National

Anemia Rates in Pregnant Women in Odisha Surpass National Average

Published

2 years ago

February 7, 2025

According to the National Family Health Survey-5, a staggering 61.8% of pregnant women aged 15 to 49 in Odisha suffer from anemia, surpassing the national average. Nationwide, anemia affects 57.0% of women in the same age group and 67.1% of children aged 6 to 59 months, as stated by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State in the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, in a written response to the Lok Sabha on Friday.

The national prevalence of anemia among pregnant women (15-49 years) is recorded at 52.2%, as highlighted in the same survey covering the period from 2019 to 2021. To combat this issue, the Government of India has initiated the Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy, which aims to reduce anemia rates in women and children through a life-cycle approach. This strategy includes six key interventions:
– Prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid supplementation
– Biweekly IFA syrup for children aged 6-59 months
– Weekly IFA red tablets for women of reproductive age
– Daily IFA red tablets for 180 days for pregnant women and lactating mothers
– Deworming, with albendazole tablets provided to all children on National Deworming Day
– An intensified behavioral change communication campaign.

Additionally, the minister mentioned the importance of anemia testing and managing treatment according to established protocols, making IFA fortified food mandatory in public health programs, and addressing non-nutritional causes of anemia, such as malaria, fluorosis, and hemoglobinopathies through effective institutional mechanisms.

National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

6 days ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.