Young workers under 25 face highest risk of occupational injuries: Study
Bengaluru: Workers below the age of 25 are at the highest risk of suffering from traumatic occupational injuries, often leading to severe financial hardship compounded by limited insurance coverage, according to a recent study.
The findings, as cited by Deccan Herald on Monday, were published in the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and are based on data collected from 148 occupational injury cases over a six-month period. The data was gathered through hospital records and direct telephonic interviews with patients at a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru.
The study sample primarily consisted of male workers, 144 out of 148, with an average age of 30.6 years. These individuals were employed across various labour-intensive and informal sectors such as construction, mining, transport, manufacturing, cleaning, and the garment industry. Their interviews revealed that individuals under 25 years are most vulnerable to workplace injuries.
Key contributors to these injuries included unsafe working environments and employee negligence. The study found that injuries commonly affected limbs, the head, and the eyes. While nearly 69% of respondents indicated that personal protective equipment (PPE) was available at their workplaces, only 51.4% reported consistent usage of the safety gear.
Financial distress emerged as a significant concern among those surveyed. Approximately 43% of the injured workers reported ‘catastrophic’ healthcare expenses. Meanwhile, only 36.5% were able to benefit from company credit coverage, and just 7.4% benefitted from the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme.
The report, as cited by DH, mentioned the importance of targeted interventions to reduce the incidence of occupational injuries, especially in high-risk sectors. Recommendations included improving the distribution and usage of PPE through enforcement and worker training, expanding insurance coverage to alleviate financial strain, and enhancing awareness about existing social protection schemes.
Highlighting the broader scale of the issue, the study’s authors noted that India sees approximately 17 million non-fatal and 45,000 fatal occupational injuries each year. These findings underscore an urgent need for systemic changes in occupational safety, particularly for younger workers who are often at the frontline of hazardous, low-paid labour.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
