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Before We Abolish Business Schools, Let's Look Beyond The West
Can the case for abolishing business schools travel? India’s experience suggests the answer depends on context, writes Vikas Kumar.
'Office Space' star Richard Riehle dies at 78
Actor Richard Riehle arrives at the premiere of New Line Cinema's 'A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas' at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on November 2, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)Richard Riehle, known for his role in the 1999 film Office Space, has died. He was 78.A statement shared by Artists & Representatives and Wright Entertainment, Inc. announced Riehle's passing on Monday, writing, "Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man.""We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved client, Richard Riehle, this past weekend," the statement said. "A remarkable actor whose career in theater, film, and television spanned nearly five decades and more than 400 projects, Richard leaves behind an extraordinary legacy."The statement continued, "Beyond his immense talent, he will be remembered for his genuine goodness, boundless kindness, and unwavering generosity, particularly toward emerging actors and filmmakers, whom he encouraged and supported at every opportunity."Born on May 12, 1948, Riehle starred in many television series and films over the years.Notable projects include Casino, The Man from Earth and Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo.He got his start as an actor at the University of Notre Dame, where he was involved in the University Theatre and starred in several stage productions. He went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in acting and directing from the University of Minnesota.While he's played characters that have an "average Joe" presence, he always made the most of his brief screen time.Some roles that he is remembered for include The Quartermaster in Glory, the train guard in The Fugitive, Reverend Scroggins in Fried Green Tomatoes and Bill Cozbi in Bridesmaids.On television, he starred as Principal Ed Rooney in the 1990 series Ferris Bueller and as grandfather Walt Finnerty in the early 2000s sitcom, Grounded For Life.In 2023, he also played Warden Reynolds in Barry.Riehle is survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and their four children.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The Case for Shifting Mental Health Care From Institutions to Communities
Institutionalized mental health care is “outdated” and “a human rights issue hiding in plain sight,” write Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Rangers' Rocker Needs to Overcome Struggles in 2027
Texas Rangers right-hander Kumar Rocker has not lived up to being the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft.
AS Monaco’s Oumar Konaté set for Laval loan
AS Monaco centre-forward Oumar Konaté (19) is set to join Stade Lavallois on a season-long loan, as per a report from L’Équipe. The Ivory Coast U20 international has appeared for the Principality ...
George L․ Kumar: Six Biology Breakthroughs Stockholm Missed
George L․ Kumar: Six Biology Breakthroughs Stockholm Missed / Ben Barres, cancer, Colin MacLeod, Ernest McCulloch, George L. Kumar, James Till, Kavli Prize,
Friday Scoreboard
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Here are scores from around the area: College Volleyball:Sioux Falls 3, UMary 0Jamestown 3, Augustana 2 High School Football:#2 Brandon Valley, 38, #3 Harrisburg 12Roosevelt 40, Rapid City Central 0#4 O’Gorman 35, Washington 13#1 Jefferson 62, Omaha Westview (NE) 25#5 Lincoln 55, Rapid City Stevens 0#2 Tea Area 42, Brookings […]
New UMSOM Research Shows Promising Results for Health Care Professionals Using Ketogenic Diet Therapy to Treat Mental Illness
Specialized high-fat, low carbohydrate diets, known as ketogenic metabolic therapy, are showing promising therapeutic benefits for certain mental illnesses in emerging research. Now, a new study from researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC) shows that an immersive training program can improve health care provider confidence in using a ketogenic dietary treatment plan for their patients.
India’s ‘cockroach’ movement demands election chief’s resignation
Youth group threatens return to mass protests, sets deadline for Gyanesh Kumar to quit over reports of meddling.
Trump says son has paid back Russian for wedding party
The president defended Donald Trump Jr.’s decision to take a large gift from Umar Kremlev, saying that such presents are “common.”
Rula Health Promotes Manoj Sivakumar to Chief Technology Officer
/PRNewswire/ -- Rula Health, a nationwide behavioral health provider delivering accessible, high-quality care, today announced the promotion of Manoj Sivakumar...
Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding celebration was partially funded by Russian oligarch
ProPublica reported that Umar Kremlev "footed the bill for hundreds of thousands of dollars of wedding expenses"
Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding celebration was partially funded by Russian oligarch
ProPublica reported that Umar Kremlev "footed the bill for hundreds of thousands of dollars of wedding expenses"
Donald Trump Jr.'s wife says Russian oligarch hosted post-wedding festivities as a "gift"
Bettina Anderson, wife of Donald Trump Jr., said their "dear friend" Umar Kremlev hosted two nights of festivities after their wedding in the Bahamas.
Sandeep Kumar named Texas Tech soil science chair
Indian-born scientist Sandeep Kumar takes over Texas Tech’s Plant and Soil Science department.
From Nish Kumar to the Bayeux tapestry: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead
Our premier political comedian heads out on tour, while the 70-metre-long woven story of 1066 arrows its way to Britain for the first time
QPR 'need to be more ruthless in future'
Rumarn Burrell says QPR are looking to be "more ruthless" in future games despite scoring twice in the 2-1 win against Cardiff City on Wednesday.
🚑 Valencia release Sadiq Umar’s medical update
Sadiq Umar will miss Valencia’s upcoming matches due to an issue in his right hamstring area. The injury occurred in last Sunday’s match against RC Deportivo de La Coruña, as the club confirmed i...
Umar Nurmagomedov releases statement following devastating UFC Shanghai knockout loss
Umar Nurmagomedov takes to social media after disappointing UFC Shanghai outing
UFC Shanghai Results: Nurmagomedov vs. Song
Top bantamweight contenders Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong face off at UFC Shanghai
UFC Shanghai predictions
Umar Nurmagomedov heads into enemy territory to face Song Yadong
UFC Shanghai Weigh-Ins Blunder as 3 Fighters Miss Weight
The UFC Shanghai weigh-ins featured a massive blunder as three fighters competing on Saturday’s card missed weight.The UFC travels to SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center for this weekend’s UFC Fight Night card, which features a five-round bantamweight bout between Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong in the headliner.Thankfully, the main event is on, as both Nurmagomedov […] The post UFC Shanghai Weigh-Ins Blunder as 3 Fighters Miss Weight appeared first on HEAVY.
Video: UFC Shanghai full card faceoffs with Nurmagomedov vs. Song
The entire UFC Shanghai card headlined by Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong had final faceoffs at official weigh-ins.
How IHH Healthcare CEO Prem Kumar Nair is planning for a longer-lived Asia
The head of Asia’s largest private health group is advancing clinical longevity, cancer care, AI and neighborhood-based treatment.
Why fluent AI isn’t enough to prevent costly business errors
Building trust in AI requires clear definitions. Learn why Haricharan Shivram Suresh Chandra Kumar focuses on data layers.
Temple workshop highlights the power of art in teaching science
The College of Science and Technology led a workshop for local high school biology teachers on using art to teach complex science topics. Teachers also received a demonstration of MEGA, an evolutionary analysis software developed by Temple faculty Sudhir Kumar.
Locarno Winner ‘Forgotten Spaceman’ Adds Khan & Kumar Media, Prism Entertainment as Executive Producers Ahead of Toronto Bow (EXCLUSIVE)
“Forgotten Spaceman,” the documentary short by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Elham Ehsas that won the Leopard of Tomorrow (International Competition) award at Locarno’s Junior Jury Awards, has added Khan ...
Locarno Winner 'Forgotten Spaceman' Adds EPs Ahead of Toronto Bow
Elham Ehsas documentary about Afghanistan's first astronaut adds Khan & Kumar Media, Prism Entertainment as executive producers.
ERAM Holdings Appoints Alok Kumar as CEO to Lead Human Capital Management Business in India
ERAM Holdings, a leading diversified conglomerate headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alok Kumar as Chief Executive Officer – ERAM HCM India.
I'll continue playing, rest is selectors' call: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
The 36-year-old, one of Uttar Pradesh’s most experienced cricketers, continues to remain a key figure in Indian domestic cricket. He last played for India in 2022, featuring in both ODI and T20I formats. His last international appearance in Tests came in 2018.
Science Needs Storytellers — And Museums Know How
Museums have been telling science stories for generations, and science communicators can learn a lot from them.
UMB Celebrates America at 250: Addition of Pharmacists Gives the Health Care Field a Shot in the Arm
Founded in 1841, the School of Pharmacy helped turn a trade into a profession, shaped pharmacy education and practice in Maryland, and has extended its impact to the nation and the world.
From the lab to the marsh, Georgia Southern students lead summer science research
As summer heat settles across the region, students in the College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) at Georgia Southern University are completing research projects from the laboratory to the salt marsh.
Billionaire Kumar Birla’ To Buy Shell’s Indian Renewable Business In $1.8 Billion Deal
The acquisition of Shell's renewable energy business in India will more than double the Aditya Birla Group's renewable energy capacity to almost 10 gigawatts.
Naomika Saran, Dimple Kapadia's granddaughter, brings effortless elegance in a black saree at ‘The Odyssey’ Mumbai premiere
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Snehkumar Zala (@sneyhzala)
Middleton-based meal delivery service caters to moms after birth
Vipasha Kumar Chakravarty launched JOIASS last fall with a focus on nutrients and care moms need but struggle to provide for themselves.
How to Use Science Communication for More Effective Mental Health Conversations with Young People
Science Communication strategies do not only make science come alive — they also can shape how we talk with young people about mental health.
Inter Milan in talks to sign Frenchman Oumar Solet
It has been quite the rise for Oumar Solet (26). When his contract at Red Bull Salzburg expired, it wasn’t like he was snapped up. Instead, it took several months for him to find a new club. He join...
Umar Nurmagomedov added to UFC Abu Dhabi in July
Umar Nurmagomedov will return as the co-main for UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25th, 2026. Overnight, the UFC made the big announcement: the No. 2 ranked bantamweight Nurmagomedov will face No. 9 ranked David Martinez at UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Rountree at Etihad Arena. This will be Nurmagomedov’s first fight since a dominant decision […]
Scientists Keep Finding Major Discoveries Lurking in Museum Backrooms
Here are six of the best.
The Material Science Behind A Spacecraft's Impact Armor
Aerospace engineers have to consider numerous factors when designing a spacecraft, but one that comes up more and more often is the need to design against Micro-Meteoroids and Orbital Debris (MMOD). While most designers understand the threat, designing structural solutions capable of withstanding the hypervelocity impacts these undercontrolled pieces of material can cause can take a significant bite out of a mission’s mass budget. A new paper from Binkal Kumar Sharma of the University of Bremen and Harshitha Baskar, an independent researcher, provides a detailed review of cutting-edge options for defending against those deadly particles.
GameThread: Tigers vs. Rangers, 7:15 p.m.
Detroit Tigers (16-17) vs. Texas Rangers (16-16) Time/Place: 7:15 p.m., Comerica ParkSB Nation Site: Lone Star BallMedia: Detroit Sportsnet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio NetworkPitching Matchup: RHP Keider Montero (1-2, 4.00 ERA) vs. RHP Kumar Rocker (1-2, 3.38 ERA)
AI-driven sports technology from Carnegie Mellon students draws interest from Mark Cuban
More than 68 million Americans play a racquet sport, but improving their skills can be difficult. Costs for lessons are becoming increasingly expensive, and feedback for technique isn’t always individualized. But three Carnegie Mellon University students think they have an answer. They launched a company called ServeSense. Pitching their technology
Wendell Krinn teacher uses humor to make learning science fun
Sarah Kumar teaches biomedical sciences at Wendell Krinn Technical High School.
Nish Kumar on racism, technology, and politics in comedy show at McCarter Theatre
Staff writer for The Prospect Annika Plunkett reviews Nish Kumar's politically-focused comedy show at McCarter Theatre.
'Docs said I'll never walk': How this woman reversed her health with Indian food and is now baking healing cakes
Mira, born as Pallavi Kumar Aggarwal in Patna, has led a life full of remarkable turns. She studied fashion design, ventured into print modelling, and.
Ohio State competition prompts students to put business skills to work
Students from across the country gathered at The Ohio State University’s Columbus campus recently to participate in the annual Fisher Invitational Case Competition.The Fisher College of Business hosted the competition with Battelle, a Columbus-based nonprofit, private company that applies science and technology to solve challenges in the envir...
Building a Science Communication Practice: From Strategy to Collaboration
Science communication is expected but rarely taught as a sustained practice. This ‘SciComm Spotlight’ highlights an open-access book and UMB webinar offering practical ways to build that practice.
Public Administration as Solution Science
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization. By Naim KapucuMarch 13, 2026 Public administration is often described as the bridge between public goals and real results. When communities face complex problems such as public safety, health threats, climate risks, housing pressures or […]
Social media reacts to Alabama's comeback road win vs. Tennessee
Alabama won Saturday night at Tennessee, 71-69, following a huge shot late from Labaron Philon. Here is how social media reacted to the win.
PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
IN THE SPOTLIGHT PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of KoreaThe Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) is making significant progress in strengthening pandemic preparedness, with dedicated support from the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC).Aligned with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution High‑Level Implementation Plan III (2024–2030), the country is strengthening its capacity to prepare for and respond to influenza and other respiratory threats. In early 2025, a core team from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) participated in a two‑day virtual workshop, which included a mini‑simulation exercise. The workshop was organized by WHO SEARO in collaboration with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Secretariat at WHO headquarters and the WHO Country Office for the DPRK. Read more A REGIONAL CONSULTATION GUIDES WHO SEARO IN DEVELOPING A ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PREPPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE FOR EMERGING THREATS (PRET) INITIATIVE BASED RESPIRATORY PATHOGEN PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESSInfluenza and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential continue to pose major public health risks globally. To strengthen regional preparedness and response, Member States of the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR) convened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to review and provide input on the draft Roadmap and Action Framework for Broad Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Planning (2026–2031). Supported through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) funds, the proposed roadmap aims to advance robust, integrated preparedness and response capacities for influenza and other respiratory threats across SEAR. This work is aligned with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative and the SEAR Strategic Roadmap on Health Security and Health System Resilience for Emergencies Read moreSRI LANKA’S USE OF ANTIVIRALS TO REDUCE THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA BURDEN Sri Lanka is strengthening its influenza response by placing greater emphasis on rapid testing, timely treatment, and integration with maternal health services. With support from WHO, the country is building a stronger evidence base on the burden of influenza and the value of vaccination, advancing a holistic approach to protect vulnerable populations and enhance pandemic preparedness. To reduce hospitalizations and deaths from seasonal influenza, Sri Lanka is taking proactive steps to expand access to rapid diagnostic testing and ensure prompt initiation of treatment. National clinical guidelines recommend the use of oseltamivir for individuals at high risk of complications, helping prevent severe illness and shorten the duration of infection. This strategy not only saves lives but also supports local pharmaceutical production, contributing to a reliable supply of antivirals for both seasonal outbreaks and future pandemics.Read moreBHUTAN BOOSTS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA READINESS WITH PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTED TRAINING AND SIMULATIONSOriginally developed in 2012, the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) has long served as Bhutan’s central framework for managing influenza threats. In 2024, the plan underwent a comprehensive update to reflect evolving global and regional guidance, lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and new capacities developed under the PIP Framework. The revised NIPPRP is now more clearly aligned with Bhutan’s broader emergency and disaster risk management structures, ensuring a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to pandemic response. As part of efforts to strengthen national pandemic preparedness, Bhutan conducted three national‑level training sessions followed by simulation exercises on influenza pandemic preparedness and response at five sentinel hospitals between April and May 2025, with support from the PIP Partnership Contribution (PC). These activities brought together more than 140 health professionals and key partners from across the country, with a focus on operationalizing the updated NIPPRP and enhancing readiness at key frontline facilities. Read moreSTRENGTHENING INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE: WHO BRINGS TOGETHER INFLUENZA EXPERTS FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONSThe World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 18th Bi‑regional Meeting of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and Influenza Surveillance for the WHO South‑East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9–11 September 2025. Hosted by the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the meeting brought together representatives from Member States, Territories, and Areas across both regions, alongside experts from the WHO Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia and Japan, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals in the United States, quadripartite partners (WOAH and FAO), and other technical counterparts. The consultation provided a platform to review progress, share experiences, and outline priorities for strengthening influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance across the two WHO regions.Read moreNETWORKS AND TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIPSSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC READINES: SOUTH-EAST ASIA ADVANCES UNITY STUDIES UNDER THE PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVEThe WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies initiative, also known as Unity Studies, provides a standardized, globally coordinated framework to support these efforts. Originally developed for influenza and adapted during COVID-19, Unity Studies enable countries to conduct rapid, nationally led investigations and studies to assess transmissibility, severity, susceptibility, and intervention effectiveness. To better prepare for future influenza pandemics, WHO has recently launched a network of sites which will be ready to conduct these investigations and studies rapidly in the event of a pandemic, or epidemic of an emerging or re-emerging respiratory pathogen. The WHO South-East Asia Region now hosts six sites of WHO GISRS Unity Studies across the five countries including Sri Lanka, strengthening regional capacity for early pandemic investigations. From 13–16 July 2025 in Colombo, the Global Public Health Summit offered an opportunity to advance this agenda. Read moreSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS THROUGH UNITY STUDIES: REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS FROM INDIA IN WHO’S SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION As countries continue to strengthen their pandemic preparedness through investments in resilient health systems during the interpandemic period, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies Global Initiative, Global Initiative, commonly known as Unity Studies, remains a vital framework for respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness. These standardized epidemiological protocols enable countries to rapidly generate high‑quality data on transmissibility, infection severity, population immunity, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. To highlight how Unity Studies protocols are being adapted and applied in national settings, WHO Headquarters, together with WHO Regional Offices, including the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), hosted a global webinar. The session showcased case studies from India and the United Kingdom (UK), demonstrating innovative approaches to respiratory virus surveillance and pandemic readiness. Read moreSTRENGTHENING REGIONAL INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE AND PREPAREDNESS: WHO SEARO HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL WEBINAR AMID RISING H5 THREATS In response to the increasing detection of avian influenza A(H5) cases in humans globally and within the WHO South‑East Asia Region, the WHO Regional Office for South‑East Asia (SEARO) convened a regional webinar on 25 July 2025 to review preparedness mechanisms, strengthen surveillance pathways, and promote timely reporting of unusual respiratory events. The virtual session brought together more than 50 participants from Ministries of Health, National Influenza Centres (NICs), National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices across the Region, and WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for influenza. The webinar provided an opportunity to share situational updates, discuss surveillance gaps, and reinforce coordination mechanisms critical for early detection and rapid response to avian influenza threats. Read moreOther Key PIP Updates (July-December 2025)MEMBER STATES:Bangladesh drafted and conducted a series of Core Group Meetings in 2025 to review and update the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan for Respiratory Pathogens. In addition, the country carried out Rapid Response Team (RRT) trainings on seasonal and avian influenza and other re‑emerging infectious diseases. Bangladesh also updated its epidemiological data‑training programme for physicians at sentinel surveillance sites, using a revised epidemiological data‑collection tool.Bhutan revised and updated its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) in 2025 and developed a national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for influenza outbreak management. DPR Korea conducted a nationwide simulation exercise in July 2025 to support the update of its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (2019). This followed a PRET‑based virtual orientation and mini‑simulation exercise held in May 2025 by SEARO and the WHO PRET Secretariat. The comprehensive exercise, conducted across central and provincial levels, assessed strengths and gaps in pandemic influenza preparedness and response. The feedback gathered has been incorporated into the revised draft plan to address identified weaknesses and strengthen overall readiness.India conducted a targeted nationwide online re‑orientation training on review and updates to the influenza portal for all State Surveillance Officers (SSOs) and relevant officials using the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The training emphasized correct marking and reporting of influenza samples as “unsubtypable” or “not subtyped” where applicable, to ensure accurate national surveillance.Maldives conducted simulation exercises in three atolls based on its existing National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP). The country plans to conduct similar exercises in three additional atolls after updating the NPPRP in 2026. In addition, Maldives conducted training on FluID and FluMart as part of a broader data‑management training package for Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency officials, aimed at improving routine reporting to WHO platforms and the DHIS2 system.In Myanmar, technical support was provided to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) through dedicated human‑resource support (January–December 2025) to sustain data management and laboratory detection capacity for influenza and other emerging and re‑emerging respiratory viruses. This support also included strengthening genomic sequencing capacity.Nepal conducted a consultative workshop on the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP) in July 2025. The workshop engaged key stakeholders from multiple sectors to review lessons from past pandemic responses, assess current mechanisms, and gather critical inputs for strengthening national preparedness. Key recommendations included revising the 2019 NPPRP and developing an updated Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan aligned with emerging risks, national priorities, and relevant international frameworks. Nepal also held a two day workshop dedicated to advancing the National Action Plan for Genomic Surveillance, aimed at reinforcing the country’s capacities for early detection and monitoring of emerging respiratory pathogens.Sri Lanka received the final report from WHO on the feasibility assessment for conducting an Influenza Burden of Disease (BoD) study in the country. The assessment, conducted from 28 April to 9 May 2025, included a desk review of existing data sources, document review, visits to sentinel surveillance sites, and key informant interviews. The study identified critical data sources required for a future BoD assessment, as well as their availability and quality. Officials from the Epidemiology Unit, the National Influenza Centre (NIC), and SARI/ILI sentinel hospitals across the country participated in the assessment.Timor Leste conducted on‑the‑job training and monitoring activities at two sentinel surveillance sites to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity for the detection of SARI, ILI, ARI, and other respiratory infections. REGIONAL OFFICE:SEARO conducted a Member States Consultation on the first draft of the Regional Roadmap and Strategic Action Framework for implementing WHO’s PRET‑based broad respiratory pathogen pandemic planning for 2026–2031. The consultation took place on 29–30 October 2025 during the final two days of the Regional PIP PC Annual Review and PRET Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Participants included representatives from Member States, WHO Country Offices, WHO SEARO, WHO Headquarters, partner agencies, and invited multidisciplinary technical experts. They reviewed the draft and provided detailed feedback, which has since been incorporated into a revised version. The consultation helped shape a shared regional vision for robust, PRET‑aligned pandemic preparedness, building on country‑level progress, addressing existing gaps and challenges, and aligning with global and regional health security frameworks. The publication is planned for release during the SEAR regional committee in 2026.SEARO documented the evolution of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning process in the Region, tracing its development from its origins as a planning tool for responding to avian influenza outbreaks in 2006, through the experiences of the 2009 and 2019 pandemics, to the current status. The document outlines the way forward for respiratory pathogen pandemic planning across all 10 SEAR countries, aligning future national plans with WHO’s PRET Framework for broad respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness.The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit has drafted the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Guidance on Influenza Prevention and Control, aligned with the Global Influenza Strategy and other regional initiatives. The draft is currently under review. Although this technical product was developed in response to a request from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (MoPH‑DPRK), SEARO is finalizing it for use not only in DPRK but also across all Member States in the Region.The Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit, in collaboration with WHE/SEARO, completed a regional landscape analysis on key barriers, challenges, and opportunities for the introduction of seasonal influenza vaccination in WHO South‑East Asia Regional (SEAR) countries.Additionally, the Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit has completed a regional landscape analysis of influenza vaccine procurement systems across the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR).KEY MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONSMEETINGS:Six-month progress review of the implementation of the PIP-PC workplans in SEAR, focusing on Outputs 1 and 2 for the period January to June 2025, and held virtually across three sessions on 4, 8, and 10 July 2025. Read moreAnnual Regional Meeting (Hybrid) on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) and WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Implementation in SEAR in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27 to 30 October 2025. Read more18th Bi-regional Meeting (Virtual) of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and influenza surveillance in WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9 to 11 September 2025. Read morePUBLICATIONSImplications of influenza A virus surveillance in Southeast Asian Region countries: a scoping review of approaches for the surveillance of swine influenza viruses at human-swine interfaces. Read moreAnnual South-East Asia regional meeting on operational planning for implementation of global influenza strategy and preparedness for respiratory viruses in 2025 Report on annual review meeting of implementation of pandemic influenza preparedness (PIP) partnership Contribution (PC) Fund in South-East Asia Region and the simulation exercise on PRET Status of influenza in who south-East Asia Region
VASVIK's Annual Industrial Research Awards: Celebrating Indian scientists for their innovation and achievements
VIVIDHLAXI AUDYOGIK SAMSHODHAN VIKAS KENDRA (VASVIK) hosted its 51st Annual Industrial Research Awards on January 31, 2026, at B. J. Hall, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai. BK Radhika Didi, Brahma Kumari, and Lord Dr Frank Mentrup, Mayor of Karlsruhe, Germany, honoured the event as Chief Guests.
Top 5 Entertainment News: From Ranveer Singh apologizing for recreating the 'Kantara' sequence to Ajith Kumar visiting Batu Caves in Malaysia - buzzworthy stories of the day | - The Times of India
In a heartfelt moment, Ranveer Singh extended an apology for his portrayal in 'Kantara' during the IFFI event, taking the time to celebrate Rishabh Sh
Three degrees, one vision: Natarajan Ravikumar blends technical depth, business acumen and data mastery
Three degrees, one vision: Natarajan Ravikumar blends technical depth, business acumen and data mastery Since he was a kid in Chennai, India, relentlessly solving a Rubik’s Cube, Natarajan Ravikumar sought solutions – and he was good at it. Today, he is a three-time Charlotte master’s alumnus and a technology executive at Honeywell, where he is bridging […]