“Every Breath Counts: Doctors Raise Alarm Over RSV’s Toll on Infants”

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“Experts Call for Urgent RSV Awareness and Immunization Drive in India”

Bengaluru, July 8, 2025 — Health experts across the country are sounding the alarm over Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a highly contagious yet often overlooked virus that poses a serious threat to infants and young children in India.

Though commonly mistaken for a mild seasonal cold, RSV is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections globally, responsible for an estimated 3.6 million hospitalizations and 100,000 deaths annually among children under the age of five. India, which has the world’s largest annual birth cohort of around 25 million newborns, contributes substantially to this global burden.

The risk becomes especially acute during the monsoon and early winter months, when hospitals across the country report a surge in pediatric admissions. Doctors warn that even healthy, full-term infants from all socio-economic backgrounds are frequently hospitalized with RSV-related complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, often requiring oxygen or ventilator support.

A Preventable Threat

“RSV continues to be a major threat to infant health in India,” said Dr. Vasant M. Khalatkar, National President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). “While hygiene practices like handwashing are helpful, they are insufficient—particularly for babies under one year of age.”

He emphasized the importance of recent World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations promoting long-acting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for RSV prevention. In India, two such options are now available.

“Palivizumab, which offers protection through monthly doses during RSV season, has long served high-risk infants,” Dr. Khalatkar noted. “Nirsevimab, a newer, single-dose, long-acting antibody, now provides season-long protection with just one administration—either shortly after birth or during routine immunization visits. This is a significant step forward in RSV prevention.”

Bridging the Gap in Prevention

Dr. Cesar Mascarenas, Head of Medical, International Region at Sanofi, said, “Our focus is on closing key gaps in preventive care through scientific innovation aligned with WHO guidance. In India, strengthening public awareness, improving access to immunization, and timely interventions are critical in reducing RSV’s impact and protecting the next generation.”

Echoing the urgency, Dr. Bhavesh Kotak, Head of Medical Affairs at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, remarked, “Unlike high-income nations where advanced prevention measures are readily available, India faces considerable challenges in early detection and protection. Raising awareness about RSV’s severity and ensuring access to effective immunization solutions like Nirsevimab is essential for building a more equitable healthcare response.”

New Initiative to Expand Access

In April 2025, Sanofi and Dr. Reddy’s announced the expansion of their partnership to introduce Nirsevimab in India—a novel, single-dose preventive treatment designed to protect infants from severe RSV-related illnesses.

Health authorities are urging parents and caregivers to consult pediatricians and neonatologists about RSV and the immunization options now available. With proactive awareness, timely intervention, and widespread immunization, experts believe India can significantly reduce the burden of RSV among its youngest citizens.

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ದಾಸನಪುರ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬೀದಿಬದಿ ಪೇಟೆಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತರಿಗೆ ಮಳಿಗೆ ಹಂಚಿಕೆ – ದೀರ್ಘಕಾಲದ ಬೇಡಿಕೆ ಈಡೇರಿಕೆ

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ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಜುಲೈ 7: ಯಶವಂತಪುರ ಕೃಷಿ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ಸಮಿತಿಯ ಬಿ.ಡಿ.ಎ ಬ್ಲಾಕ್-2 ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ ಪಡೆದು ತರಕಾರಿ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಪೇಟೆಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತರನ್ನು, ಕೋವಿಡ್-19 ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ದಾಸನಪುರ ಉಪ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆಗೆ ಸ್ಥಳಾಂತರಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಆ ವೇಳೆಯಲ್ಲಿ 153 ಮಳಿಗೆಗಳನ್ನು ತಾತ್ಕಾಲಿಕವಾಗಿ ಹಂಚಲಾಗಿದ್ದು, ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ವಹಿವಾಟು ನಿರಂತರವಾಗಿ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯಿತು. ಆದರೆ ಸುಮಾರು 105 ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ ಹೊಂದಿದ ಪೇಟೆಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತರು ಮಳಿಗೆಗಳಿಲ್ಲದೆ ದಾಸನಪುರ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆಯ ಫುಟ್ ಪಾತ್ ಮೇಲೆ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾ ಜೀವನ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು.

ಈ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ, ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಕೃಷಿ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ಸಮಿತಿಯಿಂದ ದಾಸನಪುರ ಉಪ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆಯ ಇ-ಬ್ಲಾಕ್ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಿರುವ 103 ಮಳಿಗೆಗಳನ್ನು ಮಾಸಿಕ ಲೀವ್ ಅಂಡ್ ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ ಆಧಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಂಚಿಕೆ ಮಾಡುವುದಾಗಿ ಅಧಿಸೂಚನೆ ಹೊರಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಒಟ್ಟು 105 ಪೇಟೆಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತರು ಅರ್ಜಿಗಳನ್ನು ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದ್ದರಿಂದ, ಜೇಷ್ಠತಾ ಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಆಧಾರವಿಟ್ಟು 90 ಪೇಟೆಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತರಿಗೆ ಮಳಿಗೆ ಹಂಚಿಕೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಆದೇಶವನ್ನು ಸಮಿತಿ ಜುಲೈ 3ರಂದು ಪ್ರಕಟಿಸಿದೆ.

ಈ ನಿರ್ಧಾರದಿಂದಾಗಿ ದೀರ್ಘ ಕಾಲದಿಂದ ಬೀದಿಬದಿ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಹಲವಾರು ಪೇಟೆಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತರಿಗೆ ಸ್ತುತಿಸಬಹುದಾದ ಸಹಾಯ ದೊರೆತಿದ್ದು, ಅವರು ಮಾನ್ಯ ಜೀವನ ನಡೆಸಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗಲಿದೆ. ಕೆಲವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಆದ್ಯತೆಗನುಸಾರ ಮಳಿಗೆ ನೀಡಲಾಗಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬ ಕಾರಣದಿಂದಾಗಿ ಆಕ್ಷೇಪ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವರಾದರೂ, ಬಹುತೇಕ ಅರ್ಹ ಪೇಟೆಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತರಿಗೆ ಮಳಿಗೆ ಹಂಚಿಕೆ ಆಗಿರುವುದು ಹರ್ಷದ ಸಂಗತಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಇದು ಸಮಿತಿಯ ಪಾರದರ್ಶಕ ನಡವಳಿಕೆಗೆ ಸಾಕ್ಷಿಯಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಸಂಘದ ಮುಖಂಡರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಈ ಕುರಿತು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಪ್ರೆಸ್ ಕ್ಲಬ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಪತ್ರಿಕಾಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಘದ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಎಂ. ಗೋವಿಂದಪ್ಪ, ಪದಾಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಡಿಸ್ಕೋ ರಾಜು ಮತ್ತು ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನಾರಾಯಣ ಮತ್ತಿತರರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದರು. ಈ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಕ್ರಮಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಮಾನ್ಯ ಕೃಷಿ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ಸಚಿವರಿಗೆ, ಕೃಷಿ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಿಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಸಮಿತಿ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿಗೆ ಸಂಘದ ಪರವಾಗಿ ಅಭಿನಂದನೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು.

ಪೇಟೆಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತರ ಹಿತದೃಷ್ಟಿಯಿಂದ ಕೈಗೊಂಡ ಈ ಪೌರಕಾರಿಕ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆಯ ಕುರಿತು ಮಾಧ್ಯಮಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಉಚಿತವಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಸಾರ ಮಾಡುವಂತೆ ಸಂಘದವರು ವಿನಂತಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

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Massive Protest in Support of Bengaluru South Sub-Divisional Officer Apoorva Bidari

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Bengaluru, July 7:
The Anekal Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Youth Association (R), State Committee, has announced a massive protest to be held on July 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Freedom Park, Bengaluru, in support of Bengaluru South Sub-Divisional Officer Apoorva Bidari, urging authorities not to transfer her from her current post.

In a press conference held at the Press Club of Bengaluru, the association strongly condemned the baseless allegations leveled against Officer Bidari by certain Dalit organizations, calling the campaign a regressive and gender-biased move that undermines the values of equality and justice enshrined in the Constitution by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

The Association pointed out that in a society that has historically marginalized women through practices like child marriage, devadasi system, and gender-based discrimination, Dr. Ambedkar championed equal rights for women—be it in education, property, or suffrage. Today, Indian women are making strides in social, economic, political, and scientific fields. Yet, some vested interests are trying to push women back into obscurity through false accusations and political pressure.

“Apoorva Bidari, a competent and committed officer who has risen through the ranks due to her merit and dedication, is being unfairly targeted. The demand for her transfer is not only unjust but also a direct affront to the ideals of gender justice,” said Dr. M. Krishnappa, Founder and State President of the Association. Women’s State President Renuka V. Bommasandra also emphasized that such actions discourage women from taking up leadership roles in civil services.

The protest aims to gather support from Dalit, pro-Kannada, women’s rights, farmers’, laborers’, and student organizations, and the general public to send a strong message against the misuse of social justice platforms for personal or political agendas.

The Association demanded that Officer Apoorva Bidari be allowed to continue in her current position for at least two more years, respecting public sentiment and her constitutional rights.

The organizers have called upon all progressive and justice-loving citizens to join the protest and stand in solidarity with a woman officer facing unwarranted persecution.

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Annual Programme Booklet of Bharat Scouts and Guides (2025–26) Released

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Bengaluru, July 7th,2025: The Bharat Scouts and Guides Karnataka has officially released its Annual Programme Planning Booklet for the year 2025–26 at a press conference held at the Press Club of Bengaluru today. This guide will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for over 6 lakh active members including Cubs, Bulbuls, Scouts, Guides, Rovers and Rangers across the state.


The Scouts and Guides movement plays a vital role in nurturing life skills, environmental awareness, discipline, cooperation, secular values, leadership qualities, and social responsibility among school and college students. The movement is actively supported by the Government of Karnataka and the Department of School Education. The Honourable Governor serves as its Patron, the Chief Minister as the President, and Dr. Pramoda devi Wodeyar as Vice President, with the Ministers of the Education Department functioning as Vice-Presidents.

Karnataka stands as a leading state in scouting activities. The annual programme book outlines various training sessions, activities, and events that are to be implemented at the unit, district, and state levels. Teachers, lecturers, and scout-guide leaders are expected to dedicate at least an hour each week to these activities, which aim to instill civic values, personality development, and humanitarian ethics among the youth.

Since its inception in 2018-19, this booklet has become a reliable planning tool for over 30,000 teachers and scout-guide trainers across Karnataka. The 2025–26 edition continues this tradition by offering structured guidance to achieve the dual objectives of character building and social service.

In addition to regular scouting programmes, the booklet also encourages students to actively participate in significant national observances such as Environment Day, International Yoga Day, National Youth Day, Independence Day, and Republic Day. Through these, students develop a sense of patriotism and social leadership.

The printed copies of this booklet are being distributed not only to scout-guide educators, but also to dignitaries including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, MLCs, Members of Parliament, District Commissioners, CEOs of Zilla Panchayats, Superintendents of Police, Vice-Chancellors, religious heads, and senior education officials across various departments.

Speaking on the occasion, State Chief Commissioner P.G.R. Sindhia remarked, “This annual programme booklet has become an essential guide for all scout-guide activities across Karnataka. It is instrumental in shaping our students into disciplined, responsible citizens.”

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ಸಹಸ್ರಾರು ಶಿಷ್ಯ ಭಕ್ತರಿಗೆ “ತಪ್ತಮುದ್ರಾಧಾರಣೆ” ಶ್ರೀ  ಸುಬುಧೇಂದ್ರ ಶ್ರೀಗಳಿಂದ

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ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು : ಜಯನಗರ 5ನೇ ಬಡಾವಣೆಯ ನಂಜನಗೂಡು ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಗಳ ಮಠದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಥಮ ಏಕಾದಶಿ ಪ್ರಯುಕ್ತ ಪರಮಪೂಜ್ಯ ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ರೀ ಸುಬುಧೇಂದ್ರತೀರ್ಥ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದಂಗಳವರು ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ 6:30ಕ್ಕೆ ಶ್ರೀರಾಮದೇವರ ಸಂಸ್ಥಾನ ಪೂಜೆಯನ್ನು ನೆರವೇರಿಸಿ ನಂತರ ಸುವರ್ಣದ ತೊಟ್ಟಿಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀಮನ್ ಮೂಲ ರಾಮದೇವರಿಗೆ ಮಂಗಳಾರತಿಯನ್ನು ನೆರವೇರಿಸಿ ಸುದರ್ಶನ ಹೋಮದೊಂದಿಗೆ  ತಪ್ತಮುದ್ರಾಧಾರಣೆಯನ್ನು ತಾವು ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಿ, 35,000ಕ್ಕೂ ಮಿಗಿಲಾಗಿ ಸಹಸ್ರಾರು ಶಿಷ್ಯರಿಗೆ ಭಕ್ತರಿಗೆ ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ 7:30 ರಿಂದ ರಾತ್ರಿ 10:30ರವರೆಗೂ ಮುದ್ರಾಧಾರಣೆಯನ್ನು ನೆರವೇರಿಸಿದರು. ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆಯಿಂದ ರಾತ್ರಿಯವರೆಗೆ ನಾಡಿನ ಪ್ರಖ್ಯಾತ ವಿದ್ವಾಂಸರುಗಳಿಂದ “ಅಖಂಡ ಭಾಗವತ” ಪ್ರವಚನ ಆಯೋಜಿಸಿತ್ತು. ಈ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳು ಶ್ರೀಮಠದ ಹಿರಿಯ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಆರ್ ಕೆ ವಾದೀಂದ್ರಾಚಾರ್ಯರ ನೇತೃತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ಜರುಗಿದವು ಎಂದು ಶ್ರೀ ನಂದಕಿಶೋರ್ ಆಚಾರ್ಯರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು. ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಮುದ್ರಾಧಾರಣೆ ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಲು ಆಗಮಿಸಿದ ಶಿಷ್ಯರಿಗಾಗಿ  ಅಚ್ಚುಕಟ್ಟಾದ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯನ್ನು ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ವಯೋವೃದ್ಧರಿಗೂ, ವಿಕಲಚೇತನರಿಗೂ ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯೂ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಈ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯನ್ನು ಕಂಡ ಶಿಷ್ಯರು ಭಕ್ತರು ಸಂತೋಷವನ್ನು ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಮುದ್ರಾಧಾರಣವನ್ನು  ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಿ, ಶ್ರೀ  ಹರಿವಾಯುಗುರುಗಳ ಅನುಗ್ರಹಕ್ಕೆ ಪಾತ್ರರಾದರು. ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿತ್ರನಟಿ ತಾರಾ ಅನುರಾಧ ಮತ್ತು ಚಿತ್ರನಟಿ ಪ್ರೇಮಾರವರು ಚಿತ್ರನಟಿ ಸುಜಾತ ಅಕ್ಷಯ್ ರವರು ಕೂಡ ಮುದ್ರಾಧಾರಣವನ್ನು ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಿ ಗುರುಗಳ ಅನುಗ್ರಹಕ್ಕೆ ಪಾತ್ರರಾದರು.

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