India gifts 40 ambulances to various health institutions across Nepal
'The vehicle handover ceremony was organised simultaneously at four locations, including the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, the Consulate General of India in Birgunj and the Pension Paying Offices of the Embassy of India in Pokhara and Dharan,' a release from the Indian Embassy in Nepal stated.
As per the embassy, 40 ambulances were gifted today, which covers 33 districts across all 7 provinces of Nepal. 'Out of these, 22 ambulances were handed over in Kathmandu. Further, 7 ambulances were handed over in Birgunj, 7 ambulances in Pokhara and 4 ambulances in Dharan by representatives of the Government of India,' the release added.
At the ceremony held in Kathmandu, the keys of the vehicles were handed over by Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu.
During the event, the Deputy Chief of Mission highlighted that gifting of ambulances has been one of the long-standing initiatives of the Government of India under the Nepal-India Development Partnership to bolster the efforts of the Government of Nepal to strengthen its infrastructure in the health sector.
He added that 'this initiative is a part of the larger robust and vibrant development partnership between India and Nepal, which has expanded, deepened and diversified over the last seven decades.'
During their interactions with the Deputy Chief of Mission at the event, the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for India's support towards various ongoing developmental projects in their districts and Nepal at large. They expressed confidence that the newly gifted ambulances will help enhance accessibility to health services in their respective regions. Similar sentiments were expressed by the beneficiaries in Birgunj, Pokhara and Dharan as well.
https://x.com/IndiaInNepal/status/1933873364109844827
The Government of India has been gifting ambulances for more than three decades to various beneficiary organisations in different parts of Nepal, giving high priority to Nepal's health sector.
Since 1994, the Government of India has gifted 1049 ambulances across Nepal, including those gifted today. Similar vehicle-related logistical support has been extended to the Government of Nepal on previous occasions as well. To date, 300 school buses have been gifted to various educational institutions in Nepal.
In 2022, 200 vehicles were gifted to the law enforcement agencies and the Election Commission of Nepal for the conduct of elections. More recently, in May 2025, 15 electric vehicles were gifted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal to facilitate the organisation of the first edition of the 'Sagarmatha Sambaad'.
India and Nepal enjoy a multi-faceted and multi-sectoral development partnership that is reflective of the closeness of the people of both countries. The extension of these logistical provisions reflects the continued commitment of the Government of India to the development of Nepal and to further strengthening of the people-to-people links between both countries.
Mayors and Chairpersons of Municipalities and Rural Municipalities of various districts of Bagmati, Karnali, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as representatives of various beneficiary organisations, political representatives, and social workers, were also present on the occasion. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Pharma Inc gear up for Day 1 launch of obesity drug in March 2026
As the global demand for next-generation diabetes and weight-loss therapies surge, Indian pharmaceutical companies are stepping up preparations to roll out generic versions of semaglutide—a blockbuster GLP-1 receptor agonist—once patent expires around March 2026. The generic launches will be significant, as the prices for the Indian consumer are expected to come down significantly from the current ₹17,000-26000 (monthly), thereby expanding the patient coverage. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (DRL), Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Mankind Pharma, and others are ramping up peptide manufacturing, forming device partnerships, and aligning regulatory strategies to capture a share of the global GLP-1 market, estimated to cross $150 billion by decade's end. Hyderabad-based DRL is planning Day 1 launches in India and Brazil, part of a 2026 global rollout across 87 countries. 'The semaglutide launch is very important to us,' said CEO Erez Israeli. The company aims to price its product below Novo Nordisk's current ₹17,000 monthly offering. DRL is also working on 26 GLP-1 therapies, backed by a ₹2,700 crore FY26 capex plan to scale peptide and biosimilar production. Cipla is targeting first-wave launches through a mix of in-house and partner filings. 'We see GLP-1 as one of the biggest therapy opportunities in the last five years,' said Umang Vohra, MD and global CEO at the post earnings call. The company is building parts of its GLP-1 supply chain internally while leveraging partnerships to ensure scalability. Cipla is also crafting an affordable strategy for India's price-sensitive market, betting that post-patent price erosion will be offset by volume growth. Mankind Pharma aims to launch both oral and injectable semaglutide generics and is advancing MKP10241, a novel oral obesity drug in Phase 2 trials in Australia. Sun Pharma, meanwhile, is progressing its investigational GLP-1 molecule Utreglutide, targeted for launch in four to five years. It has secured Phase III approval for semaglutide trials in India, even as it reports negligible impact of GLP-1 drugs on its existing diabetes portfolio. The race for a piece of India's ₹628 crore anti-obesity market, however, comes at a time when the Indian courts and drug regulator body are looking to monitor the unregulated use of weight loss drugs. According to sources, the Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) has initiated work to form a panel after the Delhi High Court in July 2025 asked it to consult experts and relevant stakeholders to look into concerns arising out of approval for drug combinations being sold in the market for weight loss. The directive came in response to a public interest litigation filed by fitness entrepreneur Jitendra Chouksey, who had raised concerns about the marketing approval of drugs such as semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide for weight management, despite limited safety data and the absence of India-specific clinical trials. While disposing of the petition, the court asked the drug regulator to respond to the petitioner within three months. At present, India has two officially available semaglutide brands: Rybelsus (oral) and Wegovy (injectable), both from Danish major Novo Nordisk. Rybelsus is approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy was launched in June 2025 for weight management. US-based Eli Lilly's tirzepatide drug, Mounjaro, is also available in India for obesity management. Analysts say the semaglutide opportunity is also fuelling India's peptide manufacturing ecosystem. 'Formulation is no longer enough—companies need full-stack execution,' said Nirali Shah, Pharma Analyst at Ashika Group, pointing to DRL, Cipla, and Sun Pharma's early moves to secure pen delivery partnerships. Contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) like Anthem Biosciences and Syngene are positioning themselves to capture a larger share of the growing peptide segment. Device manufacturers, too, are scaling up to meet rising demand for injection pens. India's peptide CDMO market, currently valued at $80 million, is growing at a CAGR of 14 per cent and could become a global supplier base for GLP-1 drugs, said Nilaya Varma, CEO of Primus Partners.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Datura: The sacred night-blooming flower you can grow at home by following these 10 steps
Datura, known as the "moonflower" or "angel's trumpet," is a striking and spiritually significant plant native to many parts of India. Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom at dusk, releasing a heady fragrance and offering visual drama to any garden. With its swirling blossoms and hypnotic scent, Datura often becomes a conversation starter among garden visitors and plant lovers. Deeply rooted in Hindu rituals, especially those honouring Lord Shiva, Datura carries both cultural and ornamental value. Despite its toxicity, it's easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for home gardeners. With the right precautions and growing conditions, Datura thrives in pots or terraces, bringing a mystical charm to urban Indian homes. Step-by-step guide to growing Datura at home (even in pots or balconies) Choose the right variety for home gardening There are several types of Datura, but for home gardeners, especially those growing in pots, Datura metel is a great choice. It's compact, has highly decorative purple or double blooms, and is widely available in Indian nurseries. This variety performs well in containers and is ideal for small balconies, terraces, or garden beds. Ensure plenty of sunlight Datura is a sun-loving plant that needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Without sufficient light, the plant may look weak and leggy, and it might not produce flowers. Place your pot in a bright, unobstructed spot—like a south-facing balcony or rooftop. Use a large, well-draining container A mature Datura plant can grow quite large, so choose a pot that's at least 12–16 inches wide and deep. Make sure it has multiple drainage holes. Clay or terracotta pots are ideal because they absorb excess water and prevent the roots from staying too wet—a common cause of root rot. Prepare the right soil mix The soil should be well-draining yet nutrient-rich. You can use a mix of: 1 part garden soil 1 part compost or organic manure 1 part cocopeat or coarse sand This blend ensures good aeration and moisture balance. Avoid using heavy clay soil or pure compost, which can retain too much water. Start from seeds or cuttings Datura can be easily grown from seeds. To improve germination: Soak the seeds overnight in lukewarm water. Sow them 1 cm deep in moist soil. Keep the container in a warm, sunny area. Seedlings typically appear in 1–3 weeks. Alternatively, you can propagate Datura using softwood stem cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Water mindfully Datura prefers soil that's moist but not soggy. Here's how to water properly: During summer, water every 2–3 days or when the top inch of soil feels dry. In winter, reduce watering to once a week or less, depending on conditions. Always allow excess water to drain out of the pot. Overwatering can lead to fungal problems and root rot, while underwatering may cause wilting. Feed monthly during active growth During the growing season (spring to monsoon), apply a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month. A phosphorus-rich fertiliser will boost flowering. You can also use compost tea or diluted cow dung slurry as a natural option. Stop fertilising during the winter months when the plant goes semi-dormant. Prune regularly for shape and flowering To keep your Datura plant bushy and healthy: Pinch off the tips when it reaches about 1 to 1.5 feet in height. Prune regularly to remove dried leaves and faded flowers. Deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages more flowers to grow. Pruning also improves air circulation and reduces the risk of pests. Keep an eye out for pests and fungal issues Datura is generally resistant to most pests, making it a relatively low-maintenance plant. However, it may occasionally attract common garden pests such as aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites, especially during warm, humid conditions. To prevent infestations, it's a good idea to spray neem oil every 10–15 days as a natural insecticide. Additionally, wiping the leaves gently with a damp cloth can help remove dust and discourage pests from settling. Avoiding overhead watering is also important, as excess moisture on the leaves can create a favourable environment for fungal growth. With these simple steps, you can keep your Datura healthy and pest-free. Handle with caution Datura is highly toxic; its leaves, seeds, and flowers contain compounds that can be harmful if ingested or if sap gets into your eyes or mouth. Always: Wear gloves while pruning or repotting. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant. Keep it out of reach of pets and children. Despite its toxicity, Datura is safe to grow as long as it's treated with care and respect, just like any other ornamental plant with strong natural compounds. Datura isn't just a plant; it's a living symbol of mystery, transformation, and night-time beauty. Watching it unfurl its creamy or violet flowers at dusk feels almost magical, and its ability to thrive in hot, dry climates makes it perfect for Indian urban gardens. Whether you're drawn to its spiritual associations or simply want a striking, low-maintenance flowering plant, Datura brings a powerful presence to your garden. With a little sunlight, space, and care, this moonlit beauty will reward you with blooms that turn heads and spark curiosity. Also Read: Why Amaranth is a must-have plant for every home gardener and how to grow it Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Lung Cancer In Women: Why The Symptoms Are Often Missed Or Misdiagnosed
For women in India, lung cancer is often in plain sight but overlooked due to diagnostic and societal barriers Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of cancer deaths among women glocally. In the United States, lung cancer surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females since 1987. In India, lung cancer is also on the rise among women, emerging as a significant public health concern. According to the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) data for 2012–2016, lung cancer ranks among the top five cancers in women, constituting 6.2% of all cancer cases in females. The age-adjusted incidence rate for lung cancer in women is highest in Aizawl district, Mizoram (27.9 per 100,000), followed by Mizoram state (18.0 per 100,000). Trends show a significant increase in lung cancer incidence in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai from 1982 to 2016. Dr Vishnu Hari, Senior Consultant & Head, Medical Oncology, Haematology & BMT, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector-8, Faridabad shares all you need to know: Another alarming statistic is that the age-adjusted lung cancer incidence among females in India is increasing annually and approaching that of males. Approximately 32% of lung cancer cases in women occur in the 55–64 age group, and adenocarcinoma is the dominant histological subtype, accounting for 53% of cases in females compared to 34% in males. In a Kolkata-based study, more than 2/3 rd of female lung cancer patients were non-smokers, suggesting that lung cancer is not solely a smoker's disease. Symptoms in females are frequently missed or misdiagnosed, delaying treatment and resulting in poor outcomes. The reasons for neglected symptoms are a mix of biological, sociological, and diagnostic issues specific to women. In India, around half of female lung cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which contributes to high mortality rates. More women are diagnosed with lung cancer who are non-smokers than ever before. Research across studies, including NCRP data, confirms that many women diagnosed with lung cancer in India have never smoked. This can lead to a bias where healthcare professionals may overlook lung cancer as a potential cause of symptoms, particularly in young, otherwise healthy women who are non-smokers. Biologically, lung cancer in non-smoker females often presents as adenocarcinoma with a particular mutation in the EGFR gene which is treated differently than a lung cancer without this mutation, whereas smokers more commonly develop other types of cancer viz. squamous cell carcinoma or small cell lung cancer, linked to tobacco-related carcinogens. Environmental factors like air pollution, second hand smoke, and indoor biomass fuel exposure are significant contributors to non-smoker lung cancer in Indian women. The biological differences in lung cancer between non-smokers and smokers have significant treatment implications. Non-smoker females with adenocarcinoma frequently harbor EGFR mutations, making them more responsive to targeted therapies like EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., gefitinib or erlotinib), which can improve survival compared to traditional chemotherapy. In contrast, smokers with squamous cell carcinoma often lack these mutations and are more likely to benefit from chemotherapy or immunotherapy, due to a higher tumor mutational burdens associated with tobacco exposure. These differences underscore the need for doing additional advanced tests to identify certain genetic mutations, at diagnosis to tailor lung cancer treatment. Frequently observed symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, back pain, or a cough lasting three weeks are often dismissed as non-serious conditions like asthma, allergies, menopause, or anxiety. In India, vague or mild symptoms may be ignored by both healthcare providers and patients, limiting opportunities for timely imaging and testing. Women also tend to present with non-specific symptoms, such as shoulder pain and hoarseness, compared to men. Societal roles and caregiving responsibilities also delay diagnosis. Women in India often prioritize family well-being over personal health, leading to delays in seeking care. This may cause women to dismiss early warning signs or postpone medical consultations until serious symptoms develop. Developing awareness among women and primary healthcare providers is critical. Persistent or unusual respiratory symptoms, even in non-smokers, should prompt immediate investigation with chest X-rays or CT scans. In India, where 75% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at stages 3 or 4, early detection is vital to improve survival rates. Public health campaigns must emphasize that lung cancer affects women without observable risk factors, including non-smokers. Increasing advocacy for annual check-ups, detailed medical histories, and addressing gender biases in medical diagnoses can reduce delayed or missed diagnoses. For women in India, lung cancer is often in plain sight but overlooked due to diagnostic and societal barriers. Recognizing women-specific symptoms, risk profiles, and the rising incidence (e.g., 30,109 projected cases by 2025) is essential to advocate for early detection and intervention, ultimately improving survival outcomes. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
