Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, with more than 200 identified strains. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), almost every sexually active person will contract HPV at some point in their lives. While most infections disappear naturally within one to two years, some high-risk strains such as HPV 16 and 18 can persist and lead to cervical cancer. These two strains alone cause nearly 70% of cervica

The Government of India has rolled out a historic reform in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system by eliminating the 12% and 28% slabs and restructuring the tax categories. The changes, which took effect today, bring relief to households as 99% of daily-use products will now fall under lower tax rates. However, in order to balance revenue and discourage harmful or luxury consumption, the government has introduced a new 40% GST slab for specific goods.

Popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, known for his soulful voice and evergreen hits, passed away on September 19 in Singapore after a tragic swimming accident. According to officials, he removed his life jacket on a yacht trip, calling it oversized, but was later found floating in the sea. Despite immediate CPR and being rushed to Singapore General Hospital, he was declared dead. His mortal remains reached Delhi, where Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma,

San Jose police will have to wait at least another year before the city considers bringing back its horse mounted unit, a once iconic division that served the city for more than a century before being disbanded in 2018. The San Jose City Council voted 6-4-1 this week to defer the decision until next year’s budget cycle, citing the city’s projected $25 million deficit and competing priorities. The mounted u

The Washington Commanders may return to play football in the District of Columbia by 2030, but significant hurdles remain before that becomes reality. The D.C. Council is scheduled to vote on Tuesday regarding legislation that would enable a major redevelopment of the RFK Stadium site, potentially paving the way for the Commanders’ return. While city officials and proponents of the project emphasize its economic potential and promise to revitalize the area east of the Anacostia River, loca

The Asia Cup 2025 has been plunged into deeper turmoil after India captain Suryakumar Yadav reportedly told the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that he will not accept the tournament trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi if India wins the final. The warning comes amid escalating tensions following the no-handshake controversy between India and Pakistan. The Indian skipper made his stance cle

Guilt is one of the most common yet misunderstood emotions we carry. Everyone at some point has felt the heavy weight of guilt after making a mistake, hurting someone, or failing to live up to expectations. But while guilt is natural, many people spend far too much time stuck in it. The truth is simple: guilt is a waste when it lingers without resolution. Feeling guilty does not undo the past, it does not heal the person hurt, and it does not correct the mistake. What really matters is accept

The International Cricket Council has turned down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s request to remove veteran referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after the controversial no-handshake episode in the India-Pakistan clash. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council, had alleged that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss not to engage in a handshake with India’s Suryakumar Yadav, sparking outrag

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially addressed the controversy surrounding the handshake row during the Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan. Following India’s 7-wicket victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates did not exchange handshakes with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha or the opposing team. This move sparked outrage from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which lodged a formal complaint with the Asian

Authorities are investigating the tragic death of a teenage boy who fell from an elevated on-ramp off Interstate 80 at the foot of the Carquinez Bridge during a sideshow in Crockett early Saturday morning. The incident, which occurred in the early hours, has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of illegal sideshows in the Bay Area and the devastating consequences they can bring. According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded just before 3:30 a.m. to reports of a larg

Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed Executive Order 2025-04, launching a statewide initiative to secure vaccine access across Illinois as the fall respiratory virus season approaches. The governor emphasized that the move was necessary following widespread confusion over shifting federal COVID vaccine guidance and controversial decisions by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Pritzker explained in his announcement that no Illinois family should have to question w

If you are an NRI parent moving to the United States or already living there, a common question is whether your child’s Indian vaccination certificate will be accepted. The good news is that in most cases the answer is yes, but there are a few important points to keep in mind. Indian vaccination records are generally recognized in the US as long as they are complete, accurate, and clearly documented. The records should include the child’s name, date of birth, vaccine nam

After one of the most severe flu seasons in recent years, health experts are urging Californians to prepare for another difficult outbreak by getting vaccinated against both influenza and COVID-19. Medical specialists caution that early immunization is especially important for vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions. Jeffrey Silvers, an infectious disease specialist based in Sacramento, explained in a recent w

When families move from India to another country, one of the challenges parents face is keeping their child’s vaccination schedule on track. Different countries follow different immunization guidelines, and this can sometimes lead to vaccine gaps. For NRI parents, understanding how to bridge these gaps is important for ensuring their child’s health and meeting the requirements of schools, daycares, and local healthcare systems. In India, the vaccination schedule is more

For many NRI families, international travel is a regular part of life. Whether it’s visiting relatives in India, exploring new destinations, or moving between countries for work, travel brings both opportunities and responsibilities. One area that often raises questions is vaccination, especially when it comes to vaccines that are not part of the standard childhood immunization schedule. Yellow fever and a few other rare vaccines fall into this category, and understanding when they are

When it comes to raising children abroad, NRI parents often face unique challenges regarding vaccinations. One of the most common questions is whether the BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis (TB), is necessary for children born outside India. Understanding the importance of this vaccine and its relevance in different countries can help parents make informed decisions. The BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is routinely given to newborns in India and many other

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has become a crucial tool in preventing HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, throat cancer, and other cancers caused by the virus. For Indian teens living abroad, understanding the HPV vaccine guidelines in their respective countries is important to ensure they are fully protected. Although the HPV vaccine is not a routine part of India’s vaccination schedule, it is strongly recommended for teens worldwide, particularly for those who are

  Immunization is one of the most important public health strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Both India and the United States have their own immunization schedules to ensure children receive the necessary vaccines to protect them from various diseases. However, the vaccination schedules differ in terms of the types of vaccines, the timing of doses, and the age at which they are administered. Understanding these differences is essential for parents, caregiv

As debates around vaccine mandates continue in some states, Ohio’s top health official has reaffirmed that the state supports routine childhood vaccinations for school-aged children. While Florida is considering rolling back requirements for students, the Ohio Department of Health said its position has not changed, emphasizing that vaccines are vital for protecting children and communities from preventable diseases. Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Heal

For Indian families living abroad, ensuring children receive the right vaccinations is one of the most important aspects of healthcare. While India has its own immunization schedule, moving to another country often means adapting to new guidelines and adding vaccines that may not be common back home. Having a complete vaccination checklist helps parents stay organized and ensures their child is protected no matter where they grow up. The foundation of any vaccination plan starts wit