TMC leader survives gun attack
Former Bidhannagar Municipality councillor and trade union leader Nirmal Dutta today survived a gun attack and sustained head injuries from unidentified assailants, who hit him after a misdirected firing at his Salt Lake party office, official sources said. Injured Dutta was taken to the hospital with head injuries by the local people, who came out after hearing several shots. It was not known immediately if the erstwhile councillor of Ward 38 was attacked by a single miscreant or more as police were investigating the crime by interrogating locals. Sources said the attacker suddenly entered the office of the TMC leader and fired several shots, which failed and as he tried to overpower, the gunman hit him on his head and ran away. Senior officials from Bidhannagar (south) police station were investigating the crime and examining the footage of CCTV cameras of the locality. The attacker had masked his face, sources said.r courses for common serious newborn infections.
Many Newborn infections can be treated with shorter antibiotic courses : Sutdy
Many Newborn infections can be treated with shorter antibiotic courses, according to Indian Neonatology team ( newborn specialist doctors) including Dr Saikiran D, a Consultant Neonatologist at Fernandez Hospital, published an important study in the UK-based journal, Lancet Clinical Medicine. The study showed that shorter antibiotic courses are often as effective as traditional longer courses for common serious newborn infections. Antibiotics save lives, but using them too often or too long can cause ‘antibiotic resistance’ that makes infections harder to treat, the study stated. It also exposed vulnerable newborns to side effects, longer hospital stays, and higher costs. Premature and sick newborns receive antibiotics more frequently and for longer periods than older children and adults. Doctors have long suspected that ‘shorter antibiotic courses’ may be sufficient in many cases, but strong and credible evidence has been limited — until now. During this study, researchers systematically reviewed and statistically combined data comparing different antibiotic durations for serious newborn infections. The authors also studied strategies that depend on “biomarkers”, which will help doctors to see if an infection is reducing and decide if they can stop the antibiotic course. Certain blood tests indicate the presence of infection, and these clues are called “biomarkers”. Key findings of this important study are –about 7 days of antibiotics may be enough in most cases, instead of the usually recommended 10–14 days, without added risk ; stopping treatment when the “biomarker” blood tests turn negative typically leads to shorter antibiotic courses that are effective and adequate for many newborn infections; Evidence comparing antibiotic courses of 3–4 days vs 5–7 days was unclear, highlighting the need for further research studies and there were insufficient data to draw firm conclusions for urinary infection, meningitis, and fungal infections. It is possible to safely use shorter antibiotic courses for proven blood infections in newborns, and if widely adopted, it could help fight antibiotic resistance, reduce hospital infections, and improve resource use, especially in hospital settings that have patient overload or limited facilities, the study added.
Modi to launch Bihar poll campaign from Karpoori Thakur’s birthplace
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch his campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections on October 24 from Karpooripuram, where he will pay tribute to Bharat Ratna Jananayak Karpoori Thakur and address his first election rally in Samastipur. The decision to launch PM Modi’s campaign from the birthplace of the socialist icon and two-time Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur is seen as both political and symbolic of an emotional connection. The move is viewed as Modi’s attempt to give a new direction to the politics of social justice and development in Bihar. Bihar BJP President Dr Dilip Jaiswal told the media in Patna today that PM Modi will also address another rally in Begusarai later the same day. The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Bihar again on October 30, where he will address rallies in Muzaffarpur and Chhapra. A series of further visits to the state are planned. Dr Jaiswal expressed confidence that PM Modi’s rallies would help create a favourable atmosphere for the NDA in Bihar and connect the public with the central government’s schemes, developmental initiatives, and message of good governance. “All eyes in Bihar’s political circles are now on Modi’s visit and his first speech, which is expected to shape the course of the electoral battle in the state,” said Jaiswal. He added, “The NDA is focused on development, the welfare of the poor, and women’s empowerment. It is concerned about youth employment and job creation. The welfare measures for farmers under the NDA government have been unprecedented. The people of Bihar trust in PM Modi’s guarantees.”
