The Union Health Ministry implemented a ban on 156 "irrational" FDC medicines, effective immediately. These medicines, including widely used antibiotics, painkillers, and multivitamins, were commonly used to treat fever, cough, and infections. The ban was imposed due to the associated health risks and lack of therapeutic justification for the ingredients in these FDCs.

What are FDC medicines?

FDCs or fixed-dosed combinations, also known as "cocktail drugs," are medications that combine multiple drugs in a single pill. They are designed to treat multiple symptoms or conditions simultaneously. While they offer convenience, they can pose significant risks. These risks include the possibility of overdose, adverse interactions between the drugs, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, many FDC medicines lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their safety and efficacy.

Expert opinions on FDC medicines

Experts have raised concerns about the use of FDC medicines. They believe that many of these combinations lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their safety and effectiveness. Additionally, the combination of multiple drugs in a single pill can increase the risk of adverse side effects and interactions with other medications.

Experts have also found that FDC medicines may not be as effective as individual drugs in treating certain conditions. It is important to note that safer and more effective alternatives are available for most of the medical conditions that FDC medicines were used to treat. One particular concern is the inclusion of antibiotics in some FDCs. Overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, a major public health threat.

The risks of FDC medicines

The use of FDC medicines can lead to adverse effects, including serious ones. Additionally, safer alternatives, tested in clinical trials, are available to treat the same medical conditions. Experts recommend prescribing drugs individually based on a patient's clinical symptoms rather than combining them in FDCs.

The ban on irrational FDC medicines by the Union Health Ministry can be seen as a positive step towards promoting rational drug use and protecting public health. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary and potentially harmful drug combinations. This is a step forward in reducing the risks associated with medication and ensure safer and more effective treatment options for patients.

Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, scientists, doctors, and public health experts have spent decades trying to understand the virus and control its spread. Modern treatments now allow people living with HIV to reduce the virus in their bodies to undetectable levels, helping them stay healthy while also preventing transmission to others. Still, these treatments do not eliminate the virus entirely. Now, new research exploring the use of CRISPR gene-editing technology has shown promising results. This raises a question that has lingered for years: are we any closer to a cure for HIV?

What Is CRISPR?

CRISPR, short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a powerful gene-editing tool adapted from a natural defense system found in bacteria. It works by acting like precise molecular scissors that can cut, remove, or alter specific sections of DNA inside living cells. Scientists use a guide RNA to direct an enzyme, such as Cas9, to a targeted stretch of genetic material, allowing them to make exact changes.

According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, CRISPR has transformed genetic research because it is faster, more accurate, and more affordable than older gene-editing methods, with applications across medicine, science, and agriculture.

CRISPR Slices HIV Out Of Infected Cells Completely

Researchers at Amsterdam UMC have used Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR gene-editing tools to remove HIV DNA from infected T cells. Their work focused on targeting the virus where it hides inside immune cells known as reservoirs. By attacking parts of the HIV genome that remain stable across different strains, the researchers were able to target the virus in several types of cells, as per BBC.

In laboratory studies, the team successfully eliminated HIV from T cells that typically allow the virus to resurface once antiretroviral treatment is stopped. Unlike current HIV medications, which keep the virus under control but do not remove it, CRISPR physically cuts the viral DNA out of dormant reservoir cells. These hidden cells have been one of the biggest obstacles to finding a cure for HIV for decades.

How CRISPR Works Against HIV

According to the National Institutes of Health, CRISPR can fight HIV in several ways.

Removing the virus: CRISPR can cut out HIV DNA that has integrated into a person’s own genetic material, effectively removing the virus from the cell. This approach has been demonstrated in studies highlighted by the NIH, the World Economic Forum, and other research bodies.

Blocking viral activity: The technology can also disrupt viral genes or target host cell receptors, such as CCR5, which HIV needs to enter cells. This helps prevent new infections from taking hold.

Multiple-target strategies: Scientists are developing approaches that use more than one guide RNA to attack different parts of the virus at the same time. This reduces the chances of HIV mutating and escaping treatment, according to reports from the NIH, Aidsmap, and the World Economic Forum.

Study Details And Key Findings

Led by Dr Elena Herrera-Carrillo, the research team tested a CRISPR-Cas system using two guide RNAs aimed at conserved regions of the HIV genome. By focusing on these shared genetic sequences, the scientists hoped to create a treatment effective against many HIV variants. One major challenge they identified was the size of the delivery system used to transport the CRISPR components into cells. The vector carrying the gene-editing tools was initially too large.

To address this, the team tested different methods to shrink the CRISPR cassette and improve delivery. They compared several CRISPR-Cas systems derived from different bacteria in HIV-infected CD4+ T cells. Among them, saCas9 showed especially strong results. With one guide RNA, it completely shut down HIV activity, and with two guide RNAs, it fully removed viral DNA from the cells.

Reducing the vector size improved delivery efficiency, and the researchers were also able to target hidden HIV reservoir cells by focusing on proteins found on the surface of CD4+ and CD32a+ cells.

The researchers stated: “We have developed an effective combined CRISPR approach that attacks HIV in different cell types and in the locations where it hides. We also showed that these treatments can be delivered specifically to the cells that matter. This work marks an important step toward designing a cure strategy.”

What Happens Next?

Looking ahead, the authors explained that their next goal is to improve how the treatment is delivered so it reaches most HIV reservoir cells in the body. They plan to combine CRISPR-based therapies with receptor-targeting tools and move into preclinical testing to closely examine safety and effectiveness.

They added: “This will help ensure that CRISPR-Cas is delivered mainly to reservoir cells while avoiding healthy cells. Our aim is to make the system as safe as possible for future use in patients. Finding the right balance between effectiveness and safety is essential. Only then can clinical trials begin to explore whether this cure strategy can disable HIV reservoirs in humans.”

Days after actor Genelia D'Souza revealed she does not feed her children ghee over fears of blocking their arteries and causing heart damage, cardiologists have exclusively revealed to HealthAndMe whether the superfood is healthy for youngsters.

During an episode of Soha Ali Khan’s YouTube podcast 'All About Her', D'Souza said: "Ghee was never a very big part of my diet. I’ve always been more conscious because cholesterol issues run in my family. Whether it was non-vegetarian food or anything else, it was always on my mind, I didn’t want to go overboard.

"We start building habits early. You can't keep feeding children excessive amounts of certain foods and then expect them to suddenly not be overweight and head to the gym later in life. It has to make sense."

And Dr Lakshmi Sukumaran, senior consultant cardiologist and cardiac anesthesiologist at Metromed International Cardiac Centre agrees!

The specialist told the publication: "Children need appropriate fat for growth, brain development, and hormone synthesis. However, children also do not need excess saturated fat.

"Small amounts of ghee, a teaspoon added to food is not harmful for healthy children with normal weight, active lifestyle and no genetic lipid disorders.

What should be avoided is high daily intake, especially when combined with sedentary lifestyle and calorie excess."

Is Ghee Indeed Bad For Young Children?

Made from cow milk butter, ghee contains about 130 calories and 15 grams of fat on average. It is also known to be rich in Vitamin A, D, K and E as well antioxidants.

However due to its high saturated fat content, some experts claim ghee can raise bad cholesterol levels in some people. Dr Neville Solomon, pediatric cardiac surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai further advised that it is important for parents to practice caution over the amount their children are consuming of the superfood.

He exclusively told HealthAndMe: "Excessive intake can be harmful and manifest as weight gain, and indirectly in adulthood, as metabolic syndrome, which can manifest as hypertension, diabetes and raised bad cholesterol and low good cholesterol, which can translate into 'hardening of arteries' and coronary artery disease in adulthood."

Additionally, he suggested that children should be kept away from fried foods, be allowed to to consume ghee in moderation and encouraged to be physically active to maintain cardiac health as they grow.

"A sensible policy, if your child is overweight, it is best to avoid or restrict ghee and related potentially harmful foods like fried items, sweets, salty foods like chips and pickles. Ensure your child is physically active, and screen time is restricted. Adequate sleep and avoiding excessive stress are equally important for the long-term 'heart health' of a child," he said.

What About Adults?

Dr Sukumaran explained that while low amounts of ghee in itself is not unhealthy for children and cannot block arteries, it is necessary for adults to also practice moderation as it can pave the way for development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up inside your arteries over years and cause artery blockage.

She noted: "Ghee is simply a concentrated source of saturated fat. Saturated fats are known to raise LDL cholesterol in many individuals. Elevated LDL is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. But this effect is dose-dependent, meaning quantity and frequency matter. So, intake of ghee in moderation does not worsen heart health. What matters is long term dietary patterns.

"Studies on ghee consumption show mixed results , some show mild increases in LDL or triglycerides at high intake, while others show neutral effects when intake is modest and part of a traditional diet.

"Science supports moderation, not fear mongering a particular type of food, and certainly not oversimplified statements of celebrities about arterial blockage."

Who Should Avoid Ghee?

Experts recommend those suffering from conditions such as heart, digestive and kidney issues as well as obesity to steer clear from the superfood. Cholesterol patients should also avoid ghee as it is rich in fatty acids that may increase blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.

Lastly, those suffering from jaundice should also avoid it as it can cause major problems for the liver. Doctors suggest consuming not more than two teaspoons of ghee every day as it may pose certain health risks.

What Did Genelia Say About Her Children's Diets?

The 38-year-old mother-of-two clarified during the podcase episode that she considers ghee to be a problem when consumed in excess. D'Souza, who follows a strict plant-based lifestyle, explained that ghee, a known superfood, stays far away from her diet and instead she prefers to consume sesame seeds (til) for similar benefits.

She also addressed questions about giving up ghee and butter, stating, "I enjoyed a little bit of ghee and butter, but only in tiny portions. So when I eventually gave it up, it wasn’t a big deal," while acknowledging the sensory appeal of ghee, "I know it’s very tasty and it smells amazing."

After Indore water contamination, whose epicentre is Bhagirathpura, that led to the outbreak of diarrhea, with confirmed E coli and Klebsiella bacteria in the water, similar cases form 5 different states have come up. Madhya Pradesh has again made it to the list, now, with Bhopal's water being contaminated.

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh : Water Contamination

Residents of Greater Noida's Delta 1 Sector fell ill after consuming contaminated drinking water. This has prompted health concerns and complaints of sewage mixing in the pipe line, said officials and residents.

The residents reported symptoms like vomiting, fever, stomachache and loose motion after consuming tap water in parts of sector on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the officials of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) denied mixing of sewage with portable water supply, claiming tests conducted so far has found the water to be clean. However, Harendra Bhati, a resident of Beta 1 Sector, society located nearby, claimed that sewage overflow is a common problem in several parts of Greater Noida, as reported by NDTV.

Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat: Water Contamination

In Gujarat's Gandhi Nagar, typhoid outbreak was traced to contaminated drinking water. Residents have been affected by sewage mixing into pipelines, which were meant to deliver clean water. Official from Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, as reported by The Indian Express said that many complaint of high grade fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Most of the patients are in the age group of 1 to 16.

“Various samples were taken and they showed fecal contamination,” reported The Indian Express.

Hyderabad, Telangana: Water Contamination

Four of Hyderabad's 6 water sources were found to be critically polluted, according to a study titled Assessment of Water Quality of Osmansagar, by the scholars of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU). Hyderabad draws 600 million gallons water per day from six major sources, they include: Osmansagar, Himayatsagar, Singur, Manjeera, Akkampally (Krishna) and Sripada Yellampalli (Godavari).

Very poor levels of pollutant have been found in Osmansagar, Himayatsagar, Krishna and Godavari. As per researchers, untreated sewage from nearby residential areas are reported to flow directly into the lake. the problem is worsened due to the surrounding industries as well as pesticides and fertilizers. The researchers noted: “Fecal contamination clearly points to serious health hazards."

Also Read: Indore Water Contamination Linked to E. coli and Klebsiella Bacteria — What Are They?

Rohtak and Jhajjar, Haryana: Water Contamination

Residents from Haryana's Rohtak and Jhajjar also reported that they have been receiving dirty, foul-smelling water, sometimes even black in color. This situation has forced many families to fetch daily use and drinking water from far away areas or purchase it from private tanker.

Mayank, JE (Civil) with the Public Health and Engineering Department, said in response to an online complaint that efforts are underway to trace the source of the contaminated water supply. The problem is likely to be resolved within seven to ten days, as preliminary findings suggest a damaged household connection, currently being identified through excavation and pipeline inspections.

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Water Contamination

Groundwater samples collected from four locations in Bhopal have tested positive for E. coli bacteria. In response, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation has barred residents from using groundwater for any purpose.

Read: E. Coli Detected In Bhopal Groundwater: Symptoms To Watch And How To Stay Safe

Officials clarified that the contamination is restricted to underground water sources and has not spread to the treated piped water supplied across the city. According to ANI, civic teams have tested 1,810 water samples so far and inspections are still underway in all zones.