News for 'public health impact'

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.

Wangchuk's health worsens further as fast enters 15th day

Wangchuk's health worsens further as fast enters 15th day

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has deteriorated significantly on the 15th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is protesting alleged examination irregularities. Wangchuk's blood pressure has dropped and he has lost 7.8 kg, while the protest is drawing support from political leaders and public intellectuals.

Dutch prosecutors summon Tata Steel over 'intentional and unlawful' release of harmful substances

Dutch prosecutors summon Tata Steel over 'intentional and unlawful' release of harmful substances

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Dutch prosecutors have decided to summon Tata Steel IJmuiden BV (TSIJ) over multiple suspected criminal offences, including the "intentional and unlawful" release of harmful substances into the air that may have adversely affected public health, following a complaint filed by over 800 complainants.

IIT Bhubaneswar Unveils Portable Device For Rapid Arsenic Detection In Water

IIT Bhubaneswar Unveils Portable Device For Rapid Arsenic Detection In Water

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

IIT Bhubaneswar researchers have developed 'ArsenSafe', a portable, low-cost device for rapid, on-site detection of arsenic in drinking water. This innovation aims to address the critical public health challenge of arsenic contamination in groundwater, offering a solution that doesn't require laboratory infrastructure.

New Study Maps Genetic Links To Anxiety Symptoms

New Study Maps Genetic Links To Anxiety Symptoms

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

A new study by King's College London and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute has identified 74 genomic locations, including 39 new ones, linked to anxiety symptoms. Analysing data from nearly 700,000 people, the research highlights the complex interplay between genetics and environmental factors in anxiety development and offers new insights into its biological underpinnings.

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre has reviewed the monsoon situation, noting a reduced rainfall deficit and ongoing preparedness for the kharif season amidst El Nino concerns. A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed measures across various sectors, emphasising continuous monitoring and coordinated action to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and essential commodities.

President Murmu Confers 2nd Round of Padma Awards

President Murmu Confers 2nd Round of Padma Awards

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

President Droupadi Murmu presented the honours to eminent personalities and posthumous awardees for their exceptional contributions.

Kerala church, health body oppose bar hours extension

Kerala church, health body oppose bar hours extension

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Malankara Orthodox Church opposes the Kerala government's decision to extend bar timings, fearing it will negatively impact the youth. The government defends the decision as a tourism-boosting measure already in place in tourist areas.

Household Healthcare Costs Rise Again

Household Healthcare Costs Rise Again

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Private hospitals accounted for 30.8 per cent of current health expenditure in FY23, while pharmaceuticals and medical goods contributed more than 21 per cent, underlining continued dependence on private healthcare and medicine spending.

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

Rediff.com12 hours ago

A derogatory 'cockroach' remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing inadvertently sparked a nationwide student movement, transforming an insult into a powerful symbol of protest that led to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

India to get hotter? Heat stress to surge with 2C warming, warns study

India to get hotter? Heat stress to surge with 2C warming, warns study

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A new study indicates that India's monsoon season could experience a significant increase in uncompensable heat stress under a 2 degrees Celsius global warming scenario, extending the duration of extreme heat conditions.

SC refuses urgent hearing on two NEET-UG re-test pleas

SC refuses urgent hearing on two NEET-UG re-test pleas

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on petitions challenging the June 21 NEET-UG 2026 re-test, stating that all related matters will be heard by Justice P S Narasimha's bench in July. Students are seeking reconsideration of the re-test date due to mental trauma, inadequate preparation time, and concerns over examination integrity following the cancellation of the original May 3 exam.

Police action ends 17-day Ken-Betwa protest, activist vows to continue fight

Police action ends 17-day Ken-Betwa protest, activist vows to continue fight

Rediff.com6 days ago

A 15-day protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other development initiatives in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, concluded after police cleared the agitation site and dispersed protesters. While police denied arrests, protesters alleged their leader, Amit Bhatnagar, was detained amidst claims of project irregularities and corruption. The project aims to provide irrigation and drinking water to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.

'This Is The Biggest Setback Of Modi's Career'

'This Is The Biggest Setback Of Modi's Career'

Rediff.com14 hours ago

'For the rest of his tenure, people will start with the assumption that even Modi can be forced to bow down'

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'

Sovereignty paramount in drug cases, rules SC; cancels accused's bail

Sovereignty paramount in drug cases, rules SC; cancels accused's bail

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that national sovereignty takes precedence over personal liberty, particularly in cases involving drug trafficking and psychotropic substances. The ruling came as the court overturned a High Court order granting bail to an accused drug trafficker.

22 lakh take NEET re-exam today, Pradhan urges calm

22 lakh take NEET re-exam today, Pradhan urges calm

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged 22 lakh students appearing for the NEET re-exam to do so "fearlessly and free of anxiety," while the National Testing Agency (NTA) reminded candidates to download fresh admit cards and adhere to entry guidelines.

IIT Madras Unveils Indigenous Pilot Plant For E-Waste Recycling

IIT Madras Unveils Indigenous Pilot Plant For E-Waste Recycling

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

IIT Madras researchers have developed an indigenous pilot plant in Tiruchirappalli capable of processing 100 tonnes of electronic waste annually. This zero-discharge, single-acid process recovers valuable metals like copper, lead, and tin from PCBs, addressing India's growing e-waste challenge and supporting circular economy initiatives.

IIT Madras Unveils Indigenous Pilot Plant For E-Waste Recycling

IIT Madras Unveils Indigenous Pilot Plant For E-Waste Recycling

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

IIT Madras researchers have developed an indigenous pilot plant in Tiruchirappalli capable of processing 100 tonnes of electronic waste annually. This zero-discharge, single-acid process recovers valuable metals like copper, lead, and tin from PCBs, addressing India's growing e-waste challenge and supporting circular economy initiatives.

Pakistan most polluted country in the world, India at 6th place

Pakistan most polluted country in the world, India at 6th place

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The 8th World Air Quality report reveals Pakistan as the most polluted country, with India ranking sixth. The report analyses air quality data from over 9,446 cities across 143 countries, highlighting the severe impact of pollution on global health, especially for children.

Trinamool MP Criticises 'Blend and Butcher' Approach of Jan Vishwas Bill

Trinamool MP Criticises 'Blend and Butcher' Approach of Jan Vishwas Bill

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Nadimul Haque criticised the Jan Vishwas (Amendment and Provisions) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, questioning the government's approach to amending multiple central laws through a single piece of legislation and raising concerns about its impact on public health and federal funds owed to West Bengal.

Centre Tightens Rules on Alcohol-Based Medicines

Centre Tightens Rules on Alcohol-Based Medicines

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The move follows reports from several state drug-regulatory authorities indicating misuse and hoarding oral formulations with high ethyl-alcohol concentration, which people use as a substitute for liquor.

Mammootty, Madhavan, Alka Yagnik Receive Padma Awards

Mammootty, Madhavan, Alka Yagnik Receive Padma Awards

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards 2026 upon a host of luminaries, including Mammootty, R Madhavan, and Alka Yagnik.

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Experts warn that air pollution in India is a major public health crisis, leading to a surge in undiagnosed airway diseases and cardiovascular issues. They urge for urgent action, early detection, and treatment.

Madhya Pradesh Residents Struggle As Night Temperatures Rise

Madhya Pradesh Residents Struggle As Night Temperatures Rise

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Rising mercury levels in Madhya Pradesh are causing discomfort for residents as night temperatures fail to provide relief, disrupting sleep patterns and daily routines.

How Data Centres Contribute To Urban Heat Islands

How Data Centres Contribute To Urban Heat Islands

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A new study in Phoenix, USA, reveals that waste heat from data centres can significantly increase air temperatures in nearby neighbourhoods, exacerbating urban heat island effects.

NITI Aayog Urges India's AI Self-Reliance After US Export Controls

NITI Aayog Urges India's AI Self-Reliance After US Export Controls

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

NITI Aayog member Abhay Karandikar stated that the US government's new export controls, which led AI giant Anthropic to take its latest models offline, underscore the critical need for India to achieve self-reliance in technology development, particularly in AI infrastructure and hardware.

Scorching days, restless nights: India battles intense heatwave

Scorching days, restless nights: India battles intense heatwave

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Several parts of India are experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 44 degrees Celsius. States are issuing alerts and taking measures to protect people and animals from the extreme conditions.

Study Reveals High Lead Levels Near Battery Recycling Plants in Delhi-NCR

Study Reveals High Lead Levels Near Battery Recycling Plants in Delhi-NCR

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A new study by Toxics Link reveals widespread lead contamination in soil near battery recycling units across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, posing significant public health and environmental risks.

Canada first G7 nation to okay Dr Reddy's generic version of semaglutide

Canada first G7 nation to okay Dr Reddy's generic version of semaglutide

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Dr Reddy's Laboratories has received approval from Health Canada to sell a generic version of the diabetes drug semaglutide, making it the first company to get market authorisation for a generic semaglutide injection in Canada and the first in a G7 country.

Brain-dead at 85, retired Delhi official saves multiple lives

Brain-dead at 85, retired Delhi official saves multiple lives

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

An 85-year-old retired MCD official, declared brain-dead after a severe stroke, became an organ donor, saving multiple lives. His family's compassionate decision highlights the critical need for increased organ donation awareness in India, where deceased donor rates remain low despite high demand for transplants.

ICMR Backs IIT Kharagpur's Affordable Anaemia Test

ICMR Backs IIT Kharagpur's Affordable Anaemia Test

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended HemoQR, a low-cost, portable anaemia screening tool developed at IIT Kharagpur, for its simple and rapid method of checking haemoglobin levels using a smartphone.

'Op Tiger' successful, declares Fadnavis; breaking news soon, says Shinde

'Op Tiger' successful, declares Fadnavis; breaking news soon, says Shinde

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Amid the buzz over a split in the ranks of Lok Sabha MPs of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray through "Operation Tiger", Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the "operation" has been successful. His deputy and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde said he never leaves an operation incomplete.

India wages war on cervical cancer with free HPV vax for girls

India wages war on cervical cancer with free HPV vax for girls

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The figures are grim. India accounts for around 19 per cent of global cervical cancer cases and 23 per cent of deaths.

'Indians Have The Worst Metabolism, Diets High In Refined Carbs'

'Indians Have The Worst Metabolism, Diets High In Refined Carbs'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

'Refined carbohydrates are the quiet troublemaker in our diet.' 'We eat plenty of calories, but not enough nutrition.'

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

India Advocates For Ethical AI Use In Global Healthcare

India Advocates For Ethical AI Use In Global Healthcare

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has emphasised the need for sound regulation, ethical oversight, and equity in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to healthcare, speaking at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Interstate Spurious Drug Racket Busted In Delhi

Interstate Spurious Drug Racket Busted In Delhi

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested four individuals involved in an interstate racket manufacturing and distributing counterfeit prescription drugs, uncovering an illegal processing unit in Delhi.

Study: Worrying About Aging May Accelerate Biological Aging

Study: Worrying About Aging May Accelerate Biological Aging

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

New research from NYU suggests that worrying about aging, particularly fears about declining health, may accelerate biological aging at the cellular level in women.

MSME Credit Growth Slows, Micro Borrowers Show Early Stress: Report

MSME Credit Growth Slows, Micro Borrowers Show Early Stress: Report

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India saw moderated growth in April 2026, with early signs of stress emerging among micro borrowers and manufacturers, according to a report by credit bureau CRIF High Mark. The slowdown is attributed to potential impacts of global uncertainty.