National

Healthcare: A Fundamental Right, Not a Privilege – Jaishankar

Published

1 year ago

February 24, 2025

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized on Monday that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and stressed that the Global South should not be held hostage to unpredictable supply chains and the fluctuations of the global economy.

“The COVID-19 pandemic served as a significant learning experience. We must gear up to face future challenges more effectively. Our collective objective is to strengthen healthcare systems, improve patient safety, and ensure affordable access to healthcare. These aspirations can be realized more efficiently through tighter collaboration,” he stated while addressing the 12th International Health Dialogue.

Highlighting India’s perspective that health is integral to development, and development is essential for international cooperation, the minister pointed out that many of the nation’s recent global initiatives have focused on health security.

“In this area, India has emerged as a first responder, a development ally, a crucial link in the supply chain, a health solution provider, and a center of knowledge, serving as a model in many respects. Let me elaborate on these various facets,” he added.

Reflecting on the onset of the COVID pandemic, he noted that initial discussions positioned India as a potential major concern. “Ironically, rather than being solely focused on its own needs, India stepped up to extend its support to the world. We supplied medicines to 150 nations, vaccines to 99 countries and two international organizations, along with masks, PPE kits, gloves, and ventilators.”

He stressed that it was significant that India made these contributions while its own vaccination campaign was still underway. Many developing nations received ‘Made in India’ vaccines through the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative and other global programs, contrasting with many developed countries that had stockpiled vaccines well beyond their populations. “Indian medical teams also responded to urgent situations in the Indian Ocean region, assisting smaller states,” added Mr. Jaishankar.

He pointed out that India’s humanitarian efforts extend beyond the COVID period. “This is firmly aligned with our global approach, both pre- and post-pandemic. Recently, we dispatched 66.5 tonnes of medical supplies to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We also sent a 1400 kg consignment of anti-cancer medicines to support hospitals in Syria. In Afghanistan, we provided 300 tonnes of medicines and dispatched specialists to a hospital we established in Kabul,” the foreign minister noted. He cited additional instances, such as India’s health assistance to Sri Lankan hospitals during the island’s economic turmoil in 2022, aid to Ukraine amid escalating casualties, and support to Myanmar after Typhoon Yagi.

Today, India has completed over 600 significant development projects across 78 nations, many of which are in the health sector. Additionally, the private health industry has also played a vital role in enhancing healthcare facilities and capacities in various regions.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

4 days ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.

National

Man Killed by Wife’s Lover in Andhra Pradesh, Son Raises Alarm

Published

5 days ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh: A 45-year-old man was killed by his wife’s lover in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh. The incident happened on Monday night in a forest area near Chowdepalli.

The victim, Gandhi from Tamil Nadu, had come with his five-year-old son to search for his wife. Police said the wife was in a relationship with another man named Narasimhulu.

Narasimhulu allegedly took Gandhi and the child into the forest. He and his aides then attacked Gandhi with a stone and killed him in front of the boy.

The frightened child hid in nearby bushes. After the attackers left, he stayed beside his father’s body the whole night.

At sunrise, the boy walked to a nearby village and informed locals. The police were alerted and started an investigation.

Police have taken the accused and his two aides into custody. The child has been placed in a care centre.

National

Woman Delivers Baby Girl on Train in Andhra Pradesh

Published

5 days ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh : A pregnant woman gave birth to a baby girl on a moving train in Andhra Pradesh. The incident ended safely with the help of railway staff.

The woman was eight months pregnant. She boarded the train with her family, believing she still had one month left for delivery. She was travelling from Chennai to Dhanbad on Train No. 13352.

After the train crossed Annavaram station, she began to feel labour pain. Her family members became worried and immediately informed the ticket examiner.

Railway staff member G. Jyothi responded quickly and helped the woman. Understanding the emergency, the train was given a special halt at Elamanchili station. An ambulance was also arranged.

The woman delivered a healthy baby girl on the train. After the delivery, both the mother and the newborn were shifted to Elamanchili Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance.

Officials confirmed that both the mother and baby are safe and healthy. The train was halted at the station for about 40 minutes to manage the situation.

Railway staff ensured privacy by asking male passengers to leave the coach. Their timely action helped ensure a safe delivery.

This incident highlights the importance of quick response and human support during emergencies.