Hanoi, May 16 (IANS) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s southern economic hub, has recorded 7,398 cases of dengue fever from the beginning of 2025 to May 11, a 136 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, Vietnam News Agency reported Friday.Experts warned that the dengue season has arrived earlier this year than usual and may carry a heightened risk of widespread outbreaks, according to the city’s Centre for Disease Control.Ho Chi Minh City and other southern provinces have entered the rainy season, which typically marks the start of the annual rise in dengue infections.Health authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to prevent the spread of the disease, said the centre.Recommended measures include eliminating mosquito breeding sites by removing stagnant water, killing larvae, sleeping under mosquito nets and clearing water containers and drains.Vietnam reported 24,900 dengue fever cases and three deaths in the first four months of 2025, according to the National Statistics Office, Xinhua news agency reported.According to the World Health Organisation, dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection common in warm, tropical climates. It is caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses (called serotypes), which can lead to a broad spectrum of symptoms, including some that are extremely mild (unnoticeable) to those who may require medical intervention and hospitalisation. In severe cases, fatalities can occur. There is no treatment for the infection itself, but the symptoms that a patient experiences can be managed.In 2023, the WHO graded dengue as a Grade 3 emergency after outbreaks increased in several countries. Dengue epidemics tend to have seasonal patterns, with transmission often peaking during and after rainy seasons. Several factors contribute to this increase, including high mosquito population levels, susceptibility to circulating serotypes, favourable air temperatures, precipitation and humidity, all of which affect the reproduction and feeding patterns of mosquito populations, as well as the dengue virus incubation period.Unplanned urbanisation and climatic factors such as heat waves and high temperatures have increased the intensity, frequency, duration and distribution of dengue in recent years. Lack of sustained surveillance and control interventions, as well as staff shortage, are some of the other challenges. The absence of an integrated programmatic approach continues to affect countries.–IANSint/jk/

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) The indigenous PSLV, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is set to mark its 63rd launch with Earth Observation Satellite-09 (EOS-09) on May 18, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan on Friday.Narayanan noted that EOS-09 will be the 101st satellite to be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.“At 5:59 am, we have scheduled the 101st launch of India. The PSLV-C61 rocket will carry the Earth Observation Satellite-09,” said Narayanan, while speaking to reporters at Tirumala temple, where he along with a team of scientists went to offer prayers to Lord Venkateswara.“As you all know, India’s space programme began in 1962, and we are now nearing its 63rd anniversary. This will be the 63rd launch of the PSLV. The Earth Observation Satellite will serve the country across various domains. It is an all-weather satellite, capable of capturing Earth observation data regardless of clouds or rain,” said the distinguished scientist.The EOS-09 is designed to provide continuous and reliable remote sensing data for operational applications across various sectors ranging from border surveillance and national security to agriculture, forestry, flood monitoring, and disaster management.In a video posted on X, ISRO showed that the PSLV-C61 rocket has been transported to the Mobile Service Tower at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota for final integration and checks before its scheduled launch.For the EOS-09 mission, PSLV will carry a 1,710 kg satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent lighting for earth observation.The PSLV-C61 configuration is tailored for this heavy payload, demonstrating the rocket’s adaptability.EOS-09 is equipped with a state-of-the-art C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR). It grants the satellite the ability to capture high-resolution images of Earth’s surface day or night, regardless of weather conditions.The mission will place the EOS-09 into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO), ISRO said.After EOS-09 is deployed, Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) will be used to reduce the altitude of the PS4 stage, followed by passivation to limit its orbital life — a step aligned with responsible space operations, it added.–IANSrvt/

Abuja, May 16 (IANS) The death toll from the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has risen to 138 since the beginning of this year, public health authorities said. In a statement on its website, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said that 717 confirmed cases have been recorded so far.At least 18 out of the 36 states in the country have been affected by the viral haemorrhagic disease so far this year, with the southern states of Ondo and the northern states of Bauchi and Taraba the worst-hit, accounting for more than 71 per cent of the total confirmed cases, the NCDC said. This development, according to the public health agency, has “signalled persistent hotspots despite nationwide interventions”.With the latest death toll, the case fatality rate has risen to 19.2 per cent, the NCDC said, noting that overall, this rise in the casualties figure remained alarming.The public health agency said young adults between the ages of 21 and 30 are the most affected, with the median age of infection reported at 30 years. It noted that more males than females had been affected, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.The NCDC identified poor health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs in some areas, and limited awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges. It has so far activated a multi-sectoral incident management system to coordinate nationwide response efforts.In 2024, Nigeria reported 214 deaths from Lassa fever, according to the NCDC, Xinhua news agency reported.According to the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses.Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa.Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings, in the absence of adequate infection prevention and control measures.Diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. The overall case-fatality rate is 1 per cent. Among patients who are hospitalised with severe clinical presentation of Lassa fever, case-fatality is estimated at around 15 per cent. Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival.About 80 per cent of people who become infected with Lassa virus have no symptoms, and 1 in 5 infections result in severe disease, where the virus affects several organs such as the liver, spleen and kidneys.–IANSint/jk/vd

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) Atal Pension Yojana has accumulated a record 7.65 crore subscribers, and women make up about 48 per cent of all, according to data from the government.Atal Pension Yojana (APY) was launched in May 2015, to address the twin challenges of longevity risks and lack of retirement security among India’s vast unorganised workforce.The scheme, offering defined pension benefits based on the age of joining and the amount of contribution, was designed to encourage voluntary savings for retirement.It targeted primarily at poor and underprivileged workers in the informal sector and has emerged as one of the most inclusive and accessible social security initiatives in India.“As of April 2025, APY has accumulated over 7.65 crore subscribers, mobilised a total corpus of Rs 45,974.67 crore,” said the Social Welfare department.The scheme has “recorded increasing participation from women, who now comprise about 48 per cent of all subscribers”, it added.Notably, women make up over 55 per cent of new subscribers in FY 2024-25.There has also been a significant surge in overall enrolments during the same period.The APY scheme was initially available to all citizens of India between 18 and 40 years of age. From October 2022, individuals paying income tax are not eligible to join the scheme.The scheme provides subscribers with a fixed monthly pension at the age of 60 years, based on their contributions. Pension slabs available: Rs 1,000, Rs 2,000, Rs 3,000, Rs 4,000, and Rs 5,000 per month.The minimum contribution period is 20 years, depending on the age of joining.“The Atal Pension Yojana has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s social security ecosystem, especially for its vast unorganised workforce. With nearly 7.65 crore subscribers and a steadily growing pension corpus, the scheme not only ensures financial independence for the elderly but also promotes long-term savings culture among low-income households,” the Department said.APY’s footprint has been broadened across India with the government’s continued focus on digital integration, women’s participation, and rural outreach.“The Atal Pension Yojana is steadily progressing toward its vision of “Pension for All.”–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) Adopting cleanliness, checking mosquito breeding sites, and spreading awareness are key measures to curb the spread of dengue, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on National Dengue Day on Friday. In a bid to promote awareness about dengue, the Ministry of Health had designated May 16 as ‘National Dengue Day’ in 2010. This year’s theme is “Check, Clean, Cover: Steps to Defeat Dengue”.“The theme emphasises the importance of regularly checking for mosquito breeding sites, cleaning surroundings, and covering water containers to prevent the spread of dengue,” Nadda said in a post on social media platform X.Calling dengue a “pressing public health challenge”, he urged for active public participation to “raise awareness and educate people about prevention and early diagnosis”.“With the active participation of communities, health workers, and local bodies, we can significantly reduce the spread of dengue and protect public health,” the Union Minister said.As per data from the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), dengue cases in India have increased from 28,066 in 2010 to over 2.89 lakh in 2023.In 2025 (as of March), India has already reported more than 16,000 cases, indicating a worrying early trend for the year. This massive and continuing rise highlights the urgency of strengthening our public health systems and response.”Let us all take a pledge that by adopting cleanliness and spreading public awareness, we will protect our family and society from a serious disease like dengue. Prevention is the only protection against dengue. Clean India, Healthy India – this is the foundation of a dengue-free India!” said Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on X.Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav also urged people to “maintain cleanliness, do not allow water to accumulate, and wear full-sleeved clothes”.Dengue is caused by a virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid climates.Increasing climate changes are fuelling more breeding sites of dengue in India. States like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have started seeing regular outbreaks a sign that the traditional “dengue belt” is expanding.A recent study published in The Lancet warned that climate-sensitive diseases like dengue are likely to rise significantly, especially in South Asia, if countries do not act urgently.Dr. Praveen Gupta, a noted neurologist at a Gurugram-based hospital, emphasised that dengue’s nationwide spread, amplified by climate change, brings not just fever but serious neurological risks like encephalitis, seizures, and Guillain-Barre syndrome.“As cases surge year-round, early diagnosis and awareness are crucial. Beyond vector control and vaccines, safeguarding brain health demands urgent, coordinated, and informed public health action,” Gupta said.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health highlighted measures such as sleeping under a mosquito net, using mesh on windows and doors, for avoiding mosquito bites and dengue.“If you see symptoms of dengue, do not be careless, it can be fatal. Get a blood test done immediately and consult a doctor. Take rest during the fever and drink plenty of fluids. Dengue testing is available free of cost in designated government hospitals,” the Ministry said, on X.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) Feeling lonely or older than your age at 40? According to a study, these negative perceptions about ageing could be early signs of frailty, even in your 40s.Usually associated with older age, frailty is a recognised medical condition, marked by reduced strength, energy, and ability to recover from illness.Pre-frailty is the reversible transition stage that comes before; however, experts say it’s ill-defined and requires more understanding.The research, published in the journal BMC Public Health, showed that it can begin much earlier with subtle psychological and social cues.”Many people assume frailty is something that happens when we get much older,” said lead author Tom Brennan from Flinders University’s Caring Futures Institute in Australia.”But our research shows the psychological and behavioural warning signs can emerge decades earlier, in people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. For example, feeling older than you are, might sound like a throwaway comment, but it turns out it can be a sign that something’s not quite right,” he added.For the study, the researchers analysed data from 321 Australian adults aged 40 and over; 60 per cent of participants were classified as pre-frail, 35 per cent as non-frail, and 5 per cent as frail.The analysis found that both pre-frail and frail individuals were more likely to report loneliness and negative attitudes toward aging, compared to non-frail participants.”Loneliness was one of the strongest predictors of pre-frailty in our sample, highlighting that social isolation is a critical factor that can affect overall resilience, even in a relatively healthy and mobile population,” Brennan said.Another key finding was that pre-frail individuals commonly reported feeling older than their chronological age, even when physical health markers were within expected ranges.”Feeling older than you are, can be a meaningful psychological signal,” said Brennan. “We need to emphasise the importance of fostering positive attitudes towards aging as this can have a huge impact on how people adjust to their later stages of life.”Brennan said the study highlights an important intervention point that could help to prevent the progression of frailty later in life.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) India and the European Union (EU) have launched two major research and innovation initiatives that focus on marine plastic litter and waste-to-green-hydrogen solutions.The initiatives were launched under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), established in 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen to strengthen the bilateral partnership on trade and technology.With a joint investment of Rs 391 crore, the initiatives focus on two coordinated calls in the areas of Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) and Waste to Green Hydrogen (W2GH), co-funded by Horizon Europe — the EU’s research and innovation framework programme — and the Indian government.”Collaborative research is the cornerstone of innovation. These initiatives will harness the strengths of both Indian and European researchers to develop solutions that address our shared environmental challenges”, said Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the government.Highlighting the increasing momentum of the EU-India collaboration, Herve Delphin, EU Ambassador to India, remarked, “These research calls under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council demonstrate the dynamism of the EU India partnership, renewed by our leaders in Delhi last February”.“By tackling concrete issues like marine pollution and sustainable energy together, we’re driving innovation, circular economy and energy efficiency. Development of cutting-edge technologies in these areas makes both economic and environmental sense. We are committed to a cleaner, more sustainable future that will benefit both the EU and India,” Delphin mentioned.Despite global efforts, marine pollution continues to threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and impact human health.Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, said “Marine pollution is a global concern that requires collective action. This joint call will enable us to develop advanced tools and strategies to protect our marine ecosystems.”​The second coordinated call addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions through the development of waste-to-green hydrogen technologies.Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said that “Advancing waste-to-hydrogen technologies is crucial for our energy transition goals. This collaboration will accelerate the development of sustainable hydrogen production methods.”​–IANSna/

Jerusalem, May 16 (IANS) Israel’s Health Ministry has reported 16 new measles cases, bringing the total number of infections to 48 since the outbreak began on April 20, with the majority affecting unvaccinated children.
According to the Ministry on Thursday, 40 of those infected are under the age of 18, and none have received full vaccination against the virus, Xinhua news agency reported.Eleven minors and two adults are currently hospitalised, including three children in intensive care.”These are exceptionally high numbers, indicating that the disease is more widespread than what has been officially diagnosed and reported,” the Ministry said in a statement.Most of the new cases have no known source of infection, prompting health authorities to convene emergency meetings over the past week.In response, the Ministry has launched a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting communities with low immunisation rates.Vaccination guidelines have also been updated.Under Israel’s routine immunisation schedule, children typically receive two doses of the measles vaccine, the first at 12 months and the second at age of six.However, in high-risk areas, the Ministry now recommends administering the second dose shortly after the first to boost protection.Officials also urged individuals who may have been exposed to confirmed measles cases to get tested, receive appropriate vaccinations, and avoid public spaces to reduce the risk of further transmission.The Ministry advised the public to verify their vaccination status before travelling abroad.Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically causes fever, fatigue, a runny nose, and a distinctive rash.In some cases, it can lead to severe or life-threatening complications.In response to the growing crisis, the Health Ministry held a series of emergency meetings this week, led by the Minister, the Director-General, and the head of Public Health Services.The Ministry urges all citizens to verify their vaccination status and update it according to national guidelines.Children under age six should complete their immunisations through Tipat Chalav, while those above the age of seven may receive vaccinations at designated centres.People born before 1957 are considered naturally immune and do not require vaccination.The Ministry also recommends confirming vaccination status prior to any international travel.–IANSint/khz

Gurugram, May 16 (IANS) A 37-year-old man saved three lives through organ donation at a private hospital in Gurugram, hospital officials said.

The hospital said on Thursday in a statement that, on May 1, a man was rushed to Manipal Hospital following a brain haemorrhage and rapid loss of consciousness.He was managed in the ICU and placed on ventilatory support.Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he was declared brain dead on May 12, 2025.He is survived by his wife and a nine-year-old child.Despite the unimaginable grief, his wife made the courageous and selfless decision to donate all his organs, duly supported by her family and counselling team.The liver and both kidneys were retrieved and allocated by National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), while the heart and lungs were deemed unfit for transplant.The liver was transplanted into a 61-year-old male and one kidney into a 52-year-old male, both at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka.The second kidney was transplanted into a 59-year-old female at another private hospital in Delhi.”Despite the best efforts of the treatment team, the patient’s condition did not improve and was declared brain dead. Despite the profound loss, the family made the courageous decision to donate his organs, offering a gift of life to those in need. Their strength and compassion in such a difficult time are truly inspiring and serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one life can have on many,” Shrikanth Srinivasan, Chairman, Manipal Institute of Critical Care Medicine, said.”Organ donation should be an essential component of end-of-life care. Only if the family is fully convinced that their loved one succumbed despite the best possible treatment will they consider doing something for others. Trust is an important component. Transparency in the allocation of organs as per the waiting list, like it is being done in our country by NOTTO, gives a lot of confidence to the family to arrive at the correct decision. This altruistic gesture by the family has saved three lives, and this is the true spirit of humanity. He will live on,” Avnish Seth VSM, Head, Manipal Organ Sharing and Transplant, said.–IANSstr/khz

Garhwa, May 15 (IANS) In a significant step towards strengthening the health infrastructure at city’s…