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Typhoon Koinu brings floods to Hong Kong

News: Typhoon Koinu dropped severe rainfall during the night, causing officials to issue the highest level of alert, which resulted in flooding in many districts of Hong Kong.

• Koinu was traveling west-southwest as it passed over the Guangdong province in China, according to Hong Kong’s observatory.
• It stated that during the early hours of today, the majority of the region received more than 150 millimeters of rain, while many urban areas of Hong Kong island received more than 300 millimeters of rain.

ABHA Digital Health Account: A digital health revolution to empower citizens 

News: The ABHA Digital Health Account represents a transformative step in the healthcare sector, designed to empower citizens and revolutionize the way healthcare is accessed and managed.

• This innovative platform leverages digital technology to provide individuals with unprecedented control over their health and well-being.
• With the ABHA Digital Health Account, users can store and access their medical records, test results, and prescription history securely in one place, making it easier to share vital information with healthcare providers. This not only streamlines the consultation process but also enhances patient safety.
• Moreover, the platform offers various features such as telehealth services, appointment scheduling, and medication reminders, ensuring convenience and timely healthcare access. It promotes preventive care by providing users with personalized health tips and tracking tools.
• In essence, the ABHA Digital Health Account not only simplifies healthcare management but also encourages individuals to take a proactive role in their health. It fosters a digital health revolution that empowers citizens to make informed decisions and ultimately leads to improved overall health outcomes.

Fight against black money: India gets fifth set of Swiss bank account details 

News: Within the framework of the yearly automated information exchange between India and Switzerland, India has received the fifth set of bank account details from Switzerland. Information on almost 3.6 million bank accounts has been given by Swiss authorities with 104 nations, including India.

• The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) of Switzerland stated in a statement released on Monday that it has provided the partner states with information on about 3.6 million financial accounts and received information from them on approximately 2.9 financial accounts.
• On January 1, 2018, India and Switzerland signed an automatic agreement for the exchange of tax-related information. India received the initial round of data in September 2019.
• Swiss officials, however, declined to provide the precise amount associated with the exchanged data. Despite this, they acknowledged that “hundreds of financial accounts” are involved in the new information given to Indian authorities. These accounts include several occurrences connected to people, businesses, and trusts.

World Mental Health Day 

News: World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10th, is a global initiative that aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote open discussions surrounding mental well-being. Established by the World Federation for Mental Health, this day provides an opportunity to reduce the stigma often associated with mental health challenges and emphasize the importance of mental health care.

• Each year, World Mental Health Day focuses on a specific theme or topic relevant to mental health. It serves as a platform for organizations, communities, and individuals to come together and advocate for better mental health support, services, and policies.
• Through educational programs, awareness campaigns, and public events, people around the world are encouraged to learn, talk, and seek help when needed.
• In an era where mental health issues affect millions globally, World Mental Health Day plays a crucial role in destigmatizing mental illnesses, promoting understanding, and offering hope to those who may be struggling.
• It underscores the fundamental idea that mental health is an essential component of overall well-being and deserves equal attention and care as physical health.

India had world’s highest number of preterm births in 2020: Lancet study 

News: A Lancet study in 2020 revealed a concerning and alarming statistic for India: it had the world’s highest number of preterm births that year. Preterm birth, defined as the delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation, poses significant health risks to both the infant and the mother. This study shed light on a pressing public health issue that warrants immediate attention.

• Several factors contribute to the high rate of preterm births in India, including inadequate maternal healthcare, poor nutrition, maternal age, and socioeconomic disparities.
• The consequences of preterm birth can be devastating, as preterm babies are at a higher risk of health complications, developmental issues, and even death.
• Addressing this critical challenge requires a comprehensive approach, including improved access to quality prenatal care, maternal nutrition, and awareness campaigns to educate expectant mothers.
• It also underscores the need for policymakers and healthcare providers to prioritize maternal and child health, with a focus on reducing preterm births and improving neonatal care.
• Efforts to lower the rate of preterm births are essential to ensuring healthier futures for both mothers and their newborns in India.