Latest news with #Raghunandan
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Karnata Govt agency orders dispatch of 89,389 vials of rabies vaccine to hospitals
Bengaluru: In response to growing concerns over the shortage of emergency vaccines, the state health dept has initiated corrective measures to ensure the uninterrupted availability of anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) and anti-snake venom (ASV) across the state. The move comes after several public hospitals reported dwindling stocks and delayed updates on the e-Aushada platform, triggering fears of delayed treatment for animal attack and snakebite victims—conditions that require immediate medical intervention. Currently, 1.5 lakh vials of ARV are available in state-run hospitals. To further bolster supplies, the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation (KSMSCL), the nodal agency for procurement, issued an order to dispatch 89,389 vials of rabies immunoglobulin to hospitals across the state within the next two weeks. Dr Raghunandan, deputy director of non-communicable diseases (NCD), told TOI that while some vaccine stock is available in hospitals, the larger supply for this year is still in the procurement stage at KSMSCL. "We realised the available quantity would not be sufficient for ongoing treatments. Instructions have been issued to ensure strict compliance with stock management protocols and real-time inventory updates in all govt health facilities," he said. Asked about the readiness of storage infrastructure, Dr Raghunandan clarified that the department scaled up facilities to safely store the incoming stock. "We ramped up storage to ensure none of the vials goes to waste. Our focus is on 100% utilisation without unnecessary discards," he added. Karnataka has reported 1.9 lakh dog bites and 16 related deaths, along with 4,786 snakebites and 36 fatalities so far this year. To streamline the vaccine supply and prevent future lapses, the department issued a fresh set of operational guidelines to district health authorities and institutional medical officers. Facilities have been instructed to update patient-wise drug usage daily on the Aushada software, allowing real-time visibility of stocks and consumption. Indents must now be raised strictly based on actual usage, not assumptions or stockpiling, to prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution. District officials have been directed to monitor stock levels closely, track usage patterns, and intervene to avoid artificial shortages. Hospitals holding excess stock must redistribute it within their districts before placing fresh requests, and all local procurements must be recorded immediately on the Aushada platform to maintain visibility at all levels. Compliance will be closely monitored by the district health officers and reported to the state's Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). The department warned that any institutional lapses in following these protocols will invite strict action.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Lavender to chamomile: Experts reveal which are the best home fragrances to help you relax and sleep better
Certain scents – such as lavender, vanilla, and chamomile – are known for their calming effects and can promote relaxation. But do you know how to use these scents in creating a restful atmosphere in the bedroom and other spaces? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Raghunandan Saraf, founder and CEO of Saraf Furniture and Ridhima Kansal, director, Rosemoore shared some ways to incorporate scent into your home. Also read | Want your home to smell good? Check out this comprehensive guide to know the right fragrance for your interiors Raghunandan said, 'Creating a bedroom that actually fosters rest is more than soft lighting and good bedding — scent is becoming an added layer in creating a soothing atmosphere. Like the textures and colors of furniture help set the mood, the right scent can tell the body it's time to unwind and get ready to sleep.' He added, 'Pairing natural materials — such as linen, cotton, and wood — with soft fragrances contributes to a multisensory environment that feels reparative. Furniture designers are also taking note of this sensory tie-in.' According to Ridhima, smell is a strong force in 'creating the mood for a good night's sleep'. She said that beyond a pleasant atmosphere, some household scents 'have the actual potential to soothe the mind, calm anxiety, and set the body up for relaxation'. Ridhima said: 'Lavender may be the most popular sleep helper, and research has demonstrated its potential to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, instructing the body to relax. Chamomile, another old favourite, provides a gentle, herbal scent that calms the senses and is commonly associated with stress relief.' She added, 'If a more contemporary feel is desired, combinations with sandalwood, cedarwood, and frankincense provide a grounding, earthy scent that encourages relaxation. In the meantime, floral aromas such as jasmine have been found to enhance the quality of sleep through increasing slow-wave sleep, the deep stage in which the body actually renews itself.' According to Raghunandan, lavender, chamomile, Egyptian cotton, sandalwood, and bergamot are popular choices for their calming traits and stress-relieving properties. He said, 'Bedrooms now feature bedside tables with subtle niches to hold diffusers or trays for essential oils.' 'As wellness and sleep increasingly inform home design, scent is becoming part of the larger discussion of how a bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. Through a misted linen spray, a gently diffused essential oil, or a lightly fragranced candle, fragrance provides a ubiquitous means of adding comfort and relaxation to the benefits conferred by careful furniture and decor selections,' Raghunandan added. Ridhima further said that 'opting for the correct delivery vehicle also counts'. 'Diffusing the essential oils approximately 30 minutes prior to sleep can produce a steady, soothing fragrance. Or opt for scented candles or linen sprays for easy and efficient means of adding fragrance to the bedroom. With careful integration of these scents, you can turn your bedroom into a serene sanctuary, rendering bedtime not just more appealing but also more rejuvenating,' she said. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
New municipalities under Greater Bengaluru Authority to disrupt reservation rotations, undermine equity: Former IAS T R Raghunandan
Retired IAS officer T R Raghunandan Saturday warned that frequent delimitation and formation of new municipalities under the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) will disrupt reservation rotations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and women candidates. 'Their (government's) aim is to prevent rotation of reservation from proceeding logically,' he said, claiming that such tactics violate the 74th Constitutional Amendment's equity mandates. He made the remark while speaking at a seminar organised by CIVIC Bangalore on the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act (GBGA). Raghunandan also urged Bengaluru to adopt the 'Manila and Brussels model', stating that decentralised municipalities with clear roles foster accountability. He, thereafter, argued that frequent delimitation creates new electoral cycles, allowing political actors to dilute the representation of marginalised groups. Raghunandan further noted that GBGA's devolution of 18 subjects is 'vague and ineffective', pointing out the lack of specific tasks for representatives. 'That means nothing,' he said, criticising the 'PowerPoint knowledge' approach that renders corporations symbolic. He stressed the need for precise role delineation to counter bureaucratic resistance and ensure functional governance. Raghunandan also flagged centralised control, with the GBA's state-appointed officials and initiatives like Smart City Private Limited bypassing elected bodies, creating 'elected monarchies'. Calling devolution a 'political battle,' Raghunandan urged engagement with ex-corporators to counter elite dominance. 'Karnataka's Panchayat Raj empowered marginalised groups through clear roles, but urban governance lags. The GBA needs to be challenged by ex-corporators' engagement to fight elite dominance. Devolution is a political battle requiring accountability to ensure Bengaluru's corporations serve all communities equitably,' he said. Kathyayini Chamaraj, Executive Trustee, CIVIC Bangalore, argued that the recently passed GBGA undermines the 74th Constitutional Amendment by centralising control under the state-led Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), headed by the chief minister. She then contended, 'The state, not BBMP, failed by delaying elections for years, weakening local self-governance and depriving citizens of responsive urban governance.' 'Splitting BBMP into seven corporations hinders equitable resource distribution, ignoring Delhi's re-merger lesson. The state's failure to activate the Metropolitan Planning Committee caused Bengaluru's 'ruined' growth, violating the 74th Amendment's mandate for vibrant local self-governance,' Chamaraj said.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Free career counselling by The Hindu Group for students in Kalaburagi on May 18
The 23rd edition of The Hindu EducationPlus Career Counselling programme, a well-regarded initiative that has guided thousands of students across Karnataka, will be held in Kalaburagi on Sunday (May 18). The event will be held at the Poojya Doddappa Appa Sabha Mantapa on the SB College campus (Sharanbasava University). The event is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. with student registration beginning at 9 a.m. Organised by The Hindu, the programme aims to provide much-needed academic and career guidance to students exploring options in higher education and competitive examinations. Expert speakers will address key areas, such as medical, engineering, and other professional streams, along with preparation strategies for entrance exams, including CET, NEET, CA, and CS, as well as courses in science, arts, commerce, law, and post-graduate education. Addressing a media conference in Kalaburagi on May 15, The Hindu Group's Deputy General Manager Raghunandan P., Senior Manager Gurunath Reddy, and Senior Assistant Manager B. Rajesh said that Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum and Kalaburagi city Commissioner of Police Dr S.D. Sharanappa are expected to attend the event. 'The senior civil services' officers will offer valuable insights, particularly in the context of civil services examinations and public sector careers. Sharanabasappa M. Pappa, president of the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be the guest of honour,' Mr. Raghunandan said. Career-specific guidance will be provided by professionals across sectors. 'CA Sumit R. Bharadia, secretary of the Kalaburagi branch of SIRC of ICAI, will speak on careers in chartered accountancy. Dr Sangappa S.B., Executive Council Member of the Indian Society for Technical Education in New Delhi, will address students on engineering pathways. Dr B. Shambhu Lingappa, Regional Director of Visvesvaraya Technological University in Kalaburagi, will share insights on post-graduate education. Nagaraj M., Senior Grade Lecturer at Government Polytechnic Kalaburagi and former Nodal Officer for KEA, will explain the CET process in detail. Guidance on general education and civil services will be offered by Syed Sadath Pasha, a renowned UPSC coach and career counsellor from CIGMA,' Mr. Raghunandan said. He appealed to students who are currently pursuing or have completed 2nd PUC or degree programmes to attend and benefit from this initiative. Entry to the programme is free of charge, and parents are welcome to accompany their children. 'All participating students will receive a complimentary copy of The Hindu Career Counselling Handbook, which contains detailed information on various career options, entrance exams, and top educational institutions. This event is designed to serve as a vital link between students, parents, and educational institutions, helping young learners make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures. For additional information, interested individuals can contact B. Rajesh at 94488 71815,' he said.
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
INHAF launches Chennai disaster study, seeks citizen stories
The Habitat Forum (INHAF), a non-profit organisation working in the area of human settlements development, has announced a new study to document Chennai's struggle and resilience in the face of extreme weather events. The study, Disaster Response in Chennai: Learning from the Past, and Learning from the People, is part of the ongoing ClimACT-Chennai initiative and spans the years 2015-2024. At least 350 lives were lost during the devastating floods in Chennai in 2015. But behind each number lies a personal story because disasters, at their core, are lived human experiences. To document these stories, INHAF is inviting Chennai residents to share their memories, photographs, videos, and reflections. These contributions will help build a comprehensive, people-centred history of how the city has faced and responded to disaster over the past decade. Preliminary findings of the study, led by D. Raghunandan, project lead, ClimACT-Chennai, reveal both challenges and progress. The INHAF says that among the key events documented are the catastrophic floods of 2015 and Cyclone Michaung in 2023 – both of which left lasting impacts, particularly on low-income and informal settlements. While Chennai's disaster response has evolved to include improved early warning systems, evacuation protocols and desilting operations, vulnerable communities continue to bear the brunt of repeated displacements and economic losses. A positive trend, however, is the growing role of coordinated, community-driven efforts in disaster management, supported by civil society groups, academic institutions, and the private sector, points out Mr. Raghunandan. By incorporating citizen input, the final report aims to present an integrated, ground-up understanding of disaster resilience in the city. The information can be sent to nitha@
