INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026 1 A We e kl y N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng N ew s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tin en t Pub li s hed From the U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 35 No. 23 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday June 5, 2026 DK Shivakumar takes oath as Karnataka’s 34th Chief Minister; G Parameshwara sworn in as Deputy CM Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 3 (ANI): Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Wednesday took oath as the 34th Chief Minister of Karnataka at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan, marking a significant leadership transition in the state. Senior Congress leader G Parameshwara was also sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister. Shivakumar took the oath of office while carrying a copy of the Constitution of India, underscoring the significance of the occasion. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by top Congress leaders, religious heads and dignitaries from across the country. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary (Organisa- tion) KC Venugopal were among the senior leaders present at the event, reflecting the party’s united support for the new leadership in Karnataka.Shivakumar, one of the Congress’s most prominent leaders in Karnataka, has represented the Kanakapura Assembly constituency for eight consecutive terms and has served as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president since 2020. He played a key role in leading the party to victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections and has been instrumental in strengthening the organisation in the state.Ahead of the ceremony, Shivakumar met several religious leaders and sought the blessings of seers who had gathered for the occasion. He also sought blessings from his mother, touching D A W S O N COUNTY, GEORGIA — What began as a joyous wedding celebration for a young couple ended in heartbreaking tragedy when a helicopter carrying newlyweds crashed shortly after departing their reception venue in north Georgia, killing the groom and pilot while leaving the bride seriously injured. Authorities said the crash occurred late on the evening of May 29 in a heavily wooded area near Dawsonville, Georgia. The victims were identified as Dave Fiji, 25, a commercial airline first officer with Endeavor Air, and Nikhil Nargundkar, 28, the helicopter pilot. Dave’s new wife, Jesni Fiji, survived the crash and is recovering from her injuries. According to family members, the newlyweds had just celebrated their wedding with approximately 400 guests at The Revere wedding venue in Dawsonville. As part of a special wedding send-off, the couple boarded a Robinson R66 helicopter that was scheduled to transport them to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport near Atlanta before they began their honeymoon journey. However, the helicopter never reached its destination. Emergency responders received reports of a downed aircraft shortly after 10:30 p.m. Rescue crews faced significant challenges locating the wreckage because it had crashed deep within a densely forested area. her feet before proceeding to take the oath of office. The ceremony witnessed the attendance of senior party leaders, including Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who praised Shivakumar’s contribution to the party over the years.”It’s a good thing, DK Shivakumar has been a party worker for quite a long time, he was the state president, and this decision has come under an agreement. He will take forward the policies of Congress established by Siddaramaiah in 3 years,” Sukhu told ANI.Congress MP Rajeev Shukla also congratulated Shivakumar and hailed the leadership transition.”I would like to congratulate him. The party’s high command made a really good decision. A dynamic leader like DK Shivakumar is taking oath, this will ensure a Congress Govt in Karnataka next time too. Siddaramaiah has given his blessings, he has shown magnanimity. The transfer DK SHIVAKUMAR SEE PAGE 2 Wedding Day Ends in Tragedy: Groom Killed, Bride Injured in Georgia Helicopter Crash Remember: “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes..” – Apostle James Investigators later determined that the helicopter struck several tall trees before crashing into the wooded terrain. The tragedy has drawn widespread attention due to the circumstances surrounding the flight. Family members revealed that Dave Fiji, himself a trained pilot, had reportedly expressed concerns about the deteriorating weather conditions before takeoff. Rain, fog, and poor visibility had moved into the area, prompting him to question whether the flight should proceed. According to relatives, the pilot believed the aircraft could climb above the weather conditions after departure. Sadly, only minutes after leaving the wedding venue, the helicopter crashed. Jesni Fiji sur- vived the impact but endured a terrifying ordeal. Family members said she remained trapped beneath the wreckage for several hours before rescue teams located the crash site. When she regained consciousness, she discovered that her husband had died in the crash. Despite suffering cuts and bruises, she reportedly escaped without broken bones and is expected to recover physically. The loss has devastated both families and shocked the broader community. Dave Fiji had fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a professional pilot and had recently begun his career with Endeavor Air, a regional subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. Friends and relatives described him as kind, compassionate, deeply devoted to his faith, and excited about beginning married life with Jesni, whom he had known through church HELICOPTER CRASH SEE PAGE 2
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026 H Mart Partners with InComm Healthcare to Enable OTC Network® Card Acceptance Lyndhurst, NJ – H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the United States, is proud to announce a new integration with InComm Healthcare, a business unit of payments technology company InComm Payments. The integration brings H Mart into InComm Healthcare’s OTC Network®, which enables participating retail locations to accept health plan supplemental benefit funds as payment for eligible purchases. Through this partnership, eligible H Mart customers using InComm Healthcare’s Dual Network Benefit Card™ can now utilize their plan-sponsored funds at participating store locations to purchase fresh produce, specialty ingredients, and over-the-counter (OTC) wellness products that reflect their cultural food traditions. With this OTC Network® integration, H Mart now supports all three major healthcare card networks, further strengthening its role beyond a traditional grocery retailer as a trusted partner in supporting customers’ health and well-being. The company also remains committed to honoring diverse cultural backgrounds and lifestyles while continuing to provide a meaningful and inclusive shopping experience. About H Mart H Mart is the largest Asian supermarket chain in America and a pioneer of Asian food culture in the United States. Since opening its first store in Woodside, Queens, in 1982, H Mart has grown significantly across the country. H Mart currently operates 110 locations across 20 U.S. states, supported by 18 state-of-theart warehouse and processing facilities. As America’s premier food destination, H Mart offers a full assortment of Asian groceries alongside a broad range of everyday essentials, providing a comprehensive “one-stop” shopping experience that rivals traditional supermarkets. H Mart is dedicated to serving both its immediate local neighborhoods and a diverse, mul- DK Shivakumar takes oath as Karnataka’s 34th Chief Minister; G Parameshwara sworn in as Deputy DK SIHIVAKUMAR FROM PAGE 1 of power has taken place well. Congratulations to Congress and the people of Karnataka,” Shukla told ANI. The swearing-in ceremony marks a major political development in Karnataka, with Shivakumar succeeding Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister following consultations within the Congress leadership.The Congress has also finalised the first batch of ministers to be inducted into the cabinet. Along with Shivakumar and Parameshwara, KH Muniyappa, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Sathish Jarakiholi, Krishna Byregowda, Priyank Kharge, UT Khader, Eshwar Khandre, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Byrathi Suresh and Sharan Prakash Patil will take oath as ministers. Congress top brass attends DK Shivakumar’s swearing-in as Karnataka Chief Minister Senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Bengaluru on Wednesday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of DK Shivakumar as the Chief Minister of Karnataka. Dignitaries and top party leadership, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, arrived to attend the event, signalling a unified front as the party embarks on a new chapter in its governance of the state. Congress leader KC Venugopal was also present during the event. Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Shivakumar met religious leaders and sought the blessings of seers who had gathered for the occasion. He also sought blessings from his mother, touching her feet before proceeding to the ceremony. The ceremony witnessed the attendance of senior party leaders, including Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who praised Shivakumar’s contribution to the party over the years.”It’s a good thing, DK Shivakumar has been a party worker for quite a long time, he was the state president, and this decision has come under an agreement. He will take forward the policies of Congress established by Siddaramaiah in 3 years,” Sukhu told ANI. Congress MP Rajeev Shukla also congratulated Shivakumar and hailed the leadership transition.”I would like to congratulate him. The party’s high command made a really good decision. A dynamic leader like DK Shivakumar is taking oath, this will ensure a Congress Govt in Karnataka next time too. Siddaramaiah has given his blessings, he has shown magnanimity. The transfer of power has taken place well. Congratulations to Congress and the people of Karnataka,” Shukla told ANI.The swearing-in ceremony marks a major political development in Karnataka, with Shivakumar succeeding Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister following consultations within the Congress leadership. ticultural customer base. The company strives to create an inclusive shopping environment that reflects the needs and preferences of the communities it serves. As America’s premier food destination, H Mart offers a full assortment of Asian groceries as well as a broad range of everyday essentials, complementing the offerings of a traditional supermarket. H Mart’s success is rooted in its continuous commitment to providing the freshest ingredients in all of its offerings while maintaining exceptional value. The company strives to deliver the highest level of service and works diligently to ensure customer satisfaction. Wedding Day Ends in Tragedy: Groom Killed, Bride Injured in Georgia Helicopter Crash HELICOPTER CRASH FROM PAGE 1 connections for many years. Speaking to local media, Dave’s father recalled the wedding as “perfect” and said his son had been exceptionally happy throughout the celebration. Family members said the couple had spent years building their relationship and were looking forward to starting their future together. Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation into the crash. The inquiry will examine weather conditions, aircraft performance, flight planning, pilot actions, and other factors that may have contributed to the accident. Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash. Aviation experts note that while the Robinson R66 helicopter is capable of operating in challenging conditions, flights conducted in poor visibility require careful planning and adherence to instrument flight procedures. Investigators are expected to spend months analyzing evidence before issuing a final report. As the investigation continues, family members say their faith is helping them cope with the unimaginable loss. What was intended to be the happiest day of a young couple’s life instead became a tragedy that has touched communities across the United States and beyond. The story of Dave and Jesni Fiji has resonated with many, serving as a reminder of how quickly life can change and how precious every moment can be. While loved ones mourn the loss of a promising young pilot, prayers continue for Jesni’s recovery and for the families whose celebration was transformed into sorrow within a matter of hours. Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra inducted as Minister; Priyank Kharge, MB Patil join Karnataka Cabinet Bengaluru (Kar- Muniyappa, KJ George, ture. While the cabinet in- nataka) [India], June 3 (ANI): A fresh batch of ministers was officially inducted into the New Karnataka cabinet alongside DK Shivakumar after he was sworn in as the Chief Minister and G Parameshwara as the Deputy CM. Alongside the Chief Minister and his deputy CM, 12 other prominent party leaders, including KH MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, UT Khader, Eshwara Khandre, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Byrathi Suresh, and Sharan Prakash Patil, took their oaths. This is expected to be the initial list of ministers, with further cabinet appointments likely to be announced in the near fu- cludes several experienced ministers returning to office under Shivakumar, the highlight is the induction of Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who makes his debut in the state cabinet. Before this, Shivakumar took the oath of the CM office while carrying a copy of the Constitu- tion of India, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Prior to taking the oath, he sought the blessings of Veera Gangadhara Ajjayya, and following the ceremony, he bowed respectfully to the attendees.
India This Week 3 Priti’s Fashion and Jewelry Nina Jewelers 301-806-0567; 301-431-7430 Since 1991 Exclusive 22Kt Gold Jewelry, Ruby Emerald and Diamond Jewelry, 24Kt Coins and Bars Convert your gold jewelry to new designs We repair broken jewelry; We can polish and buff old jewelry to make it new AANCHAL SAREES 301-434-3029 • Artificial Jewelry • Lehengas • Sarees • Kaftans • Salwar Kamez • Children’s wear • Men’s wear and much more Visit: Priti’s Fashion and Jewelry (Nina Jewelers) 1157 University Blvd. E, Takoma Park, MD 20912 (Hampshire Langley Shopping Center) Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:am-7:00pm Monday Closed
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026 Frontline Medical Center Opens At New Location In Beltsville B E LT S V I L L E , MD. — May 28, 2026 — Frontline Community Services Inc. is pleased to announce the opening of Frontline Medical Center at its headquarters location at 6900 Virginia Manor Road, Beltsville, Maryland 20705. The clinic officially began accepting patients from the local community on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Frontline Medical Center, an affiliate of Frontline Community Services Inc., offers quality, patient-centered healthcare services throughout Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The clinic’s mission is centered on improving community health outcomes through accessible, preventive, and compassionate care. This opening marks an important milestone for the nonprofit organization as it continues to strengthen healthcare accessibility and support underserved and diverse communities through integrated wellness and medical services. “We are excited to welcome patients to our new location and continue providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare services in a respectful and caring environment,” said Dittu Abraham, President of Frontline Community Services Inc. “Our goal in opening Frontline Medical Center at our headquarters is to ensure every patient receives personalized care focused on prevention, wellness, and long-term health.” nations • Vaccinations • COVID-19 testing • PPD testing and drug screening • LabCorp services • Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) testing • Nutrition support and lifestyle wellness services The clinic is led by distinguished Internal Medicine physician, Dr. Wilkinson Ninala, and renowned physician, Dr. Vijayan Charles, who leads the Wholistic Wellness team. Together, these medical professionals bring decades of combined experience and are dedicated to delivering patient-focused care tailored to individual health needs. Frontline Medical Center accepts all major health insurance plans. Translation services are also available in English and Spanish to better serve the community. CLINIC & LABCORP SERVICES: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. WHOLISTIC WELLNESS CLINIC: By appointment only Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Appointments and walk-ins are accepted, subject to availability. Community members are encouraged to call ahead to minimize wait times and ensure appointment availability. 20705 Phone: 240-965-5560 Fax: 240-241-4069 Email: fmc@frontlinecs. org For appointments or additional information, please contact the clinic directly. ABOUT FRONTLINE COMMUNITY SERVICES INC. • Annual physical exami- or Road Beltsville, MD Frontline Community Services Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing meaning to lives through compassionate community-based programs and services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). Through health- mil Nadu) [India], June 3 (ANI): In a significant political development, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Wednesday announced that it will allot its quota for the upcoming Rajya Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu to its alliance partner, the Indian National Congress. The Rajya Sabha election for the seat is scheduled to be held on June 18, with counting of votes and declaration of the same day.The allocation effectively confirms that Congress, a key constituent of the alliance led by TVK in Tamil Nadu, will field its candidate for the Upper House seat. With this decision, the TVK leadership has signalled its continued commitment to maintaining coalition stability and strengthening its alliance arrangements.”In the Rajya Sabha election to be held from Tamil Nadu on Rajya Sabha seat has been allocated to the Indian National Congress party, which is a member of the alliance led by Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu,” the official letter from TVK said. For Congress, the allocation of the seat is considered a crucial opportunity to enhance its representation in the Rajya Sabha, particularly at a time when parliamentary numbers remain politically Frontline Medical LOCATION: Center offers a wide range of services, in- Frontline Medical Center 6900 Virginia Mancluding: care, wellness, and other supporting initiatives, the organization works to im- prove the quality of life for persons served and other marginalized communities across Maryland and the greater Washington, D.C. region. This comes after the Election Commission on Monday issued a notification for biennial elections to 24 Rajya Sabha seats from ten states. According to the notification, the elections include four seats each in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, three seats each in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, two seats in Jharkhand, and one seat each in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalaya. The last date for filing nominations is June 8.The Commission has also issued a notifica- tion for the Rajya Sabha bypolls to one seat each in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha. TVKChennai allocates Rajya Sabha seat to alliance partner Congress from Tamil Nadu (Ta- results set to take place on the 18th of this month, a significant.
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026 PM Modi hails Cabinet’s key decisions on Delhi-NCR clean mobility scheme, NH projects, airline support New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted a series of key decisions taken by the Union Cabinet, saying the measures would boost infrastructure, strengthen regional connectivity, support airlines and help reduce pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. In a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister said the Cabinet had approved a landmark two-year scheme aimed at reducing air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region and promoting cleaner mobility.” The Union Cabinet has approved a scheme that will work towards reducing pollution in the Delhi-NCR region and promote cleaner mobility. The scheme will improve air quality, support sus- tainable transport and benefit vehicle owners,” Modi said. The scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet and funded through the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has a total financial outlay of Rs 9,585 crore, including Rs 5,041 crore from the Centre and an estimated Rs.1,601 crore in tax concessions from the participating States. It seeks to incentivise owners of BS-IV or older trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR to replace them with BS-VI-compliant or electric vehicles to significantly reduce vehicular emissions.The Prime Minister also welcomed Cabinet approval for a one-time budgetary support mechanism of up The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- May 29, 2026 EXIT WITH GRACE! By Rajan George If perchance, or by privilege, You gain great power and full control Of an office, realm, or state, Be wise, and choose to do good. You may turn the machine around, And use it for your selfish gain; But a day will surely come When you no longer hold that power. Beware lest you become entangled In webs of corruption and deceit, Which will haunt you till you depart This earthly sphere for all your deeds. The pain that follows, you will find, Was never worth the fleeting gain; For all your profits dissipate Upon the anvil of anguish— A folly you failed to foresee. A wise man, even when he rises To positions of authority, Understands his human limits And walks by moral principles That serve both himself and his people well. He never seeks to serve himself, But leads with humility and care, To bless the souls beneath his charge, And at the end departs in peace. But one devoid of wisdom, When granted power and opportunity, Fails to imagine life beyond His season seated on the throne; Thus he indulges in shameful deeds, Only to be haunted after exit. But a wise man, on the other hand, Sees his limits and looks ahead; He guards against the lurking harms, Serves well—and exits with grace! to Rs 10,000 crore for Oil Marketing Companies to stabilise ATF prices for Indian airlines amid ongoing fuel price volatility triggered by the West Asia crisis.” Cabinet approval for a one-time support mechanism to ensure greater stability in ATF prices for Indian airlines will help maintain affordable air connectivity, support airline operations and reduce the burden on passengers,” Modi said, adding that the measure would strengthen connectivity to Tier-II and Tier-III cities while supporting tourism and employment. Highlighting infrastructure decisions, Modi said approval had been granted to upgrade the Khagaria-Purnea section of NH-31 and NH-231 in Bihar to four lanes.”Our government is continuously striving to further strengthen connectivity across the country. In this direction, taking an important decision, approval has been granted to upgrade the Khagaria-Purnia section INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online of NH-31 and NH-231 in Bihar to 4 lanes. This will greatly benefit the people of the entire state, especially those in Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Katihar, and Purnia. This project will not only save travel time and fuel, but will also give a new momentum to allround development in this region,” he said. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the 143.529-km project on BOT (Toll) mode at a cost of Rs 3,936.05 crore. The project is expected to address severe geometric deficiencies, sharp curves, and congestion in builtup areas across Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Katihar and Purnia districts. In Madhya Pradesh, the Prime Minister said the Cabinet had approved the upgradation of the Hiwarkhedi-Roshni-Ashapur-Rudhy section of NH-347B to two lanes and the widening of the Deshgaon-Julwaniya section to four lanes. ”In a significant step towards further improving connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, our government has taken an important decision today. Under this, approval has been granted to upgrade the Hivarkhedi-Roshni-Ashapur-Rudhi section of NH-347B in the state to 2 lanes, along with converting the Deshgav-Julvania section from 2 lanes to 4 lanes. This will not only make travel easier for people and boost regional connectivity, but will also accelerate social and economic development,” PM Modi posted. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the project at a cost of Rs 4,415.60 crore on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), aimed at reducing congestion and geometric deficiencies in districts including Betul, Khandwa, Khargone and Barwani.PM Modi also highlighted Cabinet approval for widening key National Highway stretches in Telangana connecting Armoor, Jagtial, Mancherial and Karimnagar.”Boost to Basic Infrastructure in Telangana! The Union Cabinet has approved the expansion of key national highway routes connecting Armoor, Jagtial, Mancherial, and Karimnagar in Telangana. This will not only improve connectivity but also reduce travel time and traffic congestion. It will also provide a boost to economic activities,” he said. The Telangana highway project, approved at a combined cost of Rs 7,597.16 crore, will widen 190.76 km of NH-63 on Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Jagtial-Karimnagar Section of National Highway (NH)-563 on Build-Operate-Transfer (Toll) [BOT (Toll)] to the 4-lane standard under three work packages. PM Modi further highlighted another cabinet decision regarding construction of a new coastal Highway from Rameshwar to Paradeep on Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in Odisha under two packages with a combined total length of 160.18 km and a combined total capital cost of Rs.8300.79 crore. ”The approval for the construction of a new coastal highway from Rameshwar to Paradeep in Odisha will improve connectivity across Khordha, Puri, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur districts while significantly reducing travel time. This modern project will strengthen logistics, support tourism and economic activity and provide safer and seamless connectivity for passengers as well as freight traffic. At the same time, coastal development will be enhanced,” the Prime Minister posted. (ANI) Remember: “In the Beginning was the Word, The Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made, that was made” JOHN 1:1-3
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026 90.6% hospital births, 96% plus vaccinations: NFHS-6 reflects India’s “accelerated progress” in family health parameters New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) released the National Family Health Survey – 6, here today, with the data reflecting India’s “accelerated progress” in maternal and child health, nutrition and financial protection and that 95.6% children received most vaccinations through public health facilities as the preferred choice. The NFHS-6 was conducted during 202324 by the MoHFW with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, as the nodal agency. Covering nearly 6.79 lakh households across 715 districts, the survey provides vital evidence on population, health, nutrition and family welfare indicators and supports evidence-based planning and programme implementation up to the district level. According to the survey findings, India has recorded notable progress in health, nutrition, and social development indicators, reflecting the impact of sustained policy interventions and focused implementation of flagship programmes. An official release said that NFHS-6 highlights significant improvements in maternal and child healthcare services across the country. It said 95.9% of pregnant women received antenatal care (ANC), while mothers receiving ANC in the first trimester increased from 70.0% to 76.2%. Mothers receiving at least four ANC visits also increased from 58.5% to 65.2%, reflecting stronger continuity of maternal healthcare services. Institutional deliveries increased from 88.6% to 90.6%, moving India closer towards universal coverage. “Births attended by skilled health personnel improved from 89.4% to 91.3%, while postnatal care for newborns by Doctor/Nurse/Lady Health Visitor (LHV)/Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)/ Midwife/other health personnel within two days of delivery improved from 79.1% to 85.3%. ”Maternal nutrition indicators also showed notable improvement. Mothers consuming iron folic acid supplements for 100 days or more during pregnancy increased from 44.1% to 54.9%, while those consuming supplements for 180 days or more rose from 26.0% to 37.8%. ”These gains reflect strengthened public health infrastructure and improved access to maternal and child healthcare services across the country, driven by focused implementation of initiatives such as Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA/e-PMSMA), Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN), Facility Based New-born Care, HomeBased Newborn Care, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY 2.0),” the release said.” These programmes have enhanced antenatal and postnatal care coverage, ensured quality care during pregnancy and childbirth and promoted safe motherhood and child health practices,” it added.In terms of family planning improvements, India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) remains at 2.0. The Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) increased from 66.7% to 69.1%, with focus on well-being of mother and child, thus showing improved access to family planning services to those who need.”These improvements underscore the continued impact of national family planning programmes, including Mission Parivar Vikas,” the release said. The release said that India continues to make strong progress towards universal immunization coverage. “Full vaccination coverage among children age 12-23 months based on vaccination cards, increased from 83.8% to 87.1%. 95.6% of children received most vaccinations through public health facilities reaffirming the trust of community towards public healthcare system,” the release said.”Any vaccine received by children age 12-23 months remains consistently high above 96%, while substantial improvement has been recorded across major vaccines. Substantial increase has been recorded in rotavirus vaccination coverage from 36.4% to 85.4%. Coverage of the second dose of measles-containing vaccine also increased significantly from 58.6% to 71.8%,” the release added.The survey also recorded improvements in key child health indicators. Prevalence of symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) among children declined from 2.8% to 1.9%, while prevalence of severe diarrhoea also declined to 0.5%.”These gains reflect strengthened last-mile service delivery by dedicated frontline health workers enhanced cold chain infrastructure, digital tracking systems such as U-WIN and active community engagement under India’s Universal Immunization Programme and other public health programmes,” the release said. NFHS-6 indicated encouraging progress in child nutrition outcomes. It said 95.6% of children under six months of age were found to be breastfed during survey period. Further percentage of children under age three years breastfed within one hour of birth increased by nearly 10 percent points from 41.8% to 50.1%.Stunting (low height for age) among children under five years declined substantially from 35.5% to 29.3%, reflecting improvement in long-term nutritional outcomes. The marked reduction in stunting prevalence provides strong evidence of improvement in long-term nutritional transition and child health outcomes in India. Severe wasting (too thin for one’s height) declined sharply from 7.7% to 5.2%, while underweight prevalence in under five children also registered a marginal decline from 32.1% to 31.8%. Improvement was also observed in infant and young child feeding practices. Children age 6-8 months receiving solid or semi-solid food along with breastmilk increased from 45.9% to 59.5%.”These gains are driven by convergent efforts across Ministries through flagship initiatives such as POSHAN Abhiyaan and Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0, supported by strengthened service delivery under ICDS. Complementary interventions under the National Health Mission (NHM), including maternal and child health services, Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs), Mother’s Absolute Affection (MAA), Infant and Young Child Feeding, Iron and folic acid supplementation and growth monitoring have further contributed to improved outcomes,” the release said. It said that Health insurance/financing scheme coverage has expanded significantly from 41.0% to 60.2% at the household level, reflecting the success of government-led initiatives aimed at strengthening financial protection in healthcare. Flagship schemes such as Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) have played a pivotal role in increasing access to affordable healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations. This expansion marks a critical step towards universal health coverage and equitable access to quality healthcare services across the country.NFHS-6 recorded continued advancement in women’s digital inclusion and financial empower- ment. Women who had ever used the internet nearly doubled from 33.3% to 64.3%. Women having a bank or savings account that they themselves use increased from 78.6% to 89.0%, and women having a mobile phone that they themselves use rose from 53.9% to 63.6%, the release said. The use of hygienic methods of menstrual protection among women age 15-24 years has increased from 77.6% to 79.2%, supported by initiatives such as the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) within the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) and the affordable sanitary products under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. These initiatives have enhanced awareness, accessibility, and adoption of safe menstrual hygiene practices in the nation. The release said that NFHS-6 provides critical evidence for programme implemen- tation and policymaking across health and social sectors. The findings reflect steady gains in maternal and child health, nutrition, women’s empowerment and access to essential services. At the same time, emerging challenges such as rising non-communicable diseases, lifestyle-related risks and the dual burden of undernutrition and rising overweight/ obesity among adults highlight the need for continued focus on preventive healthcare, behavioural change and balanced nutrition strategies.” Overall, the findings reaffirm India’s steady progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With continued emphasis on convergence, last-mile delivery and inclusive growth, India is well-positioned to sustain these gains and further improve the health and well-being of its population,” the release said. (ANI) TO PLACE ADVERTISEMENTS CALL: 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 EMAIL: INDIATHISWEEKADS@GMAIL . COM WEB: I NDIATHISWEEK .US
INDIA THIS WEEK 9
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