birth rates

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is urging a focus on increasing the state's population, viewing children as national assets. He announced financial incentives, offering Rs 30,000 for a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth, to counter declining birth rates and an aging demographic. This policy aims to address a significant demographic shift.

Kerala's mysterious 'Twin Town,' Kodhini, baffles scientists with an exceptionally high birth rate of twins, far exceeding national and global averages. This phenomenon, with an estimated 35 twins per 1,000 births, has led to unique local beliefs and a vibrant annual festival celebrating this extraordinary occurrence.

Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya is sidelined with a back spasm, missing three consecutive matches. All-rounder Shardul Thakur provided an update, suggesting Pandya could return for the May 20th match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite the team's elimination from IPL 2026, Pandya's absence and poor form have been significant factors in their disappointing season.

Low Birth Weight, Prematurity Among Top Culprits: Health Official; But Overall Numbers Brought Down In Half Decade

Excellence in maternity care transcends mere statistics, focusing on compassionate, respectful treatment and holistic patient well-being. The Times Future of Maternity Awards 2026 jury emphasized communication and outcome indicators over raw numbers. Winners were recognized for their commitment to quality care, from preconception to post-birth, ensuring both mother and child thrive.

A medical expert reveals why the heart, our tireless organ, is remarkably resistant to cancer. Unlike rapidly dividing cells in skin or the colon, adult heart cells divide minimally, drastically reducing mutation risks. This biological resilience, coupled with a unique cellular environment, makes primary heart cancer exceptionally rare, offering a natural protective advantage.

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) Madhyamik Pariksha 2026 results highlight steady overall performance with a clear gender gap. Girls continue to outperform boys in most years, including 2025, while 2026 shows boys regaining a lead. The data reflects stable success rates in the mid-80% range, continuing a long-term upward trend in Madhyamik results over the decades.

The Haryana Board has announced the Senior Secondary Open School Annual Examination 2026 results. Candidates can check their scores online. The pass percentage for the fresh category was 42.15 percent. For the re-appear category, the pass percentage stood at 50.09 percent. Students can apply for rechecking within 20 days.

AI titans Sam Altman and Elon Musk, usually rivals, share a surprising agreement on procreation. Altman, a new father, amplified a call for people to have more children, echoing Musk's long-held concerns about declining birth rates. Both tech leaders champion larger families, a stance that unites them despite their differing views on AI's future.

AIIMS-Patna hosted a national neonatal resuscitation programme, aiming to train over 18,000 healthcare professionals in a single day. This initiative, aligned with India's Newborn Action Plan, seeks to significantly reduce neonatal mortality. Experts stressed strengthening referral systems and skilled intervention during the crucial "First Golden Minute" to improve newborn survival rates across the country, particularly in Bihar.

The West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education has announced the High Madrasah, Alim and Fazil Results 2026 on its official portals. The board reported an improvement in overall pass percentage, particularly in the High Madrasah category. Students can download provisional marksheets online, while those dissatisfied with scores can apply for scrutiny or review within the prescribed timeline.

Tamil Nadu's Class 12 results will be released on May 8, 2026, with students able to access marks via websites, SMS, WhatsApp, and DigiLocker. A strong pass percentage between 93-95% is anticipated, continuing the state's trend of high academic achievement. Girls are expected to outperform boys, a consistent pattern in previous years.

The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced the CBSE Class 12th Result 2026, with a pass percentage of 85.20%. Students can now access their digital marksheets online via the official CBSE websites, DigiLocker, and UMANG. Original certificates will be distributed by schools later. Students can check the direct link to download the scorecards from here.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu reignited debate on declining birth rates by sharing Lee Kuan Yew's advice to a PhD student to prioritize family. Vembu advocates for societal and economic shifts to support ambitious women balancing careers and motherhood, echoing Elon Musk's concerns about future population decline and its impact on humanity.

The Khangri Glacier in Arunachal Pradesh is undergoing rapid thawing, giving rise to a newly formed glacial lake that is a looming danger for communities downstream and the crucial Brahmaputra river system. Experts caution that Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) could severely threaten water resources and regional stability across India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Tibet.

UK cancer nurses face grave risks from hazardous medicines, with inadequate protective gear potentially leading to miscarriages and infertility. Investigations reveal many hospitals provide only basic aprons and gloves, despite handling potent drugs. Experts and nurses are demanding stricter nationwide safety standards to safeguard healthcare workers.

A personal struggle to find a good doctor in 2004 sparked an idea. Jeremy Stoppelman envisioned a platform for sharing reviews. This concept grew into Yelp, a popular service for local business decisions. Initially focused on healthcare, Yelp expanded to cover restaurants, mechanics, and more. Structured information and user reviews guide millions in making informed choices.

Odisha's Class 10 results are out, with an overall pass rate of 95.33%. Gajapati district leads the state with an impressive 99.31% pass percentage, followed closely by Ganjam at 98.85%. Several other districts also achieved high success rates, showcasing strong academic performance across the state.