Latest news with #Anuradha
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
New interactive data modelling tool shows economic, health gains of raising tobacco taxes
A new, interactive modelling tool demonstrates how countries can use tobacco taxes to quickly generate millions in new revenue, reduce smoking, increase economic productivity and recover millions in healthcare expenses on treatment of smoking-related illnesses. The Cost Recovery and Revenue Estimator (CoRRE) uses recent data from more than 100 countries to estimate the tax revenue gain possible depending on different potential tax scenarios. At a webinar held on Tuesday, Jeffrey Drope, director of the Economics for Health team at Johns Hopkins University, and Nigar Nargis, senior scientific director, American Cancer Society provided an overview of current trends in tobacco control and a demonstration of the interactive modelling tool. Developed by Vital Strategies, American Cancer Society and the Economics for Health team at Johns Hopkins University, CoRRE is designed for the public health community, advocates and policymakers to assess the economic and health gains possible by raising tax on tobacco products. 'Decades of research shows that these tax reforms consistently raise considerable new tax revenues while saving lives and generally making societies healthier, including driving down the incidence of multiple cancers, among many other noncommunicable diseases,' Nargis said while responding to queries. CoRRE was developed as part of the latest edition of The Tobacco Atlas, which also provides in-depth analysis on tobacco use prevalence, taxes and many other tobacco control policies and programmes around the world. Experts also strongly advocated for tobacco taxes as one of the most effective—yet underutilised—strategies to prevent tobacco initiation, encourage cessation, and reduce overall tobacco use. Drope observed that the annual cost of tobacco use is staggering. 'Eight million lives are lost each year globally and around $2 trillion in economic damage – much of that from the average of 11 years of life that smokers lose. This means lower economic productivity,' he said during the webinar. As per The Tobacco Atlas, 8.9 per cent of all deaths in India are caused by tobacco use. The economic cost of smoking and tobacco use in India is approximately Rs 1.97 lakh crore each year. This includes direct costs related to healthcare expenditures and indirect costs related to lost productivity caused by illness and premature death. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
United News of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Sportspersons serve as ambassadors; messengers of peace: DG J&K YSS
Jammu, June 16 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Director General Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta, on Monday termed sportspersons as the messengers of peace, prosperity, and harmony, stating that these personalities often serve as brand ambassadors due to their influence, popularity, and ability to connect with wide audiences. Anuradha this morning flagged off the J&K contingent for the 78th Senior National Aquatic Championship here from Maulana Azad Stadium. A contingent of 10 swimmers with 5 men and 5 women, selected on merit, will be proceeding for the event to be organised by the Swimming Federation of India at Bhuvneshwar in Odisha from June 22 to 26. Congratulating J&K Swimming Association for its endeavours in providing playing opportunities to J&K youth and promoting sports in every nook and corner of the Union Territory, Anuradha said that J&K possessed immense sporting talent and the dire need is to hone it at the grassroots level. She wished the contingent the best of luck and advised them to play the game with sporting spirit and preserve the sanctity of the same. Hoping for a good show from these swimmers at the national scene, the DG J&K YSS advised them to give their best and bring laurels for themselves, their parents, coaches, mentors and the Union Territory as well. She advised the athletes to leave no stone unturned in blossoming at the national scene and give a message to the society that sports and games serve as the best tool to empower the nation. Organised by Jammu and Kashmir Swimming Association, the Flag Off Ceremony was held under the overall supervision of President J&K Swimming Association, Ramandeep Singh Soodan, General Secretary, Bharat Kumar Sharma; Joint Secretary Cum Coach Babita Rani and Treasurer Vikas Mahajan. UNI VBH ARN
Hans India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Blood donation drive held in Anantapur
Anantapur: In a heartfelt display of service and solidarity, youth volunteers actively participated in a blood donation camp organised in Anantapur, marking the successful completion of one year in office for Dr Mansukh Mandaviya as Union Cabinet Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, and celebrating eleven years of transformative governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Organised under the guiding principles of Seva (Service), Sushasan (Good Governance), and Garib Kalyan (Welfare of the Poor), the camp was hosted at the RUDSETI Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' MyBharat Team, RUDSETI, Pragathi Padham Youth Association, and SR Educational Society. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from dozens of young blood donors, reflecting their commitment to social welfare, particularly towards supporting patients from economically weaker sections. The event was graced by key dignitaries including Anuradha, Deputy Chief Manager of NABARD; National Youth Awardee and MyBharat State Volunteers Coordinator Bisathi Bharath; Vijaya Lakshmi, Director of RUDSETI; S. Ramesh, Founder of SR Educational Society; Kuruba Jaya Maruthi, President of India Awardee; and Usha, Senior Trainer at RUDSETI. All dignitaries lauded the dedication of the youth and urged them to continue engaging in meaningful social initiatives. Speaking at the event, Bisathi Bharath emphasized that the collected blood would be handed over to the Indian Red Cross Society in Ananthapuramu, primarily to assist Thalassemia patients and others requiring emergency transfusions. He further urged healthy individuals aged 18 and above, and weighing at least 55 kilograms, to donate blood regularly—once every four months—highlighting the life-saving impact of such contributions. In a symbolic act of encouragement, Anuradha herself donated blood during the event, inspiring many others to follow her lead. The camp also provided a moment of reflection on the developmental strides made under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, particularly in empowering youth, improving healthcare services, and advancing social welfare. The initiative was effectively coordinated by MyBharat volunteers Ambarish and Praveen Naik.
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Mumbai, Pune account for 70 per cent of Covid-19 infections this year
Mumbai and Pune account for 70 per cent of the Covid-19 infections this year. A statewide analysis of 1,700 cases reported from January till June 10 this year also found that the dominating lineage in Maharashtra is the XFG variant of the SARS-CoV2 virus, which causes Covid. The Whole Genome Sequencing of 184 Covid-19 samples from across Maharashtra found that 84 samples had the XFG variant, making it the dominating lineage. The LF.7 variant was detected in 34 samples while 27 samples reported the JN.1 variant. The NB.1.8.1 variant was found in one sample from a 29-year-old woman in Pune, who had previously travelled to Hyderabad on May 16 and later had symptoms like fever, sore throat, headache and stomach pain. Her sample was collected on May 26 and sent for genome sequencing, according to state health authorities. Overall, a total of 18,885 suspected samples were tested this year of which 1,700 were Covid-19 positive. Of these, 753 Covid cases were reported from Mumbai and 443 from Pune and the Covid positivity rate stands at 9 per cent. The maximum number of cases were reported in May (742) and June (951). Presently, 105 patients have been hospitalised of which 34 are from Pune, 22 from Navi Mumbai, 15 from Mumbai and 11 from Thane. Fifteen persons require intensive care while one is on ventilator support. A total of 21 deaths have been reported. As per the report a total of 1,064 persons have recovered. Meanwhile, of the 1,700 cases, an equal number of men and women had the infection while an age-wise analysis found that 291 persons are in the age group 21 to 30 years, 360 in the 31-40 age group, 262 in the 41 to 50 age group and 190 in the 51 to 60 age group. There were 208 persons in the 61-70 years age group, who had Covid infection, while 170 were in the 71-80 age group. Since 2020, Maharashtra reported over 81.80 lakh cases and 1.48 lakh deaths. The state authorities conducted a review of the Covid situation and as per the report since 2020, Maharashtra has reported a total of 81,80,064 Covid cases and 148,623 deaths. Last year there were 5,528 Covid cases and 35 deaths while in 2023 Maharashtra had reported 36,173 cases and 137 deaths. A mock drill of the state's preparedness to deal with Covid cases also indicated that there were 2572 ventilator supported beds, 3781 ICU beds, 13871 oxygen supported beds and 9658 beds without oxygen support. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Indian Express
06-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Maharashtra forest dept partners with Microsoft, Pune NGO for eco-restoration of Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary
Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Tushan Chavan recently announced that the Maharashtra forest department recently partnered with Microsoft and the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA), Pune, to address socio-ecological challenges in the Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary. Located 70 km from Pune, Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, hosting a wide variety of plant and animal species. Funded by Microsoft, the initiative will be executed on the ground by CYDA in close coordination with the forest department. Work will commence from July, officials said. Tamhini is particularly visited during the monsoon season for its picturesque landscape and popular attractions within the reserve forest area, including Andharban forest, Plus Valley, and Devkund. Situated at the crest of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary features several trails for hiking, birding, and walking. The valley resembles a plus sign when viewed from above and is a major draw for visitors who like to trek. However, at times, due to inadequate signboards, some lose their way, officials said. When contacted, Pravin Jadhav, Executive Director, CYDA, said they had completed a needs-based assessment survey and proposed a wide array of interventions at the sanctuary. 'It is a moderately long trek, and the survey also noted that there were no benches. There was also a need to install protective gates and solar lights,' Prasad Zaware, Community Engagement Officer, Microsoft, also observed. Facilities for both wildlife and tourists will be set up, which include drinking water blocks. 'Sanitation blocks will also be constructed apart from managing plastic waste by installing dustbins and bottle crushers,' Jadhav said. 'This collaboration marks a meaningful step towards participatory conservation and the integration of nature-based solutions to combat climate and biodiversity challenges,' Chavan said. Srichandana Nagoji, Community Affairs Lead (India and Kuala Lumpur), Microsoft, added that their partnership not only targets ecological restoration but also builds awareness and engagement with local stakeholders and visitors. 'Microsoft is committed to supporting projects that address global challenges like climate change and biodiversity conservation through localised, community-driven efforts,' Nagoji said, adding that the project aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
