Hundreds of homeowners in the Berkeley Hills are being directed to remove vegetation surrounding their homes as part of a newly enforced wildfire prevention measure that took effect at the beginning of the year. The regulation, which became active on January 1, requires properties to maintain a clear buffer zone to reduce the risk of fire spreading in residential areas prone to wildfires. Under the new fire safety rules, all combustible vegetation and growth must be cleared within f

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

California is taking a significant step toward establishing the country’s first official insurance standard for smoke damage, aiming to address a persistent and often overlooked issue affecting wildfire survivors. Every year, wildfires leave behind more than scorched land—they also blanket homes in soot and smoke that can carry toxic substances, even when structures remain standing. Currently, there are no statewide or national guidelines requiring insurers to cover the cost of testi

Tragedy unfolded near Canfield Mountain in Idaho on Sunday when two firefighters were ambushed and killed while responding to a wildfire, now named the Nettleton Gulch Fire. The loss of these responders has deeply shaken the Coeur d’Alene community, which is grappling with the unthinkable event that unfolded in a place where such violence is rare. Local authorities and community members are mourning the lives of two respected professionals who had dedicated themselves to public service.

As the Bay Area braces for hotter temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires, fire safety has become a growing concern in the Berkeley Hills. This elevated risk has led to the introduction of the EMBER proposal—Effective Mitigations for Berkeley Ember Resilience—an initiative aimed at making homes more fire-resilient. However, the proposal has ignited strong reactions among residents, with some questioning its feasibility and fairness. George Perez Velez, a lon

A rapidly growing wildfire erupted Tuesday in Ocean County, New Jersey, prompting urgent evacuation orders and widespread traffic disruption as the blaze consumed more than 8,500 acres. The fire, known as the Jones Road Fire, is situated within the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in Barnegat Township and has significantly impacted residents and commuters alike. Authorities reported that approximately 3,000 residents have been instructed to evacuate the affected areas to

 Columbus, Ohio is experiencing a remarkable and hopeful shift in public safety, with the city's current homicide rate falling to its lowest point in more than a decade. Local officials and community leaders say the steady decline in deadly violence is the result of persistent collaboration, data-driven policing, and grassroots engagement that has been years in the making. So far in 2025, only 16 homicides have been reported in the city — a significant drop from the

Every year, World Liver Day is observed on April 19 to raise awareness about liver health and the growing prevalence of liver-related diseases. It also encourages individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle choices that support liver function and prevent long-term complications. As liver disease continues to be a silent global health crisis, this day plays a vital role in promoting preventative health through knowledge, early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes. The liver is one of the most crucial

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has landed in fresh controversy after social activist H Ramamurthy Gowda submitted a formal petition to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, seeking sanction to prosecute the CM under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The complaint alleges that Siddaramaiah accepted a Rs 500 crore bribe in 2015 for renewing eight mining leases without opting for the auction route. The petition, accessed exclusively by India Today, claims that Siddaramaiah’s

IIT Guwahati has recently implemented a series of initiatives aimed at improving student mental health and addressing concerns following recent student deaths. The measures focus on easing the transition for new students, strengthening peer support networks, and ensuring access to mental health services. These efforts aim to create a healthier, more supportive academic environment for students. The decision to introduce these initiatives comes in response to student protests last semester fol

Many users have faced difficulties in removing old or inactive mobile numbers linked to their UPI ID, leading to security risks and potential fraud. However, a new directive from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will simplify this process. By March 31, 2025, all banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) offering UPI services must update their databases to automatically remove inactive or recycled mobile numbers. The new rule is aimed at reducing errors and fraud that may ari

Health officials in Prince George’s County are urging families to take extra precautions as flu cases continue to rise in schools, leading to the tragic deaths of two students. The district confirmed the fatalities on Friday night, emphasizing the need for flu vaccinations and proactive measures to prevent further outbreaks. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) reported a significant increase in flu cases across the district, with multi

A new study from the University of Cambridge has revealed that aspirin, a commonly used painkiller, could play a significant role in preventing cancer from spreading. Researchers have found that the drug might help the immune system target and eliminate metastasizing cancer cells, potentially making it a powerful, accessible, and affordable tool in cancer treatment. While the findings have been described as groundbreaking, experts caution that more research is needed before aspirin can be wid

The food children consume plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and maintaining overall health. Poor dietary choices can negatively impact insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of diabetes and metabolic disorders. Parents must understand how different foods affect insulin function to encourage healthier eating habits for growing children.Insulin sensitivity refers to how effectively the body's cells respond to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar.

Firefighters in North and South Carolina are battling multiple wildfires, forcing evacuations and leading to a state of emergency declaration in parts of South Carolina. The fires, fueled by dry weather, strong winds, and high temperatures, have quickly spread across forests and residential areas, prompting urgent firefighting efforts.The largest wildfire in the region has already burned 1,200 acres near Myrtle Beach, while North Carolina is dealing with multiple blazes in different forests.

A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over the rising burden of breast cancer worldwide. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), breast cancer diagnoses and deaths are set to increase dramatically by 2050, underscoring the need for improved awareness, early detection, and prevention strategies.   Projected Rise in Breast Cancer Cases and Mortality Rates The study published in Nature

Houston Independent School District (HISD) has come under scrutiny after failing to report truancy prevention measures to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for four consecutive school years. This revelation has raised concerns about the district's efforts to address student absences and its compliance with state regulations. Truancy Prevention Measures and Compliance Issues

World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, serves as a global initiative to raise awareness about cancer and encourage preventive measures, early detection, and better treatment. Millions of lives are affected by cancer every year, and through education, lifestyle changes, and advancements in treatments, the goal is to reduce cancer-related deaths significantly. A healthy diet plays a crucial role in cancer prevention, and certain foods have been shown to contain compounds that prot

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread viral infection with over 200 strains, some of which can cause serious health problems, including various cancers and genital warts. The HPV vaccine is a preventive tool, designed to protect individuals from the most harmful strains of the virus. Despite its proven effectiveness, several myths about the vaccine persist. This article takes a closer look at 10 of the most common myths surrounding the HPV vaccine and provides evidence-based facts to cle

​​ HMPV Surge in China and India: China is experiencing a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, leading to overcrowded hospitals and public health concerns. India has reported three new cases of HMPV, with two case