BBSCL

With no decision in sight, it seems people will have to continue waiting to see a reduction in mobile data charges. The government is still working towards lowering data charges by half of the current rate or equivalent to the rates in India. This was one of the pledges made by the government during its election campaign. A sub-committee under...

The health ministry’s first Nationwide Non-Communicable Diseases Screening Programme has screened 75 per cent of its target population of nearly 300,000 individuals aged 18 and above. Completed in December last year, the three-week initiative identified over 35,000 individuals at risk of various diseases. These individuals have been referred to nearby hospitals for further diagnosis and confirmation. More than 1,400 health...

HIV-negative individuals whose intimate partners are HIV-positive can now avoid contracting the virus without having to use contraceptives such as condoms. The health ministry in collaboration with Save the Children has introduced an oral medication for HIV-negative individuals. In the first phase of the pilot programme, key populations including men having sex with men, sex workers, transgender individuals, and people...

Forest fires are a frequent occurrence in the country, particularly during the dry season between October and March. The fires are often triggered by a combination of dry weather, strong winds, and human activities, leading to the loss of acres of forest, destruction of homes, and disruption of ecosystems. Amid the destruction, growing concerns are being raised for the brave...