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One of the most striking findings is thus very straightforwardly stated in the paper: “The present study reports 100% lactating mothers having their breastmilk highly contaminated with uranium.”

Although the concentration varied from sample to sample, every single sample of breast milk showed detectable uranium (U-238), with values up to 5.25 g/l. 

The investigation mapped uranium levels district by district. In the data tables presented, Khagaria is shown to bear the highest average burden. In the decreasing order, the mean exposure to uranium [U238] contamination was found to be as follows: Khagaria > Samastipur > Begusarai > Katihar > Bhojpur > Nalanda.

The highest single peak uranium concentration of 5.25 g/L was recorded at Katihar.

Khagaria had the highest mean contamination level, with 4.035 g/L.

The lowest mean was recorded by Nalanda, at 2.354 g/L.

The spatial map for the study visually represents uranium spread across these districts and also points to an underlying hydrogeochemical pattern and environmental source.

INFANTS FACE HIGHER RISK THAN MOTHERS

In order to understand how uranium exposure may affect babies, the researchers estimated how much uranium infants can ingest through breast milk. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, a statistical technique that ran 10,000 iterations to predict possible risk scenarios, the analysis revealed that about 70% of the infants were at risk of developing non-cancer health effects if exposure continued.

The study also notes that "infants are highly vulnerable in comparison to their mothers" because of their still-developing organs, low body weight, and inability to excrete uranium as effectively. Because of this, small amounts of uranium can have a proportionally larger impact on infants.

The researchers examined not only possible kidney-related effects but also long-term cancer risks. 

While uranium is considered more for its radioactivity, its chemical toxicity is of more immediate concern—particularly for infants. The study details that infants have a higher absorption rate of heavy metals compared to adults due to low body weight and underdeveloped organs. The authors indicate multiple dangers:

Uranium exposure can present several potential effects on infant health, including "nephrotoxicity. long-term kidney damage." It may affect neurological development and lead to "cognitive and behavioral problems."

Uranium exposure may also "increase the risk of developing cancer later in life." It can cross both the blood-brain and placental barriers, posing a threat to normal brain development. Researchers also refer to a broader literature on how uranium can interfere with bone growth in early life, immune system development, and even motor skills.

According to the researchers: “Uranium binds to plasma proteins and preferentially accumulates in bones and kidneys. rather than in breast milk.”

Thus, while contamination of breastmilk is real, it may reflect recent exposure rather than the mother's long-term uranium burden. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that in this study, only a "weak positive association" was determined between levels and duration of residence, indicating that the contamination likely reflects recent daily intake-such as water and diet-rather than bioaccumulation over long periods of time.

SHOULD MOTHERS STOP BREASTFEEDING?

The authors say: “It is also recommended to emphasise that breastfeeding is the optimal method for infant nutrition, and its discontinuation should only occur based on clinical indication.” They note that breastmilk offers unmatched nutritional and immunological benefits, and the uranium levels detected, though of concern, do not justify the halt of breastfeeding without medical advice. 

Further research into uranium mobility in water, soil, and food chains Access to safer water, including filtration methods that can remove uranium (e.g., RO systems) The authors emphasize that: “There is also a need for biomonitoring of U238 in these regions at a broader level.” 

GROWING PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN 

In the last ten years, Bihar has already hit headlines for its arsenic, lead, and mercury contamination, with various studies - including some of the same research team - reporting heavy metal exposure in mothers and infants alike. This latest uranium study reinforces a familiar refrain: the environmental burden carried by Bihar's families, most of all in rural districts where groundwater is lifeline. The final conclusion of the study is measured but clear: While the levels of uranium present in the breast milk were not sufficient to present an immediate cancer risk, the researchers found that 70% of infants carry a risk of non-carcinogenic effects. This is because infants have a much lower body weight and developing kidneys, making them susceptible to toxicity even at concentrations that might be considered "safe" for adults. Speaking on the findings, Dr Ashok Sharma, Additional Professor, AIIMS Delhi said, "Though uranium exposure is associated with certain risks like disturbed neurological development and reduced IQ, breastfeeding should not be discontinued." He further explained, ".the uranium concentration in the breast milk sample is 5.25 micrograms per litre, which is well below the WHO permissible limit. The study still concludes that the actual impact of the infant's health is likely low, and most uranium absorbed by the mother is excreted primarily through the urine, not concentrated in the breast milk. Thus, breastfeeding is still recommended unless a clinical indication suggests otherwise."

A Class VI student at the Neerja Modi School in Jaipur reportedly died on Saturday after falling from the rooftop. After arriving at the scene, police and forensic experts started conducting thorough investigations into the incident.

SHO at Mansarovar Police Station, Lakhan Singh said, the girl was immediately taken to Metro Mas Hospital where the doctors declared her dead. He further said that the police have started collecting statements from the eye witnesses though no complaint has been lodged so far.

Taking serious note, Education Minister Madan Dilawar deeply condoled the death of the student. He directed the District Education Officer to probe this incident and present a detailed report. He termed the incident very unfortunate and said severe action would be taken in case of any negligence or wrongdoings on any part.

On the instructions of the minister, Additional District Education Officer Sanjay Srivastava visited the school, along with other officers of the Education Department, to take stock of the situation. An investigation would proceed with complete transparency and due process of law, while stern action would be taken against the accused, he said.

In fact, serious allegations of "destruction of evidence" in this case have been leveled by the Congress Councillor Karan Sharma: when he reached the school within a short time after the incident, students at the school told him that the victim identified as Amayra was already taken to the Metro Mas Hospital. Sharma further claimed that attempts to wash away crucial evidence were made by pouring water right from the fifth floor to the ground.

However, authorities have not verified the accusations so far, and the case of her death is now under investigation.

Are the blasts connected? Recent forensic investiations related to the Red Fort bomb blast have come up with some interesting facts. From the explosion scene, the forensic teams gathered more than forty samples, including cartridges and two types of explosives. According to preliminary investigations, one of the explosives may be ammonium nitrate, which is frequently used in bombs tied to terrorism, while the other is thought to be a more powerful chemical compound that has not yet been identified.The

A white Hyundai i20 automobile concealed an IED laden with ammonium nitrate, which exploded close to the Red Fort, killing thirteen people and injuring over twenty more, according to additional investigations. The thunderous explosion damaged numerous parked cars and shattered glass windows. A severed forearm was among the recovered body pieces that were sent for DNA testing to verify the victim's and suspects' identities.

DNA profiling identified the bomber beyond any doubt, and he was Dr. Umar Un Nabi, who was found trapped inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion, and his status was confirmed as a driver and an attacker. Investigations also revealed that this attack deviated from typical suicide bombing tactics. According to the reports, the blast occurred prematurely without designing it for maximum casualties, and that could mean panic or hurried execution by the perpetrator.​​

The investigation has now grown to unravel a wider terror conspiracy in which at least 32 vehicles, rigged with explosives and targeting different Indian cities, are involved. This network, reportedly affiliated with groups that have direct links to ISIS offshoot Ansar Gazwat-ul-Hind, had individuals who arranged substantial funding and bought large quantities of chemical fertilizers used in the making of bombs.

The NIA has taken over the investigation from Delhi Police, directing a faster forensic examination and comprehensive reports. Security agencies continue with raids and intelligence gathering in order to dismantle the terror network behind the blast.

Admission to paramedical courses in Gujarat continues to face an acute crisis of vacancy, with as many as 31,870 seats said to be remaining vacant following the end of the fifth round for the 2025–26 academic session. According to a provisional Round 5 allotment list published by GPNAMEC, there is a gap between the availability and intake of students.

In total, 7,155 candidates have exercised choices regarding seat allotments in this round. Of the total, 2,833 students got a fresh allotment and 310 candidates upgraded their earlier allotted seats. Thus, total admissions secured in Round 5 are 3,143.

Though five rounds of counselling have been carried out, only 20,920 seats have been filled so far out of the total 51,790 seats in key paramedical courses like Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Prosthetics & Orthotics, leaving over 60% of the total seats vacant. Again, this brings up questions relating to dwindling interest among students, or awareness gaps, or perhaps issues concerning course availability, fee-related problems, or institutional choices.

The committee has asked the students who were allotted seats in Round 5 to confirm the admissions before November 11, failing which the seats would be forfeited or released in subsequent rounds.

Course-wise, most of the seats in high-demand para-medical courses like ANM, B.Sc. Nursing, GNM, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Prosthetics & Orthotics have almost been filled up in government colleges, with students still preferring the institutes over private ones. On the other hand, private colleges are not getting enough admissions.

From the emerging evidence on the role of yoga in the management of cardiovascular diseases to achieve targets related to ABC in the care of diabetes, promotion of healthier diets by reducing high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, and ultra-processed foods to improving access to antihypertensive medications, the strategies are being implemented in order to tackle the escalating NCD crisis in India.

The efforts required to bring down NCDs were discussed at the ongoing World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin by a panel of experts moderated by Dr Sanghamitra Pati, Additional Director General, ICMR, and Dr Tanvir Kaur, Head, International Health Division.

Dr V Mohan, Chairman, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, spoke on preventing diabetes complications, achieving ABC targets, and controlling HbA1c, that is, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Referring to the ICMR-INDIAB study, India's largest epidemiological survey on diabetes, Dr Mohan also spoke about the growing prevalence of diabetes among young adults and how more than 101 million Indians are presently living with diabetes and another 136 million being pre-diabetic.

"Along with clinical management, lifestyle interventions are key and a healthy diet along with increased physical activity can prevent up to at least 50 per cent of new Type 2 diabetes cases," added Dr Mohan.

Dr Bharati Kulkarni, Director, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, said that their surveys had pointed towards a lack of diversity in Indian diets, veering towards processed foods, high in fat, salt and sugar, more so in urban areas. Dr Kulkarni further gave a snapshot on how initiatives such as Eat Right India and policies aimed at reversing this trend through public education, food labelling and school-based interventions.

During the panel discussion, Dr. Manoj Murhekar, Director, ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai and Head, Epidemiology Division of ICMR shared how the India Hypertension Control Initiative has resulted in substantial outcomes towards addressing high blood pressure.

Among the IHCI tools put into work for tracking and monitoring are the SIMPLE App. It reached over 5 million people in 2024 across 157 districts. This came with global recognition.

Dr Gautam Sharma, Professor, Cardiology and Head, Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research, All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, further elaborated that the trend is fast catching on as yoga is slowly being seen not only as an exercise but also as therapy.

According to Dr. Sharma, the main principles underlying the beneficial effects of yoga in cardiovascular disorders are "a modulation of the autonomic nervous system, reduction of stress and psychological burden, and cardiac rehabilitation."

A recent paper by archaeologist Vinay Gupta reveals that Brahmi script was in use centuries before Emperor Ashoka.

A Superintendent Archaeologist with the Jaipur circle of ASI, Gupta’s latest paper titled “Seals and Sealings from Bahaj Excavations” establishes the presence of script in north India before the Ashokan edicts were inscribed on non-perishable materials.

“The origins of the Brahmi script must go in hoary past and the development of Ashokan Brahmi must have been a gradual one,” the paper written by Gupta says. He excavated the Bahaj site in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur, bordering Uttar Pradesh, to untangle the historical threads of the Braj region - the birthplace of Hindu deity Krishna.

The Ashokan edicts of the 3rd century BCE reveal an evolution of the Brahmi script. However, Gupta's new research has rewritten the history of the script in India and pushed back the origins of the Brahmi script by almost three centuries, at around the 6th century BCE.

Based on the sealings discovered at Bahaj in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, Gupta's work proposes that writing was known to the people of the PGW culture commonly identified with the Mahabharata period. This would imply that the Brahmi script evolved indigenously in India and did not suddenly appear in the Mauryan age.

The paper says that an early Mauryan seal of jasper stone was unearthed from the deposit of the Kushana period, and it comprises nine symbols or Brahmi letters. Finds of this many seals and sealings from a limited area demonstrate the level of literacy and prosperity during ancient India.

His paper said the origin of the Brahmi script could be traced to the PGW (1200 BCE to approximately 550 BCE) culture, which archaeologist and former ASI director-general BB Lal correlated with the Mahabharata period. But there is no unanimity among archaeologists on this.

"Discovery of this sealing makes it clear that the people of PGW culture were familiar with writing," the paper says.

The sealings have been found from the upper levels of the Painted Grey Ware, which as per stratigraphy are easily datable to circa 600 BCE, the paper says.

Excavation at Bahaj started in 2024 and was carried out for two seasons. "Braj is a very important area from the point of view of Indian culture," said Gupta in 2024.

Religious connection of seals

It was the first season of excavation that yielded the seals. The excavation unearthed 39 seals and sealings which ranged from PGW phase to the Kushana period.

Most of the seals found are with an inscription, and some with only symbols. According to the paper, the most striking finds on the site are the presence of four sealings made of unbaked clay from the upper levels of the PGW period. “Such sealings have never come to notice from anywhere in the subcontinent,” it reads.

Most of the names found on these sealings are related to Rudra, Vatuka, Garga, and Nandivardhana. The same is the case with religious symbols, which are related to Nandipada, Nandi, and Dhvajas.

Of the sealings there are two varieties. Two of these show a similar impression on four sides, and the remaining two a similar impression on four sides.

The research paper also stated that one of the impressions has two separate elephant riding figures and two standing figures, matching, to some extent, the representation of Samkarshana and Vasudeva on some early Mathura coins. The researcher found the impressions to be of a religious nature. The letters on one seal read Janaka, and the other read Nokhara. "The Brahmi characters on these sealings are the earliest known examples of Brahmi script in the subcontinent," the paper says. It further adds that these findings of two sealings confirm that the Brahmi script had its beginning in the PGW culture period and they provide a missing link in writing.