News for 'public health emergency'

Dhankhar Failed To Understand Modi

Dhankhar Failed To Understand Modi

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

By getting Jagdeep Dhankhar to resign at short notice, Narendra Modi has sent a message to his own ideological clan that he brooks no one trying to get too big for their boots, observes Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

6 killed, over 70 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival

6 killed, over 70 injured in stampede at Goa temple festival

Rediff.com3 May 2025

At least six people were killed and 30 injured in a stampede during a temple festival in North Goa, India. The incident occurred at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, around 40 km from Panaji, as thousands of devotees thronged the narrow lanes to the temple for the annual festival.

'75+ IPOs Have Received SEBI Approval'

'75+ IPOs Have Received SEBI Approval'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'Listing of scaled Indian subsidiaries of multinational corporations as well as of Indian conglomerates continues to remain a key theme for IPOs in India.'

162 students trapped in flooded Jharkhand school rescued

162 students trapped in flooded Jharkhand school rescued

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The students were trapped in the school located at Pandarsoli on the Haldipokhar-Kowali Road in Kowali police station area since Saturday night after the premises got flooded due to heavy rain.

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

As the election nears, political positions on prohibition are shifting.

Cricket Fans, Beware Of The Heat!

Cricket Fans, Beware Of The Heat!

Rediff.com15 Nov 2023

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to stay hydrated, advises Dr Akshay Dhamne.

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."

A New Way To Retire Gracefully

A New Way To Retire Gracefully

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

This isn't just a home for the elderly. It's a place where life stories, generations, and cultures weave themselves into something quietly extraordinary, discovers Nitin Sathe.

The Amjad Khan You Never Knew

The Amjad Khan You Never Knew

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

'The second Sunday after Sholay's release, Amjad and Shehla had taken Shadaab to Juhu beach. They were strolling leisurely when, to Shehla's shock, he suddenly picked up their son, grabbed her hand and pulled her along, urging her to run. They raced towards their car and had just managed to get in and lock the doors when all hell broke loose. Hundreds started banging on the car, shouting, 'Gabbar Singh bahar niklo!''

Made-in-India Covaxin gets WHO's emergency use licence

Made-in-India Covaxin gets WHO's emergency use licence

Rediff.com3 Nov 2021

Covaxin was found to have 78 per cent efficacy against COVID-19 of any severity, 14 or more days after the second dose, and is extremely suitable for low- and middle-income countries due to easy storage requirements, said the global health body.

Mamata silent on demands of junior docs; health of medics deteriorates

Mamata silent on demands of junior docs; health of medics deteriorates

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

The ongoing agitation has also led the Federation of All India Medical Association to warn that it would declare a nationwide "complete shutdown of medical services" if any "any harm befalls brave junior doctors".

Are hospitals ready to handle Covid surge?

Are hospitals ready to handle Covid surge?

Rediff.com26 Dec 2023

Larger hospitals are not worried about a spike in cases, as they are now accustomed to converting ICUs and general wards into negative pressure zones or isolation rooms. For smaller hospitals, the task is tedious.

'Dhankhar's Resignation Laced With Intrigue'

'Dhankhar's Resignation Laced With Intrigue'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

'Something very drastic must have happened.'

Be Prepared! Heat Waves Coming!

Be Prepared! Heat Waves Coming!

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'The intensity and frequency of heatwaves will be much higher than in previous years over Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.'

Nationwide strike over labour reforms, MSP may hit key sectors

Nationwide strike over labour reforms, MSP may hit key sectors

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Over 25 crore workers across India are set to strike against new labour codes and privatisation, potentially disrupting banking, postal, and other essential services.

Parl panel advises caution in emergency approval of vaccine

Parl panel advises caution in emergency approval of vaccine

Rediff.com21 Dec 2020

In a report submitted Monday to Rajya Sabha chairman and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs also said there was a need for a comprehensive public health law to keep a tab on private hospitals and check black-marketing of medicines.

Coronavirus-hit Chinese city suspends public transport

Coronavirus-hit Chinese city suspends public transport

Rediff.com23 Jan 2020

The confirmed cases climbed to 571 mostly from the city of Wuhan with 17 deaths so far. The Wuhan government required all people in public places such as hotels, restaurants, cinemas, parks, shopping centres and public transports to wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus, according to an announcement on Wednesday night. The rule took effect immediately.

Crores attend Maha Kumbh, but no call drops or slow internet

Crores attend Maha Kumbh, but no call drops or slow internet

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Telecom service providers and the Maha Kumbh Mela administration are on their toes to ensure smooth connectivity at the grand event set to witness record teledensity.

India gets $1.75 bn World Bank loan for health, private investment

India gets $1.75 bn World Bank loan for health, private investment

Rediff.com1 Jul 2022

The World Bank has approved loans totalling $1.75 billion (about Rs 13,834.54 crore) to fund India's PM Ayushman Bharat scheme and private investment to boost the economic growth. Of the total loan, $1 billion will go towards the health sector, while the rest $750 million will be in the form of development policy loan (DPL) to fill the financing gaps through private sector investment in the economy. The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved two complementary loans of $500 million each to support and enhance India's health sector.

When A Vice President Resigned For The First Time

When A Vice President Resigned For The First Time

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Vice President V V Giri's resignation in 1969 triggered political upheavals that saw the ruling party defy its own presidential nominee, the expulsion of a sitting prime minister by her party president, and a historic split in the Indian National Congress, recounts Utkarsh Mishra.

Top 10 Careers in Arts and Humanities After Class 12

Top 10 Careers in Arts and Humanities After Class 12

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

From event planning to digital arts, career coach Nayagam PP offers a list of exciting courses you can pursue after Class 12.

India's digital health mission likely to face privacy issues

India's digital health mission likely to face privacy issues

Rediff.com11 Oct 2021

Lack of clarity on data-sharing persists, public health experts sceptic about the pilot that was run in six Union territories as benchmark for national roll-out

Tariff war escalates: China warns US of countermeasures, plans WTO suit

Tariff war escalates: China warns US of countermeasures, plans WTO suit

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

In a statement, the Chinese ministry of commerce said that it would file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organisation against the US for its "wrongful practice," the Global Times reported.

India's HMPV cases rise to 5; govt says no need to panic

India's HMPV cases rise to 5; govt says no need to panic

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

It is important to note that neither of the patients have any history of international travel, the ministry underlined.

Delhi monkeypox patient attended stag party in Manali

Delhi monkeypox patient attended stag party in Manali

Rediff.com24 Jul 2022

The Centre on Sunday held a high-level review meeting after a 34-year-old man from the national capital with no history of foreign travel tested positive for the monkeypox virus, making it the fourth case of the disease reported in India.

China braces for new Covid wave, may see 65 million cases weekly

China braces for new Covid wave, may see 65 million cases weekly

Rediff.com26 May 2023

The new outbreak may be the greatest wave of illnesses ever recorded since China's stringent zero-Covid programme was abandoned last winter, which resulted in up to 85 per cent of the population being sick at the time.

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

'Prashant Kishor is a businessman before he is a politician, and given that the expected average turnout for JSP candidates is 5,000 to 6,000 votes and since Bihar has a significant number of seats where the margin between the winner and runner-up falls within that range he will capitalise on exactly that to showcase his presence.'

Integrating PoK with India could have been feasible if...: Union minister

Integrating PoK with India could have been feasible if...: Union minister

Rediff.com8 Jul 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long harboured the dream of adding PoK to India's map, he said while speaking at a felicitation event organised by the Mahayuti alliance in Akola.

PM urges to ensure ample health infra, convene CMs' meet soon

PM urges to ensure ample health infra, convene CMs' meet soon

Rediff.com9 Jan 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed the need to ensure adequate health infrastructure at the district level and asked officials to maintain coordination regarding this with the states, in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

NDMA Plans 300 More Heat Action Plans as Mercury Rises

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

States are mandated to develop and implement 'heat HAPs' for prevention of heat-induced diseases. But most do not go beyond standard advisory on heat prevention.

Debt To Wealth: Young People, Read This!

Debt To Wealth: Young People, Read This!

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'Understand your financial goals. Next, categorise them by size. Then evaluate your investment options.'

'Fully agree with you': Modi, Meloni strike a chord at G7

'Fully agree with you': Modi, Meloni strike a chord at G7

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of bilateral meetings with his global counterparts on the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, with discussions focusing on a range of issues such as trade, investment, counter-terrorism and global challenges.

Study Abroad Without Falling Into A Debt Trap

Study Abroad Without Falling Into A Debt Trap

Rediff.com20 May 2025

By choosing your study destination carefully, leveraging government schemes, comparing loan options, and adopting frugal living practices, Indian students can acquire global credentials without mortgaging their futures.

India forms monkeypox taskforce after patient's death

India forms monkeypox taskforce after patient's death

Rediff.com1 Aug 2022

A 22-year-old man, who recently returned to Kerala from the UAE, allegedly died due to monkeypox on Saturday.

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.

Portugal health minister quits after pregnant Indian woman dies

Portugal health minister quits after pregnant Indian woman dies

Rediff.com1 Sep 2022

Portugal's shortage of health staff, especially those specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics, has led to the government considering hiring from abroad.

70 feared dead as tornadoes hit Kentucky, Biden declares emergency

70 feared dead as tornadoes hit Kentucky, Biden declares emergency

Rediff.com12 Dec 2021

At least five states were hit by unseasonably powerful storms and tornadoes on Friday night, including Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee.

An Agitation That Woke Up Kerala

An Agitation That Woke Up Kerala

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

It was a protest which held a mirror to the government of a state taking pride in its commitment to democracy, gender equality and social indices.One person, who in his employed days had known governments and political parties at close quarters, told me that public perception of how the Kerala government handled the ASHA workers' strike had been terrible, reports Shyam G Menon.

Why govt has failed to check the spread of coronavirus in India

Why govt has failed to check the spread of coronavirus in India

Rediff.com23 Mar 2020

An overarching law governing public healthcare is a glaring gap in India's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In India it is left to individuals to quarantine themselves voluntarily. Moreover, the 123-year old The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, governs healthcare emergencies in India.

States, Centre not on same page on digital health mission

States, Centre not on same page on digital health mission

Rediff.com14 Oct 2021

Tamil Nadu plans parallel programme with unique user IDs