Colombo, June 21 (IANS) On the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), various Sri Lankan Ministers, Parliamentarians, cricket legends, cultural icons, and several locals gathered at the iconic Independence Square in Colombo to practice yoga, highlighting its significance in promoting a healthy lifestyle.The event was organised by the Indian High Commission in Colombo, in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry, and witnessed more than 100 yoga instructors from across the island nation, demonstrating yoga to participants, including the country’s tri forces, police, students, and yoga enthusiasts.Several senior ministers of the Lankan government, including Anil Jayantha and Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih and several industry members, joined the event.Meanwhile, several events were also held at Galle, Kandy and Jaffna, organised by the diplomatic offices in Sri Lanka.The 2025 theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ has emphasised the connection between personal well-being and planetary health, aligning with India’s broader vision of global harmony through traditional wisdom.Earlier on Thursday, the Department of Ayurveda, under the Ministry of Health of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, jointly organised IDY celebrations across the island.In a historic first, this IDY event was simultaneously held in 113 Ayurveda hospitals, including teaching and research institutions across all nine provinces of the South Asian nation, along with four universities.This collaborative celebration with SVCC marks the first time that the entire network of Ayurveda institutions in Sri Lanka participated in the IDY in a unified manner.The SVCC extended support by providing yoga mats, instructional books, and curated video content to all participating centres to facilitate the event.This island-wide event underscored the growing global recognition of yoga as a powerful tool for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, while also strengthening the traditional healthcare ties between Sri Lanka and India.–IANSint/scor/sd/

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) It is important to develop people-centric and locally rooted communication to boost disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness in the country, said the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.In a bid to boost the pandemic preparedness in the country, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Animal Husbandry Ministry in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, organised a One Health Communication Strategy Workshop in New Delhi.The workshop stressed the need for building a coordinated and impactful communication framework to support India’s efforts in strengthening animal health systems and pandemic preparedness through the One Health approach.”India remains committed to advancing the One Health agenda by strengthening disease surveillance, enhancing frontline capacities, and promoting inclusive public engagement through strategic and coordinated communication,” the Ministry said.Animal Husbandry Commissioner (AHC) Dr. Abhijit Mitra, emphasised the importance of a clear and cohesive communication strategy in achieving the goals of the Pandemic Fund project.“We must use simple, locally understood language to ensure that messages truly reach and resonate with communities,” Mitra said.”Delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time is key to creating meaningful impact,” he added.Mitra highlighted that effective communication is not just an outreach tool, but a critical enabler of behaviour change, inter-sectoral coordination, and risk mitigation.Communication is a core pillar of the One Health approach, said Dr. Konda Chavva, Assistant FAO Representative in India.“Communication is the critical bridge between knowledge and behaviour, between policy and practice. It is what ensures that the work we do translates into action and impact on the ground,” he noted.The workshop also emphasised the importance of the One Health Strategy Document, currently under development.This national framework will guide collaborative action across animal, human, and environmental health sectors, aiming to institutionalise a sustainable and resilient health security ecosystem in India.Participants engaged in technical sessions and group exercises on message design, risk communication, and cross-sector coordination.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) Padma Shri Bharat Bhushan on Saturday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting yoga globally and embodying the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ in caring for the well-being of the world.In an interview with IANS, Yoga guru Bharat Bhushan talked about the recognition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) by the United Nations, and PM Modi’s efforts to take yoga forward.The following are excerpts from the interview:IANS: How do you think PM Modi has taken the idea of yoga forward?Bharat Bhushan: Yoga serves as a powerful tool to address the challenges and inequalities faced by humanity. This practice has been passed down by Indian sages since ancient times, making it an enduring tradition. Although there have been sporadic efforts to promote yoga over the years, it remains relevant. People often turn to yoga when grappling with personal issues, or they pursue it as a spiritual path guided by their Guru.Various attempts have been made over time by yogis both in India and abroad. It is significant that in the future, people will recognise that India has a Prime Minister who understands his role as the leader of a nation inspired by Krishna, guided by Chanakya, and blessed by Shiva. He has expressed that now is his opportunity to strive earnestly to implement the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which means the world is one family, and he has indeed taken action towards this goal.The United Nations, the largest organisation in the world, comprising all countries, has initiated a program to promote yoga for all nations. This is a significant effort. During the first yoga event held at Talkatora Stadium, the slogan was, ‘Modi ji ka ye uphaar, yog kare saara sansaar (This is PM Modi’s gift; the whole world is practicing yoga).’The irony in our situation is that we often fail to give credit where it is due. When a person has accomplished great work or when the country has seized an important opportunity under their leadership, we should embrace it wholeheartedly. This sends a strong message to the world that our nation is united in support of principles and knowledge that benefit humanity.Today, the entire world is celebrating yoga, and this is largely due to the initiative taken by Prime Minister Modi, who recognised that yoga is advantageous for everyone.IANS: There is a constant emphasis on making the vision of PM Modi regarding yoga a mass movement and ensuring public participation on a large scale. What do you think about this?Bharat Bhushan: Publicity alone is not enough. The United Nations declared International Day of Yoga, which was a significant achievement. However, we need to undertake even greater efforts to transform it into a mass movement.Our mission is to make IDY a reason for us to incorporate yoga into our daily lives. While it sends an important message, that message becomes meaningful only when people actively participate in the celebration.In our country, all universities, colleges, schools and even courts remain closed in June. It became clear that we needed to make a special effort to connect with people during this time.Consequently, Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan, in association with the Ministry of AYUSH and the Government of India, decided to start the program a month before June 21. This way, we would not have to make a separate effort specifically for that date.We are celebrating our 11th IDY. The Prime Minister had a significant idea in mind and after completing a decade of celebration, which is no small feat, we should honour this milestone.To do so, we have outlined key points to focus on. This includes reducing the number of institutions and yoga centres and ensuring that yoga practices are incorporated into every park. Additionally, every part of the government machinery should participate in this initiative.The solution to all of the world’s problems is in yoga. Today, people have started understanding it well.IANS: You have also practiced yoga with the Prime Minister. How has your experience been?Bharat Bhushan: Now, the whole world practices yoga with PM Modi. Not only did we practice yoga together, but we also engaged in yogic contemplation. When I met him for the first time after he became Prime Minister, he expressed his desire to take yoga to every corner of the globe. I understood that his intention was to elevate India by spreading yoga worldwide.Our new generation is getting ready to carry forward ‘Bharat Yog.’ A lot has been accomplished in the past ten years, and this year, the 11th IDY will focus on uniting these efforts to advance the concept of yoga and promote healthy living.IANS: Who do you consider a yoga inspiration?Bharat Bhushan: Those who practice yoga serve as a source of inspiration. Maharishi Patanjali and Lord Krishna both conveyed the message of yoga. Before them, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati also shared this wisdom.Ultimately, the inspiration to promote yoga comes from its practitioners, all the yoga gurus, Maharishis, and Lord Shiva. Likewise, many will recognise that Narendra Modi has also become an inspiration in advancing yoga.–IANSsd/rad

Beijing, June 21 (IANS) Crowds of yoga participants in various cities across China participated in the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations, highlighting the worldwide appeal of India’s message of well-being.In Beijing, hundreds unrolled their mats to practice yoga, celebrating IDY with a beautiful ‘Kirtan’ and the energising Common Yoga Protocol at the Old Chancery complex.”A guided meditation helped participants centre themselves and experience calm. The experience was elevated with a graceful performance blending yoga with the grace of Odissi! The crowd was also spellbound by the advanced yoga demonstrations,” the Embassy of India in Beijing posted on X.The Consulate General of India in Shanghai hosted its flagship celebration of the IDY, featuring yoga demonstrations, interactive sessions, and cultural activities. It also witnessed participation from a diverse audience of diplomats, yoga enthusiasts, and community members.Indian Consul General in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, highlighted the event’s significance, calling it a testament to the widespread appeal of Indian civilisation and culture.In his welcome remarks, Mathur said, “This flagship celebration is the culmination of a long series of events across Eastern China, including Hangzhou, Wuxi and Suzhou, organised in collaboration with Indian diaspora communities, global MNCs, and Buddhist monasteries, a testament to the wide cross-sectional appeal of yoga and Indian civilisation.”The Consul General also emphasised yoga’s universal appeal, particularly in the context of the 75th year of India-China diplomatic relations, fostering harmony and health across communities.”Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, and harmony between man and nature,” he added, quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who championed the establishment of IDY at the United Nations.Mathur also paid tributes to the victims of the recent Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad. “Our hearts are heavy with this tragedy. In such moments, yoga’s teachings of resilience, mindfulness, and inner peace offer a profound source of comfort and strength,” he said.United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, Siddharth Chatterjee, also attended the event as the Chief Guest.Addressing the event, Chatterjee commended Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in globalising yoga and his role in building a more connected world.Praising yoga’s alignment with global well-being and unity, he said, “As a yoga practitioner, I deeply value its transformative power to foster resilience and peace. This event reflects the shared commitment of India and the United Nations to promote health and harmony, strengthening the bonds between nations.”The event capped a series of IDY celebrations across Eastern China, showcasing yoga’s broad appeal through partnerships with diverse stakeholders.The Indian Consulate General extended its heartfelt gratitude to Chatterjee and all participants for making the event a resounding success.Additionally, an event was also held on the banks of the majestic Pearl River in Guangzhou and saw the enthusiastic participation of over 300 yoga enthusiasts.Shambhu Hakki, the Indian Consul General in Guangzhou, also participated in the Yoga Day celebrations. In his address, he highlighted the growing popularity of yoga in South China and its significance in strengthening the cultural ties between India and China.–IANSint/scor/sd/

Addis Ababa, June 21 (IANS) The death toll from Africa’s ongoing mpox outbreak has surpassed 1,800, as the number of cases reported since the beginning of 2024 approaches the 150,000 mark, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).During an online media briefing on Thursday evening, Ngashi Ngongo, chief of staff and head of the Executive Office at the Africa CDC, said that 26 mpox-affected African countries have reported 148,308 mpox cases since the start of last year. Of these, 40,674 were confirmed and some 1,816 related deaths were recorded.Data from the African Union (AU)’s specialised healthcare agency showed that last week alone, the continent reported 2,715 new cases, including 822 confirmed ones and 20 new related deaths.Ngongo expressed concern over the rapid spike in the number of mpox cases in Sierra Leone, as the West African country accounted for 40 percent of all confirmed cases recorded across Africa during the past week.Meanwhile, the Africa CDC has raised the alarm regarding the increasing trend of public health emergencies occurring throughout the continent.”We have so far (in 2025) accounted about 132 moderate-to-high risk public health events on the continent. If we compare this with the total numbers we had last year, which were 219, it shows that we are already gearing toward exceeding that number in 2025, which is really a confirmation that Africa remains on the increasing trend when it comes to public health events,” Ngongo said.Data from the Africa CDC showed that some 22 African countries have reported a total of 157,974 cholera cases since the beginning of this year, including 5,998 confirmed cases and over 3,273 associated deaths, Xinhua news agency reported.The number of cases and fatalities positions cholera as the leading public health concern in Africa, alongside mpox, measles, dengue, and Lassa fever, which are said to be the top five disease outbreaks reported by AU members so far this year.–IANSint/jk/mr

Islamabad, June 21 (IANS) Pakistan confirmed its 12th case of wild poliovirus this year, after the virus was detected in a child from the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Ministry of National Health Services said.The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad confirmed the virus in stool samples collected from a 33-month-old boy residing in Union Council Shamsikhel of Bannu district, the ministry said in a statement on Friday.This marks the sixth polio case reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2025. According to official data, Pakistan has so far recorded 12 polio cases this year — four from Sindh, one from Punjab, and one from Gilgit-Baltistan.The Pakistan Polio Eradication Program has conducted three nationwide immunisation campaigns this year, in February, April, and May, reaching over 45 million children under the age of 5, the ministry said.Health authorities urged parents and caregivers to ensure that all children receive multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine, an effective protection against the incurable and potentially paralysing disease, Xinhua news agency reported.Pakistan reported a total of 74 polio cases in 2024, official figures show.According to the World Health Organization, Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under 5 years of age. The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (e.g. contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis.In 1988, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution for the worldwide eradication of polio, marking the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, spearheaded by national governments, WHO, Rotary International, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, and later joined by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.Wild poliovirus cases have decreased by over 99 per cent since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries to 6 reported cases in 2021. Of the 3 strains of wild poliovirus (type 1, type 2 and type 3), wild poliovirus type 2 was eradicated in 1999, and wild poliovirus type 3 was eradicated in 2020. As of 2022, endemic wild poliovirus type 1 remains in two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.–IANSint/jk/mr

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) Yoga is a time-tested and holistic approach to wellness, said Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday.Pradhan said this while participating in a yoga session for the International Day of Yoga, under the theme ‘One Earth, One Health’, near the riverfront at Maa Samaleswari Temple Complex, in Odisha’s Sambalpur. Officials, dignitaries, and residents of Sambalpur also joined him at the session.“As the time-tested and holistic approach to wellness, Yoga is India’s gift to the world,” Pradhan said. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his persistent effort to make yoga a global mass movement and a tool for global harmony and peace.Pradhan urged everyone, especially the young generation, to embrace Yoga for health and well-being.Ministry of Education also organised mass yoga sessions at the Delhi University Convention Centre and three other iconic locations, Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, Bihar; Mysuru Palace, Mysuru, Karnataka; and Somanathapura Temple premises, Somanathapura, Karnataka.The 11th International Day of Yoga is being celebrated across the country and globe with great enthusiasm and collective spirit.This year, the global theme for International Yoga Day is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” which highlights the profound interconnection between individual well-being and planetary health.Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the essence of an asana (yoga posture) lies in maintaining a stable and healthy body. He participated in a mass yoga event at the Pusa Campus, New Delhi.Sharing his journey, Chouhan recounted a life-changing experience from 1998, when he suffered serious injuries in a severe accident that impacted eight parts of his body.“At that time, I could not even imagine walking again,” he said. “But it was yoga that played a pivotal role in my recovery. Today, I am able to lead a healthy, normal life free from the lasting effects of those injuries thanks to the transformative power of yoga.’Chouhan urged individuals to treat yoga not as a one-day ritual, but as a consistent practice that promotes long-term well-being.The yoga day also saw a grand celebration at Purana Qila, Qutub Minar Complex, and other iconic ASI-protected monuments, reinforcing the significance of yoga as a national movement.–IANSrvt/

Kolkata, June 21 (IANS) The West Bengal Health Department has decided to introduce stringent verification measures before uploading new birth certificates on its official website.The move comes in the wake of several fake birth certificates were found to be uploaded and later used to obtain other forged identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, voter IDs, and Indian passports.”Generally, the issuing authorities of these identity documents verify birth certificates through the official portal. Once a forged certificate is uploaded, it becomes extremely difficult to detect its authenticity. Hence, multi-tier verification will now be mandatory before uploading any certificate,” a senior health department official said on condition of anonymity.In addition to tighter scrutiny for new uploads, the department will also continue the process of deleting previously uploaded certificates that have been flagged as fake by the Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police.The latest crackdown follows the unearthing of a major fake document racket operating out of Pathankhali in the Gosaba block of South 24 Parganas district.Investigators revealed that the racket was involved in the large-scale production of fake birth certificates — often the first step in the creation of an entire suite of fraudulent Indian identity documents, including passports.Officials said some of the passports obtained using these forged documents have already been used to travel abroad.Following the discovery, law enforcement agencies requested the health department to remove the fraudulent records from the government portal to prevent further misuse.Investigations have also uncovered that the racket based in Pathankhali has operational links in Basudebpur (near Howrah) and Manikchak in Malda district of North Bengal.Officials first noticed the systemic misuse of fake birth certificates earlier this year during investigations into a multi-crore fake passport racket.According to sleuths, illegal infiltrators — primarily from Bangladesh — were being given shelter in villages near both land and coastal borders. Agents would then help them procure forged birth certificates and ration cards, which formed the foundation for acquiring other Indian documents.Authorities believe these stricter checks will help curb the misuse of official digital records and dismantle networks producing fake identity documents.–IANSsrc/skp

Wellington, June 21 (IANS) Several Pacific countries including, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, on Saturday celebrated 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with a large number of Yoga participants joining in to mark the occasion.
Over 150 yoga enthusiasts from the Kiwi, Indian and international communities gathered in New Zealand to mark the IDY.With a vibrant spirit, the event was organised at the High Commission of India in New Zealand in collaboration with Heartfulness, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Art of Living.Former New Zealand Governor Anand Satyanand attended the event as the chief guest.The Indian High Commission in New Zealand in its social media post also shared glimpses of the celebration of Yoga Day with great enthusiasm at the iconic Beehive (New Zealand Parliament).Additionally, the Indian High Commission in Papua New Guinea, in partnership with the Active City Development Programme (ACDP), celebrated Yoga Day at Ela Beach in the capital, Port Moresby.Over 250 people from various communities participated in the event.Papua New Guinea Governor Powes Parkop also attended the event as Chief Guest and shared how yoga has transformed his life.Addressing the celebrations, Mukesh Kumar Ambasta, Charge d’Affaires (Cd’A) of the Indian High Commission in Papua New Guinea stressed the significance of this year’s IDY theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, which is the deep connection between personal well-being and planetary health.In Tonga, around 60 yoga enthusiasts participated in the Yoga Day event at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, Nuku’alofa.The event was organised by the Indian High Commission and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of Fiji in collaboration with the Tongan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Tongan Health Minister Ana Akaola also attended the event.Furthermore, in Fiji, the Indian High Commission and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the country hosted the Yoga Day celebration at the iconic Grand Pacific Hotel in the capital, Suva.”Grateful to Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Fiji, for joining as the Chief Guest. Heartfelt thanks to all yoga enthusiasts — including diplomats, the diaspora, and media members — who made today’s event truly special,” the Indian High Commission in Suva posted on X.Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad also took to his social media and posted, “As we mark International Day of Yoga, let us reflect on yoga’s power to heal, unite and inspire. Yoga for ‘One Earth, One Health’ reminds us to care for ourselves & our planet. A few minutes a day can transform lives.”–IANSint/scor/sd/

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) While Gilead Sciences’ HIV prevention drug lenacapavir got approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), its made-in-India generic versions may be a more affordable alternative that can boost the prevention of the deadly condition globally.In a major breakthrough, the US FDA this week approved lenacapavir — a long-acting injectable drug that offers near-complete protection against HIV with just two doses a year.Marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, the world’s first twice-yearly HIV prevention shot can potentially, transform pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options. The drug may be particularly crucial for those who struggle with daily medication adherence due to stigma, access issues, or lifestyle factors.However, the high cost — at $28,218 per person per year — is likely to act as a deterrent to global HIV prevention goals.Although USFDA approval is a big thing, the “real breakthrough would be when lenacapavir becomes accessible, affordable and available to all those in need,” said Dr Ishwar Gilada, Secretary General of People’s Health Organisation (PHO).Earlier the UNAIDS also urged Gilead to drop the price of lenacapavir HIV prevention shot.“If this game-changing medicine remains unaffordable, it will change nothing. I urge Gilead to do the right thing. Drop the price, expand production, and ensure the world has a shot at ending AIDS,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS and United Nations Undersecretary-General.Even as Gilead granted voluntary licenses to six generic manufacturers earlier, including four Indian: Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Emcure, Hetero Healthcare, and Viatris, Gilada urged Indian generic manufacturing companies to develop ‘made in India’ generic versions.”The voluntary licenses give hope that the medicine may cost less than $100 — that is 0.3 per cent of the innovator’s cost,” said Gilada, who is also the President Emeritus of the AIDS Society of India (ASI).According to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), an estimated 2.4 million people were living with HIV in India in 2021. That year, 41,970 AIDS-related deaths were recorded, underscoring the ongoing public health challenge.“India needs to lead from the front for lenacapavir’s equitable and timely distribution at the required scale to prevent HIV transmission and help end AIDS,” said Dr Gilada.“Only India could deliver lenacapavir to all those in need worldwide, in terms of quality, quantity, and speed,” he added, stating that only the country can meet global demand for lenacapavir at such low cost, just as it did for Antiretroviral therapy (ART) — the standard treatment for HIV — at 0.3 per cent of innovator’s cost.Dr Rajeev Jayadevan told IANS that the efficacy of lenacapavir, with just two injections a year, offers a huge advantage.“This is a breakthrough in the fight against HIV. For the first time, we have an FDA-approved injection, lenacapavir, that can prevent HIV infection with just two doses a year,” said Jayadevan, Convener, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA.On the other hand, the currently available PrEP usually means taking one pill every day. It works well if taken regularly. However, many people struggle with taking daily medication.“If made affordable and available, Lenacapavir could change the way we prevent HIV around the world — especially in communities where HIV risk is high and daily medication isn’t practical,” Jayadevan, told IANS.–IANSrvt/