Dweep Tulika

Port Blair: ASHA workers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are set to receive a higher monthly incentive from the National Health Mission (NHM), with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India , approving an increase from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per month as a special case for the Islands. The development was communicated by the Andaman & Nicobar Union Territory Health Mission in a point-wise response to a representation made by the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray , through his letter dated 22 July 2026 . According to the Health Mission's response, the enhancement was approved through the Records of Proceedings (RoP) received from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India . The approval was cited as a special case considering the geographical location, low population density and disease burden of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. ₹5,000 NHM incentive approved The Health Mission stated that necessary ...

  New Delhi | August 23, 2026 India’s efforts to address rising obesity and excessive sugar consumption have drawn renewed attention as the government promotes greater awareness of unhealthy dietary habits among children and adults. A key initiative has been the introduction of “ Sugar Boards ” in schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) . The boards are intended to educate students and parents about hidden sugar in commonly consumed foods and beverages and the health risks associated with excessive consumption. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of making children aware of their daily sugar intake and encouraging healthier choices. The move comes amid growing concern over obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases in India. A study cited by health experts found that Indian children may be consuming sugar at levels above international recommendations, with children aged 4–...

April 19, 2026 | Barcelona A new population-based study presented at a global infectious diseases conference has found that influenza infections may be significantly underreported in winter mortality records, with a large gap between detected cases and those officially documented as causes of death. The research, conducted over four influenza seasons in Spain, indicated that while the virus was identified in a notable share of winter deaths through postmortem testing, only a small fraction of these cases were reflected in official death certificates, suggesting substantial underestimation of influenza-related fatalities. The study analysed hundreds of deaths during periods of elevated seasonal mortality and involved postmortem testing for a wide range of respiratory viruses. Findings showed that many individuals who tested positive for influenza had not been diagnosed prior to death, and a considerable proportion had not been hospitalised, pointing to missed detection in both community...