the possible erosion of basic learning skills in the age of artificial intelligence.

'Sound during Hindu festivals....': Maha ministers clash over DJ sound

'Sound during Hindu festivals....': Maha ministers clash over DJ sound

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Maharashtra ministers are divided over the use of high-decibel DJ systems during Hindu festivals. While Minister Yogesh Kadam asserts that festival sound will not be stopped, his colleagues Sanjay Shirsat and Meghana Bordikar advocate for adherence to noise pollution norms, with Bordikar citing a personal tragedy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also called for a return to traditional celebrations and a consensus on restricting DJ systems.

MP hooch tragedy claims 11 lives, 54 fall ill; 3 officials suspended

MP hooch tragedy claims 11 lives, 54 fall ill; 3 officials suspended

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Eleven people have died and 54 others fallen ill after consuming spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district. A preliminary investigation suggests the illicit liquor was supplied from Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have suspended three excise officials and two police personnel, and multiple FIRs have been registered as a probe is underway.

Delhi Government Collaborates With EkStep Foundation To Make Administrative Data AI-Ready

Delhi Government Collaborates With EkStep Foundation To Make Administrative Data AI-Ready

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Delhi government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EkStep Foundation to transform its administrative data into an AI-ready format. This initiative aims to improve governance, enhance public service delivery, and enable proactive, evidence-based decision-making by leveraging artificial intelligence.

Two dead, 5 fall ill amid crowd surge, rain-hit Rath Yatra in Puri

Two dead, 5 fall ill amid crowd surge, rain-hit Rath Yatra in Puri

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

One person died and many others fell ill in a temporary crowd surge during the Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha's Puri on Thursday, official sources said.

'Misbranded' rabies vaccine seized in Delhi, DCGI intensifies action

'Misbranded' rabies vaccine seized in Delhi, DCGI intensifies action

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Indian drug regulatory and law enforcement agencies have stepped up their efforts against the illegal manufacture and distribution of spurious drugs. This intensified action follows the seizure of a "misbranded" batch of Abhayrab rabies vaccine in Delhi, prompting nationwide vigilance and arrests.

How Each Breath Shapes Your Brain Activity

How Each Breath Shapes Your Brain Activity

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience reveals a precise connection between individual breath patterns and neural activity in the brain. Researchers found that subtle variations in each breath, such as longer inhales or slower exhales, are directly reflected in corresponding brain activity patterns. This goes beyond traditional measures of breathing rate, offering a richer understanding of how respiration influences cognition, emotion, and memory, and could have implications for conditions like SUDEP and SIDS.

Can Breast Cancer Impact Your Sex Life?

Can Breast Cancer Impact Your Sex Life?

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Mastectomy brings a visible change to a woman's body. Scars, changes in breast shape and concerns about how their partner may react can make intimacy difficult, says Dr Vani Parmar, head of department -- breast oncosurgery, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.

Doctors, Lab Operators Involved In Rajasthan Health Scheme Fraud

Doctors, Lab Operators Involved In Rajasthan Health Scheme Fraud

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The Special Operations Group (SOG) has uncovered a major fraud in the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme, involving doctors and a lab operator allegedly causing financial losses worth crores to the state exchequer.

Indian-origin engineer couple donates $20 mn to US varsity for AI college

Indian-origin engineer couple donates $20 mn to US varsity for AI college

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

An Indian-origin engineer couple, Anuradha and Vikas Sinha, have donated $20 million to the University of North Texas (UNT) to establish the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha College of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics. This significant gift aims to create new opportunities for students and faculty, focusing on building and deploying intelligent systems and understanding their operation within human contexts. The donation underscores the couple's belief in education and immigrant contributions to the American dream, supporting leadership, scholarships, professorships, research, and entrepreneurship.

BHU Boosts Biomedical Research With ICMR Funding

BHU Boosts Biomedical Research With ICMR Funding

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has received approximately Rs 15 crore in funding from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for six biomedical research projects. These projects aim to address critical national health priorities, including cancer detection, antimicrobial resistance, and pediatric septic shock, fostering advanced research and improving patient care.

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

After Maha, Gujarat bans analogue paneer, cheese, butter

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Gujarat government has imposed a state-wide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of unstandardised analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. Citing public health concerns and the need to protect consumers and the dairy sector, the decision follows detections of substandard artificial dairy products during inspections. Legal action will be taken against violators.

H1N1 cases rise in Delhi, North India; experts say virus not more virulent

H1N1 cases rise in Delhi, North India; experts say virus not more virulent

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

H1N1 influenza cases have seen a recent increase in Delhi and parts of North India. Experts confirm it's a known strain, not more virulent, and advise precautions, especially for high-risk individuals like the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. They stress the importance of rest, hydration, and medical consultation for severe symptoms, while also noting that most cases are mild and self-limiting.

How IIT Dhanbad's New Optical Sensor Revolutionises Structural Monitoring

How IIT Dhanbad's New Optical Sensor Revolutionises Structural Monitoring

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Researchers at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad have secured a patent for a novel temperature-independent optical sensor designed to precisely measure structural tilt in two directions. This lightweight sensor, utilising Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology, offers enhanced monitoring capabilities for various applications including bridges, robotics, aerospace, and geotechnical systems, promising low maintenance and long-term stability checks.

Remember These Images From 25 Years Ago?

Remember These Images From 25 Years Ago?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

As younger generations grow up without personal memories of 9/11, the 25th anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of loss, resilience, bravery and America's enduring promise to never forget.

Ex-Havildar nabbed for stealing AK-203 rifles, pistols from Army unit

Ex-Havildar nabbed for stealing AK-203 rifles, pistols from Army unit

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

An army personnel has been taken into custody in connection with the theft of service weapons and ammunition from an Army facility in Hyderabad. The theft, which included assault rifles, pistols, and night vision binoculars, was detected on August 31, prompting a joint investigation by Telangana Police and Army authorities.