Amaravati, May 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought recognition to Yoga across the world, said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday.He termed Yoga India’s gift to the world and stated that all countries are conducting Yoga programmes.He observed that Yoga is not confined to a few people or a few regions.The Chief Minister was talking to media persons after launching ‘Yogandhra 2025’, a month-long state-wide Yoga movement.The campaign will culminate in the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam on June 21, in which Prime Minister Modi will participate.CM Naidu, who also launched the ‘Yogandhra’ website, called for making Yoga a part of everyone’s life.He said people should practice Yoga to overcome stress.The Chief Minister remarked that Yoga is not a one-day programme for an event or photos.”This is a programme that brings a remarkable change in everyone. We should take Yoga forward so that it becomes a part of our lifestyle,” he said.CM Naidu said that at least two crore people should participate in ‘Yogandhra’. The target is to give certificates to 10 lakh people.He announced that there will be a daily one-hour Yoga session in schools across the state.The Chief Minister said 5 lakh people will participate in the International Yoga Day programme to be held in Visakhapatnam on June 21, from RK Beach to Bhogapuram.Earlier, the state government said it aims to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest gathering for a yoga session at one place, with about 2.5 lakh participating in the session at Visakhapatnam.In 2023, Surat hosted a yoga session with 1.53 lakh participants at one location, setting a new Guinness World Record. The Andhra Pradesh government now plans to surpass that record with the event at Visakhapatnam.The officials are making arrangements for approximately 2.5 lakh people to participate in Yoga from RK Beach to Bheemunipatnam Beach.They informed the Chief Minister at a review meeting last week that 68 locations have been identified for the event, providing capacity for 2,58,948 participants.The Chief Minister had suggested involving up to 5 lakh people by organising yoga sessions across all suitable locations from RK Beach to Srikakulam along the coastline.–IANSms/svn

Seoul, May 21 (IANS) SK bioscience, a biotech arm of South Korea’s SK Group, on…

New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) A team of scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has found drugs with potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders — a major global health challenge.In the study, published in the Journal Drug Discovery Today, the team highlighted the potential of peptidomimetics to treat neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, by promoting neuronal growth and survival.Peptidomimetic drugs — or synthetic molecules that mimic the structure of natural proteins — can be repurposed to provide an effective therapeutic strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases by promoting neuronal growth and survival.While neurotrophins, proteins crucial for neuronal survival and function, have shown promise as potential treatments, their instability and rapid degradation have hindered their therapeutic application.IASST scientists have been exploring peptidomimetics, synthetic compounds designed to mimic neurotrophins, as a potential solution to these limitations.”Neurotrophin peptidomimetics are developed to target specific biological functions and can be valuable tools in drug discovery, especially when natural peptides have limitations like poor oral bioavailability or susceptibility to degradation,” said the team led by Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee.”One of the significant advantages of peptidomimetics is their improved stability and bioavailability compared to endogenous neurotrophins. This means they can be delivered more effectively to the brain and maintain their therapeutic activity for a longer duration,” the team added.In addition, peptidomimetics can be designed to be more specific to their target receptors, reducing the risk of side effects.The research focused on understanding the signaling pathways involved in neuronal growth and survival, the potential pharmacological targets of peptidomimetics, and their therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases.The team also explored the possibility of repurposing existing peptidomimetic drugs for other diseases, such as cancer, and the potential for developing new drug prototypes based on neurotrophins mimetics.As research progresses, the team said that peptidomimetics could become a key therapeutic strategy, offering new hope for managing and treating neurodegenerative disorders for future generations.–IANSrvt/

Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Maharashtra has reported two Covid-related deaths since January this year, the state health department has said, adding that the two were patients with comorbidities.The department, late Tuesday night, stated that both deaths were reported from Mumbai and involved patients with comorbidities (simultaneous presence of two or more medical conditions in a person). One of the deceased had nephrotic syndrome with hypocalcemia seizure, while the other was a cancer patient.According to the health department, a total of 6,066 swab samples have been examined for coronavirus since January, of which 106 tested positive for the infectious disease. Of these, 101 were from Mumbai and the remaining from Pune, Thane, and Kolhapur. Currently, 52 patients are undergoing treatment for mild symptoms, while 16 are being treated at hospitals.”A spike in Covid-19 cases is not only being seen in Maharashtra, but also in other states and even other countries,” said the health department release.“Covid is a disease caused by a virus. Currently, the ILI (Influenza-like Illness) and SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) survey is going on in Maharashtra for Covid. In that survey, such patients are tested for Covid. These Covid patients are being treated regularly after testing positive, Covid cases are currently rare in the state. Mild symptoms are being found in Covid patients. Covid testing and treatment facilities are available through the health department. Therefore, the public is urged not to panic,” said the release.Earlier, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday said, “Covid-19 is now considered an endemic and an ongoing health problem. As the virus has become established at the community level, cases are now sporadic and very rare.In recent days, the number of Covid cases has been increasing in Singapore, Hong Kong, East Asia and other countries. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s health department is constantly monitoring the spread of Covid to keep it under control. “The number of patients has been very low from January to April. Some patients have been seen since May; however, the BMC administration is appealing to the citizens not to panic in this regard,” said the release.According to BMC, treatment and guidance facilities are available in the civic hospitals, including Seven Hills Hospital with 20 beds (MICU), 20 beds for children and pregnant women and 60 general beds. Also, Kasturba Hospital has 2 intensive care (ICU) beds and a special ward of 10 beds with a provision to increase the capacity immediately.“Common symptoms of Covid-19 include fever, cough (dry or with phlegm), sore or achy throat, fatigue, body aches, and headache. Symptoms may also include a runny nose and a loss of taste or smell. These symptoms can often be similar to those of a common cold and can vary from person to person. In severe cases, difficulty in breathing is a major warning sign,” said the BMC advisory.The BMC further said that Covid-19 can be prevented by taking proper precautions. Especially patients with serious illnesses and low immunity, e.g., cancer, the elderly, diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver disease, should take proper precautions. BMC has urged the citizens to consult a municipal clinic, hospital, or family doctor if they find symptoms like fever, cough (dry or with phlegm), sore or achy throat, fatigue, body aches, and headache.The Corporation has also appealed to the citizens to wear a mask in public if found with symptoms, keep a distance from others, wash hands frequently with soap and water and follow a proper diet and take rest.–IANSsj/dpb

Seoul, May 21 (IANS) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently conducting an on-site inspection of Samsung Biologics’ production facilities in South Korea, industry sources said on Wednesday.According to the sources, the FDA launched the inspection at the company’s facilities in Songdo, west of Seoul, and is scheduled to continue through Tuesday. Samsung Biologics is South Korea’s largest bio company and a major global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO).FDA officials reportedly visited the company’s third and fourth plants Monday to review operations and safety protocols, reports Yonhap news agency.Site inspections by overseas regulators at South Korean biomanufacturing plants are considered rare and are being closely watched by the industry.Samsung Biologics has advised employees to exercise discretion during the inspection period, including mandatory use of personal protective equipment. It also emphasized professional conduct and communication among employees.A Samsung Biologics official declined to provide specifics but stated that the inspection is unrelated to the FDA’s ongoing pilot program for unannounced foreign facility inspections.According to the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization, the FDA has announced a plan to expand unannounced inspections of foreign manufacturing facilities that produce medical products and food.The initiative is based on a pilot program currently being tested in India and China and aims to subject overseas facilities to the same level of regulatory oversight as U.S. manufacturers.Meanwhile, Samsung Biologics, a biotech arm of South Korea’s Samsung Group, reported a 26.3 percent on-year rise in its 2024 net profit at 1.08 trillion won ($753 million).In a regulatory filing, the company said it posted 1.32 trillion won in operating profit last year, compared with 1.11 trillion won from the previous year. Annual revenue rose 23.1 percent to a record 4.54 trillion won.Samsung Biologics said increased deals for biosimilar helped jack up its bottom line.It secured deals valued at over 5 trillion won, with its accumulated contracts tallied at US$17.6 billion.—IANSna/

Kolkata, May 20 (IANS) The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a show-cause to Kolkata’s…

Tirupati, May 20 (IANS) The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has decided to use anti-drone technology in view of the threat perception to Sri Venkateswara temple, the world’s richest Hindu temple.The TTD announced on Tuesday that it decided to use anti-drone technology, keeping in mind the security aspect of the Tirumala temple.The decision was taken at the TTD Trust Board meeting presided over by Board Chairman B. R. Naidu.Flying of drones is banned around the hill shrine, but some instances of security breaches have been reported in recent months. Last month, a YouTuber from Rajasthan was arrested when he operated the drone, allegedly recording the temple and its surroundings.In a similar incident last year, a couple from Haryana were found using a drone camera along the Tirumala ghat road.In March, the TTD urged the Centre to declare a no-fly zone over the hill shrine. The TTD Chairman wrote a letter to Union Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, requesting that Tirumala be declared a no-flying zone, keeping in mind the principles of Agama Shastra, sanctity of the temple, safety, and sentiments of the devotees.The TTD says that aerial activities on the hill disturb the sacred atmosphere around the temple.Tuesday’s Board meeting gave nod for steps towards the transfer of non-religious people working in the TTD through alternative ways or by giving them the Voluntary Retirement Scheme.The temple body also decided to take legal action against the crew of the movie “DD Next Level: for remixing the Govinda Namavali, thus hurting the sentiments of the devotees.The Board decided to increase the green cover in the Tirumala hills. The board gave its nod to increase the green cover in the Tirumala hills from the existing 68.14 per cent to 80 per cent through the Forest Department as directed by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.The TTD decided to release Rs 4 crore to the Forest Department in phased manner, including Rs 1.74 crore for the year 2025-26, Rs 1.13 crore in 2026-27, and Rs 1.13 crore in 2027-28.The Board gave its approval to provide an additional Rs 71 crore per year in addition to the current Rs 60 crore financial aid provided to the SVIMS Super Specialty Hospital, which is providing better medical services to many poor and needy people in Rayalaseema.It was also decided to recruit doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff for the posts which are currently vacant in SVIMS and to complete the buildings which are under construction.The Board decided to introduce Srivari Vaidya Seva soon on the lines of Srivari Seva voluntary service, inviting experts in the medical field to offer services to the patients.–IANSms/vd

New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) The Ministry of Ayush on Tuesday invited citizens, institutions, and communities to be part of the historic Yoga Sangam, ahead of the upcoming International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025.

To date, more than 1,000 organisations have registered their proposals under the flagship Yoga Sangam initiative — setting the tone for what is poised to become India’s largest-ever wellness celebration on June 21, 2025.The entities include a diverse mix of organisations and institutions, including schools, colleges, corporates, NGOs, Resident Welfare Associations, government departments, and grassroots community groups from across all 28 States and 7 Union Territories, said the Ministry.”These groups have pledged to conduct yoga demonstrations in line with the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) — uniting the country in spirit, breath, and movement,” said the Ayush Ministry.”By hosting local yoga sessions, they can become wellness leaders in their own right,” it added.This year marks a decade since the United Nations officially recognised the International Day of Yoga in 2015.As the nation celebrates a decade of global leadership in wellness, the theme for 2025, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” resonates more deeply than ever.”From the snow-capped Himalayas to the southern tip of Kanyakumari, from quiet parks to bustling schoolyards and office lawns, over one lakh locations are expected to transform into vibrant centres of wellness and unity on June 21,” the Ministry said.”Yoga Sangam is not just an event — it’s a national wellness movement fostering harmony within and around us,” it added.To participate, citizens can visit the Ayush Ministry’s website and register as a group or organisation.After conducting the Yoga Sangam event on June 21, upload participation details and receive the official Certificate of Appreciation.–IANSrvt/dan

New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) The historic WHO Pandemic Treaty adopted today is a shared commitment that requires greater global cooperation, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva on Tuesday.Addressing the gathering, via videoconferencing, he highlighted that this year’s theme, ‘One World for Health,’ aligns with India’s vision for global health.After three years of negotiations, the Agreement was adopted by consensus by member countries of the WHO at the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly. India is also a signatory to this treaty, which has been in talks since the Covid-19 outbreak, which killed millions of people worldwide. The treaty aims to bridge global healthcare gaps and inequities in case of future pandemics.“The WHO Pandemic Treaty is a shared commitment to fighting future pandemics through greater global cooperation,” said PM Modi, while extending his congratulations on the successful negotiations of the treaty.While the Global South is particularly impacted by several health challenges, PM Modi stated that “India’s approach provides replicable, scalable, and sustainable models”.He also expressed India’s willingness to share its learnings and best practices with the world, especially with the Global South.The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of building a healthy planet while ensuring that no one is left behind.“The future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, an integrated vision, and collaboration,” he said.Further, PM Modi also highlighted India’s health reforms ranging from Ayushman Bharat — the world’s largest health insurance scheme, which covers 580 million people and provides free treatment — to the increased role of technology in improving health outcomes, as well as the rise in Government Health Expenditure, leading to a significant decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure of the citizens.“The health of the world depends on how well we care for the most vulnerable”, underlined the Prime Minister.Emphasising India’s role as the birthplace of Yoga, the Prime Minister also extended an invitation to all countries for the upcoming 11th International Day of Yoga in June. The theme this year is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) in order to attain the vision of a “Viksit Bharat”, agriculture must be advanced and farmers must be empowered, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday.The Union Minister further stated that science-based agricultural transformation is our focus, and integrating traditional farming is also our goal.Speaking at the annual conference of vice chancellors of agricultural universities and directors of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) here, the minister urged them to participate actively in the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, along with their academic responsibilities.He stressed that the real-time implementation of the “Lab to Land” initiative is the need of the hour.Outlining a six-point strategy of the Ministry for achieving the goals of a developed India, he listed increasing productivity, reducing the cost of production, ensuring fair prices for produce, compensating losses due to natural disasters, promoting agricultural diversification, and enhancing value addition and food processing.The minister also emphasised the need to promote natural and organic farming practices, saying that agricultural diversification and protecting Mother Earth “are among our greatest collective responsibilities”.The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, he said, is a historic initiative in the agriculture sector, dedicated to empowering farmers, improving their livelihoods, and providing direct solutions to their problems at the grassroots level.Chouhan announced that he would undertake a foot march on May 25–26 to connect directly with farmers and gain firsthand understanding of their issues.He emphasised that India’s goals include ensuring food security, replenishing national grain reserves, and establishing India as the food basket of the world.“We are one team,” he said, “and our mantra is One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team.”Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Bhagirath Choudhary, stated that agriculture is the backbone of the country and farmers are its soul.He called for collective action to address climate change to ensure the sustainability and progress of agriculture, stressing that agriculture must become innovation-driven and research-oriented in order for India to become a developed nation.–IANSna/