Archives May 2026

-Dr. Aravinda S N, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore 

Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, is a dangerous condition that occurs when excessive body heat accumulates due to prolonged exposure to hot environments or fluid loss. The situation becomes life-threatening when medical assistance does not arrive during the first critical period.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of this condition are extremely high body temperature, which exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and a combination of hot, dry skin, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and fast heartbeat. The extreme form of the condition brings three symptoms, which include vomiting, seizures and loss of consciousness. The body will stop producing sweat which leads to dry skin and flushed appearance through this condition, which differs from heat exhaustion.

Prevention Tips

Sunstroke prevention remains essential during the summer months when temperatures reach their highest levels. People should drink enough water to maintain proper hydration because their bodies need fluids even when they do not experience thirst. People should avoid going outside during peak heat hours, which occur between 12 pm and 4 pm. People should choose to wear light-colored clothing that has a loose-fitting design and breathable fabric material. People can use hats, umbrellas or scarves as protective gear against direct sunlight. People can use water-rich foods, which include fruits and vegetables, to maintain their hydration levels. People should avoid consuming heavy meals and alcoholic beverages together with excessive caffeine intake because these substances will lead to dehydration. When you experience overheating, you should go to a cooler area and take a rest while you drink fluids. The initial treatment of the condition will help to stop its progression into more severe stages. People can achieve sunstroke protection through basic safety measures, which enable them to maintain their physical well-being during periods of extreme heat.

New Delhi, May 1 (BNP): In a major setback for businesses and commercial establishments, oil marketing companies have sharply increased the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by ₹993 with effect from May 1, 2026. The steep hike is among the sharpest monthly increases in recent years and is expected to significantly impact hotels, restaurants, caterers, bakeries, roadside eateries, and small businesses across the country.

Following the latest revision, the new rates of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders in key metro cities are:

Delhi: ₹3,071.50
Mumbai: ₹3,046.50
Bengaluru: ₹3,190.00 (approx.)
Kolkata: ₹3,175.00 (approx.)

In contrast, the price of the 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder remains unchanged, offering relief to household consumers. In Delhi, the domestic LPG cylinder continues to be priced at ₹913.

Oil companies usually review and revise LPG prices on the first day of every month based on international fuel prices, exchange rates, and market conditions.

This marks the third consecutive increase in commercial LPG prices in recent months. The rate was raised by ₹144 in March, followed by another hike of nearly ₹200 on April 1. With the latest increase, commercial users are expected to face mounting operational costs.

Industry experts attribute the sharp rise to growing uncertainty in global energy markets and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28 and has now entered its eighth week, has disrupted shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.

The disruption in crude oil and gas supply chains has added pressure on global fuel prices, prompting domestic price revisions.

Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. has also announced hikes in bulk diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), commonly known as jet fuel, used for international airline operations. However, the company has not disclosed the revised rates in its official statement or on its website.

In a statement, Indian Oil said, “Price revisions have been limited to select industrial segments, which constitute a relatively small share of overall consumption and are subject to routine monthly adjustments based on prevailing international prices.”

The latest LPG price hike is expected to raise costs across several sectors, with many businesses likely to pass the additional burden on to consumers in the coming weeks.

New Delhi,May 1 (BNP): In a major relief for millions of salaried employees and pensioners, the government is reportedly considering a sharp hike in the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95). The current minimum pension of ₹1,000 per month may be increased to ₹7,500, according to recent reports.

The proposed revision comes amid growing demands from labour unions and pensioners’ associations, who have long argued that the present pension amount is inadequate in view of rising inflation and living costs. A parliamentary panel has also reportedly supported the move, and a final decision is expected soon.

In another significant development, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is also working on enabling ATM-based withdrawals for Provident Fund (PF) accounts. This move is expected to make access to funds faster, easier, and more convenient for subscribers.

Reports suggest that under the proposed digital upgrade, members may be able to withdraw PF money directly through ATMs, similar to regular bank transactions, reducing delays in emergency fund access.

Additionally, EPFO is likely to maintain an 8.25% interest rate on EPF deposits for FY26, subject to final approval from the Finance Ministry.

If approved, these reforms would mark one of the biggest overhauls in EPFO services, offering higher retirement security and easier access to savings for crores of workers across India.

Philadelphia, PA – May 1 – Tendo on Thursday announced a new agreement with InfuCare Rx®, a national infusion services provider, to expand access to high-quality, cost-effective infusion therapy through the Tendo Marketplace.

Infusion therapy is a major cost driver across autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, as well as neurology, hematology, and immuno-oncology. This relationship supports Tendo Marketplace’s broader mission to support ambulatory care and bring new specialty clinical categories to employers, health plans, and patients—particularly in areas with high cost and complex care needs.

“By working with InfuCare Rx, we are proud to expand access to innovative infusion care models that improve affordability while enhancing the patient experience,” said Ben Maisano, SVP Strategy at Tendo. “This relationship strengthens our national network and helps employers and plan sponsors better navigate some of the most expensive specialty therapies in the US.”

InfuCare Rx provides comprehensive infusion services through a growing national footprint, including:

• 20+ infusion nursing offices and suites

• Nationwide nursing and home infusion services

• 300+ conditions treated

“We are excited to collaborate with Tendo to expand access to safe, high-quality infusion therapy in more convenient and cost-effective settings,” said Deven Patel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at InfuCare Rx. “Together, we’re making it easier for patients to receive complex specialty treatments closer to home while helping payers and employers better manage specialty drug spending.”

InfuCare Rx enhances the infusion care experience by offering flexible care delivery options, including ambulatory clinics and in-home services. This approach supports cost-effective care while maintaining strong clinical oversight and improving convenience, reducing travel burden, and expanding access to specialty care nationwide.

“For patients undergoing ongoing infusion therapy, convenience and continuity of care make a meaningful difference,” said Mike Reese, VP Clinical Advocacy at Valenz. “Having access to trusted, home-based infusion options allows us to guide members toward high-quality care that fits their lives.”

The InfuCare Rx care delivery model includes standardized protocols and ongoing patient monitoring to support quality, safety, and outcomes across infusion therapies.

With the addition of InfuCare Rx, Tendo adds to its national infusion network for Tendo’s Marketplace, offering greater choice, value, and modern site-of-care options for patients and partners across the country.