National

Nadda Encourages States and UTs to Take Initiative in Eradicating Measles-Rubella

Published

11 months ago

April 24, 2025

On Thursday, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda urged states and Union territories to adopt an “act now” approach in their efforts to eliminate Measles and Rubella. This call to action came during the virtual launch of the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26, coinciding with the beginning of World Immunization Week (April 24-30) and marking a crucial stride toward India’s objective of eradicating these diseases by 2026.

During his address, Nadda stated, “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the Measles-Rubella elimination campaign for 2025-26, presenting us with the opportunity to achieve 100% immunization coverage, thereby ensuring a healthy lifestyle for our children through the administration of two doses of the Measles and Rubella vaccines.”

He emphasized the highly contagious nature of these diseases, which not only jeopardize children’s lives but also bring hardship to their families. Nadda stressed the importance of ensuring that no child is overlooked in these immunization efforts. He advocated for the activation of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) and enhanced surveillance measures. “We must tackle the elimination of Measles and Rubella with the same commitment that led to the eradication of Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus,” he remarked.

Nadda also congratulated the Ministry for receiving the esteemed Measles and Rubella Champion Award from the Measles and Rubella Partnership in 2024. He highlighted the progress made so far, noting that 332 districts reported zero measles cases and 487 reported zero rubella cases from January to March 2025, demonstrating significant advancements toward the goal of elimination.

Nadda called on State Ministers and Chief Medical Officers to conduct public and press meetings to raise awareness about the vaccination campaign through active community involvement. He also encouraged the inclusive participation of all local leaders, including MLAs, MPs, and Panchayat heads, to further promote awareness about the benefits of vaccination against Measles and Rubella.

Additionally, he urged frontline workers to extend outreach efforts to remote areas, slums, and populations experiencing frequent outbreaks. Measles and Rubella are highly transmissible viral diseases that can result in severe health issues, lasting complications, and even fatalities. Given their high infection rates, India aims for the complete elimination of these diseases by 2026.

National

UP Teen Dies in Street Racing Crash In Lucknow

Published

6 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Uttar Pradesh: A 17-year-old Class 12 student died in a road accident during a street race in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday.

The victim, Naitik Kumar, was riding a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 with a group of bikers near Janeshwar Mishra Park. While racing, he suddenly lost control of his bike after hitting something on the road.

His bike crashed into a Honda Activa in front of him. He then fell onto a road divider and suffered serious head injuries.

The Activa slid across the road and hit another bike, a Kawasaki Ninja, which was moving at high speed. The Ninja rider was adjusting his action camera when the accident happened.

Naitik Kumar was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead. Police said he was not wearing proper protective gear.

Two others involved in the accident suffered minor injuries. Police are checking CCTV footage to find the exact cause of the crash.

National

BCM Hostel Manager Dies by Suicide

Published

11 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hassan: A hostel manager working under the Backward Classes Welfare Department died by suicide in Channarayapatna of Hassan district.

The deceased has been identified as Lokesh (45). He had been serving as a warden for two hostels in Guddenahalli, Hassan, and was recently promoted as a hostel manager a few days ago. Following the promotion, he was posted as the manager of the BCM hostel in Channarayapatna.

According to reports, Lokesh allegedly died by suicide by hanging himself at his residence on Saturday night.

The exact reason for his suicide is not yet known. Local police visited the spot, conducted a preliminary inspection, and have begun an investigation into the incident.