Bengaluru: Indian Dental Association (IDA), in collaboration with the state govt, Indian Prosthodontic Society (IPS) and Rotary Bangalore Social Club, launched Ssmileathon — a statewide oral health awareness and smile contest.Designed to make oral care a daily conversation, the initiative offers free dental screenings at IDA-affiliated clinics for over 1 lakh participants. Ssmileathon aims to drive early disease detection and healthier lifestyles, with national data showing 90% of Indians face dental issues but few seek regular care.The contest is open to men and women aged 18–45, combining free check-ups, digital engagement and a grand finale on March 1 at Palace Grounds. Winners will receive cash prizes worth Rs 6 lakh, along with grooming kits and dental wellness packages. Check www.ssmileathon.com for details.IVF/ICSI to be included under AB-ArKKarnataka govt has included advanced Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) — including IVF and ICSI — under Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB – ArK) to help BPL families overcome infertility.BPL (PHH) cardholders aged 21–55, who don’t have biological children, will qualify for up to three free lifetime cycles. The state covers Rs 1.2–1.3 lakh per IVF/ICSI cycle and Rs 35,000 for FET (frozen embryo transfer). Treatment is available at district hospitals, government medical colleges and empanelled private centres.North Corp’s Hebbal offices to be relocatedBengaluru North city corporation is relocating its revenue department offices of Hebbal division from JC Nagar to RT Nagar Main Road.A BNCC release said the office of the revenue officer (Hebbal) and the offices of assistant revenue officers of Hebbal and JC Nagar sub-divisions will function from the new location starting Feb 2.The offices, which are currently on Munireddypalya Main Road in JC Nagar, will be shifted to RT Nagar Main Road in Nrupatunga Layout (near Indira Canteen), the corporation said.
