New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads Across U.S. States
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is now emerging in the United States after becoming dominant in China and causing a significant rise in cases across Asia. U.S. health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are monitoring the variant closely as scientists continue to analyze whether NB.1.8.1 poses greater risks in terms of transmission, severity, and resistance to existing vaccines. The variant was initially identified in Asia, particularly in Ch
New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads Across U.S. States
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is now emerging in the United States after becoming dominant in China and causing a significant rise in cases across Asia. U.S. health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are monitoring the variant closely as scientists continue to analyze whether NB.1.8.1 poses greater risks in terms of transmission, severity, and resistance to existing vaccines. The variant was initially identified in Asia, particularly in Ch
FDA May Limit COVID-19 Boosters to High-Risk Groups
In a move that could significantly change how COVID-19 booster shots are administered in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a proposal that may limit annual boosters to only high-risk groups starting in 2025. The new guidelines are expected to restrict boosters for healthy individuals under 65 unless drug manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna conduct detailed clinical trials proving their effectiveness. The announcement was made on May 20, raising di
FDA May Limit COVID-19 Boosters to High-Risk Groups
In a move that could significantly change how COVID-19 booster shots are administered in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a proposal that may limit annual boosters to only high-risk groups starting in 2025. The new guidelines are expected to restrict boosters for healthy individuals under 65 unless drug manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna conduct detailed clinical trials proving their effectiveness. The announcement was made on May 20, raising di
Andhra Pradesh Issues New Covid-19 Advisory
As Covid-19 concerns resurface across parts of Asia, the Directorate of Public Health & Family Welfare in Andhra Pradesh has issued a renewed advisory urging residents to adopt stringent safety measures. The advisory, issued on May 23, comes in response to a noticeable uptick in Covid-19 cases both within the country and globally. Citizens have been asked to remain vigilant, with a strong recommendation to avoid mass gatherings such as social functions, parties, prayer meetings,
Andhra Pradesh Issues New Covid-19 Advisory
As Covid-19 concerns resurface across parts of Asia, the Directorate of Public Health & Family Welfare in Andhra Pradesh has issued a renewed advisory urging residents to adopt stringent safety measures. The advisory, issued on May 23, comes in response to a noticeable uptick in Covid-19 cases both within the country and globally. Citizens have been asked to remain vigilant, with a strong recommendation to avoid mass gatherings such as social functions, parties, prayer meetings,
Nasal COVID Vaccine Could Replace Booster Shots
As COVID-19 cases begin rising once again across several Asian nations, health authorities and researchers are looking into alternative forms of protection especially for people hesitant to take another jab. The recent increase in infections has been particularly notable in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and India, with India reporting 257 active cases as of May 19, according to the Union Health Ministry. The surge coincides with the global spread of the JN.1 variant, a sublineage
Nasal COVID Vaccine Could Replace Booster Shots
As COVID-19 cases begin rising once again across several Asian nations, health authorities and researchers are looking into alternative forms of protection especially for people hesitant to take another jab. The recent increase in infections has been particularly notable in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and India, with India reporting 257 active cases as of May 19, according to the Union Health Ministry. The surge coincides with the global spread of the JN.1 variant, a sublineage
Mumbai Reports 2 COVID Deaths Linked to Comorbidities
In a recent development, Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital has reported two deaths involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Among them was a 14-year-old minor suffering from nephrotic syndrome and a 54-year-old cancer patient. Both individuals were also COVID-positive at the time of their death, but doctors have clarified that the fatalities were primarily due to their pre-existing critical conditions and not the virus itself. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
Mumbai Reports 2 COVID Deaths Linked to Comorbidities
In a recent development, Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital has reported two deaths involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Among them was a 14-year-old minor suffering from nephrotic syndrome and a 54-year-old cancer patient. Both individuals were also COVID-positive at the time of their death, but doctors have clarified that the fatalities were primarily due to their pre-existing critical conditions and not the virus itself. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
COVID-19 Cases Rise in Asia; India Stays Stable With 257
As Singapore and Hong Kong witness a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections, India continues to maintain a relatively stable situation with only 257 active cases reported as of May 19, 2025. All the cases identified in India are mild and do not require hospitalization, according to the Union Health Ministry. This update was shared after a key review meeting was held involving experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster M
COVID-19 Cases Rise in Asia; India Stays Stable With 257
As Singapore and Hong Kong witness a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections, India continues to maintain a relatively stable situation with only 257 active cases reported as of May 19, 2025. All the cases identified in India are mild and do not require hospitalization, according to the Union Health Ministry. This update was shared after a key review meeting was held involving experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster M
ULIPs vs Mutual Funds vs Stocks: Best for Long-Term Wealth?
Choosing the right investment vehicle for long-term wealth creation is a crucial step for financial planning. Among the most common options available to Indian investors are ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans), mutual funds, and direct investment in stocks. Each of these instruments offers a different mix of risk, return, flexibility, and cost. Understanding their core differences can help individuals make better investment decisions aligned with their goals and risk appetite.
ULIPs vs Mutual Funds vs Stocks: Best for Long-Term Wealth?
Choosing the right investment vehicle for long-term wealth creation is a crucial step for financial planning. Among the most common options available to Indian investors are ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans), mutual funds, and direct investment in stocks. Each of these instruments offers a different mix of risk, return, flexibility, and cost. Understanding their core differences can help individuals make better investment decisions aligned with their goals and risk appetite.
How Covid-19 Sparked a DIY Home Improvement Boom and Billion-Dollar Deals for Lowe’s & Home Depot
The Covid-19 pandemic brought unexpected changes to the lives of millions across the United States. With more people spending time at home, a new trend emerged — the rise of do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement. From painting rooms to full kitchen remodels, Americans began tackling long-postponed projects, causing a surge in demand for tools, supplies, and renovation advice. Leading home improvement retailers Lowe’s and Home Depot experienced record-breaking growth du
How Covid-19 Sparked a DIY Home Improvement Boom and Billion-Dollar Deals for Lowe’s & Home Depot
The Covid-19 pandemic brought unexpected changes to the lives of millions across the United States. With more people spending time at home, a new trend emerged — the rise of do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement. From painting rooms to full kitchen remodels, Americans began tackling long-postponed projects, causing a surge in demand for tools, supplies, and renovation advice. Leading home improvement retailers Lowe’s and Home Depot experienced record-breaking growth du
Women at Higher Risk of Long Covid, Study Finds; Age Group 40-55 Most Affected
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open reveals that women may have a 31% higher risk of developing long Covid compared to men, with the highest risk observed in those aged 40-55 years. Among this group, menopausal women face a 42% higher risk, while non-menopausal women show a 45% increase. The study, based on the 'RECOVER' trial, included over 12,200 participants and was led by researchers from The University of Texas,
Women at Higher Risk of Long Covid, Study Finds; Age Group 40-55 Most Affected
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open reveals that women may have a 31% higher risk of developing long Covid compared to men, with the highest risk observed in those aged 40-55 years. Among this group, menopausal women face a 42% higher risk, while non-menopausal women show a 45% increase. The study, based on the 'RECOVER' trial, included over 12,200 participants and was led by researchers from The University of Texas,
Tuberculosis Replaces Covid As Top Infectious Disease Killer, Says WHO
Tuberculosis Surpasses COVID-19 as Leading Infectious Disease Killer, Reports WHO In 2023, tuberculosis (TB) overtook COVID-19 as the primary cause of infectious disease-related deaths globally, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The report, published on Tuesday, underscores the challenges in eradicating TB despite global efforts. WHO’s data reveals that last year saw approximately 8.2 million new TB diagnoses, enabling
Tuberculosis Replaces Covid As Top Infectious Disease Killer, Says WHO
Tuberculosis Surpasses COVID-19 as Leading Infectious Disease Killer, Reports WHO In 2023, tuberculosis (TB) overtook COVID-19 as the primary cause of infectious disease-related deaths globally, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The report, published on Tuesday, underscores the challenges in eradicating TB despite global efforts. WHO’s data reveals that last year saw approximately 8.2 million new TB diagnoses, enabling
Emerging COVID-19 Variant XEC: What You Need to Know
The COVID-19 landscape is shifting with the emergence of the XEC variant, which has raised concerns among health experts due to its increased contagiousness. First identified in Germany in June, XEC has since spread to several countries, including the UK, US, and Denmark. As a hybrid of two earlier omicron subvariants, this new variant exhibits mutations that may enhance its ability to transmit, especially during the upcoming autumn months. Experts, including Professor Francois Ball
Emerging COVID-19 Variant XEC: What You Need to Know
The COVID-19 landscape is shifting with the emergence of the XEC variant, which has raised concerns among health experts due to its increased contagiousness. First identified in Germany in June, XEC has since spread to several countries, including the UK, US, and Denmark. As a hybrid of two earlier omicron subvariants, this new variant exhibits mutations that may enhance its ability to transmit, especially during the upcoming autumn months. Experts, including Professor Francois Ball









