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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Coast Guard apprehends 3 Sri Lankans for illegal entry
Jun 28, 2025 03:31 PM IST The Indian Coast Guard on Saturday apprehended three Sri Lankan nationals for allegedly trying to enter into the country illegally, a PIB (Defence) release here said. The three men were brought to Mandapam and handed over to the Tamil Nadu Marine Police.(AFP) The Coast Guard Hovercraft ACV H197 sighted a group of three persons at the "4th Island at about 0800 hrs today while being on routine surveillance." "The ACV swiftly moved and apprehended them. The interrogation established that all three personnel are Sri Lankan nationals attempting illegal migration from Mannar," it said. The three men were brought to Mandapam and handed over to the Tamil Nadu Marine Police for further investigation, it added.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
'Please forgive us, Gowdre': Redditors discuss current state of Bengaluru on Kempegowda Jayanti
As Bengaluru marked the birth anniversary of its visionary founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, netizens took to Reddit to reflect on the city's transformation, from a laid-back garden town to a bustling tech metropolis. The occasion, Kempegowda Jayanti, became more than a commemoration; it sparked a candid conversation about what the city has gained, lost, and continues to grapple with. Nadaprabhu Kempegowda's Jayanti is celebrated on June 27(ANI/ PIB) Also Read - 'Non-veg eaters need not apply': Chennai man's rental post triggers debate on landlords' biases Often celebrated as the man who laid the foundation of modern Bengaluru, Kempegowda was praised in several posts for his foresight in urban planning. One user explained to newcomers, 'Kempegowda founded Bengaluru and envisioned a city with interconnected lakes, which prevented flooding and helped keep the city cool during summers.' But alongside admiration, there was a deep sense of nostalgia and regret. One of the most emotional posts read: 'Happy birthday Gowdre, please forgive us for the current state of Bengaluru.' The line struck a chord with many, opening the floodgates to a heartfelt discussion on how the city's rapid expansion has left long-time residents feeling alienated. Also Read - Bengaluru entrepreneur says he's often mistaken for a north Indian due to skin colour, Hindi: 'When I speak in Kannada…' A local user shared: 'As someone born and brought up in Bengaluru, I hate what the city has become. Others may like it, but for us locals, it's changed beyond recognition. There was a time when traffic was minimal, the weather was lovely — and we didn't even talk about it much, it was just normal. The city had people from different linguistic backgrounds even before the IT boom, but it wasn't this frustrating.' He went on to add a sobering concern about the city's future: 'If Bengaluru keeps expanding to the outskirts places like Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Dabaspet, and Magadi, what will be left of its core identity? I fear the population density will choke every part of the city.' Others chimed in with similar sentiments, recalling a Bengaluru of tree-lined roads, slower days, and a more cohesive cultural fabric, something they feel is being diluted in today's startup-driven, traffic-jammed urban sprawl. Interestingly, the post also attracted newcomers to the city who admitted they weren't familiar with Kempegowda and his legacy. 'New to Bangalore and trying to dive into Kannada history — who is this?' one asked. The thread soon turned into a mini history lesson, with users detailing how Kempegowda established the city's early layout, built lakes, and erected towers to demarcate the city's boundaries — markers that still exist today.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Cops in Barak Valley step up war on drugs
1 2 Silchar: Law enforcement agencies in Assam's Barak Valley are ramping up efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, a growing concern in the region known as a key corridor in the narcotics trade, reports BB Goswami. Cachar additional SP (Crime) Rajat Kumar Pal, speaking at an awareness programme at Silchar Press Club on Thursday, said police are actively working to neutralise trafficking networks. "We are committed to intensifying surveillance, strengthening border controls, and fostering community vigilance," Pal said. The programme, organised by the PIB, Assam, under the Union ministry of information and broadcasting, marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Early Clues, Lifelong Impact: Understanding Sickle Cell DiseaseUntitled Story
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of India's persistent public health concerns. It is a genetic blood disorder that alters the shape and function of red blood cells. These cells become sickle-shaped, stiff, and sticky, causing them to block blood flow. This can result in a range of complications, from pain crisis, extreme fatigue, infections, delayed growth, and organ damage. India faces 1.4 million SCD cases, with 20 million carriers nationwide SCD has a significant prevalence in India, particularly in certain high-risk regions across central and eastern states. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), approximately 20 million individuals carry the sickle cell trait, with over 1.4 million cases of SCD reported nationwide. Early identification remains the most effective way to prevent long-term damage. Why Early Detection Matters Many babies are screened for SCD at birth in countries with strong neonatal screening programs. In India, however, awareness is still growing, and universal screening is being scaled gradually under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. Launched by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2023, this mission aims to screen over 7 crore people by 2026 and eliminate the disease as a public health issue by 2047. Source: PIB – National Sickle Cell Mission, July 2023 Unfortunately, in the absence of early diagnosis, children with SCD may go undiagnosed until they experience a severe health episode. Subtle signs often mistaken for common ailments can be early indicators that something is wrong. Early Signs You Shouldn't Ignore 1. Unexplained Fatigue or Weakness Children with SCD often suffer from anaemia, resulting in chronic fatigue or breathlessness even after mild exertion. 2. Swollen Hands or Feet in Infants A condition known as "dactylitis," or painful swelling in hands and feet, can be one of the earliest signs of blocked blood flow due to sickled cells. 3. Recurring Infections The spleen, which plays a key role in fighting infections, may become damaged early in children with SCD, making them more vulnerable to fevers, pneumonia, and other bacterial infections. 4. Yellowing of the Eyes or Skin Jaundice is common in children with SCD due to the rapid breakdown of defective red blood cells. 5. Delayed Growth and Puberty Lack of healthy red blood cells can impact physical growth and hormonal development. 6. Pain Episodes or 'Pain Crises' Even without visible injury, children may complain of severe pain in the chest, abdomen, bones, or joints. These episodes can last hours or days. 'Sickle Cell Disease is not curable in all cases, but it is preventable and manageable. Early screening—especially premarital or prenatal—can significantly reduce the disease burden. And for those diagnosed, timely medical care can vastly improve quality of life,' says Dr. Dipty Jain, Former Chair, Dept of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Nagpur, and Chairman of the Task Force on SCD Elimination. Taking Action If your child or someone in your family is showing multiple signs listed above—or if there is a family history of the disease—consult a medical professional. A simple blood test, such as the haemoglobin electrophoresis test or solubility test, can detect whether someone is a carrier or has the disease. Treatment and Management Options While there is currently no universal cure, treatment options can help manage the disease effectively: Hydroxyurea: A medication that reduces pain episodes and the need for transfusions. Vaccinations & Antibiotics: Essential to reduce infection risk, especially in young children. Routine Monitoring: Regular health checkups to monitor organ function and growth. Bone Marrow Transplant: The only known potential cure for some patients, especially children with matched donors. A National Call to Action India's National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission is now operational in 17 states and 278 districts. As of March 2024, June 2025, over 5,79,35,688 crore individuals have been screened. The mission prioritizes awareness, outreach, and community engagement, especially in regions with higher genetic prevalence. Source: In Closing Sickle Cell Disease rarely announces itself loudly. It enters quietly, through pain episodes, fatigue, mild fevers, or a child who seems to fall ill too often. But by recognising the early signs, seeking testing, and beginning treatment, we can change the story. Every timely diagnosis is a step towards healthier, longer lives and a future free from the burden of this inherited condition. Sources: National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission Guidelines – NHM, MoHFW Press Information Bureau: National Sickle Cell Mission Launch – July 2023 UN Resolution A/RES/63/237 – Recognition of World Sickle Cell Day PIB: Progress Update – March 2024 Note: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have the journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. The information provided does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a registered medical practitioner for health-related concerns.
Focus Malaysia
4 days ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Core inflation eases to 1.8%, signalling contained demand pressures
MALAYSIA's headline CPI eased to +1.2% YoY in May (April: +1.4% YoY), falling below market expectations. Core inflation also moderated to +1.8% YoY (April: +2.0% YoY), indicating that underlying demand-side pressures remain largely contained. For the first five months of 2025, headline inflation averaged +1.4% YoY, down from +1.8% YoY in the same period of 2024, underscoring continued disinflationary momentum. The increase in the national minimum wage to RM1,700 per month (from RM1,500), effective 1 February 2025 for firms with five or more employees, has thus far exhibited minimal pass-through to consumer prices. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by +0.1% MoM in May, unchanged from April. 'We have lowered our 2025 headline inflation forecast to +1.9% YoY (from +2.4% YoY), following a reassessment of inflationary pressures in light of the government's narrower RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation,' said Public Investment Bank (PIB). The revision reflects lower expected passthrough from fuel to headline CPI, while core inflation remains contained across most demand-driven components. 'We continue to monitor potential upside risks from Tenaga Nasional's non-domestic tariff adjustments effective July, though the impact on CPI should be limited given protections for residential users,' said PIB. Other factors to watch include the SST base expansion from July, phased foreign worker levy reforms, and the deferred EPF contribution hike in 4Q25. On balance, we expect the cumulative inflationary impact of these measures to remain modest, anchored by broadly stable domestic cost conditions. Headline inflation increased slower to +1.2% YoY in May. May's CPI was primarily driven by price increases in Personal Care, Social Protection & Miscellaneous Goods & Services, which rose by +3.7% YoY (April: +4.1%), followed by Education at +2.2% YoY (April: +2.3%), Food & Beverages at +2.1% YoY (April: +2.3%), and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & Other Fuels at +1.7% YoY (April: +2.0%). Price growth also moderated in Recreation, Sport & Culture to +0.9% YoY (April: +1.3%) and in Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco to +0.6% YoY (April: +0.8%). In contrast, Restaurant & Accommodation Services accelerated to +3.0% YoY (April: +2.9%), alongside Health at +1.1% YoY (April: +0.9%) and Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Household Maintenance at +0.2% YoY (April: +0.1%). Insurance & Financial Services (+1.5% YoY) and Transport (+0.7% YoY) remained unchanged from the previous month. Meanwhile, Information & Communication and Clothing & Footwear continued to register deflation, with prices falling by -5.2% YoY and -0.2% YoY respectively. Core inflation, which excludes price-controlled and fresh food items, moderated to +1.8% YoY in May (April: +2.0% YoY), indicating that underlying demand-driven price pressures remain contained. Excluding fuel-related components such as RON95, RON97 and diesel, the adjusted headline CPI also eased to +1.4% YoY (April: +1.5% YoY). In May, most states recorded inflation rates below the national average of +1.2% YoY, with Kelantan registering the lowest increase at +0.3% YoY. In contrast, five states posted inflation rates above the national average, led by Johor at +1.8% YoY, followed by Negeri Sembilan (+1.6% YoY), Selangor (+1.5% YoY), Melaka (+1.5% YoY) and Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (+1.4% YoY). —June 25, 2025 Main image: Compare Hero
