Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi have successfully carried out a rare and highly intricate lung surgery on a four-month-old infant born with a congenital lung defect affecting both lungs. The baby recovered well and was discharged just two days after the procedure.

According to AIIMS, the infant had been diagnosed before birth with Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM), an uncommon condition in which sections of the lungs develop abnormally, creating cyst-like, non-functional tissue. Unlike most CPAM cases that involve only one lung, this child's condition affected both lungs, making the surgery significantly more complex.

To preserve as much healthy lung tissue as possible, the surgical team opted for a segmentectomy instead of removing an entire lung lobe. Surgeons removed only the diseased portions—segments 9 and 10 of the right lower lobe—which are among the most technically demanding areas of the lung to operate on.

Dr. Sandeep Agarwala, Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS, described the procedure as a major technical accomplishment. He said performing minimally invasive keyhole surgery on a four-month-old infant required exceptional teamwork and was made possible by the expertise of the medical staff and the institute's advanced infrastructure for complex pediatric surgeries.

The operation was led by Professor Vishesh Jain from the Department of Pediatric Surgery. A crucial element of the surgery's success was the use of selective lung ventilation, a specialized anaesthesia technique that enables surgeons to operate on one lung while the other continues to support breathing. The anaesthesia team was led by Dr. Abhishek from the Department of Anaesthesia.

The surgery was completed without any complications, allowing the infant to return home just two days later. Because the congenital abnormality affects both lungs, doctors treated only the right lung during this operation. AIIMS said the child will undergo a second procedure on the left lung after recovering from the initial surgery. The institute noted that this case highlights the growing feasibility of lung-preserving surgery in very young infants. By removing only the diseased segments instead of an entire lobe, surgeons can potentially improve long-term lung function while reducing the loss of healthy tissue in carefully selected pediatric patients.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

A Special NIA Court in Jammu has ruled that the arrest and custodial interrogation of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and designated terrorist Hafiz Muhammad Saeed are essential for conducting a fair, comprehensive, and effective investigation into a terror-related case. Acting on an application filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the court issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Saeed.

Special Judge Prem Sagar noted that Saeed, listed as Accused No. 8 in the FIR, must be taken into custody to ensure a thorough investigation. The court directed that the non-bailable warrant be forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the NIA in Jammu for execution in accordance with the law.

The NIA informed the court that it has already filed a supplementary chargesheet in the case. According to the agency, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, a resident of Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, is a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and the founder of the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. The agency stated that Saeed is currently based in Pakistan and has been deliberately evading arrest, making the issuance of an open-dated non-bailable warrant necessary for the continuation of legal proceedings and the investigation.

After reviewing the submissions made by the investigating officer and examining the application, the court accepted the NIA's request and disposed of the plea. The case has been registered under Sections 147, 148, 149, 150 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The investigation relates to the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorists opened fire on civilians, killing 26 people, including several tourists. The NIA, which is leading the investigation, alleges that the attack was planned and directed by Pakistan-based operatives of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. In its supplementary chargesheet, the agency has named Hafiz Muhammad Saeed as Accused No. 8, accusing him of being part of the larger conspiracy behind the deadly assault.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India is making significant progress in medical research, highlighting the country's growing ability to create homegrown healthcare solutions using advanced technologies such as gene therapy and nuclear medicine. Speaking at the 22nd convocation ceremony of King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow, Singh said India's healthcare system has become more self-reliant, accessible, affordable, technologically advanced, and focused on public welfare than ever before.

He noted that Indian researchers have successfully developed an indigenous gene therapy for haemophilia, marking a major breakthrough in the treatment of the inherited blood disorder. He also pointed to scientists in Pune who have created an advanced nanomedicine for breast cancer treatment, showcasing India's expanding capabilities in cutting-edge medical science. The Defence Minister said the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has accelerated domestic manufacturing of medical devices, reducing dependence on imports while strengthening India's healthcare infrastructure.

Highlighting recent achievements, Singh said India introduced Nafithromycin in 2024, the country's first domestically developed macrolide antibiotic, which is expected to play an important role in treating Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia. He also recalled that India developed its first indigenous MRI machine in 2023, describing it as affordable, lightweight, high-field, and capable of delivering faster imaging.

Singh further said affordable healthcare has become more accessible through the network of over 19,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which provide quality medicines to citizens at significantly lower prices. Addressing doctors and medical professionals, he urged them to prioritize their own physical and mental well-being, acknowledging that the medical profession involves long hours and high levels of stress that can affect personal health.

The minister also praised the healthcare transformation in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stating that the state's medical infrastructure has expanded rapidly over the past nine years. According to Singh, Uttar Pradesh had only 17 medical colleges before 2017, but the number has now increased to 81 institutions. He added that the state is home to two operational AIIMS campuses and has successfully achieved the goal of having at least one medical college in every district.

Emphasizing the importance of medical education, Singh said improving healthcare services requires a larger pool of qualified doctors and specialists. He added that the government has therefore undertaken an unprecedented expansion of medical education to strengthen the country's healthcare system for the future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday described Andhra Pradesh as an emerging centre of India’s defence and aerospace ecosystem while commissioning the Indian Navy’s latest stealth frigate, INS Mahendragiri, in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony marked the completion of the Navy’s advanced Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigate programme. Addressing the gathering at the naval base on the eastern coast, Singh highlighted the state’s expanding contribution to India’s defence capabilities across air, maritime, land, and unmanned technology domains.

He said Andhra Pradesh is rapidly developing into a major hub for defence manufacturing, citing several key projects being established in the state. These include the Core Integration and Flight Testing Centre for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in Puttaparthi and a new Naval Systems Manufacturing Facility of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Anakapalli district.

According to the minister, the BDL facility will produce advanced underwater defence systems, including autonomous underwater vehicles, torpedoes, and counter-measure technologies, reducing India’s dependence on foreign suppliers. He noted that the state’s defence footprint now extends from fighter aircraft development and drone manufacturing to advanced naval platforms such as INS Mahendragiri.

Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), INS Mahendragiri is a modern multi-role stealth frigate designed for blue-water operations. The 6,670-tonne warship features more than 75 per cent indigenous content and is equipped with advanced weapons and systems, including locally developed rocket and torpedo launchers, electronic warfare capabilities, and the ability to deploy BrahMos missiles.

During the commissioning event, Singh also underlined the Indian Navy’s growing role in protecting national interests and securing vital maritime routes. Referring to recent operations, he said the Navy’s efforts to escort merchant vessels carrying essential supplies demonstrated its importance not only as a military force but also as a protector of India’s economic interests.

The Defence Minister praised the rapid progress of India’s domestic shipbuilding sector, saying the induction of advanced warships reflects the country’s increasing self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He pointed out that the Navy has inducted six frontline frigates in roughly the last 18 months, describing it as a significant achievement for Indian defence manufacturing.

Linking the development to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHA SAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, Singh said India is moving beyond simply navigating maritime challenges and is building the capability to influence security dynamics across the oceans.

Addressing the challenges of modern warfare, the minister stressed that advanced technology and conventional military strength must progress together. He said emerging technologies alone cannot replace traditional defence platforms, while conventional forces must also evolve with new innovations to remain effective. The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri represents another major milestone in India’s naval modernisation efforts. The latest Nilgiri-class frigate is expected to strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities, enhance maritime surveillance, and boost India’s presence across the strategically important Indian Ocean Region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Donald Trump and the White House administration responded strongly, accusing the media and the Democratic Party of contributing to rising political violence. Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore the origins of the deep political divide between Democrats and Republicans in the United States. At the same time, Usha Vance has started a new podcast, raising questions about her motives, while King Charles’s upcoming visit to the White House is expected to shed light on Donald Trump’s relationship with the British monarchy.

Disclaimer: This video is taken from The Guardian.

In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews author K. C. Vijayan about his biography The Benjamin Sheares Story: From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President. The book offers a vivid and humanising account of Benjamin Sheares, Singapore’s second President and a prominent figure in the Eurasian community, tracing his journey from working in busy maternity wards during the baby boom era to serving as President of Singapore from 1971 to 1981 at the Istana.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.