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Hospitals in Kolkata have reported a rise in cough-and-cold cases as winter temperature fluctuations trigger respiratory infections. Doctors cited common seasonal viruses and urged symptom-based care and caution with antibiotics unless prescribed.
Health authorities in West Bengal have confirmed Nipah virus infections in two nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, prompting contact tracing, quarantine, expanded testing and surveillance as officials investigate the likely source and rule out wider spread.
India’s health and pharma agenda for 2026 is increasingly centred on drug quality compliance, innovation and execution of long-term reforms, alongside persistent public-health priorities such as TB control and rising obesity. Mandatory revised GMP norms for small drugmakers from January 1, 2026, are seen as a key test of enforcement and industry readiness.
The IMD’s latest bulletin warns a new western disturbance will trigger a spell of unsettled weather from 26 January 2026, including heavy snow/rain in parts of the western Himalayas, hailstorms and thunderstorms in several regions, and gusty winds. Dense fog and isolated cold-wave conditions were also flagged through 26 January.
Health authorities in India have confirmed two Nipah virus infections in West Bengal involving nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, with one reported critical. Officials have expanded testing, quarantined high-risk contacts, and intensified surveillance as they investigate the suspected index case. Nipah is a zoonotic infection linked to fruit bats and has no specific cure or widely available vaccine, making containment measures crucial.
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Health authorities in India have confirmed two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, involving two nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, with one reportedly in a coma. Officials say the likely source was a patient treated earlier, and quarantine, testing and surveillance measures are in place while agencies investigate potential spillover sources.
A fire at a girls’ hostel in Telangana’s Medchal-Malkajgiri district early on January 25, 2026 was reportedly triggered by an air-conditioner blast linked to a short circuit. Six students in a room were found unconscious and shifted to hospital, underscoring ongoing safety concerns around electrical loads, maintenance and emergency preparedness in densely occupied hostels.
ICMR has handed over two Mobile Stroke Units to the Assam government, aiming to speed up diagnosis and early treatment for stroke patients in hard-to-reach locations. By bringing emergency assessment closer to patients, officials say the model can reduce delays that often determine survival and long-term disability outcomes.
Health authorities in India have confirmed two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal involving nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, with one reportedly in critical condition. Officials say an initial probe suggests exposure while treating a suspected index patient, prompting expanded testing, quarantines and wider surveillance as agencies assess any further spread.
Indian authorities reported two Nipah virus infections in West Bengal, involving two nurses who treated a suspected index patient near Kolkata. Officials expanded testing, quarantined high-risk contacts, and urged precautions as the virus has high fatality risk and no known cure or vaccine.
With chikungunya cases rising in several parts of India, ICMR has moved to accelerate development of an RNA-based antiviral approach and has invited Indian pharma companies to collaborate on research and manufacturing. The initiative reflects growing focus on therapies for mosquito-borne diseases that can cause long-lasting joint pain and heavy public-health burden.
Authorities in India have confirmed two Nipah virus infections involving two nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, West Bengal, with one reportedly in critical condition. Officials have expanded surveillance, quarantined high-risk contacts and conducted testing while investigating the suspected source of infection and possible zoonotic links.