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India Today
8 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Indian kids under 5 spending double the safe screen time, finds study
Just how much screen time is too much? Turns out, Indian kids are clocking in way more hours than they should. According to a new meta-analysis by researchers at AIIMS Raipur, children under the age of five in India spend an average of 2.22 hours every day in front of screens -- that's twice the safe limit set by experts like the WHO and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP).advertisementThe study, published in the Cureus journal in June 2025, compiled data from 10 different studies across India, covering a total of 2,857 more worrying is the screen exposure among babies -- children under 2 years were spending an average of 1.23 hours daily on screens, despite WHO and IAP guidelines recommending zero screen time for this age group. This screen overload is not just a harmless habit. The study found that higher screen use is linked to delayed language skills, lower cognitive ability, poor social behaviour, higher obesity risk, disturbed sleep, and trouble THIS MATTERS FOR PARENTSIn many Indian households, phones and tablets are handed over to keep kids quiet during meals or meltdowns. But this may be doing more harm than Dr DK Gupta from Felix Hospitals explained as per a TPI report on this student, about 60-70% of children under five are spending more time on screens than advised, which could lead to both physical and behavioural suggests parents set a better example: 'If children see their parents constantly on screens, they'll naturally want to do the same.' SMALL CHANGES THAT CAN HELPThe AIIMS study offers a few practical ideas that parents can start with:Create tech-free zones in your home (like bedrooms or dinner tables)Stick to consistent screen time limits based on your child's ageMake time for active play and talking with your child every dayAvoid screens during meals or as pacifiersA recent advisory from the Chief Medical Officer in Ghaziabad also encouraged parents to get their kids outdoors and involved in social activities as a way to reduce dependency on digital WE CAN DO BETTERScreen time is a growing problem, but it's not unsolvable. Experts say it's important to promote responsible digital habits early on, including showing kids what healthy screen use looks like and choosing age-appropriate content when screens are so many children exposed to devices from a young age, doctors, teachers and parents need to work together to spread awareness and push for better screen hygiene. Because it's not just about turning off a screen -- it's about switching on better habits for healthier childhoods.- Ends
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
K-P rolls out ambitious immunisation drive
In a significant step towards improving child health outcomes, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has launched a province-wide Immunization Action Plan (IAP) aimed at achieving 90 per cent Full Immunization Coverage (FIC) for children by 2027. The initiative, targeting 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, reflects a renewed government commitment to tackling public health challenges, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas. The action plan was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Peshawar. Addressing the gathering, the CM emphasized that the immunization drive goes beyond routine health programming and is a critical part of the provincial government's broader public health and governance agenda. He stressed that the real challenge lies not in the formulation of the plan but in its effective implementation across all districts. "This is not just a plan on paperit is a pledge. The time for action is now, and the responsibility lies with every department, every official, and every frontline health worker," he said. Underscoring the urgency of the mission, the chief minister pointed out that Rs8 billion have been earmarked in the current budget to support the immunization initiative. He also acknowledged the continued support of development partners, stating that their collaboration remains vital in overcoming operational hurdles and reaching every child, regardless of location. "Together, we will rid this province of polio and all vaccine-preventable diseases," he declared. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah shed light on the challenges the province faces, noting that K-P currently has the lowest immunization coverage in the country, with only 55 per cent of children fully immunized. He identified the southern districts as areas of concern due to both access and acceptance issues but insisted that improved institutional capacity, resources, and coordination mechanisms now provide a real opportunity for change. According to a detailed presentation during the event, the IAP seeks to vaccinate approximately 1.42 million children under the age of two annually. It outlines an eight-point strategy focusing on outreach to underserved communities, especially those in security-compromised or geographically remote areas. One of the major reforms under the plan is a substantial increase in transportation funding, rising from Rs80 million to Rs448 million over three years, to ensure that field teams can access even the most distant communities.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Need for awareness and immunization against Respiratory Syncytial Virus in India
Bengaluru: Medical experts in India are calling for urgent attention to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a highly contagious but under-discussed cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under five. RSV, often mistaken for a mild seasonal cold, accounts for ~ 3.6 million hospitalizations and ~ 100,000 deaths in children under five each year globally. India, with the largest birth cohort of ~ 25 million newborns annually, contributes significantly to this burden. The impact is particularly severe during the country's monsoon and early winter months, when neonatal ICUs experience a surge in admissions. Alarmingly, even healthy, full-term infants across all socio-economic backgrounds often require oxygen or ventilator support due to RSV-related complications. Therefore, raising awareness among parents and healthcare professionals about available preventive measures is critical to reducing the disease's toll on young lives. Dr. Vasant M. Khalatkar, Current National President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), said 'RSV remains a significant threat to infant health, and while hygiene measures like handwashing are essential, they're often not enough—especially for babies under one year. With the recent World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for long-acting monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and India enabling access to these solutions, we now have vital tools to protect our youngest. Palivizumab has been available for high-risk infants, offering protection through monthly dosing during the RSV season. Now, with the arrival of Nirsevimab—a single-dose, long-acting antibody that provides season-long protection—we're seeing a major advancement. Administered shortly after birth or during routine follow-ups, these preventive options can greatly reduce RSV-related hospitalizations and shield infants from serious complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Prevention, timely awareness, and parental engagement are critical to reducing RSV's impact across India.' Dr. Cesar Mascarenas, Head of Medical International Region, Sanofi, commented 'We have long been working to close critical gaps in prevention by advancing science-driven solutions that align with evolving global recommendations, including those from the WHO. Addressing RSV burden in India with advanced preventive care is the need of the hour. Strengthening awareness, improving access to protective interventions, and enabling timely immunization are essential steps in reducing the impact of RSV and safeguarding the health of future generations.' Dr. Bhavesh Kotak, Head, Medical Affairs, Dr. Reddy's, added 'India bears a significant share of the global RSV burden. Unlike high-income countries with advanced prevention care and early access to preventive solution, India still faces challenges in timely diagnosis and protection. Increased awareness around the severity of RSV and enabled access to ground-breaking immunization solutions will be critical in building a more equitable and effective national response to RSV.' In April 2025, Sanofi and Dr. Reddy's announced the expansion of their partnership to bring to India a novel, single-dose preventive immunization developed to protect infants from RSV-related complications. Caregivers or parents are advised to speak with their pediatricians / neonatologist for more details.
News18
24-06-2025
- Business
- News18
ISRO Seeks Industry Support To Test New All-In-One On-board Unit For Satellites
Last Updated: Scientists are working on a compact, all-in-one system for satellites that combines all key operations into a single-unit, to reduce size and power consumptions in space missions Scientists at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) are working on an all-in-one on-board system which combines all the key functions of a satellite into one single unit. The Integrated Avionics Packages (IAP) is a crucial component that essentially works like the 'brain of a satellite'. The Bengaluru-based Centre responsible for designing and developing Indian-made satellites has now sought industry support to help build a test system to validate this crucial component before launch. As a single unit, the Integrated Avionics Package combines several key systems—including the on-board computer, payload data, positioning, telemetry and communication—into one package that saves space, weight and power consumption. So, instead of using multiple boxes for each function, IAP combines them into one single unit, improving efficiency. The industry partners would be required to develop and deliver a specialised test setup to evaluate this avionics hardware on the ground. It will need to simulate all the satellite interfaces and conditions that IAP would face in space. The system should also be suitable for spacecraft platforms up to the I-1K class and support multiple configurations of the IAP during development and testing, said the agency. The industry partners would need to develop, integrate and facilitate end-to-end testing of the system. In its latest Expression of Interest (EOI), the space agency said it will evaluate the proposals on the basis of bidder's experience, its understanding of scope of services, facility infrastructure, proposed methodology and work plan, skilled manpower and the financial strength of the industry. The latest addition is part of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s plan to produce a large number of satellites to be put in orbit in the next five years. In order to realise it, it needs a large number of electronics sub-systems to be fabricated, and made ready for integration. As of December 31, 2024, India owns roughly 22 operational satellites in the Low Earth Orbit, and 31 in the Geo-synchronous earth orbit. In addition, two Indian Deep Space missions—Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and Aditya L-1 at Sun-Earth Lagrange's point—also remain active. ISRO carried out as many as 261 launches last year alone, out of which 254 were successful.
India Gazette
18-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Sweta & Manish Samota Ignite India's Influence Revolution with IAP 2.0, A Transformational Stage & Screen Experience for Authors and Experts
SMPL Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 18: Visionary entrepreneurs and India's top book author coaches, Sweta Samota and Manish Samota, successfully hosted the second edition of their highly anticipated Influence Accelerator Program (IAP 2.0) from 12th to 15th June 2025 at the luxurious hotel Country Inn by Radisson, Navi Mumbai. This 4-day immersive experience was designed to unlock the voice, confidence, and stage and on-camera presence of a new wave of leaders--authors, professionals, coaches, business owners and corporate veterans--ready to reimagine themselves as influencers on stage and social media. More than a program, IAP 2.0 is a movement--rooted in the Samotas' mission to serve India by building thought leaders through books, brands, and businesses. A Mission to Serve Through Stories, Stage, and Screens Sweta and Manish Samota--founders of India Authors Academy, a platform with over 6,000 members and 35+ transformational programs--have long envisioned making India the Author Capital of the World. With IAP 2.0, they took a giant leap forward, empowering individuals from all walks of life to share their message with clarity, conviction, and camera-ready confidence. The participants of this edition included professionals and corporate achievers, all on the journey to reinvent themselves as influential voices in their respective industries. Six Trailblazers, One Powerful Leap Six determined leaders stepped into this program to transform. Over four immersive days, they mastered storytelling, refined their stagecraft, shot professional reels and podcasts, and shattered their inner barriers. - Bijal Sheth - Top Speaker awardee, left the audience speechless with her clarity and conviction. - Prashant Lodaya - Top Creator, showed how a strong voice and creative visuals build magnetic presence. - Neha D. - Most Inspiring Participant, won hearts with her vulnerable and victorious journey. - Uma Yoganand, Shivani Bajaj Sabharwal, and Hemanandini Deori - each brought their unique stories, evolving into authentic influencers ready to own the stage and screen. They now join a powerful tribe of IAP graduates who are rewriting their futures with their voice and visibility. Legends Return to Inspire This edition was made even more special by the presence of past IAP graduates--The Legends--who returned to cheer the new batch, share their breakthroughs, and raise the collective energy of the room. - Nisha Shenoy, Neeti Paul, Dr. Sunita Nayak, Mitali Adhangle, and Jyoti Gidwani--each of them a testament to what happens when a voice meets a system and becomes a movement. Spark Flow - The 19th Book That Marks a New Era In an electrifying moment during the program, Sweta and Manish launched their 19th book - Spark Flow. This book is not just a collection of insights--it's a blueprint for creators and changemakers to activate their creativity and influence in flow. Every copy holds the energy of the stage, the stories that moved a room, and the spark that now travels with every reader. India Authors Podcast - New Season, New Voices As part of IAP 2.0, participants also recorded episodes for the next season of the India Authors Podcast Show, an initiative by IAA to spotlight India's rising literary voices and brand leaders. These episodes--raw, real, and powerful--will roll out in the coming months, amplifying voices that were once hidden, now ready to influence the world. A Message from the Founders 'India is full of stories waiting to be told, voices waiting to be heard. Influence is not about popularity--it's about purpose. And our purpose is clear: to serve India by helping people transform their life stories into influence, income, and impact,' said Sweta Samota, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and co-founder of India Authors Academy. 'This is not just coaching. This is nation-building. Every author we help, every voice we elevate, brings us closer to a stronger, more expressive India,' added Manish Samota, co-founder and strategic lead at IAA. About India Authors Academy Founded in 2018 by Sweta and Manish Samota, India Authors Academy is India's leading platform for writing, publishing, and marketing books--empowering individuals to become bestselling authors and thought leaders. With a deep commitment to serving India through books, brands, and business education, IAA is not just building authors--it's building a legacy. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
