India takes the lead in tackling extreme heat risks, says PM's Principal Secretary at UN meet
Delivering the keynote speech, Dr Mishra highlighted that rising temperatures now pose serious risks to public health, economic stability, and the environment. He welcomed the UNDRR's Common Framework for Extreme Heat Risk Governance, calling it a much-needed platform for global learning, guidance, and collaboration.
He stressed that India has moved beyond just responding to disasters and is now focused on preparedness and long-term mitigation. 'Since 2016, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued national guidelines on heatwave management, revised in 2019. These laid the groundwork for decentralised Heat Action Plans (HAPs),' he said.
Dr Mishra also echoed the UN Secretary-General's call to treat extreme heat as a global crisis. He pointed to the pioneering Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan as an example of how early warnings, coordination among agencies, and community outreach can save lives.
'Over 250 cities and districts across 23 heat-prone states in India now have operational Heat Action Plans,' he added. These are supported by NDMA through advice, technical tools, and institutional support. Efforts like heat surveillance, hospital readiness, and awareness campaigns have led to a significant drop in heat-related deaths.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Health team sent to flood-hit blocks in Balasore
1 2 Bhubaneswar: In view of flooding in low-lying areas of Balasore district, the govt on Tuesday sent a health team to take stock of the situation. "The team will visit Basta and Baliapal blocks and nearby areas," said director of public health Nilakantha Mishra here on Tuesday. Mishra said bleaching powder, halogen tablets and anti-snake venom serums have been supplied to flood-prone districts. "If needed, more health teams will be sent to Balasore and other districts. We are keeping an eye on the flood situation in Balasore and adjoining Mayurbhanj district," he added. He said they have already directed officials to prepare for possible flood in some parts of the state. "They will map the places where floodwater enters. Officials will ensure an adequate stock of drugs. A control room will be opened in the flood-affected areas. Rapid response teams will be on alert to address health-related issues," he added. "We have not received information about any water-borne disease in flood-affected areas so far. We are in constant touch with chief district medical and public health officers of Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. We are keeping a strict vigil on the situation," said Mishra. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He said essential medicines are stored in hospitals for immediate use. "The diarrhoea and cholera situation in six districts, including Jajpur, has improved a lot. We are also conducting a diarrhoea awareness drive across the state, including in flood-prone areas," he added. "There is a possibility that floodwater mixed with sewage may enter many homes in low-lying flood-affected areas. After the water recedes, people may suffer from different water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery and other gastrointestinal problems due to water contamination," said a senior health official. Snakebites are also reported from flooded areas. "People also get typhoid, hepatitis and other bacterial infections due to contamination of water sources. People can boil water and drink it to prevent such diseases. They should keep watch on movement of snakes near their houses," he added. The health department is also keeping an eye on spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Time of India
Rare wild mushroom discovered in Arunachal's Longhua village
Longding: A large wild mushroom, tentatively identified as Infundibulicybe gibba (formerly Clitocybe gibba), a well-known edible species, was discovered in the moist, shaded bamboo structures of Longhua village in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. The mushroom was identified based on its distinct morphological characteristics by Deep Narayan Mishra, a subject matter specialist (plant pathology) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Longding. According to Mishra, the specimen exhibited typical features such as a pale, funnel-shaped cap, decurrent gills, a central stipe and growth on decomposing organic matter. These traits align with those commonly observed in Infundibulicybe species, which are generally found in temperate and subtropical forested regions and are known for their edibility and nutritional benefits, he said. In several tribal and rural communities, such mushrooms are traditionally consumed for their protein, fiber and mineral content. However, Mishra cautioned that the current identification is only tentative and should not be considered conclusive without laboratory confirmation. He stressed the importance of scientific validation through methods such as internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequencing, spore print analysis to assess colour and pattern and microscopic examination of spores and hyphal structures. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo These tests are essential not only for accurate taxonomic placement but also to differentiate the mushroom from closely related or potentially toxic species. He also advised that any wild mushrooms intended for consumption must be properly identified, thoroughly cleaned, and cooked — either by boiling or frying — to eliminate any harmful compounds that may be present. Mishra emphasised that this discovery reflects the rich biodiversity of the Longding area and presents opportunities to raise community awareness about wild edible mushrooms. It also offers potential for sustainable harvesting and further scientific research, which could enhance food security, nutrition, and income generation for rural and tribal populations in the region.
News18
16-06-2025
- News18
Woman Dies Of Covid-19 Shortly After Delivery In MP's Jabalpur, 4th Fatality In Over A Week
Last Updated: Chief Medical and Health Officer Sanjay Mishra said the woman had a 3-year history of breathing issues, which worsened her condition and made her more vulnerable to complications A 21-year-old woman from Narayanganj in Madhya Pradesh's Mandla district has died due to COVID-19, marking the fourth such fatality in the state within a week. Similar deaths were recently reported from Indore, Ratlam, and Khargone, prompting serious concern in the state health department. Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Sanjay Mishra said the woman had been admitted to Jabalpur Medical College for a caesarean section. After the surgery, she experienced a drop in oxygen levels and was shifted to the ICU. She tested positive for COVID-19 and was moved to the Medicine ICU for isolation, where she later died. Mishra added that the woman had a history of breathing difficulties over the past three years, which made her condition more critical. In Jabalpur, 79 COVID tests have been conducted so far, with three individuals testing positive. Among them was an 80-year-old man from Katni, admitted for heart treatment, who has since recovered and been discharged. Another case involved a 32-year-old patient from Madan Mahal, who has also recovered after five days of treatment. The third case was the aforementioned pregnant woman from Narayanganj. Currently, Madhya Pradesh has nearly 200 COVID-19 cases, with 134 active cases and four deaths reported. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), four new variants of COVID-19 have been identified in India: LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1 series. The JN.1 variant is the most prevalent, found in more than half of the samples tested, and is known to weaken immunity.
