unicef

Olly Murs, this year's Soccer Aid Challenge ambassador, emotionally reflects on completing a grueling 400km race. He expressed immense pride in pushing his body to the limit, finding strength in thoughts of his wife and children during the five-day endurance event. The challenge successfully raised EUR 800,000 for unicef.

British comedian Maisie Adam is returning to the Soccer Aid pitch for the 2026 charity match, coinciding with her third wedding anniversary. Married just 48 hours before her 2023 debut, Adam humorously recalled the surreal experience of a hangover wedding followed by playing alongside football legends. She joins a star-studded lineup for this year's unicef fundraiser.

Usain Bolt has praised rising Australian sprint star Gout Gout while warning that early promise alone is not enough to reach the sport’s summit. The 18-year-old has broken several age-group records and drawn comparisons with Bolt, but the Jamaican legend stressed the importance of long-term consistency. Gout’s rapid rise continues to fuel expectations of a future sprinting showdown at elite level.

Infants Under 6 Months, Who Are Exclusively Breastfed, Fell From 72.9% In 2019-21 To 66.7% In 2023-24: Survey

India's birth rate has dropped below replacement levels. However, demographic trends vary significantly across the nation. While cities are seeing fewer births, some states like Bihar show different patterns. Families are having fewer children, impacting social structures. Infant mortality has decreased, but the first week of life remains critical.

The National Medical Commission's proposal to restore the maximum duration for completing MBBS from nine years to 10 years has reignited debate on student welfare and academic standards. Senior medical educator Dr. M. M. A. Faridi argues that the focus should be on counselling, mentoring and identifying the reasons behind academic struggles rather than the one-year difference. Meanwhile, United Doctors Front President Dr. Babita supports the proposal, calling for stronger student support systems and reconsideration of the four-attempt First Professional MBBS rule.

Bangladesh faces a severe measles crisis with hundreds of child deaths and thousands infected. The current government claims it inherited a complete lack of vaccines, blaming previous administrations for the outbreak due to halted immunization programs. Authorities are now racing to vaccinate, while the High Court considers barring officials from leaving the country amid investigations into vaccine shortages.

A concerning outbreak of a unique Bundibugyo Ebola strain has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with reports of cases now reaching Uganda. In the absence of an effective vaccine or treatment, public health leaders are mobilizing international efforts to combat the crisis.

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.