News for 'Medical Research Council'

India's active Covid cases cross 6,000-mark; Kerala worst hit

India's active Covid cases cross 6,000-mark; Kerala worst hit

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Due to the rising COVID cases, the Centre is conducting mock drills to check facility-level preparedness and has instructed all states to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines, official sources had said.

Over 5,000 Covid cases in India, most affected state is...

Over 5,000 Covid cases in India, most affected state is...

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

India's active Covid case tally crossed the 5,000 mark with Kerala remaining the most affected state followed by Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi, according to the Union health ministry data released on Friday.

Covid cases in India cross 4,000-mark; Kerala, Maha, Delhi worst hit

Covid cases in India cross 4,000-mark; Kerala, Maha, Delhi worst hit

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

There are 4,026 active cases in India and five fresh deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

Covid surge: States told to ensure availability of oxygen, beds

Covid surge: States told to ensure availability of oxygen, beds

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

All states have been instructed to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators and essential medicines in view of rising cases of Covid, official sources said on Wednesday.

'No Such Thing As Diabetes Reversal'

'No Such Thing As Diabetes Reversal'

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

'In diabetes remission, you go below a 6.5 HbA1c without medication.' 'And this happens only when you lose 10 to 15 per cent of your body weight with a good amount of lifestyle and dietary changes, exercise and sometimes medication.' 'You have to be able to sustain your HBA1C below 6.5 for at least a year without medication to say that the patient is in remission.'

Delhi blast: ED attaches Al Falah University assets worth Rs 140 cr

Delhi blast: ED attaches Al Falah University assets worth Rs 140 cr

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached the land and building of Haryana-based Al Falah University, worth about Rs 140 crore, that came under the radar of the security agencies following the November 10 Red Fort area blast, and filed a charge sheet against Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui and his charitable trust.

Is BAMS A Good Career Option?

Is BAMS A Good Career Option?

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

rediffGURU Dr Nagaraj JSK guides aspirants on how to pick the right course and college for your career.

59 HMPV cases so far, 2 deaths due to co-morbidities: Minister in RS

59 HMPV cases so far, 2 deaths due to co-morbidities: Minister in RS

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

India has reported 59 cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and two deaths due to co-morbidities between January 6 and 29, according to Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav. The virus primarily affects young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, leading to respiratory illnesses. The government has taken measures to monitor and control the spread of HMPV cases and create public awareness.

Weight-Loss Drug Battle Intensifies

Weight-Loss Drug Battle Intensifies

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

'Willingness to try new drugs for obesity management have propelled the growth of this market, which today is almost five times what it was five years ago.'

Siddaramaiah Flags Vaccine-Heart Link

Siddaramaiah Flags Vaccine-Heart Link

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleged that the rushed approval and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine may be a contributing factor to cardiac arrest deaths, citing several international studies that recently suggested a possible link between the vaccines and a rise in heart attacks.

Indian scientist part of new research to treat malaria

Indian scientist part of new research to treat malaria

Rediff.com7 Jul 2015

Dr Mahmood Alam, an Indian scientist, is among a group of top international scientists who has identified a key protein that if targeted stops malaria, paving the way for new treatments.

Covid vaccine causing heart attacks? What Centre says

Covid vaccine causing heart attacks? What Centre says

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The Union Health Ministry refutes claims linking heart-related deaths to Covid vaccines, citing extensive studies by ICMR and AIIMS.

Patients to benefit from GST cut, but pharma firms may face margin pressure

Patients to benefit from GST cut, but pharma firms may face margin pressure

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The rationalisation of goods and services tax (GST), announced on Wednesday, directly lowers the cost of everyday medical consumables, and also high-end therapies in oncology and rare diseases, helping reduce out-of-pocket patient expenditure and better adherence to medication.

104 active Covid cases in Delhi, 99 reported just in a week

104 active Covid cases in Delhi, 99 reported just in a week

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said there is no need to panic about COVID-19 cases, even as she asserted that the hospitals were fully prepared to tackle if the number rises.

Nipah is back, should you be worried?

Nipah is back, should you be worried?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

The Indian Council of Medical Research was in talks with the Serum Institute of India for local manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies (MABs). However, it did not take off, as the volume was much less in India.

COVID-19: Hardik Pandya salutes medical staff, emergency personnel

COVID-19: Hardik Pandya salutes medical staff, emergency personnel

Rediff.com23 Mar 2020

In the video, Hardik along with the family members is seen saluting the medical staff and other emergency personnel for their efforts.

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Amid an uptick in Covid cases in some parts of the country, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl said the severity of infections as of now is generally mild and there was no cause for worry. Speaking about new Covid variants being traced, he said genome sequencing of samples in the west and south have shown that the new variants are not severe and are Omicron sub-variants. These are LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB. 1.8.1. The first three are more prevalent, Dr Behl said. "Samples from other places are being sequenced and we will know in a day or two if there are more variants." The ICMR DG said there has been an uptick in cases --first from the south, then west and now from northern India. All these cases are being monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Besides that, ICMR's nationwide respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network is keeping a watch on emerging infections and pathogens, he said. "Whenever cases increase, we look at three things. It's dependent on three factors with the first being how transmissible it is, conversely how fast the cases are increasing. Previously we saw Covid cases double in two days, but this time it is not that cases are increasing rapidly. "Secondly, are the new variants evading our previous immunity? When new variants come, they evade immunity -- be it natural or from the vaccine. But there's nothing to worry about at the moment," Dr Behl said. He also said that the third factor is the percentage of severe cases in all Covid instances. "Are we getting a very severe disease without comorbidities? As of now, the severity is generally low. There's nothing to worry about. We should be vigilant and we should always be prepared," the ICMR DG asserted. Dr Behl also informed reporters that the Union Health secretary chaired a meeting on Sunday that was also attended by the director general of health services and himself. "We have been closely monitoring the situation. We should be vigilant at this moment, but there is no cause to worry. The general public should be vigilant. There is no need to take any such action as of now," he said. The officer added that the WHO database has been showing that the new variants were not causing severe disease. "People do not need to take any immediate action. They should follow normal precautions. So, there is nothing special to do right now." Asked about the need for a booster dose, he said there is no need for vaccination as of now. "India has the capability to make vaccines and if need be, we can make any vaccine in no time."

Disease fighting master gene identified in UK

Disease fighting master gene identified in UK

Rediff.com14 Sep 2009

British scientists have identified the master gene, called E4bp4, that causes blood stem cells to turn into disease-fighting 'natural killer' (NK) immune cells.

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Covid is growing milder with time but an occasional surge in cases is expected because the virus that causes it is now endemic and constantly evolving, say scientists while assuring that there is no cause for concern.

Draft guidelines on stem cell research ready: ICMR

Draft guidelines on stem cell research ready: ICMR

Rediff.com22 Apr 2005

"The guidelines would cover all ethical issues."

3 Out Of 5 Cancer Patients Die In India

3 Out Of 5 Cancer Patients Die In India

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The mortality-to-incidence ratio for India was 64.47 per cent in 2022, the highest while comparing the top 10 countries with the highest number of cancer incidences.

Rajouri deaths: Outbreak ruled out but mystery remains

Rajouri deaths: Outbreak ruled out but mystery remains

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

A series of deaths in a remote village in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, are not due to any disease, according to the Health Minister. Tests conducted by various institutions, including the ICMR, NCDC, and DRDE, have returned negative results. However, the minister has ordered an investigation into the deaths to determine the cause.

No unusual HMPV surge in India but precautions must: Experts

No unusual HMPV surge in India but precautions must: Experts

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Amid growing concerns over the detection of human metapneumovirus cases in India, health experts have emphasised the virus is not new, and advised people to stay calm and take basic precautions.

Worrying! 13 of world's top 20 most polluted cities in India

Worrying! 13 of world's top 20 most polluted cities in India

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Four cities in neighbouring Pakistan and one in China are among the world's top 20 polluted cities.

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.

Highest Selling New Drug In India Is...

Highest Selling New Drug In India Is...

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Enhertu currently costs around Rs 1.6 lakh per 100-milligram injection.

No reason to worry as HMPV not new: Health Minister Nadda

No reason to worry as HMPV not new: Health Minister Nadda

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

India is closely monitoring cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), but the Union Health Minister has assured the public there is no cause for worry. The virus, which is not new and has been circulating globally since 2001, has been detected in several states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. The Health Ministry, ICMR, and NCDC are keeping a close watch on the situation in China and neighboring countries, and the WHO is expected to share a report on the matter shortly.

Govt To Target Coaching Centres

Govt To Target Coaching Centres

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

The panel will examine the reasons behind the emergence of dummy schools and their role in encouraging full-time coaching at the cost of formal schooling, and will suggest ways to mitigate the issue.

Amid intense heatwave, Centre calls high-level meet

Amid intense heatwave, Centre calls high-level meet

Rediff.com20 Jun 2023

Over the past few days, deaths due to heat stroke have been reported from different parts of the country including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha.

Once fat, chances are you'll never get slim!

Once fat, chances are you'll never get slim!

Rediff.com25 Jul 2011

Researchers claim that fat people who lose weight either by dieting or exercising, will put it all back on again within a year.

First-ever phase-3 trial for dengue vaccine begins in India

First-ever phase-3 trial for dengue vaccine begins in India

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Panacea Biotec have initiated the first-ever phase three clinical trial for developing a dengue vaccine in India, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

Centre reviews mpox situation, anticipates imported cases

Centre reviews mpox situation, anticipates imported cases

Rediff.com17 Aug 2024

There are currently no reported cases of Monkeypox in India even though cautionary measures will be put in place to prevent and control the spread of the disease, the Union health ministry said on Saturday.

Health sector allocation hiked by 13% in Union Budget

Health sector allocation hiked by 13% in Union Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

The health sector has been allocated Rs 89,155 crore in the Union Budget 2023-24, a hike of around 13 per cent over Rs 79,145 crore allocated in 2022-23, with the government also announcing a mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047.

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

A high-level inter-ministerial team conducted a six-hour investigation in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, to ascertain the causes of death of 17 members of three families under mysterious circumstances. The team, led by a director-rank officer in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, collected samples and briefed by senior district, health and police officers. The team's visit follows the deaths of 16 people between December 7 and January 19. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on potential neurotoxins and a spring that tested positive for pesticides.

Why Gen Z Fears AI And Big Tech Jobs

Why Gen Z Fears AI And Big Tech Jobs

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Gen Z, driven by AI anxiety and economic pragmatism, have concerns about pursuing passions as careers as they fear it may not make them enough sufficient income.

Hackers attack ICMR website around 6,000 times in a day

Hackers attack ICMR website around 6,000 times in a day

Rediff.com6 Dec 2022

The attempted attack on the ICMR website was prevented by the firewall/security measures of NIC, they said, adding further steps are being taken to enhance cyber security.

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.'

Indians face AIDS threat in SA

Indians face AIDS threat in SA

Rediff.com31 May 2005

"The Indian origin community in the KwaZulu-Natal region is sitting on a AIDS time-bomb," a study has said.

Top medical body favours phased school reopening

Top medical body favours phased school reopening

Rediff.com28 Sep 2021

Evidence indicates that restoration of functioning of the education system as it was in pre-Covid times, as early as possible appears prudent in the current Indian context, they said.

Does Arthritis Affect Young People Like Saina Nehwal?

Does Arthritis Affect Young People Like Saina Nehwal?

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

Arthritis affects people of all ages, including those in their 20s and 30s, says Dr Prashant Kamble, consultant-orthopedics at the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.