News for 'preparedness'

'Next Covid pandemic' far from over: Delhi HC

'Next Covid pandemic' far from over: Delhi HC

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The Delhi high court recently observed the 'next Covid pandemic' was far from over as it asked for details on the Centre's preparedness for the collection of samples, centres and transport policy.

Cyberattacks Surge After Operation Sindoor, But India Mounts Strong Defence

Cyberattacks Surge After Operation Sindoor, But India Mounts Strong Defence

Rediff.com22 May 2025

For the first time, the Data Security Council of India assembled a joint task force to source threat intelligence at the origin and ensure coordinated action across the cybersecurity spectrum.

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

Rediff.com7 May 2025

How to conduct the mock exercise with active public participation of people was discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. Top civil and police officers of the country participated in the meeting, official sources said.

Bengaluru stampede: CM orders probe, BJP slams govt

Bengaluru stampede: CM orders probe, BJP slams govt

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday slammed the Congress government in Karnataka over the deaths in a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrations in Bengaluru, demanding that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara take responsibility for the incident.

'We gave 15-20 extra runs': Gill slams GT's poor showing

'We gave 15-20 extra runs': Gill slams GT's poor showing

Rediff.com23 May 2025

'If we had stopped them at 210-220 it would have been better, that was a huge difference.'

'Heartbreaking': Prez, PM, Rahul condole stampede deaths

'Heartbreaking': Prez, PM, Rahul condole stampede deaths

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress top leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday condoled the Bengaluru stampede deaths and the Bharatiya Janata Party asked the Congress government to own up responsibility for what it called the 'state-sponsored negligence'.

India Must Be Ready For Next War With Pakistan

India Must Be Ready For Next War With Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

India has to fill in all the critical gaps in missiles, ammunition, sensors and stockpile in the fastest possible manner, focusing on the critical instruments that worked this time, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

India's Shubhanshu Shukla set to fly to ISS on June 25

India's Shubhanshu Shukla set to fly to ISS on June 25

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

The mission was originally scheduled for lift-off on May 29 but was put off multiple times when engineers detected a liquid oxygen leak in the boosters of the Falcon-9 rocket and NASA also detected leaks in the ageing Russian module of the ISS.

DGCA to conduct audit of Go First's flight preparedness

DGCA to conduct audit of Go First's flight preparedness

Rediff.com24 May 2023

Aviation regulator DGCA will conduct an audit of Go First's preparedness before approving resumption of flights by the crisis-hit carrier, according to a communication. Cash-strapped Go First stopped flying from May 3 and is undergoing voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings. On Tuesday, a senior official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the airline has submitted its response to the regulator's show cause notice indicating that it is working on the details of a plan to resume flights at the earliest.

Schools shut, leaves cancelled, blackout in many states as tensions soar

Schools shut, leaves cancelled, blackout in many states as tensions soar

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Several Indian states bordering Pakistan have implemented stringent security measures, including school closures, blackouts, and cancellation of leave for police and administrative personnel, in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. These measures were taken after India conducted airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal have all implemented these precautionary measures.

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.

Centre To Boost States' Heatwave Plans

Centre To Boost States' Heatwave Plans

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

About 57 per cent of Indian districts, home to 76 per cent of the country's population, are currently at high to very high risk from extreme heat.

India shoots down Pakistani air force jet in Pathankot

India shoots down Pakistani air force jet in Pathankot

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Official confirmation from the government is still awaited, and more details are expected soon.

'Pak troops were unable to handle foreign drones'

'Pak troops were unable to handle foreign drones'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The Indian Army used Medium Machine Guns (MMGs) to target Pakistani Army forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC), inflicting heavy casualties during a ceasefire violation on the intervening night of May 7-8.

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Mock drills were conducted on Saturday in states and Union territories adjoining the western border -- from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat -- to enhance wartime emergency preparedness and response capabilities, officials said.

Heavy rains lash coastal K'taka for third straight day, red alert issued

Heavy rains lash coastal K'taka for third straight day, red alert issued

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Heavy monsoon rains battered Karnataka's coastal belt for the third consecutive day on Monday, severely disrupting normal life in Dakshina Kannada district, prompting authorities to issue a red alert and deploy disaster response teams. A red alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in 24 hours, and will remain in force for the next five days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Several parts of Mangaluru city reported waterlogging and traffic snarls, while minor incidents of landslides were reported from hilly regions across the district. The district administration has directed schools and composite colleges to remain shut on 27 and 28 following the IMD issuing a red alert. Instructions were also issued to relocate residents living in vulnerable hillside and riverside areas to safer locations. The authorities have sought prompt action from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) following complaints of water intrusion in residential areas due to ongoing highway construction works.

Op Sindoor: At Longewala, Army chief lauds soldiers guarding western front

Op Sindoor: At Longewala, Army chief lauds soldiers guarding western front

Rediff.com19 May 2025

He also reviewed the joint actions undertaken in coordination with the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force, they said.

What Wednesday's mock security drill will cover

What Wednesday's mock security drill will cover

Rediff.com6 May 2025

India will conduct nationwide civil defense mock drills on Wednesday, including air-raid warning sirens and training civilians to protect themselves in the event of a "hostile attack." The drills come amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all states and union territories to participate in the exercise, which will be conducted up to the village level.

Enhance civil defence measures: MHA to states, UTs amid Pak attacks

Enhance civil defence measures: MHA to states, UTs amid Pak attacks

Rediff.com9 May 2025

In the letter issued, considering the last night attacks by Pakistani forces in Jammu and Jaisalmer regions, the provision also authorises the use of local authority funds for such emergency measures, giving them precedence over other financial obligations.

India to conduct mock drills on May 7 amid escalating tension with Pak

India to conduct mock drills on May 7 amid escalating tension with Pak

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The drills will include operationalising air raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil defence, and rehearsing evacuation plans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been holding high-level meetings as India considers countermeasures against the April 22 attack that killed 26 civilians.

Did ISRO Play Role In Axiom Mission Delay?

Did ISRO Play Role In Axiom Mission Delay?

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

'ISRO recommended to carry out in-situ repairs or replacement and conduct a low-temperature leak test to validate system performance and integrity, before proceeding with launch.'

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.

Did You Know What Defence Ministry Did This Year?

Did You Know What Defence Ministry Did This Year?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

India fully utilised its military modernisation budget in 2024-2025 -- the first time in five years -- and signed a record Rs 2 trillion defence contracts.

India-Pak tensions: Govt warns traders against hoarding of food items

India-Pak tensions: Govt warns traders against hoarding of food items

Rediff.com10 May 2025

The Indian government has assured citizens that the country has ample food stocks to meet domestic demand, despite escalating tensions with Pakistan. The government has also warned traders against hoarding essential food items and creating artificial shortages, emphasizing that there is no need for panic buying. The food ministry detailed the country's current stock levels, showcasing a surplus over required buffer norms for rice, wheat, and pulses. Additionally, India holds substantial edible oil and sugar stocks, ensuring a strong food security position.

Villager killed, 3 hurt in Pak shelling in Poonch, Rajouri

Villager killed, 3 hurt in Pak shelling in Poonch, Rajouri

Rediff.com9 May 2025

A villager was killed and three others were injured in shelling by Pakistan in forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts early Friday morning, prompting Army troops to retaliate. The shelling also caused significant damage to property, with many houses and hundreds of vehicles affected. The firing and shelling were directed at areas in Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu districts, apart from Kashmir's Kupwara and Baramulla districts, overnight.

Volume, margin gains likely to rev up M&M

Volume, margin gains likely to rev up M&M

Rediff.com15 May 2025

A robust show during the March quarter of 2024-25 (Q4FY25) and hopes of a strong demand momentum have led to an upward revision of Mahindra & Mahindra's (M&M's) earnings. With a slew of launches lined up amid a steady demand environment, brokerages see M&M outperforming peers in passenger vehicles (PVs), tractors and commercial vehicles (CVs).

Army committed to terror-free J-K: Northern commander

Army committed to terror-free J-K: Northern commander

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Indian Army has neutralized a terrorist in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir during an encounter with security forces. The Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General M V Suchindra Kumar commended the troops for their swift action and reiterated the army's commitment to keeping the region terror-free.

'China's Dams Won't Dry Out India, But...'

'China's Dams Won't Dry Out India, But...'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

'China could intentionally release excess water.' 'The North East is already flood-prone during the monsoon, and even a controlled release from Chinese dams (during the monsoon) could worsen flooding.'

Major oil leak triggers alert after cargo ship sinks off Kerala coast

Major oil leak triggers alert after cargo ship sinks off Kerala coast

Rediff.com25 May 2025

A Liberian cargo ship carrying 640 containers, including 13 hazardous cargoes, has sunk off the coast of Kerala, raising concerns of environmental damage. The ship, MSC ELSA 3, capsized and sank in the early hours of May 25 after listing rapidly. The three remaining crew members were rescued by the Indian Navy. The Indian Coast Guard is monitoring the situation for any oil spills and has positioned a ship with pollution response equipment at the scene. The ship was carrying 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil, in addition to the hazardous cargo. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has cautioned the public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore.

Investing In Property? Read This

Investing In Property? Read This

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Buying makes sense for those planning to stay in a city for at least 7 to 10 years. Financial preparedness is crucial.

India to go all out to win bid for 2036 Olympic Games

India to go all out to win bid for 2036 Olympic Games

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The IOA president maintained the conference will serve as a platform where global expertise meets Indian innovation through discussion on urban transformation, technological advancements, sustainability and inclusive governance.

Roads waterlogged, trains delayed as heavy rains disrupt Mumbai

Roads waterlogged, trains delayed as heavy rains disrupt Mumbai

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The IMD issued a "Nowcast" warning, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and intense spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph at isolated places in Mumbai in the next three to four hours.

Shastri BLASTS Archer

Shastri BLASTS Archer

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'From what I've heard, England have had just one net session this entire trip, if not any. If you're not prepared to do the hard yards, you're not going to improve.'

Highest possible vigil along border, Op Sindoor continues: BSF

Highest possible vigil along border, Op Sindoor continues: BSF

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Border Security Force (BSF) remains on high alert along the International Border (IB) and has not let its guard down, BSF Inspector General, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand said on Tuesday. Operation Sindoor, aimed at preventing infiltration attempts, continues as Pakistan cannot be trusted, he added. Anand highlighted the BSF's robust response after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, including destroying multiple terror launch pads and thwarting infiltration attempts.

'Operation Sindoor Was A Dream Operation'

'Operation Sindoor Was A Dream Operation'

Rediff.com23 May 2025

'The precision strikes were well planned and excellently executed. The world will be studying this operation.'

How Shastri Buried Pakistan's Kashmir Dream

How Shastri Buried Pakistan's Kashmir Dream

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

The high point of the 19 Shastri months was the 22-day war that he fought against great odds and won in principle, even if military historians often call it a stalemate. Pakistan saw a great opportunity to conquer Kashmir and lost. It was the last time they had the relative strength militarily and diplomatically to take Kashmir. Shastri's resolve buried that dream forever, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Hero or Zero? Pakistan races against time for Champions Trophy venues

Hero or Zero? Pakistan races against time for Champions Trophy venues

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Concerns mount as Pakistan Cricket Board struggles to get renovated venues in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi ready by the January 31 deadline.

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Diets rich in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats tend to result in quicker growth and earlier puberty, notes Dr Rohan Palshetkar, head of unit bloom IVF, DY Patil School of Medicine.

How war anxiety is haunting Indian homes

How war anxiety is haunting Indian homes

Rediff.com11 May 2025

The escalating military tension between the two nations, a deluge of information, and the inability to sift through fake and real news can significantly affect the psychological well-being of individuals, said mental health experts.

'Terror Hasn't Gone Away, But We Have Raised The Cost And Consequences For Pakistan'

'Terror Hasn't Gone Away, But We Have Raised The Cost And Consequences For Pakistan'

Rediff.com23 May 2025

'War is not an answer. War is not a solution.' 'Deterrence is a solution. We should have the stick with us with which we can beat Pakistan.'