News for 'public health'

Man gets life term for raping Covid patient in ambulance in Kerala

Man gets life term for raping Covid patient in ambulance in Kerala

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

A court in Kerala has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for brutally raping and physically assaulting a 19-year-old COVID-19 patient belonging to the Dalit community. The incident occurred in 2020 while the woman was being transported to a treatment center. The accused, Noufal, was also ordered to pay a fine of Rs 2,12,000. The court found him guilty after a trial that involved examining 55 witnesses, reviewing 83 documents, and inspecting 12 material exhibits. The investigation was led by R Binu, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) in Adoor at the time.

'We're Winning The War Against Terrorism'

'We're Winning The War Against Terrorism'

Rediff.com30 May 2025

'We've moved from thousands killed yearly in Jammu and Kashmir to 127 last year.' 'Cross-border terrorism in Kashmir is being solved. We are winning it.'

Food Poisoning, UTIs! Avoid These Summer Risks

Food Poisoning, UTIs! Avoid These Summer Risks

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, internal medicine specialist, Wockhardt Hospitals, lists the remedies to prevent and fight summer related ailments.

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.

'Engaging With The US Is Important'

'Engaging With The US Is Important'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'But I don't think the government is in a great hurry to sign the BTA.'

Worrying! 13 of world's top 20 most polluted cities in India

Worrying! 13 of world's top 20 most polluted cities in India

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Four cities in neighbouring Pakistan and one in China are among the world's top 20 polluted cities.

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.

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.

'Zero-For-Zero Tariff Is Best Medicine For India'

'Zero-For-Zero Tariff Is Best Medicine For India'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'No retaliatory tariffs now. You can retaliate after a few months.' 'Today, there is no need to retaliate because it is a question of long term benefits.'

Trump withdraws from WHO, Paris accord, again

Trump withdraws from WHO, Paris accord, again

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Notably Trump had withdrawn from the Paris Agreement immediately after his first inauguration in January 2017. Joe Biden reversed that decision later.

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government will send seven all-party delegations to key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council, later this month to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Modi 3@1: Challenges, Opportunities Ahead

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

There are challenges galore before him, and it is not going to be easy. In the next four years, he has to conjure a system that changes the optics about him and the BJP both nationally and internationally so that he can ride back on his own, claim the top slot, and not have to lean on a coalition, asserts Ramesh Menon as Modi 3.0 completes a year in power.

Risk of mpox upsurge very low in India now: Official sources

Risk of mpox upsurge very low in India now: Official sources

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

Official sources said the last case of monkeypox in India was reported from Kerala in March this year.

Ayushman Bharat now covers all 70+ citizens; 4.5 cr families to benefit

Ayushman Bharat now covers all 70+ citizens; 4.5 cr families to benefit

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

The Rs 5 lakh free health insurance cover would benefit senior citizens of around 4.5 crore families. Eligible beneficiaries would be issued a new distinct card under the scheme, the government said.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

2 Indian-origin faces in new Canadian PM's cabinet

2 Indian-origin faces in new Canadian PM's cabinet

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Indo-Canadian Anita Anand and Delhi-born Kamal Khera are part of new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet. Anand is the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry while Khera is Minister of Health. Carney's cabinet with 13 men and 11 women is smaller than Trudeau's 37-member team.

Manoj Kumar Passes Away At 87

Manoj Kumar Passes Away At 87

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The actor, affectionately known as 'Bharat Kumar' for his portrayal of patriotic roles in numerous films, breathed his last at 4:03 am at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation.

Where is Papa?: Pahalgam victim's child inconsolable

"Where is Papa?": Pahalgam victim's child inconsolable

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Each time her little boy wakes up from sleep, his voice trembles with the same haunting questions: "Where is Papa? Did he go somewhere?"

Why BJP Still Hasn't Named Nadda's Successor

Why BJP Still Hasn't Named Nadda's Successor

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The prolonged delay over electing J P Nadda's successor possibly stems from the RSS leadership wanting a person who is at least equidistant from the Sangh as well as the Modi/BJP edifice, observes BJP-RSS watcher Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

'Despite Covid we don't care about health'

'Despite Covid we don't care about health'

Rediff.com7 Feb 2024

'The first duty of the government is to learn lessons from a bad experience and course correct. It's a pity that the government is making policy without looking at evidence and differentiating between immediate and urgent.'

No coffee, no exercise can kill you 60% faster: Study

No coffee, no exercise can kill you 60% faster: Study

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

Non-coffee drinkers who sat for six or more hours a day were at almost 60 per cent higher risk of dying compared to coffee drinkers sitting for less than six hours, according to a research published in the journal BioMed Central (BMC) Public Health.

Red alert issued in Kerala's Palakkad for high UV radiation

Red alert issued in Kerala's Palakkad for high UV radiation

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has declared a red alert in Palakkad district due to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. The UV index has been recorded at 11, with the highest levels occurring between 10 am and 3 pm. The KSDMA has advised the public to take safety precautions, including wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

CD rates top 8% for smaller banks amid banking system liquidity tightness

CD rates top 8% for smaller banks amid banking system liquidity tightness

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Amid liquidity tightness in the banking system, certificate of deposit (CD) rates topped 8 per cent for some smaller banks, with rates remaining on the higher side for derivatives loss-hit IndusInd Bank. On Thursday, CSB Bank raised Rs 100 crore via one-year CDs at 8.5 per cent, while Utkarsh Small Finance Bank issued three-month CDs at 8.05 per cent to raise Rs 50 crore.

'Dr Singh wanted to be treated in India, not abroad'

'Dr Singh wanted to be treated in India, not abroad'

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

"Dr Manmohan Singh, soon after becoming the prime minister, had himself carried a small table for us to have tea comfortably at his Safdarjung Lane residence instead of asking his house help," Dr Srinath Reddy, who was the chairperson of the PM's medical panel, recalled.

Why Are Children So ANGRY, AGGRESSIVE?

Why Are Children So ANGRY, AGGRESSIVE?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'The earlier a child is given a smartphone, the worst it becomes when they are 17, 18.' 'Every year you delay in giving a smartphone to child, the outcome becomes better.' 'The behavioural changes that are very specific to smartphones are aggression and anger.'

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

A high-level inter-ministerial team conducted a six-hour investigation in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, to ascertain the causes of death of 17 members of three families under mysterious circumstances. The team, led by a director-rank officer in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, collected samples and briefed by senior district, health and police officers. The team's visit follows the deaths of 16 people between December 7 and January 19. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on potential neurotoxins and a spring that tested positive for pesticides.

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.

'Abduction' of ex-minister's son turns out to be 'secret' Bangkok trip

'Abduction' of ex-minister's son turns out to be 'secret' Bangkok trip

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A day after high drama over the 'kidnapping' of ex-Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant's son, traced on a Bangkok-bound chartered flight which was diverted to Pune, the Sawant junior claimed he kept his 'business trip' secret to avoid his family's wrath.

Modi sees plot in Naveen's deteriorating health, Odisha CM hits back

Modi sees plot in Naveen's deteriorating health, Odisha CM hits back

Rediff.com29 May 2024

Modi, in his rally just days ahead of the last phase of the Lok Sabha election, also said that "well-wishers of Naveen babu are worried over his deteriorating health condition."

Why India's medical device makers are moving to Vietnam, Malaysia

Why India's medical device makers are moving to Vietnam, Malaysia

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

A large number of medical device-manufacturing units have been forced to move to Vietnam and Malaysia due to delays, inconsistent timelines, and a lack of transparency in licensing processes, according to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare.

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.

He's not a victim of junior docs' stir but...: Bengal family on boy's death

He's not a victim of junior docs' stir but...: Bengal family on boy's death

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

His family alleged that he died there due to the negligence of a senior physician who despite being on duty was late in attending him.

Medical inflation, high coverage drive up ticket sizes for retail health insurers

Medical inflation, high coverage drive up ticket sizes for retail health insurers

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

The average ticket size of retail health insurance in India has increased by nearly 48 per cent over 6 years due to elevated medical inflation and increased demand for higher coverage policies among policyholders. According to data by online insurance broker PolicyBazaar, the average ticket size of retail health insurance in India has increased to Rs 26,533 so far in FY24, up 48.22 per cent from Rs 17,900 in FY19.

Delhi govt suffered Rs 2,000 cr losses due to liquor policy: CAG report

Delhi govt suffered Rs 2,000 cr losses due to liquor policy: CAG report

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The report on the alleged liquor scam, a hot button issue in the run-up to the elections, claimed a loss of revenue to the tune of Rs 941.53 crore, saying timely permissions were not taken for opening the liquor vends in non-conforming municipal wards.

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.

'Allahabad Rape Judgment Will Be Reversed'

'Allahabad Rape Judgment Will Be Reversed'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

'If it is not reversed, it will set a dangerous precedent.'

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

Meet India's first private reinsurer

Meet India's first private reinsurer

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

In Debasish Panda's last board meeting as chairperson of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), the regulator approved the "R2" licence for Kamlesh Goyal and Prem Watsa-backed Value Attics Reinsurance, making it the first private-sector Indian reinsurer after GIC Re, the public-sector reinsurer. "The authority reviewed and approved the R2 application of Value Attics Reinsurance, making it the first private-sector reinsurer after GIC Re, the public-sector reinsurer.

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The grilling of Brigadier-General Dyer by Akshay Kumar's Sir C Sankaran Nair, as shown in Kesari 2, is purely an imaginary sequence, proves Utkarsh Mishra.