Is India Winning the War Against Rising Non-Communicable Diseases? The latest health statistics paint a concerning picture: diabetes, heart disease, and cancer rates are climbing, impacting millions across the country. From rural healthcare access to the burgeoning urban health crisis, challenges remain significant. This week, we delve into the crucial initiatives underway – government policies, technological advancements in telemedicine, and the rising role of preventative healthcare – that aim to address this national health emergency. Experts weigh in on the effectiveness of current strategies and the critical need for increased public awareness campaigns targeting lifestyle diseases. Are these efforts enough? Explore Abtak.com's in-depth coverage on healthcare in India and discover the vital information you need to protect your well-being and the future of public health. Stay informed; stay healthy.
Kolkata: The IIT-Kharagpur campus was shaken by the news of another death after a fourth-year undergraduate student, Ritam Mondal, was found hanging in his room at Rajendra Prasad (RP) Hall of Residence on Friday morning. The death has sparked a fresh round of alarm as it is the fourth in seven months and the fifth in a year.Teachers and students claimed that the tragic loss of student lives within such a short interval of time is "painful" and "unheard of" in recent memory. While many from the campus pointed out that four deaths in a couple of months signal 'a pattern' and a 'systemic failure,' some flagged concerns related to mental health issues, academic pressure and stress, and underlying "caste tensions" prevalent on the campus, which need immediate attention. Director Suman Chakraborty acknowledged that the "existing system" has certain "lapses." "There must be something wrong in the existing system for which these incidents are continuing to happen. I am trying to address the concern and bring about a holistic intervention programme combining cutting-edge technology in the form of an AI-powered emotional health monitoring tool, professional expert support, and highly personalised interaction for the well-being of students, with a mission of ensuring that such an incident never occurs," he added.According to the director, he took charge barely a month ago, and before he could implement this new system, yet another suicide took place, which is sad. Chakraborty earlier said with 20,000 students and 15 mental health experts at the counselling centre, it is physically not possible to cater to the needs of the students. Therefore, the institute needs technological intervention along with a human touch so that the quality of life of students on the campus becomes better, and this will, in a way, help us to prevent suicides.IIT-Kharagpur formed an expert committee comprising mental health experts, legal professionals, and alumni to investigate the reasons behind the spate of student suicides on the campus. This was after the brother and mother of fourth-year student Aniket Walkar, who was found hanging in his room at J C Bose Hostel on April 20, wrote to the IIT acting director Amit Patra, seeking an independent probe and also urged authorities to find the reasons behind the large number of suicides on the campus.The institute took some measures in the past, like restructuring the counselling centre and rechristening it as 'Sarth' - Support, Acceptance, Resilience, Therapy, and Healing - focusing on one-on-one therapy and psychiatric consultations maintaining confidentiality, hostel-level outreach programmes, stress management, group sessions, crisis intervention, and 24x7 online counselling via YourDost. Authorities also reached out to students by pasting QR codes on doors of hostel rooms saying, 'Let's Talk!' 'Scan to connect' and 'Every problem has a solution...'. Meanwhile, students and teachers expressed that the death in a gap of two months on the campus, is heartbreaking.
Kanpur: A 24-year-old PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, dies by suicide by hanging himself in his hostel room on Monday. The deceased student, identified as Ankit Yadav, took his own life by hanging himself from the ceiling of his hostel room. The incident came to light when Ankit's friends tried to contact him, but their calls went unanswered, prompting his hostel mates to inform the IIT-Kanpur authorities. ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at 15 places in Mumbai and Kochi in connection with the Mithi River desilting scam that caused a wrongful loss of more than Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), official sources said. The massive crackdown is underway at the premises across Mumbai and Kochi linked to the accused and suspects as part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities. According to the sources, the searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at locat ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 27 (PTI) Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral values. The programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance -- which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively music -- would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. From this ...Read More >
Kochi: Edison Babu's neighbours in Muvattupuzha knew him as the quiet engineer who had returned home during the pandemic. The 35-year-old former auto industry professional seemed to lead an unremarkable life in this sleepy Kerala suburb, occasionally visiting the local post office with packages: nothing unusual for someone running what appeared to be a small online business. What they didn't know was that their mild-mannered neighbour had built India's most sophisticated darknet drug empire, one that relied heavily on the very government postal service that was meant to serve the community. ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Telangana deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka said that the elevation of former Bharatiya Janata Party (MLC) N Ramchander Rao as the party's state president, and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leader Susheel Kumar as an assistant professor in the Hyderabad Central University (HCU), proved that the fears that those driving Dalit students to suicide on campuses will be elevated and will be given plum positions, whether in the saffron party, or the university campuses. Addressing the media in Hyderabad on Friday, July 11, he alleged that these two persons, along with ot ...Read More >
Winter pollution is increasingly harmful, posing serious physical and mental health risks. As air quality deteriorates, cities, particularly the capital, face heightened pollution levels, leading to stress and health complications. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is on the rise, especially among the young, while adults are experiencing worsened existing conditions. To combat the effects of pollution, it's essential to adopt mindful practices, stay hydrated, follow a skincare routine, keep indoor plants, and maintain regular exercise. These steps can improve well-being, reduce stress, and enh ...Read More >
T'puram/Kozhikode: Education minister V Sivankutty said no one should dictate terms on what should be done in public schools. If anyone has any issues, they should discuss them with the govt. He stated that he would not accept any threat or warning from anyone regarding the Zumba row."There is an elected govt to decide on academic and non-academic matters in govt schools," Sivankutty told reporters in the capital.The govt is ready to have a discussion on the steps taken, but on issues commonly kn ...Read More >
Mumbai: The deeply disturbing incident at a Shahapur school, where girls were allegedly subjected to forced to strip and physical examinations related to menstruation, the State Women's Commission has taken serious note of a disturbing incident and demand swift justice, protects students future. The school remains closed following public outrage. According to sources, after bloodstains were found in a restroom, the Shahapur school administration allegedly summoned several girls -- mostly from Classes 5 to 10 -- for questioning. Some students were allegedly asked if they were menstruating, whi ...Read More >
Haridwar: A woman politician has been arrested for allegedly letting her boyfriend and others repeatedly rape her 13-year-old daughter in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The horrifying crime, which occurred between January and March, was exposed when the minor bravely confided in her father, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of the accused. The accused was arrested with her boyfriend and one more. According to police reports, the minor was gang-raped multiple times, often in the presence of her mother. The minor, who had been living with her father following her parents' separat ...Read More >
Jaipur, June 26: A man was arrested and sent to jail on Thursday for raping two minor daughters for about five years here, a senior police official said. Police filed an FIR after recording statements of the girls and their mother through a hidden camera. The woman had refused to file a case due to fear of society and her husband. The case was registered at Sadar police station and the investigation was handed over to a senior police officer. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Amit Kumar told PTI, "On June 20, the mother reached the hospital with two daughters complaining of stomach ache. B ...Read More >
Mumbai: In a heartbreaking moment for TV fans, Shefali Jariwala, famous for the hit song Kaanta Laga and a popular contestant from Bigg Boss 13, passed away on June 27 due to a suspected cardiac arrest. She was only 42 years old. Her sudden death has sparked fresh talk of a so-called "Bigg Boss curse" -- a growing list of young contestants who've died unexpectedly. Here's a list of 8 former contestants who tragically passed away under the age of 45: Died of suspected cardiac arrest in 2025. Known for her performance in Kaanta Laga and appearance in Bigg Boss 13. Bigg Boss 13 winner. Passed ...Read More >
India will observe National Doctor's Day on July 1. The day acknowledges doctors' dedication. The 2025 theme is 'Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?'. It highlights the mental health of doctors. The day commemorates Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was a physician and former Chief Minister of West Bengal. Events will include ceremonies and campaigns. India marks National Doctor's Day on July 1 every year to recognise the tireless service, dedication, and compassion of the country's medical profess ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 9 (PTI) Guru Dutt lives on only in the memories of those who knew him personally or professionally, his own voice "completely absent", says his biographer Yasser Usman describing the actor-director as a "chronic introvert". As reams get written about the legendary filmmaker, who would have been 100 on Wednesday, Usman says he remains an enigma despite so many books and documentaries analysing his life and works. Also Read | 'Baaghi 4': Tiger Shroff Calls It a Wrap for A Harsha's Action Thriller, Actor Shows Off His Toned Abs From Final Day of Shoot (View Pics). Usman, the aut ...Read More >
Kolkata, Jul 12 (PTI) A woman studying at the Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta was allegedly raped by a student inside a hostel of the business school, police said on Saturday. The accused has been arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by the woman at Haridevpur Police Station, they said. The alleged incident inside the boys' hostel of IIM-Calcutta took place on Friday, a police officer said. "The woman stated in the FIR that she was called to the hostel for a counselling session. She then became unconscious after consuming a drink laced with drugs at the hostel. The woman realised ...Read More >
Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 12 (ANI): Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban (DKR) range, Shridhar Patil, on Saturday said the BHAROSA initiative is aimed at building trust between women and the police. Speaking to ANI, DIG Patil explained that the program includes specially trained female officers posted at every police station to provide support and counselling, especially for victims of harassment and adolescents facing mental health challenges. 'The government is sensitive regarding women's security. The Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban area is very remote, and women ...Read More >
Police officials said the man, from Visakhapatnam, had already paid the principal amount but was being hounded for a huge amount as interest. The man's family has lodged complaints with the police commissioner and the district collector. Hyderabad: Facing relentless harassment after taking a loan of Rs 2,000 from an instant loan app, a 27-year-old died by suicide in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam just 47 days after he got married. Police officials said Narendra, who catches fish for a living, ...Read More >
Jaipur, May 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) In yet another tragic incident, a NEET aspirant from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) died by suicide in Kota, Rajasthan highlighting the ongoing mental health crisis among students preparing for competitive exams in India. The student, identified as Zeeshan, had arrived in Kota just a week ago to prepare for the NEET UG medical entrance exam. The incident occurred in Mahavir Nagar, a locality known for housing students attending coaching institutes. According to police reports, Zeeshan took her life by hanging herself in her room late on Sunday evening. Shockingly, s ...Read More >
Mumbai: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will hold a joint protest march of their parties in the city on July 5 against what they allege is imposition of Hindi in the state's schools from Class 1 through the new three-language policy. This will be the first time they will come together on a political platform after Raj Thackeray's decision to quit Shiv Sena to form MNS nearly two decades ago.There has been speculation of a reunion of the estranged cousins for the coming civic polls, and the protest march is being seen as the first step in that direction, reports Chaitanya Marpakwar.Uddhav and Raj had ...Read More >
Maharashtra FYJC 11th admission: The Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department has officially started the admission process for First Year Junior College (FYJC) or Class 11 from June 30, 2025. Students allotted seats in CAP Round 1 must report to their respective colleges by July 7, 2025, to complete the admission formalities. The first allotment list for Maharashtra FYJC admissions was released on June 28 on the official website -- mahafyjcadmissions.in. As per the notification on the site, "Round-1 Allotment List and Minority, Management, In-house Quota List are Published on 28-06- ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday inaugurated the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur, hailing the institution as a modern centre rooted in India's ancient health wisdom and spiritual legacy and termed India's centuries-old Ayurveda "a scientific system of meaningful and long-lasting health." Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said, "This university, associated with the revered Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath, is not only a symbol of India's spiritual strength but also a milestone in the advancement of traditional healthcare systems." E ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: Pioneering furniture fittings solutions brand Hettich India is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, a recognition that celebrates the company's unwavering commitment to creating an ecosystem where everybody thrives. Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh Concert in Kolkata 2024: Planning to Attend Dil-Luminati Tour, Don't Miss These 5 Must-Try Local Foods. This honor is especially meaningful, with an overwhelming 95% participation from employees helping Hettich India. It reflects a shared commitment to creating a fam ...Read More >
There were no external injuries on the body. New Delhi: A student has been found dead in his hostel room at IIT Delhi. The room was locked from the inside and there were no external injuries on his body.. Officials said they received a call at the Kishangarh police station on Wednesday about a student not opening the door of his hostel room despite repeated knocking. When they reached the premier institute, police officials found that the door was locked from the inside, and it was forced open ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: In a significant move to enhance coordination and communication ahead of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, conducted a high-level virtual workshop on Thursday. The workshop saw participation from more than 400 officials representing a wide range of central ministries, departments, and institutions. The session focused on responding to the surging public demand for timely, credible updates about the upcoming Yoga Day celebrations, which this year commemorate a decade since yoga's ...Read More >
Kochi (Kerala) [India], June 26 (ANI): As part of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), Kochi, has conducted an awareness campaign for school children under 'Mission Drug Free India'. Shaikh Khader Rahaman, Chief Commissioner, Central Tax, Central Excise and Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, inaugurated the function, and T Tiju, Commissioner, CCP,Kochi, conducted an Awareness Session for the students at the Govt. Higher Secondary School for Girls, Ernakulam. Also Read | Will You Lose Your EPFO Pension From August If You ...Read More >
Gurgaon: Two days after a law student died and his friend suffered critical injuries when a car knocked them down as they stood near railing on the service lane of Delhi-Jaipur highway in the early hours of Tuesday, a civil engineer was arrested on Thursday.Mohit (31), an employee of a private company in the city, told police that he got drowsy while driving. He is staying at a PG facility in Sector 14.The student who died, Harsh Singhal (25), was a resident of Om Nagar colony. His friend Abhishek Kumar (23), who is from Shanti Nagar in Sector 11, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital ...Read More >
Hyderabad - Synchrony is a leading consumer financial services company providing customers with innovative savings and premium credit solutions. Synchrony has been ranked #2 among India's Best Companies to Work For™ 2025 by Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture. This prestigious recognition, revealed at the awards ceremony on June 25, 2025, solidifies Synchrony's standing as a top employer of choice in India, underscoring its ongoing commitment to creating a high-trust, high-performance workplace culture that champions innovation, flexibility, and employee well-being. ...Read More >
Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh): A 24-year-old guest lecturer, Priya Yadav, died by suicide at her rented accommodation in Punasa, Khandwa on Friday, following a dispute with her boyfriend over marriage. Priya, a native of Rewa, was working at the local ITI college and was in a relationship with 24-year-old Sapan Yadav, a student of the same institute's Mechanical branch. According to police, Sapan was present in the house when Priya took the extreme step. He rushed her to the hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. In his statement, Sapan told police the two had been in a relationsh ...Read More >
Vijayawada: Tripura Governor Nallu Indrasena Reddy stressed the importance of mental health as essential to the nation's progress while inaugurating the M.Phil Clinical Psychology and Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP) courses at Indlas Hospitals here on Monday. Speaking at the event, Indrasena Reddy stated that the vision of a Viksita Bharat (Developed India) is incomplete without ensuring the mental well-being of its citizens. Along with medical and health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav, he handed over admission letters to students of the newly-launched courses. He also point ...Read More >
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government will organise a mega parent-teacher meeting (PTM) 2.0 on July 10. As many as 2,28,21,454 participants from 61,135 institutions, including government and private schools, are expected to take part in the mega PTM 2.0. The state government termed the meeting as a unique initiative to strengthen the school-parent relationship. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh are scheduled to participate in the parent-teacher meet 2.0 at Puttaparthi. As a step towards community-driven schooling, the first edition of mega PTM was success ...Read More >