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/

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) On the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar joined the Diplomatic Corps at the Nehru Park in Delhi on Saturday, emphasising harmony between human well-being and nature, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.”Pleased to join the Diplomatic Corps at the Nehru Park in Delhi this morning to celebrate International Day of Yoga. Like PM Narendra Modi said today, the session was a true reflection of yoga for everyone, beyond boundaries, backgrounds, age or ability,” the EAM posted on X.Along with EAM Jaishankar, the event saw participation from Ambassadors, High Commissioners, members of the diplomatic corps, and officers of the MEA.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.Around the globe, people observed the International Day of Yoga by joining events focussed on wellness, mindfulness, and sustainable living.Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national event to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga in Visakhapatnam.Kicking off the IDY, the PM said that yoga gives the world the direction of peace at a time when it is witnessing conflicts, unrest and instability. He urged the international community to let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of ‘yoga for humanity 2.0,’ where inner peace becomes global policy.The Prime Minister, who performed the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) along with over three lakh people at RK Beach, emphasised the importance of yoga in ensuring happiness and peace.This year’s Yoga Day theme focussed on the role of yoga in enhancing not just physical and mental health but also environmental consciousness, echoing the global call for unity, well-being, and sustainable development.–IANSint/scor/sd/rad

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday led the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at the Parliament premises, where Members of Parliament from both Houses gathered to mark the occasion with a unified call for incorporating yoga into daily life.Observed globally every year on June 21, the International Day of Yoga was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and swiftly adopted by the United Nations, garnering support from 177 countries. Since then, the day has become a global celebration of India’s ancient wellness tradition.At the yoga event held within the Parliament complex, leaders from across party lines came together to perform ‘asanas’ and breathing exercises, symbolising unity, wellness, and India’s soft power on the global stage.Speaking to reporters after the session, Om Birla extended his greetings on the occasion and underlined the growing global and domestic significance of yoga.”Yoga has become an integral part of the daily routine for people across society. The International Day of Yoga, rooted in India’s ancient natural practices, aims for a healthier planet. Even in the modern scientific world, the importance of yoga has been widely acknowledged,” he said.”Yoga balances the body and mental well-being by eradicating stress and tension from our lives. It also gives us the energy to face life’s challenges. Yoga and Ayurveda are ancient practices of India. Several researchers have also found that yoga is a means for the growth of an individual,” he added.MP Sunita Duggal, who also participated in the event, highlighted the broader mission behind Yoga Day and its relevance to national development.”I extend my greetings on International Day of Yoga. The theme of IDY this year is ‘One Earth, One Health’, which means we live a healthy life along with everyone else. This Yoga Day reminds us that leading healthier lives can help take the country towards the resolution of Viksit Bharat,” Duggal told IANS.MP P.P. Chaudhary echoed similar sentiments, noting the international resonance of the occasion.”It is very significant that we are celebrating the 11th IDY, and everyone across the globe is celebrating it as a family. By the efforts of PM Modi, today, the entire world is observing the Yoga Day and moving towards a healthy life,” he told IANS.Around the globe, people observed the IDY by joining events focussed on wellness, mindfulness, and sustainable living.This year’s Yoga Day theme focussed on the role of yoga in enhancing not just physical and mental health but also environmental consciousness, echoing the global call for unity, well-being, and sustainable development.–IANSsd/rad

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) Beyond its benefits for physical health, yoga is also vital for mental health and helps reduce stress, said Union Ministers on the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day on Saturday.

International Yoga Day is celebrated globally every year on June 21. It was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and swiftly adopted by the United Nations, garnering support from 177 countries.”Yoga is very important not only for physical health but also for mental health. It reduces stress, calms the mind, and brings balance in life,” said Union Minister for Health JP Nadda, in a post on social media platform X.While leading yoga celebrations in New Delhi, Nadda called yoga a mental exercise that unites the mind, brain, and spirit.“Yoga creates a mental balance by enabling people to recognise their self and brings unity in body, mind, and spirit. It also enables the spirit to be one with God. It creates positivity in body and mind and enables us to be more successful,” Nadda said urging everyone to practice India’s ancient wellness tradition.Union MoS (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayush also reiterated how yoga has today become a global solution for physical and mental health.”When the world is struggling with imbalance and stress, India’s Yoga has emerged as a ray of hope,” he said in a post on X.Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health called yoga “the invaluable gift of Indian culture”.“Yoga has given the whole world the direction to live a healthy life. This is a wonderful science that connects body, mind, and soul. Let us pledge on this World Yoga Day that we will promote a healthy, active, and positive lifestyle by adopting yoga in our daily routine. Do yoga, stay healthy!” she said on X.Yoga’s benefit to mental health is well documented. According to recent research by AIIMS, New Delhi, Yoga’s contribution is important in the treatment of cardiac and neurological disorders. It also plays a key role in women’s health and mental well-being.Pralhad Joshi, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, called on people to “engage in yoga daily and find good health, prosperity, and peace in society”Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading the Yoga Day celebrations from Vishakhapatnam stated that yoga gives the world the direction of peace at a time when it is witnessing conflicts, unrest, and instability.He also released a special commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 11th edition of International Yoga Day.“It symbolises India’s ancient Yoga tradition and its global acceptance. This postage stamp is not only a memory but also a message for the coming generations that Yoga is not only India’s cultural heritage but is also a guide to the overall health and peace of the world,” Jadhav said.Meanwhile, Nirmala Sitharaman, leading the Yoga Day event at Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM) in Faridabad emphasied the theme for this year, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”.It “highlights the interconnectedness of human and planetary health and echoes the global vision of collective wellness, rooted in India’s philosophy of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease),” Nirmala Sitharaman’s Office said on X.–IANSrvt/

Singapore, June 21 (IANS) Several yoga participants in Singapore and Myanmar on Saturday came together to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), a step towards healthier living. In Singapore, people gathered at Gardens by the Bay to celebrate Yoga Day.”Hundreds gathered under the iconic supertrees to embrace the power of breath, movement, and stillness — a reminder that wellness begins from within. With this year’s theme — Yoga for One Earth, One Health — we were reminded of the deep connection between personal well-being and the health of our planet,” the High Commission of India in Singapore posted on X.Dinesh Vasu Dash, Singapore’s Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, attended the occasion as Guest of Honour.In Myanmar, the Indian Consulate General in Mandalay celebrated the 11th IDY with approximately 700 Yoga enthusiasts from across the region.Mandalay Chief Minister U Myo Aung also attended the occasion.Now, in its 11th year, the Yoga Day has evolved into a global phenomenon. The day is observed across continents and cultures, and India continues to play a pivotal role in promoting mindfulness, discipline, and sustainable living through the practice of yoga.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.Around the globe, people observed the International Day of Yoga by joining events focused on wellness, mindfulness, and sustainable living.Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national event to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga in Visakhapatnam.Kicking off the IDY, the PM said that yoga gives the world the direction of peace at a time when it is witnessing conflicts, unrest and instability. He urged the international community to let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of yoga for humanity 2.0, where inner peace becomes a global policy.The Prime Minister, who performed the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) along with over three lakh people at RK Beach, emphasised the importance of yoga in ensuring happiness and peace.This year’s Yoga Day theme focused on the role of yoga in enhancing not just physical and mental health but also environmental consciousness, echoing the global call for unity, well-being, and sustainable development.–IANSint/scor/sd/

Chennai, June 21 (IANS) Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, on Saturday said that yoga is not just a physical exercise but a profound path to inner peace, mental clarity and collective well-being.The union minister joined hundreds of employees of Salem Steel Plant and their families at the Hill View Stadium in Salem township to practice yoga on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga.“Under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, yoga has become a global movement uniting humanity through wellness and mindfulness,” the minister said in a post on X.“I commend the team at SAIL and Steel Ministry for blending tradition with industrial discipline, proving once again that a healthy mind and body are vital for national productivity and progress,” he added.The minister further stated that “Let us carry forward this spirit every day for a healthier, stronger and more harmonious India”.During his visit to Salem Steel Plant, a unit of SAIL, the minister said the level of technological sophistication and discipline I’ve seen here is commendable.”This plant reflects the true spirit of Make in India,” the minister noted. The visit came as part of the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India a global leader in steel production, targeting 300 million tonnes (MT) by 2030, achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, and building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that yoga gives the world the direction of peace at a time when it is witnessing conflicts, unrest and instability.PM Modi urged the international community to let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of yoga for humanity 2.0 where inner peace becomes global policy.The Prime Minister was addressing the national event to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga in Visakhapatnam.—IANSna/

Visakhapatnam, June 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India is empowering the science of yoga through modern research and that the country is becoming the best global destination for healing.Addressing the main national event to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga here on Saturday, he said leading medical institutes in the country were engaged in research on yoga. He referred to the research done at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.“For the expansion of yoga in the world, India is empowering the science of yoga through modern research,” said the Prime Minister, who performed the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) along with over three lakh people at RK Beach.“We are also encouraging evidence-based therapy in the field of yoga in the country’s medical and research institutions. Delhi AIIMS has done a good job in this regard. Its research has shown that yoga has a critical role in the treatment of cardiac and neurological disorders, and it also plays an important role in women’s health and mental well-being,” he said.He also noted that the mantra of yoga and wellness is being promoted through the National Ayush Mission. “Digital technology has also played a key role in this. Over 10 lakh events were registered through yoga portal and Yogandhra portal,” he said.PM Modi stated that the conduct of yoga events in every nook and corner of the country today shows its growing popularity. “We all know that the ‘heal in India’ mantra is also becoming popular around the world. India is becoming best destination for healing for the entire world. Yoga also has a key role in this,” he said.He expressed his happiness over drafting of Common Yoga Protocol. He noted that initiatives like over 6.5 lakh trained volunteers of Yoga Certification Board, about 130 recognised institutes and the 10-day yoga module in medical colleges were creating a holistic ecosystem.The Prime Minister also mentioned that trained yoga teachers were being deployed at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. The government is also issuing e-Ayush visas so that the entire world benefits from the wellness ecosystem of India.Drawing the attention of all to obesity, the Prime Minister said increasing obesity was a challenge for the entire world. He recalled that he launched a challenge for cutting 10 per cent oil consumption in food. He urged people to join the challenge and underlined the need for creating awareness.He stated that cutting down on oil consumption, avoiding unhealthy diet and doing yoga were secrets of fitness.The PM called for making yoga a mass movement, which gives world peace, health and harmony, where every person begins his day with yoga for balance in life, where every society connects with yoga to be free from stress and where yoga becomes a medium of uniting humanity.Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prakash Jadhav, central ministers K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, Bhupati Raju Srinivasa Varma, state ministers Nara Lokesh and Satya Kumar, MPs D. Purandeswari and M. Bharat joined the Prime Minister in performing yoga.About 3.19 lakh people performed yoga simultaneously on a 28-km stretch from RK Beach to Bhogapuram.Participants from 8 lakh locations across Andhra Pradesh, the country, and the world joined the mega event, which is set to create a world record.–IANSms/rad

Gorakhpur, June 21 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday extended heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), urging citizens to incorporate yoga into their daily lives to create a healthier and more harmonious society.Observed globally every year on June 21, the International Day of Yoga was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and swiftly adopted by the United Nations, garnering support from 177 countries. Since then, the day has become a global celebration of India’s ancient wellness tradition.Taking to X, CM Yogi posted, “Hearty congratulations to the people of the state and all yoga practitioners on International Yoga Day! Yoga, the invaluable gift of India’s Rishi tradition, has shown the world the path to mental, spiritual and physical uplift.””Come, let us participate in building a healthy society by making yoga a part of our daily routine,” he added.The Chief Minister participated in a special yoga session organised at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, joining hundreds of participants who gathered to mark the occasion with collective practice.Around the globe, people observed the International Day of Yoga by joining events focussed on wellness, mindfulness, and sustainable living.Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national event to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga in Visakhapatnam.Kicking off the IDY, the PM said that yoga gives the world the direction of peace at a time when it is witnessing conflicts, unrest and instability. He urged the international community to let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of yoga for humanity 2.0 where inner peace becomes global policy.The Prime Minister, who performed the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) along with over three lakh people at RK Beach, emphasised the importance of yoga in ensuring happiness and peace.In a parallel event in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini led a massive yoga session involving nearly one lakh participants on the banks of the sacred Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra.This year’s Yoga Day theme focussed on the role of yoga in enhancing not just physical and mental health but also environmental consciousness, echoing the global call for unity, well-being, and sustainable development.–IANSsd/rad