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There is no denying the fact that your <keyword id="19956983" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="mental-health" source="keywords">mental health</keyword> affects every part of your life. After all, mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, especially among young people who are navigating a world of rapid change, digital pressures, and societal expectations. Neglecting mental health can lead to long-term consequences such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. In today’s fast-paced world, where technology and social media dominate much of young people’s lives, addressing mental health is more important than ever. A recent study has revealed that the youth of <keyword id="19895045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="singapore" source="keywords">Singapore</keyword> is facing mental health challenges and the situation deserves attention. <h2>Mental health issues in Singapore youth</h2>According to a PTI report quoting data from the nation-wide survey conducted by the <keyword id="23234918" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Institute-of-Mental-Health" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Institute of Mental Health" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Institute of Mental Health">Institute of Mental Health</keyword> (IMH), nearly one-third of young people in Singapore are facing severe or very severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. The survey sheds light on the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among the younger population, with one in three respondents reporting serious mental health struggles. The National <keyword id="21279543" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="youth-mental-health" source="keywords">Youth Mental Health</keyword> Study, initiated in 2022, found that 30.6 percent of young Singaporeans experience significant symptoms related to depression, anxiety, or stress. The study identified several contributing factors to these mental health challenges, including <keyword id="23214883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cyber-bullying" source="keywords">cyber-bullying</keyword>, excessive use of social media, and concerns about body image. Young people who reported more than three hours of daily social media use were particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, as were those who had been victims of online harassment. IMH’s co-principal investigator, Associate Professor Swapna Verma, highlighted the unique pressures that today’s youth face, noting that social media can exacerbate body image concerns and lead to constant comparisons. "Navigating the complexities of youth is challenging enough, but young people today are grappling with unique issues that previous generations did not," she said. The anonymity offered by the internet, she explained, has made cyber-bullying a pervasive issue that can deeply affect mental health. The survey, which was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other institutions such as the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, is the first of its kind in the country. It aimed to provide a clearer understanding of the mental health challenges facing young people, as well as to identify gaps in treatment and available support systems. <h2>Body image concerns adding to poor mental health</h2>According to the study, concerns about body shape were another major factor contributing to poor mental health outcomes. This finding aligns with global trends showing that body image issues are increasingly common among young people, fueled in part by the portrayal of unattainable beauty standards on social media platforms. The government’s response to these findings emphasises the need for a comprehensive, society-wide effort to tackle youth mental health issues. In a joint statement released by Singapore’s Health, Education, and Social and Family Development ministries, officials said that the study's findings reaffirm the government’s strategy to address mental health challenges among the youth. This strategy, known as the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy, was launched in October of last year and advocates for a whole-of-society approach to <keyword id="20492818" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mental-health-awareness" source="keywords">mental health awareness</keyword> and intervention. The ministries further noted that the survey results are consistent with those of previous research on mental health, suggesting that these issues are widespread and not confined to isolated cases. The findings also call attention to the need for continued collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to better support youth who are struggling with mental health issues. (With PTI inputs)

One-third of young people in Singapore facing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress: IMH study

The death of 26-year-old <keyword id="20468023" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="EY" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="EY" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="EY">EY</keyword> employee, Anna Sebastian Perayil, shook the nation last week and people have been talking about the incident on social media. Her mother, in a letter to EY, had blamed “work stress” and said that she hopes no other family has to go through what they faced. Ever since the letter has gone viral, people are reacting to it. While many are saying how having a sense of <keyword id="19901232" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="work-life-balance" source="keywords">work-life balance</keyword> is important, others are lashing out at big companies for overworking their employees. Some experts have also weighed in on the debate, saying that the incident is unfortunate and people need to have compassion. <h2>Experts talk about work-life balance </h2> In a conversation with ANI, Corporate Outbound Expert, Tanmay Pendse, urged the government to introduce clear regulations aimed at managing workplace stress more effectively. “We are training people for the last 15-16 years and through the management activities, we make sure that such sessions are included which helps in reducing the stress. After employees reach home they should spend good time with their family and stay away from mobile phones. I appeal to the government to come up with a specific policy so that these kind of situations can be tackled,” Pendse said. He also recommended the introduction of wellness activities like yoga in companies to help employees unwind and manage pressure. Nikhil Badgujar, an Associate Consultant at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), reflected on how stress is an unavoidable part of corporate life and has to be managed. He also said that what happened with the EY employee was very unfortunate. “Whatever happened is very unfortunate. People need to understand how to react to stress. Stress is relative, as the stress I am feeling is not the same for the other person. People (need) to understand how to react. I can easily understand this as these things are very common nowadays. We need to think about how we can reduce the impact. This is the only thing we can manage. Stress cannot be avoided but it can be managed. In the corporate world stress is a part of our life. We need to understand how to react to that. We are the solution makers itself." Badgujar said. Anand Kulkarni, a Process Specialist at Infosys, agreed that while stress is prevalent in many workplaces, it can be handled with the right mindset. "Being in the corporate for more than ten years, I have been experiencing and observing a lot of work stress. I handle stress by enjoying the work. Stress does exist in the corporate world but it is all about how you handle it.” Pushkar Aurangabadkar, an educator and author, took a more philosophical approach to the issue, noting that societal pressures often drive people into high-stress environments. "The incident is very painful and it has a lot to do with the kind of aspirations that we have these days. The majority of which comes from the compulsive obsession for owning a lot of things. It is not just the trap of corporate but we also need to consider what makes people get into these traps in the first place.” Aurangabadkar added that fostering compassion and promoting spiritual wisdom could help reduce feelings of isolation and pressure in the corporate world. "But there are means and ways in which this can be handled in a better way and as a society, we should be taking care of it. It depends on corporate culture and as everyone might be aware every company has a different culture. It depends from company to company what kind of culture they have that defines how much pressure is getting instituted in that organisation. But beyond that what I believe is compassion and the longing for spiritual wisdom need to be promoted in society because it can reduce the possibility of such incident. The reason is that beyond the pressure people are facing in corporate, it drills down the compulsion and loneliness that we are facing and the answers to which may lie in the compassion." <h2>EY employee's death shocks nation</h2> Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant, passed away in July 2024, just four months after joining EY in her first job. Her mother, in a heartfelt letter to the company, attributed Anna's death to extreme work pressure. The letter went viral on LinkedIn last week. Anna’s mother said in the letter that her daughter worked tirelessly, even on her convocation day despite experiencing chest pains. Though doctors found no immediate cause for concern, Anna continued to feel unwell. Her mother added how Anna’s manager would reschedule meetings during cricket matches and assign tasks at the end of the day, dismissing Anna’s concerns about the late-night workload. The letter added that despite her struggles, Anna chose to stay, eager to learn and gain experience, but the pressure proved too much. In her letter, Anna’s mother expressed her deep sorrow, not only at losing her daughter but also at EY's failure to provide support. She also said that none of Anna's colleagues or managers attended her funeral. (With ANI inputs)

Unfortunate incident, compassion needs to be promoted: Experts react to EY employee’s death

The national capital, Delhi, is once again grappling with a severe <keyword id="19900550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Pollution" source="keywords">air pollution</keyword> crisis. With an AQI of 339, the city’s air quality has plummeted into the “very poor” category, casting a thick layer of smog over its residents. This deteriorating air quality poses a significant threat to <keyword id="19913584" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Public-Health" source="keywords">public health</keyword> and has prompted widespread concern. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's (IITM) forecast paints a grim picture, predicting that the situation will likely persist for the next few days, with a further dip into the “very poor” category expected by Sunday. This annual decline in air quality is a result of a confluence of factors, including vehicle emissions, <keyword id="23593130" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Construction-Dust" source="keywords">construction dust</keyword>, and most notably, <keyword id="19990732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Stubble-Burning" source="keywords">stubble burning</keyword> in neighbouring states. Despite strict regulations, the practice of stubble burning continues to be a major contributor to the air <keyword id="23291827" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pollution-Crisis" source="keywords">pollution crisis</keyword> in Delhi. Particulate matter emitted from this practice exacerbates the pollution levels, leading to a significant deterioration in air quality. The Supreme Court has recently criticised Punjab and Haryana for their failure to comply with anti-pollution laws related to stubble burning, increasing pressure on these states to take action. In response to the deteriorating air quality, the <keyword id="19925995" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-Government" source="keywords">Delhi government</keyword> has implemented several measures. The <keyword id="22644303" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Winter-Action-Plan" source="keywords">Winter Action Plan</keyword>, launched in late September, outlines 21 strategies aimed at curbing pollution. These include initiatives such as bio-decomposer spraying to reduce the effects of crop stubble burning and an anti-dust campaign targeting construction sites. Additionally, the Delhi Environment Minister, <keyword id="19931852" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gopal-rai" source="keywords">Gopal Rai</keyword>, has introduced further measures to monitor the city’s pollution hotspots. While these efforts are commendable, the challenges posed by the deteriorating air quality remain significant. The combination of low temperatures and calm winds hinders the dispersal of pollutants, making it difficult to improve the air quality. Rainfall, when it occurs, can provide some relief, but the recurring nature of Delhi’s pollution problem highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions. As Delhi continues to grapple with this environmental crisis, it is imperative that both the government and citizens work together to address the root causes of air pollution. Sustainable practices, stricter regulations, and collective action are key to ensuring a healthier and more livable city for all. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114186705" title="Delhi breathing clean air despite Dussehra celebrations, AQI better than before: Gopal Rai" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Delhi's AQI turns "very poor" today; Supreme Court criticises Punjab-Haryana for stubble-burning practices

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Supplements aren't regulated in the US like drugs are.</li><li>It's important to do your homework before taking them, the director of the Office of Dietary Supplements said.</li></ul><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vitamins-dietary-supplements-not-worth-buying-dietitians-2023-7">Supplements</a> are a polarizing topic. While some people swear by them, others think they're a total waste of time and money.But the US' top supplements expert, Stefan Pasiakos, told Business Insider that neither view is helpful."You need to come at it from an objective standpoint and let the evidence speak for itself," said Pasiakos, who leads the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, a government body that assesses the latest scientific findings on supplements to strengthen public understanding.Pasiakos, a nutritional scientist by training, joined the ODS in July 2023 with the goal of bringing a high level of scientific objectivity to the supplement field, he said. By providing people with clear information, he hopes he can help them make informed choices that optimize their health.Dietary supplements from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/multivitamins-for-memory-older-adults-benefit-2023-10">multivitamins</a> to probiotics have become staples in our bathroom cabinets, with almost 58% of Americans saying they had taken some kind of supplement in the past 30 days, according to the latest <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db399.htm#:~:text=Among%20U.S.%20adults%20aged%2020,60%20and%20over%20(80.2%25).">data from the CDC</a> published in 2021. It's no surprise, then, that the US dietary supplement market had an estimated value of $45.1 billion in 2023, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/828481/total-dietary-supplements-market-size-in-the-us/">Statista</a>.But the FDA doesn't approve supplements before they hit the market, meaning, unlike drug manufacturers, companies don't have to conduct multiple clinical trials to prove their products work, quantities of ingredients don't always have to be listed, and products are sometimes contaminated by or cut with other substances not mentioned on the packaging. One <a target="_blank" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807343?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social_jamajno&amp;utm_term=10743549280&amp;utm_campaign=article_alert&amp;linkId=225481243">2023 study</a> published in JAMA Network Open found that 89% of the 57 dietary supplements tested didn't accurately list their ingredients.While this means doing your homework before taking a supplement is crucial, it doesn't mean they can't play a role in supporting and promoting health, Pasiakos said.He shared three common misconceptions about supplements that could prevent people benefiting from them.<h2 id="bae5144e-ea2f-428c-9907-12d3c1c6ad15">1) The more supplements, the better</h2>When it comes to vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, more is not always better, Pasiakos said. It's common for people to think that because something is "natural" you can't have too much of it, but that's untrue, he said.There are instances where consuming above and beyond what's recommended is unsafe, and for a lot of natural products, we simply don't know where those upper levels are, Pasiakos said.When people take above the recommended daily limit of a supplement, the effects can be serious. In May 2023, a man died after taking <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/man-killed-by-vitamin-d-supplements-2024-2">too much vitamin D</a> over nine months.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/risks-popular-supplements-vitamin-d-magnesium-2024-4">Overdosing on magnesium</a>, meanwhile, can in extreme cases, cause paralysis and death, while overdosing on vitamin C can lead to kidney problems and vitamin B12 deficiencies, professor Rob Chilcott, the head of toxicology at the University of Hertfordshire, UK, previously told BI.<div type="image" title="A woman browses the supplement aisle in a store." height="1414" width="2121" msid="113962537" hostid="261" sizebytes="152838"></div><h2 id="14b98670-a04a-4851-b255-b229a967fb8a">2) Supplements are 'tainted and adulterated'</h2>People tend to fall into two camps, those who think all supplements are "tainted and adulterated" and others who think they all work, Pasiakos said.Pasiakos said that certain resources, such as the ODS's supplement fact sheets, can help people make informed decisions about supplements, while the third party NSF Product Certification program can guarantee a product contains what the label says it does.But it's important to know that verification programs are not backing any health claims a company might make about their product. "It's simply saying that what's on the label is in the dietary supplement," he said."All I would say is that people make sure that they become educated on these products, understand what's in them, and know that the industry is not out to get them. But there are certainly aspects of certain dietary supplements that may be considered unsafe," he said.<h2 id="9b3c3c37-ffd3-424f-984c-6059a8335205">3) Supplements are a silver bullet</h2>Pasiakos said people are always looking for a silver bullet to make them healthy, but they won't find it in dietary supplements.Like many dietitians, Pasiakos takes a food-first approach to his health. He sees supplements as complementary to a healthy diet, not as a way to replace or substitute one."You can't look at dietary supplements without understanding the underlying diet," he said. If you don't know what a person is eating and getting from their diet nutrient-wise, you can't advise them on what dietary supplements they should take, he said."I can't just ignore that. So that's why I look at it that way."

3 common myths about supplements that prevent people from improving their health, according to the US' top expert 

Tokyo [<keyword id="19904740" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="japan" source="keywords">Japan</keyword>], February 28 (<keyword id="19904948" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ani" source="keywords">ANI</keyword>): The number of babies born in Japan in the year 2023 fell to a record low from a year earlier as the country's population shrank by its largest ever margin, government data showed, according to a report by <keyword id="20759060" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kyodo" source="keywords">Kyodo</keyword> News The figure for babies was down by 5.1 per cent to 758,631, according to preliminary data released by the health ministry on Tuesday, the Japanese news agency reported. A country's birth rate is the ratio of live births to the total population in a given year. It's usually expressed as the number of live births per 1,000 people. The figure has remained below the 800,000 mark since the year 2022. Japan's population, including foreign residents, fell by 831,872, with deaths outnumbering births. A forecast by the Japanese government's <keyword id="20759061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-institute-of-population-and-social-security-research" source="keywords">National Institute of Population and Social Security Research</keyword> has estimated births in the country to decline to below 760,000 in the year 2035. The fast pace of dip in newborns has been attributed to late marriages and people staying single, Kyodo News reported stating that Prime Minister <keyword id="20030347" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fumio-kishida" source="keywords">Fumio Kishida</keyword> administration has termed the period leading up to 2030 as "the last chance" to reverse the trend. The number of births hit a peak in the year 1973 at around 2.09 million babies and fell to below 1 million in the year 2016. Meanwhile, according to government data, the number of deaths in Japan also hit a record 1,590,503, while the number of marriages fell to its lowest level since the end of World War II at 489,281 unions. (ANI)

Japan population down by largest margin in 2023, births at record low

A sixth-grade social science textbook that I read described India as a piece of fabric, with countless threads coloured in a myriad of majestic shades, woven together. This metaphor holds exceptionally well when put into the context of our <keyword id="22706215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-industry" source="keywords">handloom industry</keyword>. India has a rich history of handlooms and weaving cultures. The culture of handlooms is so intricately woven into Indian culture, that there are whole towns dedicated to the same: <keyword id="248532" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chanderi" source="Orion">Chanderi</keyword> in Madhya Pradesh to Pochampally in Telangana and a dozen more! Unfortunately, the handloom industry in India is dying. The struggle is multi-faceted, ranging from a declining workforce to fierce competition from <keyword id="20496028" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="power-looms" source="keywords">power looms</keyword>. Hence, five years ago, August 7 was proclaimed <keyword id="22677698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Handloom-Day" source="keywords">National Handloom Day</keyword> in response to this crisis and to heighten public awareness. This date holds special historical significance, commemorating the initiation of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905—a pivotal act of defiance against British colonial rule. <h2>When did this industry come into existence?</h2>According to archaeological findings, the origins of handloom in the Indian subcontinent may be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Mughal Empire was known to support and patronise <keyword id="20258864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="weavers" source="keywords">weavers</keyword>. The support from the royal patrons resulted in the invention of new textiles such as ‘Mulmul’ and ‘Banarasi Brocade’ among others. This era witnessed a heightened worldwide demand for Indian textiles. In the 17th century, India produced 25% of the world’s textiles, with Bengal accounting for more than 50% of textiles and 80% of silks imported by the Dutch from Asia. <h2>What led to the decline of the <keyword id="19934660" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-handloom" source="keywords">Indian handloom</keyword>?</h2>The East India Company's entry fuelled the industry's initial decline, which started in the 1830s. The weavers were obliged to sell only to the British, and that too at exceedingly cheap prices, virtually putting them out of business. On the other hand, Indian cloth was taxed excessively to promote machine-made British clothing. The Industrial Revolution in Britain strengthened their indigenous textile industry, giving rise to new markets for cheaper textiles. In India, the collapse of the Mughal aristocracies meant no access to royal patronage. As a result, textiles like Khadi and muslin had little demand in the market. Circling back to the present, the industry is facing both similar and new challenges. Fabrics made on power looms are cheaper and faster to produce, in comparison to handloom fabrics. The industry is largely unorganised, and the wages are shockingly low. 67% of <keyword id="22706216" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-workers" source="keywords">handloom workers</keyword> are earning less than the minimum wage every month. Faced with economic challenges, the older artisans are thus forced to encourage the newer generation to choose an alternative career path. This migration of the workforce from a traditional sector is evident from the fall in the number of weavers less than 35 years of age- from 26.13 lakh in 2009-10 to 16.07 lakh in 2019-20. The majority of weavers do not have access to banking facilities, let alone institutional credit. Furthermore, if one manages to accumulate credit, there is a mismatch between the supply and demand forces due to the lack of awareness about handwoven textiles in the current generation. <h2>Initiatives for revival</h2>The cultural significance of the Indian handloom isn’t just limited to its beauty and extravagance, but it extends to our independence struggle as well. The Swadeshi movement immortalised the charkha and advocated for the use of indigenous goods. Following independence, the Indian government took many measures to revive the handloom industry. In 1953, India’s Parliament approved the Khadi and Other Handloom Industries Development Act. In 1955, the All India Handloom Fabrics Marketing Cooperative Society was formed to promote the sale of fabrics produced by handloom cooperatives across India. The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) aimed to provide financial assistance for marketing and production. The Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme offers health and life insurance to weavers, to ensure social security. The organisation commenced a fortnight-long exhibition, “VIRAASAT” dedicated to celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day began at Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, and will conclude on 16th August 2024. The Handloom Mark scheme was introduced to authenticate handloom products, thus enabling weavers to gain better market access and ensuring that consumers get genuine products. Moreover, the India Trade Portal also mentions that the GOI plans to provide financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore to at least 10,000 handlooms. Various state governments also regularly conduct handloom expos and fairs, providing platforms for weavers to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers. <h2>Contemporary Brands and their love for Indian handloom</h2>Modern, popular designers such as <keyword id="8264" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sabyasachi" source="Orion">Sabyasachi</keyword> and <keyword id="21493890" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ritu-kumar" source="keywords">Ritu Kumar</keyword> are known to work closely with weavers and have been doing their part by bringing worldwide attention to the handloom industries. Recently, <keyword id="1472101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ajrakh" source="Orion">Ajrakh</keyword> was brought into the limelight when Alia Bhatt wore a custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Ajrakh saree to Joy Awards in Riyadh. However, it’s not just the fashion moguls who are working towards the revival of this industry. Contemporary indie brands are partnering with local weavers, and creating awareness about their work. The emergence of such indie brands and their association with local artisans is beneficial for both entities. For instance, Joskai Studio derives its name from ‘Joskai’, a woven piece of cloth worn as a part of the traditional costume of the Tiwa community of Assam. They work with artisans in northeast India, specifically from the weaving village of Saualkuchi in Assam. Rouka by Sreejith Jeevan is a Kerala-based brand that works strictly with weavers from Kerala, specifically Chendamangalam and Kuthampally. <h2>Employment and Exports</h2>According to the Indian Trade Portal, the Indian handloom sector is the country’s second-largest employer after agriculture in rural areas. The Handloom Census 2019-20 mentions that the industry employs about 35,22,512 workers across the country, with women forming 77.29% of the workforce. India is the second largest exporter of handloom products in the world, with exports valued at $ 353.9 million in 2017- 18, as per EXIM bank's working papers. The major handloom export centres are Karur, Panipat, Varanasi and Kannur where handloom products like bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, floor coverings, and embroidered textile materials and curtains etc. are produced for export markets. During April 2021-February 2022, India exported handloom products worth 1693 crore, as per Indian Trade Portal. Indian silk scarves also form a sizable chunk of total handloom exports, in addition to home textiles like carpets, rugs and mats, which constitute over 13.6% of India’s total handloom exports. <h2>The Path Forward</h2>The mere existence of organisations and allocation of funds isn’t enough to sustain the legacy of India’s rich handloom industry. Big corporations working with local weavers ensure employment but don't protect them from exploitation and meagre wages, leaving them vulnerable. The people in power ought to come up with strategies that ensure the trickle-down effect of the schemes and funds. The new generation of buyers has a greater purchasing power than the one before them. Marketing focused on bringing Indian handloom practices into the limelight can do wonders in this case.

Fabric of a nation: Sustaining India's handloom legacy in modern times

<keyword id="19894886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="china" source="keywords">China</keyword>'s top drug regulator has cleared a mpox vaccine developed by local drug firm Sinopharm for clinical trials which could be the country's first experimental dose to battle the deadly disease. The domestic vaccine candidate, created by the Shanghai Institute of Biological Products and administered by Sinopharm, is expected to play an important role in preventing and controlling mpox infections, the company said in a statement released on Monday afternoon. There is currently no approved mpox vaccine in China. Globally, a few vaccines have been approved in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Japan and Russia. In China, a vaccine candidate typically goes through three phases of clinical trials before gaining market approval. The process can take years, even decades. However, the National Medical Products Administration, China's top drug regulator, has launched a number of accelerated or streamlined channels to facilitate applications of novel drugs and vaccines or those in urgent need, state-run China Daily reported on Tuesday. According to the company, the new vaccine is a replication-deficient vaccine based on a strain called MVA. The description is the same as <keyword id="22925756" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jynneos" source="keywords">Jynneos</keyword>, the world's first mpox vaccine approved by the <keyword id="20256595" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-and-drug-administration" source="keywords">Food and Drug Administration</keyword> in the United States in 2019. The <keyword id="19902256" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-health-organisation" source="keywords">World Health Organisation</keyword> said on August 14 that the mpox outbreak in <keyword id="19924003" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="africa" source="keywords">Africa</keyword> constitutes a public health emergency of international concern - its highest form of alert. Previously, in July 2022, the WHO declared a global emergency but then lifted it in May last year because of a sustained decline in international cases. So far, more than 120 countries and regions across the world have reported more than 100,000 confirmed infections and 226 related deaths. China reported its first imported case in September 2022 and the first domestic case in June last year. By the end of July, the nation had reported 2,567 confirmed cases, according to the China Daily report. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ather-energy-looks-to-raise-3100-crore-files-ipo-papers-with-sebi/articleshow/113214971.cms">Ather Energy looks to raise ₹3,100 crore, files IPO papers with SEBI</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-16-pro-iphone-16-pro-max-india-price-specifications/articleshow/113204340.cms">iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with bigger displays, A18 Pro chipset launched starting at ₹1,19,900</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-iphone-16-iphone-16-plus-price-specs/articleshow/113203568.cms">iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus with A18 chipset launched starting at ₹79,900</a>

China's drug regulator clears mpox vaccine; to undergo clinical trial

Sixty-six percent of <keyword id="23012810" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="road-traffic-deaths" source="keywords">road traffic deaths</keyword> in <keyword id="19952305" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Southeast-Asia" source="keywords">Southeast Asia</keyword> are of <keyword id="20239488" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pedestrians" source="keywords">pedestrians</keyword>, motorized <keyword id="20937113" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="two-wheeler-riders" source="keywords">two-wheeler riders</keyword>, and <keyword id="20007750" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cyclists" source="keywords">cyclists</keyword>, while the highest traffic fatalities in India are among two- and three-wheeler riders, according to the latest <keyword id="20738786" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="WHO-report" source="keywords">WHO report</keyword>. The "WHO South-East Asia Regional Status Report on <keyword id="20187029" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="road-safety" source="keywords">Road Safety</keyword>" was launched during "Safety 2024", the 15th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, 2024. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, 30% of reported road traffic deaths involved users of powered two- and three-wheelers. Occupants of four-wheeled vehicles make up 25% of the deaths and pedestrians account for 21 %. Cyclists represent 5% of the deaths. The remaining 20% include occupants of large vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, and other or unknown user types. "In the WHO Southeast Asia Region, the share of reported road traffic deaths is 46% for users of powered two- and three-wheelers, 12 for occupants of four-wheeled vehicles, 17% for pedestrians, 3% for cyclists and 22% for others. In all these countries, vulnerable road users (pedestrians, motorised two-wheeler users and bicyclists) constitute 66% of the total reported road traffic deaths," the report said. "Drivers or riders of two and three-wheelers constitute the highest proportion among all road user categories in India (45.1%), Maldives (100 %), Myanmar (47%) and Thailand (51.4%)," it added. The WHO noted that no country in the South Asian region had achieved the target of reducing its estimated road traffic deaths by 50 %. However, considerable reduction in the WHO's estimated road traffic deaths occurred in the Maldives and Thailand, where estimated road traffic deaths decreased by 46.2% and 41.7 %, respectively. On the contrary, reported road traffic deaths in the region increased by 15 % in the 2010-2021 period. At the country level, no member state of the Southeast Asia Region with more than 10 million population has reported a decrease in road traffic deaths during this period. "However, it should be noted that the reported number of road traffic deaths in Thailand reduced by 22.9% between 2016 and 2021. The estimated road traffic deaths too increased in Bangladesh, India and Nepal during the period 2010-2021 by 23 %, 2% and 25%, respectively," the report said. Etienne Krug, director of the WHO's Department for Social Determinants of Health, said road traffic crashes were a major crisis of the 21st century. "...a large proportion of people who die in road crashes are those who cannot afford to buy a car. This is urgent time to take action. The report reveals that the crisis is huge but we need to understand and act with determination that prevention is possible and needs strict enforcement," he said. The three-day conference is being hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi; George Institute for Global Health in collaboration with the All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS), National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and co-sponsored by WHO. "To reduce inequities, we must acknowledge that injuries disproportionately impact vulnerable communities -- because we are far behind in addressing real problems with real solutions. Lived experience shows how policy shapes differential exposure, risk, and outcomes, underscoring the urgent need for change," said Jagnoor Jagnoor, head of injury division at George Institute for Global Health. During the conference, the international experts are uniting with a shared goal of "building a safer future for all: Equitable and sustainable strategies for injury and violence prevention". The conference will focus on five key themes -- improving coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, strengthening capacity for research and practice, integrating injury prevention with global health agendas such as sustainability and equity, empowering communities, and promoting informed policymaking.

Pedestrians, cyclists, two-wheeler riders constitute 66% of road fatalities in Southeast Asia, says a WHO report

<keyword id="19896018" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="keywords">Kerala</keyword> is on high alert following the death of a 14-year-old boy from <keyword id="20824677" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="malappuram" source="keywords">Malappuram</keyword> district due to the <keyword id="21881533" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nipah-virus" source="keywords">Nipah virus</keyword>. To prevent the situation from escalating further, the central government has stepped in to assist the <keyword id="73082" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kerala-government" source="Orion">Kerala government</keyword> and safeguard the public. A zoonotic illness, the <keyword id="20197512" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nipah" source="keywords">Nipah</keyword> virus,infection is transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans, as well as through contaminated food and contact with an infected person. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has even flagged the virus as a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential. The boy from Malappuram showed symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and was initially treated in Perinthalmanna before being transferred to a higher health centre Kozhikode. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune subsequently confirmed the <keyword id="22489646" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nipah-virus-infection" source="keywords">Nipah virus infection</keyword>. In response, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sent monoclonal antibodies for patient management and a mobile Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory for testing additional samples from contacts. Unfortunately, the boy's “poor general condition” prevented the administration of the antibodies. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Health ministry advises Kerala to take four immediate public health measures" comment="subhead" text="Health ministry advises Kerala to take four immediate public health measures"><keyword id="19896140" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-ministry" source="keywords">Health ministry</keyword> advises Kerala to take four immediate public health measures</cmsannotation> The 14-year-old’s demise in Malappuram has triggered an urgent public health response from the Centre, with the Union health ministry advising Kerala to take four immediate health measures to ensure public safety. They are as follows: 1. Active Case Search: The state government should begin active case searches within the family of the confirmed case, the neighbourhood and other areas with similar topography to identify any additional cases. This proactive approach will help in early detection and containment. 2. Contact Tracing: The state should trace contacts the identified case had over the past 12 days. This includes monitoring these contacts for symptoms and taking steps to prevent further spread of the virus. Detailed records of interactions and movements of the infected individual will be crucial. 3. Quarantine and Isolation: Contacts of the confirmed case should be strictly quarantined, and any suspects showing symptoms should be isolated. This measure is essential to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading within the community. 4. Sample Collection and Testing: Samples from potential contacts and suspects should be collected and transported for laboratory testing. This ensures early detection and allows for a swift response to any new cases that may arise. To assist the Kerala government, a multi-member joint outbreak response team from the National ‘<keyword id="15536661" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="One-Health-Mission" source="Orion">One Health Mission</keyword>’ will be deployed. This team will help investigate the case, identify epidemiological linkages and provide technical support. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111771996" title="What is the Chandipura virus that has already claimed the lives of 6 children in Gujarat?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that an additional 60 people have been identified as high-risk for contracting the disease. Amid this situation, residents in vulnerable areas have been instructed to take precautions, such as wearing masks in public and avoiding hospital visits. The Nipah virus has been linked to dozens of deaths in Kerala since its first report in 2018. The state has faced multiple outbreaks, with the most recent occurring in 2023 in Kozhikode district.

Nipah virus: Health Ministry instructs Kerala to enforce four immediate safety measures following 14-year-old's death

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The director of the Office of Dietary Supplements doesn't take daily supplements.</li><li>He prioritizes getting enough nutrients by eating a healthy diet, but this isn't always possible.</li></ul>The US' top supplement expert doesn't typically take any himself.Stefan Pasiakos is the director of the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, a federal body that assesses the latest <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vitamins-dietary-supplements-not-worth-buying-dietitians-2023-7">scientific evidence on supplements</a> to strengthen public understanding. He told Business Insider he's not anti-supplement, but takes a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/supplement-expert-doesnt-take-supplements-eats-vegan-2023-11">food-first approach</a> to his health."I do feel that my diet provides an adequate amount of the important nutrients in order to meet requirements and maintain my health. So I don't see a need right now for dietary supplements," Pasiakos said.He supports taking supplements if there's a biological need and an individual isn't meeting that requirement with food, or there's strong evidence for a potential health effect. For instance, people who don't eat animal products are generally advised to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/b12-vegan-vegetarian-diet-algae-supplements-2023-7">take vitamin B12</a>. But, the most important thing, he said, is that a person meets the dietary guidelines for macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbs) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) by following a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/foods-live-10-years-longer-longevity-diet-study-2023-11">healthy diet</a>, which he is able to do most of the time.However, when Pasiakos is very busy and knows his diet will suffer, he leans on three supplements to ensure he's getting all the nutrients his body needs."I know life is challenging and there are plenty of times, especially with my current position where I'm traveling all the time and I know full well that my diet won't be adequate," he said.<h2 id="b0db2d91-08b6-49b8-9d58-3932f9402410">Multivitamin and mineral supplement</h2>When he's traveling, Pasiakos knows that he won't eat enough fruits and vegetables, so he occasionally takes a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/multivitamins-for-memory-older-adults-benefit-2023-10">multivitamin and mineral supplement</a> to fill in the gaps. "I want to make sure that I meet those important nutrient requirements," he said.Taking a multivitamin increases the amount of nutrients a person gets, but the jury is still out on whether it can provide other health benefits.A 2022 study by researchers at Columbia University and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that taking a multivitamin daily for three years appeared to improve older adults' cognition and memory.Meanwhile, a review of studies published in the same year by the US Preventive Services Task Force found no evidence that multivitamins prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer.And earlier this year, researchers at the National Cancer Institute looked at data on 390,124 American adults and found no evidence that multivitamins <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/invest-day-exercise-boost-longevity-aging-expert-physiologist-2024-8">boosted longevity</a>.However, there's no strong evidence to suggest that they are harmful, and it's not uncommon for people to take them as a sort of nutritional insurance.<div type="image" title="vitamin supplements" height="600" width="800" msid="113633035" hostid="261" sizebytes="27596"></div><h2 id="b0da2010-1d2f-412f-9dbe-e6551c1eb16c">Fiber supplement</h2>Pasiakos sometimes takes a fiber supplement, such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-fast-psyllium-husk-works-immediate-impact-effect-gut-2023-12">psyllium husk</a> or inulin, when he's traveling.Fiber, which is found in plant foods, feeds the "good" microbes in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gut-health-boost-overall-digestion-better-moods-2024-7">gut microbiome</a>, the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in the colon lining. These microscopic creatures influence overall health and are thought to impact everything from how well you can fight off a cold to your mood. Fiber is also essential for smooth digestion.Taking fiber supplements, however, isn't the same as getting it from food sources as they don't contain the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that fiber-rich foods do, according to Mayo Clinic. But they can be helpful for people struggling to consume enough.Fiber supplements can cause bloating and gas, at least at first, and people with stomach problems should talk to a healthcare professional before taking them, according to the clinic.<h2 id="05a37070-a86a-4f9f-86d6-60652be26261">Protein supplement</h2>Exercise is very important to Pasiakos and he likes to consume some protein after a workout because the amino acids stimulate muscle repair and recovery, he said.His preference would be to have a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/high-protein-recipes-for-fat-loss-personal-trainer-dietitian-2024-1"> high-protein meal</a>, but when his schedule makes that impossible, he'll take a supplement."If I know that I'll have a long space or duration between meals or if I know I don't have access to food in and around the exercise session, I'll make sure that I have some form of supplemental protein available for me," he said.He's not picky about the type of protein supplement and said that whey protein, pea protein, plant protein, and even a glass of milk will suffice. "They're all good," he said.

The US' top supplement expert takes 3 —but only when he's busy. They boost his health and help him recover post-workout.

Universities and <keyword id="20257650" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="higher-education-institutions" source="keywords">higher education institutions</keyword> in India can now admit students twice a year similar to the admission process followed by universities abroad, according to the <keyword id="19932585" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="University-Grants-Commission" source="keywords">University Grants Commission</keyword> (UGC) Chairman Jagadeesh Kumar. The two admission cycles will be July-August and January-February from the 2024-25 academic session. "If <keyword id="21269142" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-universities" source="keywords">Indian universities</keyword> can offer admission twice a year, it will benefit many students. Such as those who missed admission to a university in the July/August session due to a delay in the announcement of board results, health issues, or personal reasons. Biannual university admissions will help students maintain motivation since they do not have to wait one full year to be admitted if they miss admission in the current cycle," UGC Chairman Kumar said on Tuesday. Currently, UGC Regulations allow the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to admit students in one academic session in a year starting in July/August. An 'Academic session' is twelve months, beginning in July/August. Indian HEIs, therefore, follow the academic session that begins in July-August and ends in May-June. UGC had decided in its 571st commission held on 25 July 2023 to permit <keyword id="22014108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="biannual-admissions" source="keywords">biannual admissions</keyword> under Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes in January and July during an academic year. As per the information furnished by the HEIs on the UGC DEB portal, in addition to a total of 19,73,056 students were enrolled in July 2022 and an additional 4,28,854 students joined in January 2023 in ODL and online programs. Considering the tremendous response and interest from the students in ODL and online programs in biannual admissions, in its meeting held on May 15 this year the UGC took a policy decision to allow Higher Education Institutions who offer programs in regular mode to admit students twice in a year, either in January/February or July/August from the coming academic year, the UGC chairman said. Those institutions that have the required infrastructure and teaching faculty can utilize the opportunity to admit students biannually. Offering biannual admissions is not mandatory for the HEIs; it is the flexibility that UGC provides to the HEIs who want to increase their student intake and offer new programmes in emerging areas. To be able to admit students twice a year, HEIs must make suitable amendments to their institutional regulations. UGC Chairman Kumar said, "With biannual admissions in place, Industries can also do their <keyword id="22014800" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="campus-recruitment" source="keywords">campus recruitment</keyword> twice a year, improving employment opportunities for the graduates." Biannual admissions will also enable the HEIs to plan their resource distribution, such as faculty, labs, classrooms and support services, more efficiently, resulting in a better functional flow within the university, he said. Noting that Universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system, he said that if Indian institutions adopt the biannual admission cycle, they can enhance their international collaborations and student exchanges. "As a result, our global competitiveness will improve, and we will align with the global educational standards," the UGC Chairman said. Biannual admissions can substantially increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio and make India a 'Global Study Destination' as envisioned in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he said. Further, Kumar said that if HEIs adopt biannual admissions, they need to work on administrative intricacies, good planning for increased use of available resources, and providing seamless support systems for the smooth transition of students admitted at dissimilar times of the year. "HEIs can maximize the usefulness of biannual admissions only when they sufficiently prepare the faculty members, staff and students for the transition" SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ios-18-announced-with-apple-intelligence-improved-privacy-controls-customisable-home-screen-and-more/articleshow/110883233.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ios-18-announced-with-apple-intelligence-improved-privacy-controls-customisable-home-screen-and-more/articleshow/110883233.cms" target="_blank">iOS 18 announced with Apple Intelligence, improved privacy controls, customisable home screen and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-vision-pro-to-be-available-in-nine-new-countries-but-india-is-not-one-of-them/articleshow/110883439.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-vision-pro-to-be-available-in-nine-new-countries-but-india-is-not-one-of-them/articleshow/110883439.cms" target="_blank">Apple Vision Pro to be available in nine new countries, but India is not one of them</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ixigo-ipo-now-open-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/110867238.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ixigo-ipo-now-open-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/110867238.cms" target="_blank">Ixigo IPO now open – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a>

Universities in India can now admit students twice a year on lines of foreign varsities: UGC chairman

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Americans are flocking to the South for jobs, lower taxes, and more affordable housing.</li><li>But by some economic measures, the South has some of the poorest states in the nation.</li></ul>The future of the US economy <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-economy-us-south-texas-florida-houston-dallas-nashville-miami-2023-12">might be in the South</a> — but some states in the region are at risk of being left behind.What constitutes the Southern region of the US is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/south-states-usa-2018-5">up for debate</a>, but the Census Bureau <a target="_blank" href="https://www2.census.gov/geo/pdfs/maps-data/maps/reference/us_regdiv.pdf">defines</a> it as 16 US states — including Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia — plus the District of Columbia.In June, the financial services company WalletHub <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-state-economies-ranking-best-worst-wallethub-washington-utah-massachusetts-2024-6">ranked the 50 states and DC</a> across three categories: economic activity, economic health, and innovation potential. Twenty-eight metrics, including the share of fast-growing firms, the unemployment rate, and entrepreneurial activity, were used in the analysis.Five of the 10 states with the lowest rankings were located in the South: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mississippi-defends-abortion-ban-one-in-three-kids-in-poverty-2021-11">Mississippi</a>, West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Kentucky.Additionally, the six states with the lowest <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-economy-by-metro-area-ranked-san-francisco-seattle-austin-2018-4#40-cleveland-elyria-oh-1">GDP per capita</a> — the size of a state's economy, divided by the number of people living in the state — are all in the South: Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, and Kentucky. GDP per capita is one indicator that's used to gauge economic prosperity and living standards across the US — it's calculated using the latest state-level GDP data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and population estimates from the Census Bureau.In some ways, the Southern economy is booming. Cities like Houston, Dallas, Miami, and Nashville could be poised to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-economy-us-houston-dallas-nashville-miami-cities-moving-businesses-2023-11">become economic powerhouses</a> as more companies invest there and create jobs. Additionally, warmer weather, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/save-income-tax-moving-california-florida-new-york-2022-9">lower taxes</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-texas-moving-arizona-florida-expensive-housing-costs-washington-nevada-2023-10">cheaper housing</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cities-hiring-the-most-florida-texas-california-job-growth-tech-2024-4">job growth</a> have persuaded many Americans to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/population-boom-south-texas-georgia-dallas-houston-atlanta-movers-homebuyers-2024-3">move South</a> in recent years — boosting the region's labor force and consumer <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bea.gov/news/2023/personal-consumption-expenditures-state-2022">spending</a>.However, some economic measures show the South is lagging behind other regions of the US. And even if some of the region's cities and states prosper in the years to come, other areas could miss out on the economic boom.<h2 id="858fbdc9-29ae-4b33-8a5d-210eb5d9b9dd">Workers in Southern states tend to have lower wages</h2>An <a target="_blank" href="https://www.epi.org/publication/rooted-racism-part3/">analysis</a> of 2021 current population survey data published in July by the Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank, found that workers in the South earned less than those in other regions.The median Southern worker earned $20.30 an hour, compared to $21.05 in the Midwest, $22.08 in the West, and $23.81 in the Northeast. Additionally, the analysis found that 22% of Southern workers earned less than $15 an hour, compared to 17% in the Midwest, 12% in the Northeast, and 10% in the West.The Economic Policy Institute pointed to low <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/map-the-last-time-each-state-raised-its-minimum-wage-2021-2">minimum wages</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/labor-union-membership-fell-lowest-rate-record-2022-2023-1">unionization rates</a> in Southern states as two factors keeping pay down.Of course, workers in some Southern states earn less than others. In July, the Economic Innovation Group, a centrist think-tank, published an <a target="_blank" href="https://eig.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TAWP-Kirkegaard.pdf">analysis</a> by Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a nonresident fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Using US Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the analysis highlighted the average annual wages across US states as of 2022.Mississippi had the second lowest average annual wage in the US at roughly $60,000 — only Hawaii ranked lower. Texas was the only Southern state in the top 10, ranking 8th with an average annual wage of about $80,000.<h2 id="1ecaa78f-0299-48c6-9804-8102c4eabe31">The South's low unemployment rate is misleading</h2>In recent years, the South has had a <a target="_blank" href="https://institute.bankofamerica.com/content/dam/economic-insights/regional-morsel-southern-economy-trends.pdf">low</a> unemployment rate compared to other US regions. But an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.epi.org/publication/rooted-racism-part2/#epi-toc-6">analysis</a> published in June by the Economic Policy Institute called the low jobless rate "misleading."That's because only people who are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/september-jobs-report-263k-payrolls-unemployment-rate-hiring-labor-market-2022-10">actively looking for work</a> are counted in official US unemployment statistics. And there's evidence to suggest many Southerners have given up looking or faced obstacles to employment, Chandra Childers, senior policy and economic analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, wrote in the analysis.As of 2022, the share of people aged 25 to 54 with jobs was lower in the South than the rest of the US, according to the Economic Policy Institute's analysis of Current Population Survey data. That so-called <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-men-working-less-recessions-employment-productivity-2024-4">prime-age employment rate</a> — an oft-cited indicator of labor force strength — was 78.9% in the South, 79.2% in the West, 80.6% in the Northeast, and 81.9% in the Midwest.It's possible these figures could change as more updated data becomes available. But if people in the South are less likely to have jobs than people in other regions, then the region's low unemployment rate doesn't tell the full story.<h2 id="f8b9eb0e-36e7-48fb-9e8e-2275ade9e55e">There are reasons to be optimistic about the South's economy</h2>To be sure, it's not all doom and gloom for the South.A thriving economy needs people to work jobs and spend money, and the South is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/city-metro-population-growth-from-2022-to-2023-florida-2024-3">boosting its population</a> in all sorts of ways.While the US has experienced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-population-stalled-during-pandemic-slower-than-during-great-depression-2022-1">population slowdown</a> in recent years, the South has the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-economy-us-south-texas-florida-houston-dallas-nashville-miami-2023-12">highest birthrate</a> of any region. And when people are born there, they often don't leave. Eighty-two percent of native-born Texans still resided in the state as of 2021, the highest rate in the US, according to a Dallas Fed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dallasfed.org/research/economics/2023/0829">analysis</a> published in August 2023. North Carolina and Georgia rounded out the top three.Many Americans not born in the South have moved there as well. Between July 2022 and 2023, the states with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/state-population-growth-declines-map-moving-migration-census-2023-12">largest population growth</a> were all located in the South: Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Only two Southern states — Louisiana and West Virginia — were <a target="_blank" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023/population-trends-return-to-pre-pandemic-norms.html">among</a> the eight US states that saw their populations decline between 2022 and 2023.Overall, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic about the future of the South's economy. However, it's still a work in progress, and some states are thriving considerably more than others.Have you moved into or out of the South over the past few years and are willing to share why you relocated? Or, are you a Southerner who is willing to talk about the influx of new residents? If so, reach out to this reporter at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:jzinkula@businessinsider.com">jzinkula@businessinsider.com</a>.

You Searched For "National Institute of Health" and got 12 results

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