2 Israeli missiles land near Damascus airport
Damascus, June 26 : Two Israeli missiles landed near the international airport of Damascus after midnight on Tuesday, the media reported.
According to the Syrian state TV, activists on the ground, who reported the sound of explosion, said the Israeli missiles left a "medium" explosion, Xinhua reported.
The precise target of the fresh Israeli attack is still unknown.
Israel has repeatedly targeted military positions in Syria, including the airport of Damascus, on the pretext that it was targeting Iranian forces based in Syrian military sites.
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Dr Haroon Hussain honored for his contribution in field of geriatric
Agra: Dr Haroon Hussain, leading physician at KMC Hospital Mangaluru, and academician, highlighted the growing importance of geriatric medicine in India as the country steadily moves towards an ageing population. He was speaking as a faculty member at GSICON 2025, the national annual conference of the Geriatric Society of India, held in Agra from December 12 to 14.
The conference brought together geriatricians, physicians and researchers from across the country to deliberate on emerging challenges and innovations in elderly healthcare. During his address, Dr Haroon stressed that geriatric medicine goes beyond treating individual diseases and instead adopts a holistic approach focused on preserving functional independence, improving quality of life and preventing disability among older adults.
Speaking on the role of communication in medical practice, Dr Haroon placed special emphasis on the sensitive task of breaking bad news, particularly in the care of elderly patients. He noted that while advances in diagnostics and treatment have transformed modern medicine, empathetic and respectful communication remains central to patient trust and healing. For older adults, who often face multiple illnesses along with emotional and social vulnerabilities, clear and compassionate communication can significantly improve treatment adherence and overall health outcomes, he said.
Dr Haroon also pointed out that rising life expectancy, changing family structures and the growing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and dementia have made structured geriatric care a priority in India. He said organised geriatric services can reduce avoidable hospital admissions, lower healthcare costs and provide crucial support to families and caregivers, while easing pressure on the healthcare system.
He further observed that strengthening geriatric care has broader social implications, including promoting healthy ageing, reinforcing respect for senior citizens and encouraging the development of age-friendly hospitals and communities. Investing in geriatrics, he said, reflects a society’s commitment to recognising the contributions of its elderly population and ensuring dignity in later life.
In recognition of his academic contributions to the field of geriatrics, Dr Haroon was honoured during the inaugural ceremony of the conference. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, Padma Shri awardee Prof. Dr D. K. Hazra, Dr Prashant Gupta, Dr O. P. Sharma and other senior members of the Geriatric Society of India and the GSICON 2025 organising committee. Dr O. P. Sharma, Secretary General of the Geriatric Society of India, was also acknowledged for his role in advancing geriatric medicine across the country.
Concluding his address, Dr Haroon said the future of healthcare lies not only in clinical expertise and technology but equally in compassion, communication and human connection. He noted that as India moves towards an ageing society, geriatric medicine has the potential to play a transformative role in healthcare delivery and in shaping attitudes towards elderly care.
