News for 'covid-19'

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

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

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

Kashmir Police Investigate COVID-19 Funds Misappropriation

Kashmir Police Investigate COVID-19 Funds Misappropriation

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch in Kashmir conducted searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts concerning the alleged siphoning of government funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

46-year-old man dies of Covid in Andhra's Kadapa as antibiotics fail

46-year-old man dies of Covid in Andhra's Kadapa as antibiotics fail

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A 46-year-old man in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, died of Covid-19 after a four-day course of antibiotics failed to alleviate his severe breathlessness and cough. The man, an alcoholic, had severely damaged lungs due to pneumonia, and a subsequent CT scan confirmed the coronavirus infection, leading to containment measures.

Jaspreet Kaur, Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Para Powerlifting Journey

Jaspreet Kaur, Jhandu Kumar's Inspiring Para Powerlifting Journey

Rediff.com5 days ago

Jaspreet Kaur and Jhandu Kumar, two Indian para powerlifters, have overcome significant personal challenges, including polio and poverty, to qualify for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Rediff.com5 days ago

'There is no need for panic as there is widespread protective immune memory in the population from vaccination as well as prior infections.'

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of 'Compromised' Foreign Policy and Insensitivity to COVID-19 Suffering

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of 'Compromised' Foreign Policy and Insensitivity to COVID-19 Suffering

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy and his remarks referencing the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the West Asia situation.

The Marriage Secret That Still Works!

The Marriage Secret That Still Works!

Rediff.com4 days ago

Bhanu Iyer from Bengaluru tells us about the simple habits and values that helped her marriage celebrate 15 years.

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

'We ourselves hadn't heard it initially. Many people called us. The entire village was overjoyed.'

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Rediff.com7 days ago

Yastika Bhatia scripted history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's. Here's the inspiring story of her journey from Baroda prodigy and ACL injury comeback to India's latest cricket hero.

Rupee Exchange Rate Is Not Just A Number

Rupee Exchange Rate Is Not Just A Number

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

If we really want to curb the further depreciation of the rupee and make the rupee appreciate, we want to come out of the mindset that the exchange rate is merely a number, bring policy corrections to help reduce the outflow of foreign exchange by imposing suitable tariffs to discourage imports and bring self reliance, discipline FPIs, and correcting rules governing royalty outflows, suggests Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convenor, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.

Delhi Sees Spike In Dowry Deaths Post-Pandemic, Data Reveals Disturbing Trends

Delhi Sees Spike In Dowry Deaths Post-Pandemic, Data Reveals Disturbing Trends

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Official data reveals that Delhi recorded 141 dowry death cases in 2021, the highest in five years, with a subsequent gradual decline. The COVID-19 pandemic is cited as a factor exacerbating domestic tensions. Cases of cruelty by husband or relatives under Section 498A also show significant numbers, alongside efforts to strengthen prosecution and increase awareness.

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

World Cup music isn't random; FIFA's 'Stadium Entertainment Team' curates over 750 songs, mixing global classics with country-specific favourites, with each team having signature, warm-up, and goal-scoring tracks.

Did Kangana Really Make Vir Das' Lips Bleed During Kiss?

Did Kangana Really Make Vir Das' Lips Bleed During Kiss?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

'This is unfair slander to Kangana.'

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Watching the World Cup and hearing the music in the stadium may have left you wondering - how is that chosen? Is it just coincidence that "Wonderwall" plays after England matches? Are "Freed from Desire" or "Livin' on a Prayer" always played? And why?

End of Ben Stokes era: Iconic highs and dark lows

End of Ben Stokes era: Iconic highs and dark lows

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career defined by match-winning brilliance, iconic Ashes moments, World Cup glory, and a transformative impact on English cricket across all formats.

Fiscal Strain: 18 States Exceed Deficit Ceiling, Revenue Surplus Declines

Fiscal Strain: 18 States Exceed Deficit Ceiling, Revenue Surplus Declines

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Eighteen of India's 28 states exceeded the fiscal deficit ceiling of 3 per cent of GSDP in FY25, a deterioration comparable to the Covid year of 2020-21, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The report also noted a decline in states reporting a revenue surplus, with Bihar, Mizoram, and Telangana moving into deficit.

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The World Bank has increased India's economic growth projection for FY27 to 6.6 per cent, citing resilient domestic demand, while simultaneously cutting its global economic growth outlook due to the conflict in West Asia.

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The NCERT has included in the class 9 social science textbook a section on Emergency, which it described as "one of the major challenges to democracy in India" with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailing the move saying future generations should know about the "dark deeds".

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim has resigned as the mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), citing an inability to function properly. His resignation, approved by Mamata Banerjee, comes amidst significant political turbulence within the TMC following recent election defeats and a wave of councillor resignations, raising questions about the party's urban political structure.

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have all described the risk of Ebola to World Cup host countries as low, citing measles, COVID-19 and influenza -- which spread when large crowds gather -- as the most likely threats.

New Covid-Like Virus Found In Bats

New Covid-Like Virus Found In Bats

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Scientists stress there is currently no evidence of human infections, or community spread linked to the virus.

Uttarakhand Factory Making Fake Medicines Sealed

Uttarakhand Factory Making Fake Medicines Sealed

Rediff.com23 May 2026

An illegal factory in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, allegedly involved in producing fake medicines, has been sealed following a joint operation by the Uttarakhand STF and other departments.

India's Remittances Stay Strong Amidst West Asia Conflict

India's Remittances Stay Strong Amidst West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India's remittance inflows have remained robust despite the West Asia conflict, driven by precautionary transfers and diversification of remittance sources, with bankers expecting continued stability for the year.

First in six decades: Australia pick India-born Nikhil Chaudhary for Bangladesh T20s

First in six decades: Australia pick India-born Nikhil Chaudhary for Bangladesh T20s

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary, who played for Punjab till 2016-2017, was called up to the Australian T20 squad for a three-match tour to Bangladesh next week.

Mukesh Ambani draws nil salary for sixth consecutive year

Mukesh Ambani draws nil salary for sixth consecutive year

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Mukesh Ambani, Asia's second richest man, has not drawn a salary from Reliance Industries for the sixth consecutive year, with dividends from his extensive shareholdings serving as his primary source of income.

Ahmed Khan: 'Akshay Kumar-Suniel Shetty Did Disturb Us But...'

Ahmed Khan: 'Akshay Kumar-Suniel Shetty Did Disturb Us But...'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'Without sugar coating things, I could tell Akshay (Kumar) and Rajpal (Yadav) aisa mat kar (don't do that), remind Anna (Suniel Shetty) that it was a just a 'back' shot and point out to Paresh (Rawal) bhai that since he was not in focus, so he didn't have to give too many expressions.'

India Inc payout to shareholders grows slower than profit for third straight year

India Inc payout to shareholders grows slower than profit for third straight year

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Shareholder payouts by India Inc, including dividends and buybacks, increased by 2.2 per cent year-on-year in FY26 to $5.06 trillion, but this growth lagged the 18.8 per cent rise in reported net profit for the third consecutive year, leading to the lowest dividend payout ratio in 12 years.

India's Biggest Petrol Price Hikes Over The Last 20 Years

India's Biggest Petrol Price Hikes Over The Last 20 Years

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Over the past two decades, India has witnessed several major petrol price hikes, driven by global crude oil fluctuations, economic crises, currency depreciation and geopolitical conflicts. How did we get from Rs 34 to over Rs 100 today

South African Scientists Recognised For Public Health Work

South African Scientists Recognised For Public Health Work

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Two South African scientists of Indian origin, Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Professor Keertan Dheda, have been awarded the Order of Mapungubwe for their contributions to public health, particularly in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis research, and pulmonology.

Why India Rejects Claims Of Human Rights Violations

Why India Rejects Claims Of Human Rights Violations

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India has rejected allegations of human rights violations for the second time in three days, emphasising its constitutional values of justice, liberty, and freedom of expression. The remarks were made by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, in response to questions from a Norwegian journalist.

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Few leaders since Independence have been able to establish such a direct connection with the electorate or shape the national conversation to the extent that Narendra Modi has done over the past decade, points out former Union minister Dr Karan Singh.

Unlocking The Secrets: How Personal Traits Influence Dreams

Unlocking The Secrets: How Personal Traits Influence Dreams

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A new study suggests that dreams are not random but reflect a complex interplay between personal traits, external events like the COVID-19 pandemic, and individual experiences.

India's Era Has Arrived: Birla

India's Era Has Arrived: Birla

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Kumar Mangalam Birla urged young people to 'build in India, build for India and build for the world'.

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified that not all immigrants seeking green cards will be required to return to their home country to make such applications, partially walking back a previous announcement.

One In Three Indian Women Overweight

One In Three Indian Women Overweight

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Over the past year, the sale of injectable GLP-1 agonists (used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity) such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic have surged a whopping 218 per cent.

Delhi Police Arrests Consultant In Immigration Fraud Case

Delhi Police Arrests Consultant In Immigration Fraud Case

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested an immigration consultant accused of defrauding a woman of approximately Rs 1.83 crore by falsely promising Canadian immigration through a business investment programme.

WFH, avoid foreign travel for 1 year: Modi's 7 big appeals

WFH, avoid foreign travel for 1 year: Modi's 7 big appeals

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Modi has urged citizens to adopt measures like judicious fuel use, postponing gold purchases, and deferring foreign travel to strengthen India's economy in the face of the West Asia conflict's adverse impact.

Chicago University Honours Ex-CEA Krishnamurthy Subramanian

Chicago University Honours Ex-CEA Krishnamurthy Subramanian

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The University of Chicago has conferred its Alumni Award for Professional Achievement to India's former chief economic adviser Krishnamurthy V Subramanian, the first Indian economist to receive the honour since 1941.

Bromocriptine To Marocain: Scripps Bee Winning Words

Bromocriptine To Marocain: Scripps Bee Winning Words

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

From marocain to bromocriptine, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has challenged young wordsmiths with some of the English language's most obscure and fascinating words over the past decade.

Ebola outbreak: India boosts surveillance; experts say no need to panic

Ebola outbreak: India boosts surveillance; experts say no need to panic

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Following the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa, Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and reinforcing surveillance measures to prevent the virus's potential spread into the country. Health experts emphasise the importance of vigilance and preparedness.