DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
US pauses visa appointments worldwide as Trump administration begins global screening training
The Trump administration has paused global visa appointments for training purposes. This action is part of an ongoing immigration crackdown by the U.S. government. Consular officers will receive training to screen applicants more thoroughly. Human rights groups have condemned the crackdown as discriminatory and violating rights. The administration has also made legal immigration more difficult through new fees.
Secular ethics
Compassion offers practical wisdom for our interconnected global society. Trust and mutual respect benefit everyone in this closely linked world. Secular ethics, based on common human experience, promote inner peace. This approach seeks to make individuals more humane and kind. Ultimately, a peaceful mind and compassionate heart benefit all humanity.
Sun Life sees long-term growth with Birla Group: CEO Kevin Strain
Sun Life sees significant growth potential in India's insurance and wealth management sectors. The company is exploring new investment opportunities within the Indian market. Artificial intelligence will transform service delivery and enhance client understanding. Customer preferences are evolving towards integrated financial planning solutions. Sun Life aims to contribute to India's goal of universal insurance coverage.
Corporates urge employees to stay alert as H1N1 cases surge
H1N1 cases have increased significantly, and monsoon fevers are at seasonal highs. Companies are issuing safety guidelines and advising employees to avoid crowded places. The Union Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation across India. Health experts state there is no cause for panic or alarm. Seasonal influenza is generally mild for healthy individuals, but at-risk groups need timely medical advice.
Delhi government data to be AI-ready for effective governance service delivery to people
Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday chaired a workshop of Delhi government officers, saying data systems must be interconnected to ensure that benefits of AI reach the ordinary people. The initiative will make Delhi government data more organised, reliable and ready for use, according to a Delhi CMO statement.
Australia's music industry bans AI-generated tracks from official charts
The crackdown comes as a variation of Madonna's pop hit "Like a Prayer" created by an Australian producer using AI-generated vocals and drums has spent 16 weeks in the Australian top 20, stoking debate about generative AI's place in music. It peaked at number two on the Australian Record Industry Association's top 20 Australian singles chart in May and remained in fourth place on Tuesday.
- Go To Page 1

Delhi H1N1 cases rise: What parents, senior citizens and children need to know about symptoms and precautions as swine flu infections surge past 1,777
H1N1 cases rise in Delhi: Delhi has recorded more than 1,777 H1N1 cases this year as seasonal influenza cases rise across the capital. Health officials have issued an advisory explaining symptoms, high-risk groups and precautions from swine flu.

Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket food licences suspended in Karnataka over datura listings on platforms
Amazon Swiggy Bigbasket Food Licence Suspension News: Karnataka's Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket after datura fruits and seeds were found listed as food products. The department ordered the platforms to remove the listings and stop selling or distributing datura for human consumption.

Can divorced central govt woman employee add parents to health scheme? DAE clarifies CHSS rule
The central government has clarified that married female employees can now list their parents or parents-in-law as beneficiaries in the CHSS scheme. Even after a divorce, biological parents remain eligible for benefits if they are dependent on the employee. This guidance was prompted by inquiries from DAE employees, who also received clarifications regarding CHSS facilities available for disabled children.

AI agents can automate work, but not leadership
AI agents could reshape how companies work and make decisions, but business leaders stressed the need for strong governance, clean data and human oversight. The central concern around AI is not limited to data security and privacy, experts said, noting that whether the technology was making the right decisions and providing accurate information is equally important.

ET WLF 2026: Neurotechnology's goal should be to turn humans into creators, not just consumers, says Alexander Panov
SPEC Finance has launched a significant neurotechnology fund to accelerate India's research and development. This initiative aims to foster humanistic values and develop capable thought leaders for the future. The fund will invest in local startups and scientific teams, focusing on brain-to-brain synchronization technologies. India is chosen to become a global neurotechnology hub, attracting international collaboration and capital.

NEET PG 2026 Fake Notice Alert: CGHS debunks viral claim that Wellness Centres will remain closed from August 27 to 31
CGHS has warned beneficiaries about a fake notice claiming that its Wellness Centres would remain closed from August 27 to 31, 2026. CGHS has clarified that all Wellness Centres will continue to operate according to their regular schedules during this period. The deployment of Medical Officers for NEET PG 2026 duties will not affect services, with appropriate administrative arrangements being made to ensure uninterrupted healthcare.

Delhi Swine Flu Cases: Over 2,300 Influenza-A cases reported; what people should know about the latest health advisory
Delhi swine flu cases: Health department has issued an advisory urging people to maintain respiratory hygiene and avoid crowded places as influenza cases rise in the capital. Delhi has reported over 2,600 influenza cases this year, with H1N1 emerging as the dominant strain. Hospitals have been equipped to manage the seasonal increase in cases, while daily monitoring of influenza, influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases is underway.

Forget 90 minutes of exercise. Just 3 minutes of intense training may be enough for better metabolic health
Modern wellness trends suggest short, intense workouts offer substantial health rewards. Brief intervals of maximum effort trigger immediate, dramatic changes in blood chemistry. These molecular shifts promote tissue repair and stimulate vital biological processes. Such exertion directly correlates with reduced risks of chronic diseases and aging. Pushing physical limits briefly may be key to lasting metabolic strength.

Chhattisgarh steps up geospatial, logistics planning with two PM GatiShakti pacts
Chhattisgarh signed pacts with BISAG-N and NLDSL to enhance geospatial technology use. These agreements aim to foster sustainable economic growth and attract new investments. The state has onboarded over 35 departments onto the PM GatiShakti platform. GIS-based identification of road black spots improves road safety interventions. Chhattisgarh is recognized as a high performer in operationalizing PM GatiShakti.

H1N1 cases are rising across Indian cities from Delhi to Bengaluru: Doctors say who is at higher risk and symptoms to watch
H1N1 has emerged as the dominant flu strain across Indian cities this season, with Delhi alone logging 1,777 cases and 2,392 total Influenza-A infections this year. Labs are also reporting a rise in testing requests, with doctors flagging immunocompromised individuals, the elderly and young children as most at risk, and urging hygiene precautions like masking, hand-washing and avoiding self-medication.
Govt working on amendments to Actuary Act, 2006: DFS official
The Department of Financial Services is working with the Institute of Actuaries of India to amend the Actuary Act, 2006, a senior Finance Ministry official said on Friday.

What Trump’s push for fewer vaccines could mean for US children
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public comments on vaccine recommendations. This review follows President Donald Trump's directive to examine childhood immunization schedules. The department is exploring new ways to classify and communicate vaccine guidance. Feedback is being gathered on shared decision-making and public trust concerns. The public consultation period remains open until September 20.

Why Nagpur authorities are destroying 36,000 kg of fish seized from 11 ponds across the city
A Nagpur crackdown on banned Thai Mangur farming has resulted in the destruction of more than 36 tonnes of fish recovered from 11 ponds in Parshivni taluka. Fisheries officials used mapping and dummy customers to verify suspected illegal activity before deploying local fishermen for the operation. The department said around 51 tonnes of Thai Mangur have been destroyed in the region over three months.

A dog wouldn’t leave this airline passenger alone. Months later, a routine check-up explained its strange behaviour
A woman on a flight found herself repeatedly pawed by a medical alert dog, prompting its owner to explain that such behaviour could signal a potential heart problem. Following up with medical tests months later, she learned of her mildly irregular heartbeat. This incident underscores research indicating that certain dogs may be capable of sensing complex physiological changes, revealing their innate ability to detect hidden chemical signals in humans.

Lifting the floor for all: How Google’s Gemini Models are powering Wadhwani AI’s HealthVaani App for ASHA, Anganwadi workers
The first healthcare touchpoint for more than half of India’s population are the frontline workers such as ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Strengthening their confidence with AI-enabled tools on their hand-held devices, will significantly improve the quality and reach of primary healthcare in the country. Wadhwani AI’s HealthVaani App, powered by Google, is taking the lead in instilling this confidence where it matters the most. Senior Journalist Sonia Singh interacted with Shekar Sivasubramanian - Head, Wadhwani AI and Preeti Lobana - Vice President and Country Manager, Google India. Read on!

Prudential HCL Health Insurance starts operations in India
Prudential HCL Health Insurance has officially begun its operations today. The joint venture, backed by Prudential and HCL, enters the large Indian health market. It will leverage AI-powered experiences and a network of over 12,000 hospitals. The insurer plans an omnichannel model combining agency advice and direct-to-consumer digital platforms. Customers can select cover, manage policies, and access support through digitally enabled services.

Andhra Pradesh Assembly passes organ donation Bill; Rs 1 lakh aid proposed for donor families
Andhra Pradesh passed the Human Organ Transplantation Amendment Bill-2026, proposing stricter penalties for illegal organ trade. The bill expands the definition of close relatives eligible for organ donation. Financial assistance for brain-dead organ donor families will increase significantly. Special personnel will coordinate organ donation processes in recognized hospitals. The government aims to boost organ transplants and awareness programs statewide.

I-T department officials discuss roadmap for improving services for taxpayers
Senior Income Tax officials met in Jaipur for a two-day conclave. They discussed improving taxpayer services and reducing litigation for the department. Discussions also covered strengthening infrastructure and creating an actionable future roadmap. E-HRMS, service matters, and capacity building were extensively deliberated upon. The conclave concluded with a focus on future departmental functioning and priorities.

In 2018, number of New York City buses were taken out of service due to fear vampires of insect world, nearly decade later as infestations are growing, how to safeguard wellness of kids, yourselves
For centuries, the bugs have horrified homeowners and occasionally panicked the public. That happened in New York City in 2018, when at least a half dozen city buses were taken out of service after reports of bedbugs crawling on seats.

In 2025, Trump administration made shocking decisions for CDC but U.S. Federal Health Agency has new headache of 'zombie programs'. All you may want to know
In January, Congress passed an appropriations bill, which became law, that specified funding for more than 200 projects and activities.

52 astronauts left Earth for months in orbit, and within weeks their gut bacteria changed how they processed food, revealing why spaceflight can trigger constipation and potentially affect brain health
Constipation in space is more than an uncomfortable side effect. Astronauts often face it during long missions, but scientists have not fully understood why. Now, blood tests from 52 astronauts reveal a possible clue. Their gut bacteria began fermenting more protein within weeks of reaching the International Space Station. The finding links microgravity, slower intestinal movement and gut microbiome changes, offering new clues for future Moon and Mars missions.

US stocks: Capricor shares 77% soar as potential FDA lifeline revives Duchenne drug hopes
Capricor Therapeutics shares surged significantly after the FDA agreed to review new drug data. The company had faced setbacks last month regarding its experimental Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment. New 24-month data will focus on improving upper limb muscle function for the drug. Analysts view the FDA's willingness to review this information as a positive development. Capricor is pacing commercial launch spending while awaiting regulatory clarity on the drug.

In the 1500s, European settlers brought pigs to North America as travelling food; more than 6 million feral swine now occupy at least 35 states
European pigs introduced centuries ago became invasive feral swine across North America. These adaptable animals now inhabit diverse environments, impacting farms and natural ecosystems. Their rooting and feeding habits cause substantial agricultural and environmental damage. Controlling these widespread populations presents a significant and ongoing wildlife management challenge. The economic cost of feral swine damage is estimated at billions annually.
Load More