NEWS TODAY 05.10.2025

 

NEWS TODAY 04.10.2025

 

WhatsApp Beta: New features enhance calls and scheduling; call hub, quick access, business verification and more

WhatsApp Beta: New features enhance calls and scheduling; call hub, quick access, business verification and more

WhatsApp plans to roll out a centralised call hub for iOS users, ensuring a consistent experience across Android and iOS platforms.

By: Tech Desk

October 3, 2025 04:46 PM IST

WhatsApp is also set to introduce this centralised call hub for iOS users, ensuring a uniform experience across platforms.(Express Photo)

The latest WhatsApp Beta for Android introduces a centralised call hub, consolidating all call-related features into a single, intuitive interface. Users can now initiate calls, schedule future calls, access the dialer, and manage contacts without navigating multiple screens. This streamlined design enhances communication efficiency by providing quick access to chat, video, and audio calls, as well as call scheduling.

WhatsApp is also set to introduce this centralised call hub for iOS users, ensuring a uniform experience across platforms. This follows the recent WhatsApp for iOS update (version 25.27.73), which improved accessibility and user interaction in the Calls tab, reflecting WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing its calling features for all users.

Unified Call Hub Simplifies Communication on iOS

A recent update enables select iOS users to access a unified call hub within the Calls tab. This structured interface centralises all call-related tasks, allowing users to access the dialer, schedule conversations, or start calls without navigating multiple menus. The revamped Conversations tab is now more intuitive, reducing the steps needed to initiate or manage calls for a smoother daily experience.

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Quick Access to Calls and Scheduling Features

The updated design introduces a convenient shortcut, resembling a “+” button in the top-right corner, enabling users to start calls with up to 31 participants or initiate private conversations. The scheduling feature allows users to plan calls and share details via chat, ensuring all participants are informed. This combination of instant and scheduled calling options provides a versatile solution for both personal and professional use.

Dedicated Dialer and Business Account Verification

The update also includes a dedicated dialer shortcut, simplifying calls to any WhatsApp-registered number without requiring users to save contact details beforehand. Additionally, enhanced verification for business accounts confirms whether a number is linked to a verified WhatsApp account, boosting user confidence in the authenticity of their contacts.

Health Ministry issues advisory on cough syrups among kids: Do not prescribe such medication for children under two

Health Ministry issues advisory on cough syrups among kids: Do not prescribe such medication for children under two

Most acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and resolve without pharmacological intervention, says DGHS

By: Express News Service

Updated: October 3, 2025 07:27 PM IST

As regards the reports related to two deaths of children in Rajasthan because of contaminated cough syrup consumption, it has been clarified that the product in question did not contain propylene glycol, which can be a potential source of contaminants. (Source: File)

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories on the rational use of cough syrups in children, following consumption-related deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

In its communique, the DGHS advocates “judicious prescribing and dispensing of cough syrups for children,” arguing that most “acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and resolve without pharmacological intervention.” It further says that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed for children under two years. “These are generally not recommended for ages below five years and above that, any use should follow careful, clinical evaluation with close supervision and strict adherence to appropriate dosing, the shortest effective duration and avoiding multiple drug combinations,” the DGHS said. It highlighted the need for making everybody aware about adhering only to prescription by doctors.

As a first-line approach for children suffering from cough and cold, it has made a case for non-pharmacological measures, including “adequate hydration and rest.”

Since there have been reports that the deaths were caused by fake drugs, the DGHS has urged all healthcare facilities and clinical establishments to ensure “procurement and dispensing of products manufactured under good manufacturing practices and formulated with pharmaceutical-grade excipients.”

The advisory applies to health departments in all States/Union Territories, district health authorities, government dispensaries, primary healthcare centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), district hospitals and medical institutions.

A multi-disciplinary team comprising experts from NCDC, NIV, ICMR, AIIMS Nagpur and state health authorities is investigating all possible causes behind the deaths. Although there have been reports of contamination and fake syrups, none of the samples tested so far contained diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG), contaminants that are known to cause serious kidney injury. The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) also tested three samples and confirmed the absence of DEG/EG.

Further blood/CSF samples have been tested by NIV Pune for common pathogens. One case has been found positive for leptospirosis.

As regards the reports related to two deaths of children in Rajasthan because of contaminated cough syrup consumption, it has been clarified that the product in question did not contain propylene glycol, which can be a potential source of contaminants. Additionally, the product under reference is a dextromethorphan-based formulation, which is not recommended for paediatric use.