New Jersey health officials have confirmed the first pediatric death linked to influenza during the 2025–26 flu season, underscoring growing concerns about an early and intense wave of respiratory illness across the state. The child, who was under the age of five and lived in northern New Jersey, died as a result of flu-related complications, according to a statement released by the New Jersey Department of Health. State officials reported that influenza activity this season has a

Health officials across North America are raising concerns over a growing surge in measles cases, urging travelers to remain cautious and ensure they are vaccinated. The warning follows multiple confirmed exposures at major U.S. airports, increasing fears of renewed transmission of the highly contagious disease that had been largely controlled for decades through widespread immunization. The latest alert comes after an individual infected with measles was present at Philadelphia Int

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

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

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

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

For NRI parents, ensuring their child’s health is a top priority, especially when living in a different country with new healthcare guidelines. Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting children from preventable diseases, but the schedule and types of vaccines may vary depending on where you live. Understanding which vaccines are essential helps parents make informed decisions and ensures their children remain healthy, no matter where they are growing up. The first and mo

The Friends of the Pleasanton Library are calling on local high school students to take part in a rewarding community project this September. The nonprofit group, known for its fundraising efforts to support library programs and services, is preparing for its annual Book and Media Sale. This popular event draws thousands of residents who come to browse through a wide variety of books, music, and media at affordable prices, with all proceeds going toward enric

Teenagers in India are not just using Artificial Intelligence — they are creating with it. From building AI-powered apps to solving social challenges through machine learning, Indian school students are standing out in global and national competitions. These contests are helping them build confidence, gain real-world experience, and get noticed by universities and tech companies. 1. AI For Youth (CBSE + Intel Initiative) This program trains students from Grad

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics are no longer just futuristic concepts—they are fast becoming a part of everyday life. For Indian teens passionate about building machines, coding, and exploring AI, several authentic opportunities exist to support their growth in this dynamic field. In 2025, the Indian government and leading tech organizations continue to encourage young innovators through contests, learning platforms, and financial support. If you're a student with an interest in

Waymo, the self-driving technology company, has introduced a significant shift in its autonomous vehicle service by allowing teenagers aged 14-17 to use its robotaxis independently in Phoenix. Previously, unaccompanied minors were prohibited from using Waymo’s services, but the company now believes that its technology is trustworthy enough to safely transport children on their own. This change in policy is a bold move by Waymo to gain the trust of famili

India is currently witnessing a rise in Covid-19 cases driven by new sub-lineages of the virus. However, according to top Indian biologist Dr. Vineeta Bal, these emerging variants are not causing severe illness or deaths on the scale seen during earlier waves like Delta in 2021. Dr. Bal, a former scientist at the National Institute of Immunology, explained that widespread vaccination and natural infections have created

A 13-year-old student from Allen, Texas, has won national fame and a $50,000 cash prize after emerging victorious in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Faizan Zaki, a seventh-grade student at C.M. Rice Middle School in Plano ISD, correctly spelled the challenging word “éclaircissement” to take the top spot during the final round held Thursday night. The word, which means “a clearing up of something obscure,” perfectly summed up Zaki’s commanding clari

In a sweeping move to address growing concerns over the mental health impact of social media on young people, the Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban individuals under 18 from using social media platforms. The bill, known as House Bill 186, passed with a 116-25 vote and now heads to the Texas Senate for further consideration. The bill, authored by Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), would require social media companies to verify the age of users upo

In the digital-first world of 2025, it’s no surprise that children and teenagers are spending increasing amounts of time on smartphones. Whether it’s chatting with friends, gaming online, or creating content, there’s an app for every social or entertainment need. But with digital connection also comes risk — and not all apps are created equal. As a parent, knowing what apps your kids use is the first step in protecting them from online predators, cyberbullying, and ina

E-cigarettes, popularly known as vapes, have been widely marketed as a safer substitute for traditional tobacco cigarettes. With sleek designs, enticing flavors, and claims of reduced harm, they have quickly gained popularity—particularly among teenagers and young adults. However, despite the modern appeal and misleading marketing, medical experts and health organizations globally are raising serious red flags about the potential dangers of vaping. Recent research from the World Health

A tragic incident unfolded at Memorial High School in Frisco, Texas, as 16-year-old student Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed during a school track and field event. The Frisco Police Department has identified 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony as the suspect in this shocking act of violence, which occurred on the morning of Wednesday at approximately 10:00 a.m. on the 6900 block of Stadium Lane. According to authorities, an argument between the two teenagers quickly escalated into violence, culmina

Texas is experiencing a growing measles outbreak, with 146 confirmed cases since late January. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) released an update on Friday, confirming a sharp rise in infections, with 22 new cases added since the last report on Tuesday. The outbreak has largely affected unvaccinated individuals, including an infant in Austin who contracted the virus while traveling overseas. Additionally, a school-aged child from Lubboc