Kerala best state on health parameters, Uttar Pradesh worst: NITI Aayog's health index
New Delhi: Kerala has emerged as the top ranking state in terms of overall health performance, while Uttar Pradesh is the worst, according to the second health index launched by Niti Aayog.
The second round of the health index took into account the period 2015-16 (base year) to 2017-18 (reference year).
According to a report by the government think tank, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have emerged as the second and third best performers, respectively, on health parameters.
The health index is a composite measure of States and Union Territories based on 23 health indicators with major weightage to the outcomes.
Among larger states, Haryana, Rajasthan and Jharkhand were the top three states in terms of incremental performances, according to the report.
In February 2018, the first round of the health index was released, which measured the annual and incremental performances of States and UTs for period 2014-15(base year) to 2015-16 (reference year).
The report has been prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with technical assistance from the World Bank.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
US rules out use of nuclear weapons against Iran
Washington DC: The White House has reportedly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, even as uncertainty continues over ongoing peace negotiations and a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches.
Issues bout a possible escalation had increased after US Vice President JD Vance said that the United States has “tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use” in dealing with Iran.
His remarks came amid rising tensions and ahead of a deadline linked to peace efforts.
The situation has attracted attention as Trump warned Iran that its “whole civilization will die tonight tonight” if an agreement is not reached by Tuesday at 8 pm.
This statement led to speculation about the possibility of extreme military measures, including a nuclear strike.
Following Vance’s comments, the White House issued a clarification distancing itself from such interpretations. In a post on X, it said, "Literally nothing @VP said here 'implies' this, you absolute buffoons." In a later statement, it added that “only the president knows” what action will be taken regarding Iran.
Literally nothing @VP said here "implies" this, you absolute buffoons https://t.co/7JU3wXMaWX
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 7, 2026
