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.
CHENNAI: With Deepavali approaching, doctors have urged the public to take extra precaution while handling fireworks to avoid eye injuries. Experts say improper handling often leads to accidents, with eyes being one of the most affected areas. According to Dr S Soundari, regional head of clinical services, Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai, most injuries reported during the festive season have a direct impact on the eyes. "Eyes are the second most affected area after hands and fingers. Many ocular injuries occur due to sparklers, bombs and 'chakra' crackers," she said. She added that more than half the victims would be bystanders or street passers-by who were exposed to ignited firecrackers. "The severity of injuries can range from mild irritation and corneal abrasions to open globe injuries leading to potential blindness. Chemical exposure from gunpowder and fumes can cause eye irritation, watering, and even throat infections," she stated. Dr Soundari warned that pollution levels and noise from crackers aggravated the risk. "Contact lenses may cause irritation if exposed to direct heat for a long time, so people should use spectacles instead," she opined. "Always supervise children and avoid synthetic clothing." Doctors have advised people to burst crackers only in open spaces, wear protective glasses, and maintain distance while lighting them.
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 18: In recent times, many of us have encountered the term 'Progressive Myopia'. But what exactly is it? Progressive Myopia is a form of near-sightedness where the correction needed to clear vision increases by more than -0.5 dioptre within a year. This condition predominantly affects children and teenagers. The earlier Myopia develops, the faster it progresses. Consequently, children who develop Myopia early in life are more susceptible to progressive myopia and eventually high myopia. Dr Padma Priya G K, MBBS, DO, DNB, FPOS, FAICO Consultant Paediatric Ophthal ...Read More >
New Delhi: Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday said the city was ready to carry out cloud seeding. A four-day flight trial has been completed by two pilots who will execute the operation in northwest Delhi and they are awaiting IMD's green signal to induce artificial rain, he added."Our special aircraft is stationed at Meerut. The pilots completed four successful trial flights over the target area. We are simply waiting for the right cloud conditions and India Meteorological D ...Read More >
New Delhi: Deteriorating further, the city's air quality worsened within the poor category on Wednesday, even as the pollution models indicated that the air quality index would turn very poor even before Diwali.The average AQI was 233 at 4pm against 211 on Tuesday. According to weather analysts, while the mornings are likely to turn misty or foggy and winds calmer, the share of stubble burning to the city's PM2.5 levels is expected to rise from less than 1% to over 4% by Friday. This may lead to AQI deteriorating faster than expected, they added. AQI between 301 to 400 is considered very poor ...Read More >
Food influencer Revant Himatsingka revealed lab tests on paneer. Branded paneer samples passed purity tests. However, paneer from local restaurants and a dairy shop failed. This raises concerns about fake paneer, which has less protein. Millions of vegetarians rely on paneer for protein. Consumers are advised to check paneer carefully before purchase. Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as the Food Pharmer, has warned that the paneer served by local food vendors and dairies could be fake. In a ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: After four days of relentless downpours, Telangana is expected to have a brief respite on Monday, with no rainfall alerts issued. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed the state under a yellow alert for thunderstorms. IMD data showed that Papannapet in Medak district received the heaviest 24-hour rainfall at 10.6 cm, followed by Manoor in Sangareddy with 9.28 cm and Nallabelly in Warangal at 9.15 cm. The statewide average rainfall for the day stood at 7.3 mm, notably higher than the normal 4.3 mm. Warangal's Sangem recorded the day's highest maximum temperature ...Read More >
New Delhi: What was being discreetly sold under the table just two days ago is now out in the open. With the Supreme Court permitting the sale of green crackers, hundreds of shoppers poured into the narrow lanes of Old Delhi on Wednesday in anticipation of purchasing firecrackers. However, as per the apex court's order, the sale is officially allowed only from Oct 18 to 20.Traders are now faced with the question of implementation as well as logistics. Harjeet Singh Chhabra, general secretary, Sadar Nishkam Welfare Association, said even though the ban has been lifted, what qualifies as a 'gree ...Read More >
Delhi residents breathed easier Thursday as air quality improved to 'moderate' after a month of severe pollution. The AQI dropped to 161, though some areas still experienced 'poor' air quality. Cooler temperatures and mist accompanied the improved air, with the minimum temperature reaching 9 degrees Celsius. The Supreme Court maintained GRAP-IV restrictions, demanding compensation for construction workers from NCR states.Residents in Delhi took a sigh of relief on Thursday as the air quality inde ...Read More >
New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said authorities cannot go against demolition orders issued by courts and stressed that displaced residents have been provided accommodation.Her words came in the wake of the recent Madrasi Camp demolition for which the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticised her. AAP has targeted Gupta, and alleged that the displaced Madrasi Camp residents were provided homes in faraway Narela, and those lack basic amenities.Attending an event to mark the construction of a Jan Sewa camp at a slum cluster in the Haiderpur area, Gupta told reporters: "In t ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 18: Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a condition where nearby objects appear clear, but distant objects look blurry. It is the most common refractive error, typically affecting the younger population worldwide. With its rising prevalence, it is estimated that by 2050, half of the global population will be Myopic. Quote: Myopia, or near-sightedness, is rapidly increasing among children, Today children are spending less time outdoors and more time on screens, and these lifestyle factors, along with genetics, are contributing significantly to the rise in myopia. Once myopi ...Read More >
India's top court on Wednesday permitted the use of some firecrackers in New Delhi during the Diwali festival, easing a blanket ban even as the capital battles unhealthy winter air pollution. The Supreme Court said the controlled use of the less-polluting "green firecrackers" -- developed by federal research institutes to reduce particulate and gas emission -- would be allowed for limited periods between Saturday and Tuesday. During Diwali, a major Hindu festival of lights, widespread bursting ...Read More >
Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], October 18 (ANI): The Sikkim Pollution Control Board on Saturday issued an order prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, and bursting of all types of sound and light-emitting firecrackers in the state ahead of Diwali, which falls on October 20. The Sikkim Pollution Control Board on Saturday issued an order prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, and bursting of all types of sound and light-emitting firecrackers in the state ahead of Diwali, which falls on October 20. In its order, the Pollution Control Board urged citizens to refrain from using firecrackers and single-use ...Read More >
The Sikkim Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on Saturday issued an order banning the manufacture, sale, and use of all types of sound- and light-emitting firecrackers in the state ahead of Diwali, which falls on October 20. In its directive, the SPCB urged citizens to avoid firecrackers and single-use plastics, promoting eco-friendly alternatives such as light displays and other environmentally conscious ways of celebrating the festival. Meanwhile, in Aligarh, the firecracker market has opened ahead of Diwali, with shoppers gradually visiting stalls at Numai Ground. Various firecrackers are on ...Read More >
Delhi is facing worsening pollution and erratic weather patterns, with the air quality regularly reaching dangerous levels. This is partly due to climate change, with temperature rises and unpredictable rainfall patterns caused by global warming. The industrial revolution has played a significant role, contributing to the rise in global temperatures. The effects are already being felt, with 2024 witnessing record-breaking heat in India. Despite this, there is little action from society or leadership, with courts repeatedly stepping in to address issues like pollution and farm fires. The need f ...Read More >
Prayagraj: Police on Sunday arrested five persons and seized around 1,400 kg of illegal firecrackers worth lakhs of rupees from three separate raids and checking in Handia, Jhunsi and Kaudhiyara areas of district.In Handia police arrested three men, including two brothers, for storing firecrackers illegally at a storehouse in Baraut block and seized over 977.360 kg of illegal firecrackers worth Rs 8 lakh. The three accused were booked under section 288 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section ...Read More >
Over 60 kg of sweets and 40 kg of bread were seized, with samples sent for lab analysis Diwali 2025 has begun, and the fervour of the festive season has gripped the country. During this period, sales of sweets and other festive items skyrocket in most places. Food safety concerns, especially in terms of adulteration and unsafe cooking practices, also tend to increase. Recently, officials in Telangana conducted state-wide inspections of sweets manufacturing units as well as retailers. 95 establis ...Read More >
Bareilly (UP), Jul 17 (PTI) A teacher from Bahedi district, who went viral recently after reciting a poem mentioning Kanwar Yatra, approached the police on Thursday stating a threat to his life from anti-social elements. A case has been registered at Bahedi police station based on a complaint from Dr Rajneesh Kumar Gangwar, a teacher at MGM Inter College in the district. According to Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh, Gangwar's complaint says that ever since his recitation of the poem 'Tum Kanwad Lene Mat Jana, Gyaan Ka Deepak Jalaana' (You don't go get Kavad, light the lamp of knowledge inste ...Read More >
Meanwhile, Delhi experienced partially cloudy skies on Friday, with no rainfall recorded. (File) ShowQuick Read Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed * Rainfall and winds helped Delhi avoid a sharp pollution rise after Dussehra celebrations * Delhi's 24-hour average AQI was 88 on Friday, categorised as satisfactory * Post-Dussehra pollution spikes have been common, with AQI exceeding 200 in recent years Did our AI summary help? Let us know. Switch To Beeps Mode New Delhit: A combin ...Read More >
Stage I of GRAP is implemented when the AQI exceeds 200. Stage II (Very Poor) comes into effect when it crosses 300, Stage III (Severe) at levels above 350, and Stage IV (Severe Plus) when the AQI goes beyond 400. New Delhi: Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'poor' category for the first time this season with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 211 on Tuesday ahead of Diwali. It forced Commission for Air Quality Management to impose stage I of Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) in Delhi-NCR. The ...Read More >
Violators face legal action under Environment Protection Act The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has announced a comprehensive and immediate year-round ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and bursting of all types of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This new directive, issued as a public notice on Sunday under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, applies to all individuals, organisations, and institutions, requiring strict compliance. ...Read More >
Kerala has reported 104 cases of amoebic encephalitis, with 23 deaths, primarily in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The state health minister highlighted that early detection and treatment have significantly reduced the global fatality rate of this rare brain infection. An action plan based on the One Health approach is being implemented to prevent further cases. A total of 104 cases of amoebic encephalitis (brain fever) have been reported so far in Kerala, of which 23 patients have die ...Read More >
New Delhi, Oct 18 (PTI) The sale of green firecrackers began in the national capital on Saturday after the Supreme Court allowed their sale and use under certain conditions, bringing cheer to traders who reported a steady flow of customers through the day. Traders who had applied for licences to sell eco-friendly firecrackers received approvals earlier in the day. Markets across the city, including Sadar Bazaar, saw increased activity as residents rushed to them to make their purchases. Paramjeet Singh Pamma, president of the Sadar Bazaar Traders' Association, said traders were prepared to mee ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav on Saturday criticised the Rekha Gupta-led BJP government in the city over the worsening pollution levels in the Yamuna River, calling it a "grave concern". Referring to the July pollution report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Yadav said that pollution levels in the Yamuna have worsened since March. This, he said, clearly exposes the BJP's hollow promises on cleaning the river. He alleged that the government has only made tall claims about cleaning the Yamuna after assuming power in Delhi but has taken no concrete action. I ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said the government plans to approach the Supreme Court to seek permission to allow the use of certified green firecrackers to celebrate Diwali in the national Capital. Reiterating the government's commitment towards taking measures to check air pollution in the city, CM Gupta said, "It will also be ensured that all green firecrackers are manufactured only by authorised institutions and have been certified and tested by competent and relevant departments." "The government believes that a balance between public sentiments and environmental ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday said the Supreme Court's decision to permit green firecrackers during Diwali would be implemented with strict monitoring to prevent any violation of its conditions. He announced that district magistrates will soon designate specific areas for the sale of eco-friendly firecrackers and issue temporary licenses to retailers, while ensuring that banned varieties stay out of the market. Welcoming the court's order, Sirsa said the move would allow people to celebrate Diwali responsibly without compromising public health. "We ...Read More >
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 17 (ANI): With the Diwali festival just around the corner, the firecracker market is all set to light up Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal with vibrant colors, sparkling displays, and the growing demand for eco-friendly green fireworks. Firecracker shop owners in Bhopal's biggest market, Bairagarh have fully prepared them for the festive season by observing complete precaution and safety measures. The Fire Control team also inspected the market on Friday and gave necessary instructions to them. Former President of Bairagarh's Wholesale Fireworks Sellers ...Read More >
Hyderabad: With Diwali around the corner, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) across Hyderabad are tightening regulations on firecracker use to ensure a cleaner, quieter festival.Notices issued to residents this week permit only eco-friendly "green crackers" and restrict their use to a one-and-a-half-hour window in the evening. Several RWAs have also banned high-decibel and aerial fireworks, citing health and safety concerns for children, senior citizens, and pets in the city.Speaking to TOI, Sai Ravi Shankar, president of the Federation of Gated Communities, Cyberabad, explained, "We have st ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 19 (ANI): Special measures, including the use of water sprinklers, have been implemented at the Delhi Zoo to combat air pollution and ensure that wild animals are not adversely affected. The Director of the National Zoological Park, Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, on Monday, highlighted the challenges faced by zoo management during winter. Speaking to ANI, Dr. Kumar said, "As soon as the winter season begins, the zoo management faces two challenges. First, the pollution levels rise after Diwali, and second, the onset of winter... The area around the zoo is very green, and loca ...Read More >
Chandigarh: The Chandigarh administration has issued strict guidelines for sale and use of firecrackers during upcoming festivals, including Dussehra, Diwali, and Gurpurb. In an official order released by deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, only green crackers certified by CSIR-NEERI will be permitted, in accordance with directives of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT).The use of firecrackers on Dussehra will be allowed only during effigy burning. For Diwali, firecrackers can be used strictly between 8pm and 10pm, while on Gurpurb, permitted windows are 4am to 5am and 9pm ...Read More >
ROURKELA: In a biggest ever crackdown on unauthorised storage of firecrackers, Birmitrapur police along with a special squad on Monday night unearthed a massive haul of illegal crackers worth around Rs 90 lakh from three locations of Birmitrapur town in Sundargarh district. Such was the seizure that it took 17 mini-trucks, tractor-trollies and pick-up vans to shift the contrabands to the police custody. Acting on a tip-off regarding illegal storage of firecrackers in unsafe conditions, joint raids were conducted in which two godowns taken on rent by Vicky Tekriwal (35) and another residential ...Read More >
Noida: The worsening air quality trend continued on Wednesday as Noida's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) hit 318, breaching the 'very poor' category for the first time this season. This was also the country's worst AQI to be recorded on the day. The last time the city's AQI breached the very poor mark was on Jan 4, when it touched 365.A visible smog layer hung over the region throughout the day, with 7x sectors and areas off the Noida expressway seeing high concentrations of PM2.5 and 10. The situation is likely to get worse in the coming days, with pollution control board officials at ...Read More >