Govt honours ‘selfless' contributions of 24 organ donors
Health minister Mukesh Mahaling presented the awards after paying homage to the organ donors and their immediate family members. "Enlivening others in the aftermath of one's death through organ donation is a higher order of noble acts," he added.
Mahaling said that because of the noble acts of the family of the donors, Odisha was honoured at the national level as an emerging state in organ donation. "Your donations have not only saved the lives of others but also brought honour to our motherland, Odisha," he added.
Health secretary Aswathy S said one organ donor can save the lives of eight persons in critical condition. Even one organ donor, through tissue donation, could give life or help around 50 people. She expressed her gratitude to the organ donors on behalf of the people.
Among the awardees was 37-year-old Soumya Ranjan Behera, who was admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar after suffering a brain stroke last month.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
The Secret Lives of the Romanovs — the Last Rulers of Imperial Russia!
studypediamag.com
Learn More
Undo
After he was declared brain dead, his family members donated his kidneys and liver, which saved the lives of three patients. "After doctors and other hospital staff made us understand about organ donation, we wished to donate the organs of my son. At that time, we thought that my son could save three lives," said Soumya's mother, Janha Behera.
Out of the 24 awardees, 5 were from Khurda district, 4 from Gajapati, 3 from Kendrapada, 2 from Rayagada, and one each from Angul, Balasore, Bhadrak, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Jharsuguda districts.
The award was instituted in 2020 in memory of Suraj Behera, whose parents promoted voluntary organ donation by donating the vital organs of their deceased son. Commemorating their humanitarian act, the Suraj Samman is presented to organ donors and organisations promoting organ donation in the state on Aug 13 every year.
The last rites of the organ donors are also performed with state honours in recognition of their and their families' selfless contributions.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
9 minutes ago
- Time of India
Jackie Bezos, Jeff Bezos' mother, passes away at 78 — what is Lewy Body Dementia, the disease she battled?
Jackie Bezos , the mother of Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos , died at the age of 78. The Bezos family is mourning the death of a woman they apparently called their biggest support system. She spent her life dedicated to family and philanthropy. She bravely battled Lewy body dementia before her passing. Jackie is remembered as a devoted mother and co-founder of the Bezos Family Foundation , leaving behind her husband, three children, eleven grandchildren, and a legacy of love and generosity. Jeff Bezos wrote a heartfelt tribute on social media, saying that his mother died after a long battle with Lewy body dementia, surrounded by family and friends. He wrote, "I know she felt our love in those final moments. We were all so lucky to be in her life. I hold her safe in my heart forever,' as per a report by People. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo ALSO REA D: Jacklyn Gise Bezos Dies at 78: Jeff Bezos mother's cause of death and net worth What did Jeff Bezos do to honor his mother? Jeff talked about Jackie becoming a mother at the age of 17 in his tribute. "She pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity," he wrote, talking about how she welcomed his stepfather, Mike Bezos, into their lives and later added his siblings Christina and Mark to her love. Live Events Jeff remembered her as someone whose "list of people to love never stopped growing" and who always gave more than she asked for. Lauren Sánchez Bezos, his wife, also said how sad she was. She wrote, "We will miss her SO much." What is Lewy Body Dementia? Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a brain disease that gets worse over time and is caused by abnormal protein deposits that change how you think, move, and act. After Alzheimer's disease, it is the second most common type of dementia in older people. Jackie was diagnosed in 2020, and her family has been honest about how hard it is to deal with the condition. People with LBD may have memory problems, confusion, hallucinations, trouble moving, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. ALSO READ: Orca attack mystery: What really happened to marine trainer Jessica Radcliffe Stiff muscles, trembling, sluggish steps, poor balance, trouble speaking or swallowing, and a lack of facial expression are examples of movement problems. Blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, bladder and bowel control, lightheadedness, fainting, and loss of smell are all examples of nervous system problems. Sleep problems can also manifest as restless legs at night, drowsiness, or erratic dreams, as per a report by Cleveland Clinic. It's possible for symptoms to appear early or later. A biological family history of LBD or Parkinson's disease, specific genes like APOE and GBA, and ongoing research on additional factors that may raise the risk of developing this condition are risk factors for LBD, though the exact cause of the condition is unknown, as per a report by Cleveland Clinic. There is no cure, but treatments can help with symptoms and make life better. What will people remember Jackie Bezos for? The Bezos Family Foundation said that Jackie was a "dedicated mother" who always put her kids first. She was known for going to Radio Shack a lot for Jeff's projects, helping Christina with her cheerleading practices, and bringing Mark's drums to shows. She spent her life caring for her family, giving to others, and making a warm, welcoming space for everyone. Jackie always knew how to make people feel loved and important, whether it was by cooking them a meal, listening to them, or giving them good advice. FAQs What caused Jackie Bezos' death? She passed away after a lengthy battle with Lewy body dementia. Who survives Jackie Bezos? Her husband, Mike Bezos, and their three children, Jeff, Christina, and Mark, have 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
US stock futures today: Dow futures surge on UnitedHealth boost, S&P ticks higher; Nasdaq slides after Applied Materials chip warning
U.S. stock futures edge higher as Dow leads on health-care surge, tech lags behind- U.S. stock futures were mixed early Friday, signaling a cautious but upward-tilted open for Wall Street after a week that tested investor nerves with hotter-than-expected inflation data and a flurry of corporate earnings surprises. By 8:45 a.m. ET, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were up +0.66% (≈+297 points) at 45,294, led by strong pre-market gains in health-care stocks, particularly UnitedHealth, which surged after Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a sizable new stake. The morning's moves reflect a market in rotation: investors are shifting toward defensive plays like health care and industrials while easing out of overextended tech positions. With consumer sentiment data due later in the morning, traders are bracing for fresh clues on whether the day's cautious optimism will hold through the closing bell. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Why the Dow is outperforming this morning The biggest driver for the blue-chip index is UnitedHealth Group (UNH) , which is surging more than 11% in pre-market trading . The spike follows news that Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a fresh stake in the insurer late Thursday, a move reminiscent of Buffett's historic bets on entrenched, recession-resilient businesses. Health-care stocks, often seen as defensive plays in uncertain rate environments, are also benefiting from analyst upgrades. According to Goldman Sachs , health insurers could see 'margin tailwinds' if wage growth continues to cool while premium revenues rise — a dynamic that could extend into early 2026. Live Events Dow Jones Futures : Up about 0.66% , hovering near 45,295 . A solid gain that shows continued strength in blue-chip sectors like health care. S&P 500 Futures : Gaining roughly 0.15% , trading in the 6,500 range. Modest upward momentum reflects tentative optimism amid mixed economic signals. Nasdaq-100 Futures : Slight decline of 0.07% , resting just under 23,915 . Weakness driven largely by softness in chip-related sectors. Tech sentiment cools after chipmaker warning While the Dow's health-care heavyweights are lifting sentiment, the Nasdaq is being held back by Applied Materials (AMAT) , down roughly 14% pre-market . The chip equipment giant cited 'softness in advanced memory demand from China' in its fiscal Q4 guidance, trimming revenue forecasts by nearly $900 million versus Wall Street expectations. For traders who recall the 2022–2023 semiconductor glut , the warning is a reminder that despite AI-related optimism, supply-chain imbalances and regional demand slowdowns can still disrupt growth trajectories. Sandisk is also down about 10% after reporting a quarterly loss, adding to the drag on tech futures. The rate cut debate: Yesterday's Producer Price Index (PPI) came in hot at +0.9% month-on-month in July — far above the expected +0.2% — unsettling some traders who had been betting on a 50 basis point cut from the Federal Reserve in September. CME FedWatch data now shows markets pricing in a 78% probability of a smaller 25 basis point cut , with a full half-point cut odds falling below 15%. As one senior bond trader at Citi put it this morning: 'The Fed's still on track to ease, but the data is telling them to do it slowly. A hotter inflation print this late in the game is like stepping on a garden hose — the water pressure builds, and you have to control the release.' Global cues shaping U.S. pre-market mood Asian markets closed mixed, with the Nikkei 225 up 0.6% but Shanghai Composite down 0.4% , mirroring investor caution after weak Chinese credit growth data. In Europe, the DAX and FTSE 100 posted modest gains, suggesting global investors are cautiously leaning risk-on despite inflation jitters. Currency markets are also adding a layer of complexity: the U.S. dollar index is holding above 103.7 , which could weigh on multinational exporters once Wall Street opens. US Stock Future Top Stock Today UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is the standout performer—trading up roughly 11% pre-market , lifted by Berkshire Hathaway's fresh $1.6 billion stake and sparking strength across health-care sectors. Nucor (NUE) is also in rally mode, rising around 5–6% , reflecting bullish sentiment after Berkshire added to its holdings in the steelmaker. On the downside, Applied Materials (AMAT) is leading the skids—dropping nearly 14% after issuing weaker-than-expected revenue guidance, with fears of sluggish chip demand in China dragging peers lower. What this means for traders and investors today For short-term traders, the divergence between Dow and Nasdaq futures offers tactical opportunities — rotational plays into health care and industrials could outperform if tech remains under pressure. For long-term investors , the morning's moves underscore two themes: Sector leadership is rotating — defensive, cash-rich companies are taking the baton from overextended tech leaders. Macro data still trumps narratives — one surprise inflation reading can recalibrate rate expectations in a single day. As the session unfolds, watch for 10:00 a.m. ET U.S. consumer sentiment data and any additional Fed commentary, both of which could amplify or reverse pre-market trends. Snapshot: August 15, 2025 — U.S. futures at a glance Index Futures Value Change Primary Driver Dow Jones 45,294 +0.66% UnitedHealth rally, health-care strength S&P 500 6,500.25 +0.15% Mixed sector performance Nasdaq-100 23,914.75 −0.07% Semiconductor weakness Bottom line: The Dow is on track for an outsized gain thanks to health-care momentum, but the Nasdaq's slump reminds us that rate cuts, inflation, and sector-specific shocks can keep markets choppy. In other words, today might reward nimble investors — but it will test those who ignore macro signals. FAQs: Q1. What is driving US stock futures today ? The Dow is gaining on health-care strength, while tech is under pressure from weak chipmaker guidance. Q2. How does inflation data affect US stock futures? Hotter inflation reduces chances of a big Fed rate cut, impacting market sentiment.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
What is Lewy Body Dementia? The disease behind the death of Jeff Bezos' mother, Jackie Bezos
Jackie Bezos, Jeff Bezos ' mother and one of the first investors in Amazon, passed away at the age of 78 on Thursday (August 14, 2025) in Miami. Bezos said on social media that his mother had Lewy body dementia , a neurological disorder. Jackie Bezos was born in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 29, 1946. She was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she had her first child, Jeff, at 17. She is survived by her husband, her three children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, the family foundation said. Bezos was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020, the Bezos Family Foundation said in a statement. She was president of the foundation, which she started with her husband in 2000 to provide educational grants. What is Lewy body dementia? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Also known as LBD, Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Two forms of LBD cause cognitive symptoms: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia, according to Mayo Clinic. Protein deposits called Lewy bodies develop in nerve cells in the brain, affecting brain regions involved in thinking, memory, and movement. The person suffering from Lewy body dementia witnesses a decline in mental abilities that gradually gets worse over time. Those suffering from this disease might see things that are not there, known as visual hallucinations. They may also have changes in alertness and attention. People with Lewy body dementia commonly have symptoms of Parkinson's disease including rigid muscles, slow movement, trouble walking, and tremors. Live Events Symptoms Lewy body dementia symptoms can include: Visual hallucinations: In this situation, the person suffering from Lewy body dementia may see things that are not there. This is called hallucinations. It might be one of the first symptoms of Lewy body dementia , according to the Mayo Clinic. This symptom is often observed regularly and may include seeing shapes, animals, or people that aren't there. Hallucinations involving sounds, smells, or touch are possible. Movement symptoms: Signs of Parkinson's disease may occur in a person who is suffering from this disease. These symptoms include slowed movement, rigid muscles, tremor, or a shuffling walk. Poor regulation of body functions: Lewy body dementia can also have an impact on the autonomic nervous system. It is a part of the nervous system that controls automatic functions. This disease can affect how well the autonomic nervous system controls blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and digestion, resulting in sudden drops in blood pressure upon standing, dizziness, falls, loss of bladder control, and bowel issues such as constipation. Cognitive changes: People with Lewy body dementia might also witness symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer's disease. Those who suffer from this disease have changes in thinking. These symptoms may include confusion, poor attention, visual-spatial problems, and memory loss. Sleep Troubles: People who suffer from Lewy body dementia can have rapid eye movement, also known as REM sleep behavior disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. This disorder makes people physically act out their dreams during sleep. Those with REM sleep behavior disorder might punch, kick, yell, or scream while asleep. Varying attention: Several other symptoms that may signal Lewy body dementia include episodes of drowsiness, long periods of staring into space, long naps during the day, or disorganized speech. Depression or apathy: People with Lewy body dementia may end up developing depression or losing motivation. Causes People suffering from Lewy body dementia often witness a buildup of proteins known as Lewy bodies. This protein is also associated with Parkinson's disease. People who have Lewy bodies in their brains can also have the plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease. Risk factors According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a few factors that seem to increase the risk of developing Lewy body dementia, including: Age : People older than 60 have a higher risk of getting the disease. Gender: Lewy body dementia affects more men than women. Family history: Those who have a family member with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson's disease are at greater risk. Complications Lewy body dementia gradually gets worse over time. As symptoms get worse, the disease can lead to worsening dementia, aggressive behavior, depression, increased risk of falling and injury, worsening of movement symptoms, such as tremors, and death, on average, about 7 to 8 years after symptoms start.
