The experimental "smart" cancer drug, RK-251, announced by India, will remain inactive in normal tissues while it travels through the body and will become activated only inside cancer cells. When it enters a cancer cell, it releases a powerful anticancer compound called 'NBDHEX'. This compound blocks target proteins that many cancer cells use to survive and resist treatment.

NITI Aayog held a high-level meeting on 'TB: The Way Forward' to accelerate India's TB-free goal. Experts discussed seven key areas, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, nutrition, social support and technology. They stressed early detection, better tests, easier treatment and the use of AI and digital tools to track patients and improve follow-up.

Karnataka is offering cash rewards of ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 for credible information about fake medicine networks. The move follows the seizure of spurious drugs worth over ₹5 crore in Ramanagara. People can share information through the 1902 helpline or department QR code, with their identities kept confidential, officials said.

Rajasthan has added CAR-T Cell Therapy to its RGHS medical packages, expanding access to advanced cancer treatment for eligible government employees, pensioners and their families. The therapy uses a patient's own immune cells to fight certain blood cancers. Treatment will require pre-approval and an expert medical team's recommendation under the scheme's rules.

The Calcutta High Court has directed West Bengal's Health Department to complete within a week its probe into 11 private blood banks accused of serious rule violations. The banks were earlier stopped from holding blood donation camps after complaints of collecting excess blood and allegedly selling blood and plasma to other states without permission.

Four people have died and 18 are hospitalised after allegedly drinking fake liquor in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district. Eight patients are reported to be in serious condition. Police say the liquor was illegally brought from Madhya Pradesh and sold under a popular brand name. Four suspected liquor smugglers have been detained, and the supply chain is under investigation.

Gujarat has reported fewer mosquito-borne diseases this year. Till epidemiological Week 33, malaria cases fell by 45%, dengue by 39.1% and chikungunya by 48.1% compared with 2025. The decline is linked to stronger testing, mosquito control and house-to-house checks. No malaria or dengue deaths were reported during this period, officials said.

Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital has launched a dedicated Cancer Helpline for patients and families. Available via calls and WhatsApp at +91 82911 70000, it offers guidance on treatment, specialists, nutrition and emotional support. The helpline aims to connect patients with the right cancer care services and make their treatment journey easier.

Delhi is seeing rising H1N1 cases, with some patients developing serious respiratory complications. Doctors warn that swine flu can cause pneumonia, worsen existing heart or lung conditions and, in severe cases, lead to respiratory failure. Young children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with diabetes, asthma or weak immunity face higher risks.

Chinese surgeons achieved the world's first successful double-thigh replantation after a factory accident, reconnecting both limbs in an eight-hour microsurgery. Despite skin necrosis and bone-healing complications, the 51-year-old patient regained sensation, can stand and walk indoors with a walker, and manages most daily tasks nearly 20 months later.