Centre, state agencies jointly conducting relief, rescue operations in disaster-hit Uttarkashi: CM Dhami

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Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand), Aug 6 (IANS) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday visited the affected area in Uttarakashi and met the victims, despite challenging weather conditions, while instructing officials to leave no stone unturned in the rescue and relief operations, an official statement said. A Chief Minister’s Office statement said that along with the Centre, the state agencies are working on a war footing in the relief and rescue operation in disaster-hit Dharali in …

Jharkhand HC directs RIMS to begin recruitment process within four weeks

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Ranchi, Aug 6 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday directed the state government and the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, to initiate the recruitment process for vacant posts of doctors and health officials within four weeks.The order was issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar, while hearing a PIL with regard to the alleged mismanagement and shortage of staff and medical equipment at the premier government…

Black scorpion sting injects 25 distinct deadly toxins: IASST study

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New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have found that the black scorpion sting injects 25 distinct deadly toxins, which can cause significant damage to the liver and the immune system.Given its considerable mortality and morbidity, the sting of the glossy black scorpion — found particularly in Eastern and Southern India forests — constitutes a…

Indian scientists explore potential cure for Alzheimer’s Disease using microRNAs

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New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) MicroRNAs (miRNAs) — the discovery of which received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine last year — may play a significant role in the treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), said researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR).Alzheimer’s Disease is a devastating condition that steals away mental faculties and debilitates day-to-day life of patients. Characterised by the accumulation of protein clumps in the brain, memo…

CM Vijayan comes out with 2nd phase of insurance scheme for state govt employees, pensioners

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Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 6 (IANS) Ahead of the forthcoming crucial elections — local body (December) and Assembly (April/May 2026) — the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government on Wednesday approved the second phase of the Medisep medical insurance scheme for state government employees and pensioners.There are about one million families which will now avail this new facility.The scheme will see significant enhancements in insurance coverage and treatment options.Under the new phase, basic insura…

WHO urges countries to invest in health systems, support breastfeeding mothers

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New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) The World Health Organization has urged countries to invest in health systems and support breastfeeding mothers to strengthen children’s health, development, and survival in the early stages of life.Breastfeeding is crucial for the babies’ health and well-being. It acts as their first vaccine, protecting against diseases including diarrhoea and pneumonia.World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year in the first week of August.“Investing in breastfeeding is an inv…

FSSAI tested 86,401 food samples for pesticide residues; 2.8pc exceeded limits: Govt

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New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) tested 86,401 food samples for pesticide residues between 2022 and 2025, the government informed the Parliament on Wednesday.In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, stated that “2.8 per cent samples” were found to exceed the limits.“FSSAI through its regional offices and State/UT Food Safety authorities undertakes regular surveillance, mon…

Over 7 lakh persons rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in 2024-25: Union Minister

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New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) More than 7 lakh persons have been rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in the year 2024-25, said Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, in the Parliament on Wednesday.Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Kumar shared that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has formulated and enacted National Action Plan for Drug Demand for Reduction (2018-2025), which supports rehabilitation and drug-deaddiction centres.“Ove…

India’s study on nutritional impact on TB outcomes contributed to global guidance: WHO

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New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) The study undertaken by India that showed the positive impact of nutrition on the outcome of tuberculosis (TB) contributed to global guidance on the world’s most infectious disease, said the World Health Organization (WHO), while calling for more research and innovation to fight TB.Led by ICMR, the study conducted in Jharkhand, offered the first evidence that providing extra nutrition is effective in preventing TB cases and mortality in India.”The findings from India’s …

Drinking coffee at night may raise impulsivity in women: Study

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New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) Are you someone who reaches for a cup of coffee every night? According to a new study, nighttime caffeine consumption can increase impulsive behaviour, potentially leading to reckless actions, especially among women.The findings could have negative implications for shift workers, health care, and military personnel who consume coffee at night, particularly females, said a team of biologists from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).The study, published in the journal…