News for 'World Health Organization'

Truth Behind Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic, Mounjaro: A Doctor Explains

Truth Behind Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic, Mounjaro: A Doctor Explains

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

'Weight loss drugs can be life changing but are not without risks,' says Dr Vishnu Radhakrishnan as he explains the truth behind Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Is Your Cough Serious? A Doctor Answers

Is Your Cough Serious? A Doctor Answers

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Pulmonologist Dr Harish Chafle highlights when and why you must not ignore a common cough.

Mpox Puts Health System On High Alert

Mpox Puts Health System On High Alert

Rediff.com17 Aug 2024

Strict screening protocols are to be implemented for passengers arriving from central African countries affected by the outbreak.

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."

India, the most depressed nation in the WORLD

India, the most depressed nation in the WORLD

Rediff.com27 Jul 2011

According to a study supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 36 percent of Indians have suffered from a Major Depressive Episode, making us the most depressed nation in the world. Do you think that's true?

Father donates kidney to save social media influencer

Father donates kidney to save social media influencer

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

A father's love has rewritten the destiny of 21-year-old social media influencer Cuty Mendiratta, who is now recovering after receiving a life-saving kidney from her father.

WHO issues alert against Indian cough syrups. They are...

WHO issues alert against Indian cough syrups. They are...

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an alert against three "substandard" oral cough syrups identified in India and urged national regulatory authorities worldwide to immediately notify it if these are detected in their country.

'Sreenivasan Was A Genius Of Cinema'

'Sreenivasan Was A Genius Of Cinema'

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'There will be no Malayali who does not recall, at least once a day, what Sreenivasan wrote, spoke or showed on screen.'

Covid Fading But Still Claims Lives

Covid Fading But Still Claims Lives

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

There have been 41 cases of Covid in the most recent four-week period ending mid-January, with three deaths.

50 Mn To 100 Mn Indians Suffer From Long Covid

50 Mn To 100 Mn Indians Suffer From Long Covid

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Even by conservative assumptions that 5 to 10 per cent of infected individuals develop long Covid, India today may be home to 50 to 100 million infected individuals -- many silently coping with breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, brain fog, or unexplained clotting tendencies.

Rs 118 cr: MF Husain painting is India's most expensive

Rs 118 cr: MF Husain painting is India's most expensive

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

MF Husain's Untitled (Gram Yatra), a 13-panel masterpiece from the 1950s, has been sold at a Christie's auction in New York for USD 13.8 million, setting a new record for the most expensive work of modern Indian art. The sale nearly doubles the previous record held by Amrita Sher-Gil's "The Story Teller." "Gram Yatra," meaning "village pilgrimage," is considered a cornerstone of Husain's oeuvre, celebrating the diversity of independent India. The painting was acquired by a doctor in Delhi in 1954 and later bequeathed to Oslo University Hospital. The proceeds of the sale will support the training of future doctors at the institution.

Can't see, hug my mother: Hasina's daughter

Can't see, hug my mother: Hasina's daughter

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

Bangladesh plunged into chaos after Sheikh Hasina resigned as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and fled the country in the wake of mounting protests on August 5.

India enters top 100 in this prestigious list for first time

India enters top 100 in this prestigious list for first time

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

India has for the first time secured a place among the top 100 out of 167 countries ranked for their progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a report published on Tuesday. According to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network's 10th and latest Sustainable Development Report (SDR), India ranks 99th on the 2025 SDG Index with a score of 67, while China ranks 49th with 74.4 and the US 44th with 75.2 points.

Why Are Child TB Cases Rising?

Why Are Child TB Cases Rising?

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Children below the age of 15 years account for about 10 to 12 per cent of India's overall TB burden.

All Indian salt, sugar brands have microplastics: Study

All Indian salt, sugar brands have microplastics: Study

Rediff.com13 Aug 2024

All Indian salt and sugar brands, whether big or small, packaged or unpackaged, contain microplastics, according to a study published on Tuesday.

'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.'

WHO's 7 steps to prevent coronavirus from spreading

WHO's 7 steps to prevent coronavirus from spreading

Rediff.com13 Mar 2020

The World Health Organization has released a seven-step guide to staying safe from COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

India reports first case of Clade 1 variant of Mpox

India reports first case of Clade 1 variant of Mpox

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Officials said Clade 1b strain has been detected in a 38-year-old man from Malappuram district who had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates.

Third term for President Trump? Lawmaker moves bill

Third term for President Trump? Lawmaker moves bill

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

A Republican lawmaker has introduced a House Joint Resolution to amend the US Constitution to allow a president to be elected for up to three terms. The move is aimed at facilitating a third term for President Donald Trump. Congressman Andy Ogles, who introduced the resolution, stated that the amendment would ensure the continuation of Trump's "bold leadership" and provide him with the resources to "correct the disastrous course" set by the Biden administration. He highlighted Trump's decisive leadership and his ability to "restore America to greatness." Ogles also praised Trump's actions in tackling the crisis at the southern border, lifting oil and gas drilling restrictions, ending birthright citizenship for children born to illegal aliens, and withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization.

Jaishankar urges BRICS to defend free trade amid tariff war

Jaishankar urges BRICS to defend free trade amid tariff war

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called on Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) to defend the multilateral trading system amid increasing protectionism and tariff volatility during a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session.

Pandemic label for coronavirus to impact Tokyo Olympics talks?

Pandemic label for coronavirus to impact Tokyo Olympics talks?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2020

Coronavirus outbreak has sparked speculation about whether the Games, scheduled to open July 24, could be postponed or even cancelled.

Do YOU believe cellphones are a health risk?

Do YOU believe cellphones are a health risk?

Rediff.com1 Jun 2011

Have you or someone you know suffered health complications as a result of cell phone usage?

Mobile phone use doesn't lead to brain cancer: WHO's most detailed study

Mobile phone use doesn't lead to brain cancer: WHO's most detailed study

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

There is no link between using a mobile phone and developing brain cancer, according to a review of studies, which was commissioned by the World Health Organization.

Why Firing Gambhir Won't Fix The Real Problem

Why Firing Gambhir Won't Fix The Real Problem

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Sack Gambhir before he damages any more careers, if you must. But it cannot stop there. The project ahead must be bigger, more ambitious, and far more urgent: Rebuilding the spine of Indian cricket from the grassroots up, and giving the Test team the seriousness it deserves. Only then will Indian cricket stop lurching from one crisis to another and begin, once again, to imagine greatness, suggests Prem Panicker.

Nipah alert in Kerala's Kozhikode after 2 'unnatural' deaths

Nipah alert in Kerala's Kozhikode after 2 'unnatural' deaths

Rediff.com12 Sep 2023

Deaths due to Nipah virus infection were reported in Kozhikode district in 2018 and 2021.

Science does not lie, Modi does: Rahul on WHO report

Science does not lie, Modi does: Rahul on WHO report

Rediff.com6 May 2022

The WHO stated that there were 4.7 million Covid deaths in India.

USTR flags hurdles in medical device exports to India

USTR flags hurdles in medical device exports to India

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The USTR report, released just ahead of the US' April 2 deadline for implementing reciprocal tariffs, has also cited high tariffs and price caps, which have not increased in line with inflation, as key obstacles for US businesses.

Can't confirm Covid XE case in Mumbai, says Maharashtra health minister

Can't confirm Covid XE case in Mumbai, says Maharashtra health minister

Rediff.com7 Apr 2022

Amid mounting concerns over the new 'XE' variant of Covid and a day after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation reported its first case in Mumbai, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday said the state health department has not received any confirmation about the variant and thus cannot confirm it.

10 most polluted places in the world

10 most polluted places in the world

Rediff.com16 Jul 2014

With civilization progressing by leaps and bounds, pollution is taking its toll on human lives.

Modi to lead 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam

Modi to lead 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The theme for this year is "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" echoes India's vision of global wellness.

212 Million Indians Have Diabetes

212 Million Indians Have Diabetes

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Of these 212 million Indians, 133 million have untreated diabetes. Undiagnosed diabetes has been linked with complications such as diabetic retinopathy which can cause vision loss and blindness.

'Israel Is Weaponising Hunger'

'Israel Is Weaponising Hunger'

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

'Famine in Gaza is not a failure of logistics or aid. What is to blame is deliberate starvation caused by a brutal war.' 'Any child dying in a war zone is a vote of no confidence against humanity.'

India facing shortage of nurses, emigration worsening situation: Experts

India facing shortage of nurses, emigration worsening situation: Experts

Rediff.com22 May 2024

The experts issued a joint statement in New Delhi, expressing concerns over the shortage of nurses in the country.

Covid-19: China refutes claims of 'gain-of-function' research at Wuhan lab

Covid-19: China refutes claims of 'gain-of-function' research at Wuhan lab

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

China has firmly denied that its Wuhan Institute of Virology conducted gain-of-function studies on coronavirus, rejecting allegations that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded such research at the lab. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, emphasized that the lab has never engaged in gain-of-function research, designed, made, or leaked COVID-19. China has also reiterated its stance on the origins-tracing of COVID-19, stating that the pandemic was "extremely unlikely" to have originated from a lab leak, as concluded by the WHO-China joint mission.

618 Drugs 'Not Of Standard Quality'

618 Drugs 'Not Of Standard Quality'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Among the commonly used analgesic formulations (painkillers) found NSQ are combinations of paracetamol with ibuprofen, diclofenac and mefenamic acid. Medications using these combinations are commonly used to treat fever, mild migraine, period and muscle pain.

Two Indian cities among world's most polluted

Two Indian cities among world's most polluted

Rediff.com4 Oct 2011

WHO estimates 1.34 million people died in 2008 from breathing in the tiny particles present in polluted outdoor air.

Can Breast Cancer Reoccur After Mastectomy?

Can Breast Cancer Reoccur After Mastectomy?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Even after the removal of breast tissue, it is possible that the cancer may recur in the chest wall or the area where the surgery was performed, warns Dr Meghal Sanghavi, oncosurgeon, at Wockhardt Hospitals.

Pollution accounts for 40% of world's deaths

Pollution accounts for 40% of world's deaths

Rediff.com14 Aug 2007

New threats, such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease, have also developed

Switch To ORGANIC LEARNING Now!

Switch To ORGANIC LEARNING Now!

Rediff.com23 Jun 2022

Reading books will make you curious, build your imagination and nourish your brain into an organic super power.