News for 'Variants of Concern'

21 Photos That Defined 2021

21 Photos That Defined 2021

Rediff.com1 Jan 2022

Images that capture what it was like living through 2021.

11 UK returnees in Dec have tested COVID-19 positive in Goa: Rane

11 UK returnees in Dec have tested COVID-19 positive in Goa: Rane

Rediff.com24 Dec 2020

The state government has decided to designate the ESI Hospital in South Goa district for the purpose of keeping all the patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 after their arrival from the UK, he said.

Karnataka imposes night curfew over new Covid strain

Karnataka imposes night curfew over new Covid strain

Rediff.com23 Dec 2020

Neighbouring Maharashtra on Monday had declared a night curfew in municipal corporation areas as a precautionary step amid growing concerns over a new coronavirus variant spreading in Britain.

COVID-19: India has learnt NOTHING!

COVID-19: India has learnt NOTHING!

Rediff.com17 Jul 2021

Weeks after the second wave peaked in many parts of the country, we are rapidly forgetting what happened to our hospitals, cautions Mihir S Sharma.

Small stocks score big in 2021; set to sail in 2022

Small stocks score big in 2021; set to sail in 2022

Rediff.com29 Dec 2021

Stock market minnows put up a stellar show in 2021 giving returns of up to 60 per cent amid Dalal Street dream run and are likely to continue sailing northwards in the New Year too. Trumping pandemic-induced uncertainties, the Indian equity market posted stunning gains this year achieving several feats and smaller stocks benefited the most from the strong momentum. From reaching the momentous 50,000-mark in January to scaling 61,000-level in October, the BSE Sensex had an epic journey this year.

Omicron fear: Lower footfall and sales have hit high street stores, malls

Omicron fear: Lower footfall and sales have hit high street stores, malls

Rediff.com28 Jan 2022

Offline retailers are feeling the Omicron January chill as consumers are apprehensive about venturing out in the midst of rising Covid cases across the country. Covid restrictions, as well as concerns over the new virus variant, are seeing shoppers pull back from the high streets and shopping malls, clearly cautious about streaming into stores and choosing to self-censor instead. Offline retailers' hopes of a bumper End-Of-Season Sale (EOSS) and Republic Day (R-Day) Sale to compensate for losses over the pandemic have been dashed. Fewer trips to malls mean lower footfall and sales, resulting in higher piling of stock - and possibly higher discounts.

'Adopt stock-specific, not sector, approach'

'Adopt stock-specific, not sector, approach'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2021

'Today, there is no easy money to be made after the run-up in equities.'

Several cases of COVID-19 reported at Tokyo Olympics hotel

Several cases of COVID-19 reported at Tokyo Olympics hotel

Rediff.com14 Jul 2021

Tokyo's state of emergency, the capital's fourth, lasts until Aug. 22, shortly before the Paralympics begin.

Automakers staring at lacklustre festive season

Automakers staring at lacklustre festive season

Rediff.com7 Sep 2021

Automobile dealers' body FADA on Tuesday expressed concern that the chip shortage issue could derail passenger vehicle (PV) retail sales during the festive season, as automakers are struggling with an adequate supply of vehicles to dealers due to production challenges. Terming semiconductor shortage as a "full-blown crisis", the industry body warned of a lacklustre festive season, especially for the passenger vehicle dealer fraternity, with low inventory levels and non-availability of the fast-moving model variants ahead of the peak festive period.

What works for 'updated' Tata Tigor EV, and what doesn't

What works for 'updated' Tata Tigor EV, and what doesn't

Rediff.com13 Sep 2021

At a time when fuel prices across the country are going through the roof with no sign of it moderating, electric vehicles seem the likely choice for car buyers who are looking at saving fuel costs. And add to it the negligible maintenance of electric vehicles. Continuing with this revolution with their 2nd offering in the EV segment, Tata Motors now offers the 2021 Tigor EV to its customers. Tigor petrol with its style-back design has always been a stunner since its launch and it still is.

Mix-and-match vaccines highly effective against Covid: Study

Mix-and-match vaccines highly effective against Covid: Study

Rediff.com18 Oct 2021

'Our study shows a greater risk reduction for people who received an mRNA vaccine after having received a first dose of a vector-based, as compared to people having received the vector-based vaccine for both doses,' Nordstrom said.

After doctors, Japan firms say Olympics should be cancelled

After doctors, Japan firms say Olympics should be cancelled

Rediff.com21 May 2021

The Corporate Survey showed 37 per cent of firms were in favour of cancellation, while 32 per cent want a postponement.

R-factor, speed at which Covid spreads, shows a rise in India

R-factor, speed at which Covid spreads, shows a rise in India

Rediff.com11 Jul 2021

Giving rise to fresh worries about the COVID-19 pandemic rearing its head again, the R-factor, which indicates the speed at which the infection is spreading in the country, has risen recently leading to a sluggish pace in the decline of active cases while Kerala and northeast states have emerged as regions of concern.

Ram temple: Ban on mining pink sandstone in Raj likely to be lifted

Ram temple: Ban on mining pink sandstone in Raj likely to be lifted

Rediff.com3 Feb 2021

A standing committee of the Rajasthan Wildlife Board's has cleared a proposal to allow the mining of a special sandstone, much sought after by builders including those constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya, from Bharatpur's Bandh Baretha sanctuary.

South Africa angry as Australia pull out of tour at short notice

South Africa angry as Australia pull out of tour at short notice

Rediff.com2 Feb 2021

Australia's decision to pull out of next month's three-Test tour in South Africa due to the COVID-19 pandemic is "extremely disappointing" considering the hosts had put in place a number of safety measures, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on Tuesday.

'Markets won't see a blind rally post Budget'

'Markets won't see a blind rally post Budget'

Rediff.com27 Jan 2022

'The markets seem apprehensive and that explains why the markets have been feeling slightly uncomfortable ahead of the Budget.' 'After the event, when all the concerns are resolved and clarity emerges, markets will decide what to do next.'

Covid cases declining in Mumbai, stabilising in Delhi

Covid cases declining in Mumbai, stabilising in Delhi

Rediff.com12 Jan 2022

Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said coronavirus cases have stabilised in the national capital and there is a possibility of the infections declining soon. In Mumbai, Mayor Kishori Pednekar also said the numbers of COVID-19 cases and its fast spreading variant Omircon were slowing down.

Indian economy to grow at world's fastest pace of 9.2% in FY22

Indian economy to grow at world's fastest pace of 9.2% in FY22

Rediff.com7 Jan 2022

The Indian economy remains on track to regain its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy after official estimates on Friday put the expansion at a tempered 9.2 per cent this fiscal amid concerns over the impact of a resurgent virus on the fragile recovery. The growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) of 9.2 per cent in April 2021 to March 2022 fiscal (FY 2021-22) given by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in its first advance estimate compares with 9.5 per cent expansion forecast by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) last month. The economy had contracted by 7.3 per cent in the previous financial year.

Governments should not become trigger-happy about lockdowns

Governments should not become trigger-happy about lockdowns

Rediff.com7 Jan 2022

Sure we understand that isolating affected communities is part of the pandemic protocol, but we don't wish our life and freedom to be tossed aside at the slightest excuse, states Shyam G Menon.

Delhi, Tamil Nadu revive fine for not wearing masks

Delhi, Tamil Nadu revive fine for not wearing masks

Rediff.com22 Apr 2022

Within three weeks of lifting its mask mandate, the Delhi government on Friday made masks mandatory at public places with immediate effect, and imposed a fine of Rs 500 for any violation as coronavirus cases rise in the city again.

11 pm to 5 am Covid-19 curfew in Delhi from today

11 pm to 5 am Covid-19 curfew in Delhi from today

Rediff.com27 Dec 2021

Patients and pregnant women, people out to buy essential items, and those travelling to or from railway stations, bus stops and airports will be exempted from the night curfew that kicks in at 11 pm on Monday due to rising COVID-19 cases in Delhi, according to a DDMA order.

Govt writes to 5 states, JK over rising Covid cases

Govt writes to 5 states, JK over rising Covid cases

Rediff.com4 Dec 2021

The move comes in view of rising cases of the infection, weekly positivity rates and weekly deaths in some districts.

Sensex scales fresh peak, ends 152 points higher

Sensex scales fresh peak, ends 152 points higher

Rediff.com10 Aug 2021

Bharti Airtel was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rising around 4 per cent, followed by Tech Mahindra, HDFC, Kotak Bank, M&M and HCL Tech. NSE Nifty advanced 21.85 points to 16,280.10.

20 passengers from UK test positive for COVID-19

20 passengers from UK test positive for COVID-19

Rediff.com22 Dec 2020

According to SOP, those testing positive will be isolated in a separate unit of an institutional facility.

New Covid strain found in UK not seen in India so far: Govt

New Covid strain found in UK not seen in India so far: Govt

Rediff.com22 Dec 2020

There is no change in treatment guidelines due to this mutation and the vaccines that are being developed, particularly those in the country, will not be impacted, NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul said.

After brisk Dec, hotels face biz loss as Omicron drives cancellations

After brisk Dec, hotels face biz loss as Omicron drives cancellations

Rediff.com13 Jan 2022

In a bad start to the new year, hotels are counting their losses again. Weddings and corporate events for this month have either been called off or postponed. The blow has throttled the nascent recovery which had kicked in around August. It is primarily hurting the banquet-driven hotel chains, some of which are seeing cancellations running into lakhs for a single day.

Stop vaccine nationalism: Jaishankar at UNSC meeting

Stop vaccine nationalism: Jaishankar at UNSC meeting

Rediff.com17 Feb 2021

India, which has shipped 'Made In India' COVID-19 vaccines to around 25 nations, on Wednesday urged the international community to stop 'vaccine nationalism' and actively encourage 'internationalism', underlining that hoarding superfluous doses will defeat global efforts to attain collective health security and combat the pandemic.

Outrage over Djokovic's medical exemption to play Aus Open

Outrage over Djokovic's medical exemption to play Aus Open

Rediff.com5 Jan 2022

Officials said he was one of a 'handful' of successful applicants among 26 people who sought exemptions.

Soccer: 42 new positive COVID cases in EPL in a week

Soccer: 42 new positive COVID cases in EPL in a week

Rediff.com14 Dec 2021

Some English clubs may consider vaccine status of transfer targets

Govt says Twitter defaming India, Delhi police rejects remarks

Govt says Twitter defaming India, Delhi police rejects remarks

Rediff.com27 May 2021

The Delhi Police on Thursday said the statements by Twitter on the ongoing enquiry in the 'toolkit' case was mendacious and designed to impede the lawful enquiry.

Indian economy has recovered 'handsomely': Panagariya

Indian economy has recovered 'handsomely': Panagariya

Rediff.com25 Jan 2022

The Indian economy has recovered 'handsomely' from the pandemic-induced disruptions, former Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya said on Tuesday, while expressing hope that the recovery will be sustained and the growth rate of 7 to 8 per cent will be restored. Panagariya suggested that the government must now signal its intention to wind down fiscal deficit by cutting it by half-to-one percentage point in 2022-23. "The Indian economy has recovered handsomely, returning to its pre-COVID GDP... "Only private consumption is still below its pre-COVID-19 level," the eminent economist told PTI in an interview.

Health secy reviews status of passengers from UK

Health secy reviews status of passengers from UK

Rediff.com23 Dec 2020

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan reviewed the status of passengers coming from the UK to India and found positive in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Goa, Punjab, Gujarat and Kerala and their response measures in a meeting held through video conferencing.

Sensex snaps 3-session slide with 639-point leap

Sensex snaps 3-session slide with 639-point leap

Rediff.com22 Jul 2021

Tech Mahindra was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, jumping over 5 per cent, followed by Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, L&T, Tata Steel and Infosys. NSE Nifty surged 191.95 points to 15,824.05.

Mercedes launches petrol GLS 400 priced at Rs 82.90 lakh

Mercedes launches petrol GLS 400 priced at Rs 82.90 lakh

Rediff.com7 Sep 2016

Merc says it has completed offering petrol option along with diesel variants for all the models that it sells in India

Why most auto cos may not stop making diesel cars

Why most auto cos may not stop making diesel cars

Rediff.com6 May 2019

Maruti has announced it will phase out diesel variants from April 1, 2020, when stringent BS VI norms take effect

'By holding election rallies you are killing the people of India'

'By holding election rallies you are killing the people of India'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2022

'The second Covid wave spread due to the irresponsibility of the Election Commission of India and now they are committing the same mistake.'

Global vaccine supply hit due to Covid surge in India:

Global vaccine supply hit due to Covid surge in India:

Rediff.com28 May 2021

The 'terrible' surge of the coronavirus cases in India has severely impacted COVAX's vaccine supply in the second quarter of this year to the extent that there will be a shortfall of 190 million doses by the end of June, according to a joint statement by the WHO, UNICEF, GAVI and CEPI.

'We haven't heard the last about Omicron'

'We haven't heard the last about Omicron'

Rediff.com31 Dec 2021

'Your body will be able to deal with Omicron at any time, but it depends (on when) if you are vaccinated.'

Centre's Covid norms in place, says Mumbai airport

Centre's Covid norms in place, says Mumbai airport

Rediff.com1 Dec 2021

The city's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has put in place all necessary measures to implement the health ministry's latest COVID-19 guidelines on international passengers arriving in India, the private airport operator said on Wednesday.

Maruti's Swift lives up to name, sells a car a minute

Maruti's Swift lives up to name, sells a car a minute

Rediff.com30 Mar 2018

The automaker says it has taken into account some of the big concerns of those behind the wheels today: improved acceleration performance, strength and rigidity, spacious and a more comfortable driving experience.