India Roundup: Kamala Harris, anti-TB drug, Bangladesh violence

Nomination of Kamala Harris as US president

Kamala Harris' ancestral village in Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state, is excited and planning celebrations as she gets closer to potentially becoming the US President. The village has been celebrating her political ascent and hopes for a larger celebration if she wins. Some villagers had hoped for a mention from Harris, but understand that she may not be aware of their excitement as an American, the Hindustan Times reports.

Nipah virus kills 14-year-old

A 14-year-old boy in Kerala, India, who tested positive for the Nipah virus has passed away. The virus is known to be deadly and there is concern about its spread. According to the Times of India, this is the fifth Nipah infection reported in Kerala since 2018. Health minister Veena George said 330 contacts of the boy had been identified so far, with 68 of them being health workers. As many as 101 of his contacts have been classified as high-risk, and seven are under observation at government health facilities. Nipah is a "zoonotic illness" transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It can also be transmitted through contaminated food and contact with an infected person.

Thwarted terrorist attack

A fresh terrorist attack was thwarted in Jammu's Rajouri district in the disputed Kashmir region, with one soldier injured. The attack occurred after Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi's visit to discuss the rise in terrorist attacks in the region, according to NDTV. The army has deployed additional troops to combat the increasing threat of terrorism in Jammu. Despite extensive search operations, the attacks continue to occur, resulting in the death of 48 soldiers in the last 32 months.

Anti-TB drug for kids

India has rejected Johnson & Johnson’s patent for a children's version of its anti-TB drug, bedaquiline, paving the way for a cheaper generic version to enter the market. This is expected to make TB treatment more affordable and accessible. According to the Hindustan Times, concerns over the evergreening of patents have led to several such rejections, ensuring the availability of affordable generic medicines. India notified nearly 2.55 million cases of TB last year, with a 64% improvement in the overall notification of TB cases over the last 9 years.

Indian students return from violent-hit Bangladesh

Over 4,500 Indian students have returned home from Bangladesh due to violent clashes that have killed over 100 people. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka and other missions are coordinating the return of Indian nationals and ensuring their safety and security. The total number of Indian nationals in Bangladesh is estimated to be around 15,000, including 8,500 students, the Hindu reports. Law enforcement authorities in Bangladesh have imposed a nationwide curfew as clashes between protesters and police continue.