From ice cream to ketchup: These food additives could be secretly damaging your gut

From ice cream to ketchup: These food additives could be secretly damaging your gut

For decades, food additives have been considered harmless ingredients that make our foods smoother, creamier, and longer-lasting. But recent studies, including one published in Frontiers in Nutrition, have raised new concerns, suggesting that some of these supposedly “safe” additives may quietly disrupt the gut’s delicate microbial balance, with possible effects on immunity, metabolism, and long-term…

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Daily Egyptian Horoscope for October 21, 2025: Love surprises and emotional confessions await many zodiac signs

Daily Egyptian Horoscope for October 21, 2025: Love surprises and emotional confessions await many zodiac signs

Step into the sands of time, where ancient wisdom meets modern energy. Egyptian astrology doesn’t just look to the stars; it listens to the gods. Each day, divine forces like Ra, Bastet, Thoth, and Anubis stir the energies around you, shaping your path in subtle, sacred ways. Whether you’re seeking clarity, strength, love, or a…

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Could a deadly snake bite save lives? How experts harvest venom through snake milking to develop life-saving medicine

Could a deadly snake bite save lives? How experts harvest venom through snake milking to develop life-saving medicine

Snake milking is frequently misunderstood, often perceived as a dangerous or cruel activity. In reality, it is a highly precise and carefully controlled scientific procedure. Trained herpetologists extract venom from snakes under strict safety protocols, ensuring both human and animal welfare. This venom is vital for producing antivenoms, which save thousands of lives each year,…

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US, India to work more closely to advance mutual prosperity, says envoy Atul Keshap

US, India to work more closely to advance mutual prosperity, says envoy Atul Keshap

US Charge d’Affaires to India Atul Keshap. WASHINGTON: US Charge d’Affaires to India, Atul Keshap on Friday met Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and discussed ways to increase bilateral trade between the two countries to advance mutual prosperity.“I had a very useful exchange of views with Commerce Minister @PiyushGoyal about how #USIndia trade can and…

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Days before his tragic death, chess GM Daniel Naroditsky posted YouTube video with shocking title | Chess News

Days before his tragic death, chess GM Daniel Naroditsky posted YouTube video with shocking title | Chess News

Daniel Naroditsky (Kelly Centrelli/Charlotte Chess Center via AP) Daniel Naroditsky, a prominent American chess grandmaster and instructor, has passed away at the age of 29. The Charlotte Chess Center announced his death on October 20, 2025, with the cause remaining undisclosed.Naroditsky, a Stanford graduate, achieved remarkable success in the chess world, becoming a grandmaster at…

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‘Dated this obese Indian woman’: Decoding the casual anti-India racism in Young Republicans chat | World News

‘Dated this obese Indian woman’: Decoding the casual anti-India racism in Young Republicans chat | World News

When Kamala Harris was announced as the Democratic presidential candidate after Joe Biden stepped down — or was pushed aside — the joke in the vast Indian-American community was that the upcoming election was now a Telugu vs Tamil fight. While Harris was repping Tamil Nadu, JD Vance was obviously the Andhra candidate with a…

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Bihar’s Mahagathbandhan alliance is experiencing internal friction. Seat-sharing issues are causing confusion and overlapping nominations for the upcoming 2025 assembly elections. Smaller allies feel sidelined, with JMM withdrawing from the state-level arrangement. These coordination challenges could impact vote splits in key constituencies. Leaders are working to resolve disputes before polling begins. Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi (File photo) NEW DELHI: The opposition Mahagathbandhan in Bihar is showing visible signs of internal tensions ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The coalition, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties, has struggled to finalise seat-sharing arrangements, resulting in overlapping nominations, last-minute withdrawals, and what leaders describe as “friendly fights” across several constituencies.At the centre of the friction lies the distribution of Bihar’s 243 assembly seats among alliance partners. The RJD, the dominant party in the bloc, has fielded 143 candidates, while Congress is contesting 61 seats and the remaining seats are being shared among the CPI(ML) and smaller allies.In several constituencies, including Vaishali and Darbhanga, both RJD and Congress candidates have entered the fray, creating confusion within local units.In Darbhanga’s Gaura Bauram seat, for instance, an RJD nominee remained in the contest even after the constituency was allocated to the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) following last-minute negotiations.With the nomination deadline already over for Phase 1, the candidate could not withdraw, forcing RJD leaders to campaign in a seat technically assigned to an ally. The withdrawal date for Phase 2 ends on Thursday.A similar overlap has been reported in parts of the Vaishali district, where local committees of both RJD and Congress have announced nominees despite attempts by the central leadership to coordinate. Reports say the absence of a formal, written seat-sharing pact has contributed to these overlaps.Smaller allies ‘sidelined’Smaller partners within the Mahagathbandhan have voiced concern over being sidelined during seat negotiations. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which was expected to contest a few constituencies in Bihar’s tribal belt, has announced its withdrawal from the alliance’s state-level arrangement. The party has stated that its demands were overlooked and its traditional strongholds, such as Chakai, Katoria, and Pirpainti, were allotted to other partners without prior consultation.The JMM’s exit may have limited numerical impact but weakens the alliance’s presence in tribal-dominated areas along the Bihar–Jharkhand border. Political observers note that these constituencies, though few in number, carry symbolic importance for the alliance’s claim of statewide unity.The coordination challengeAnother factor behind the infighting is the timing of decisions. Seat-sharing talks extended until the final week of nominations, leaving little room for adjustments once candidate lists were announced. According to reports, a compressed timeline led to confusion at the constituency level, with multiple candidates filing papers under different assumptions about which party would ultimately get the seat.Regional hotspotsThe friction is most visible in northern Bihar, particularly in the Darbhanga, Vaishali, and Muzaffarpur regions, where both RJD and Congress have significant local presence and overlapping support bases.In the southern border districts, the fallout from JMM’s withdrawal is expected to be felt in tribal-majority seats, where coordination with Left allies and local independents will be crucial. These regions were earlier part of a planned joint campaign involving RJD and JMM leaders.Implications for the allianceThe immediate concern for the alliance is the possibility of vote-splitting in constituencies where partners are contesting against each other. In Bihar’s closely fought seats, even a small division of votes can alter outcomes.For example, if an NDA candidate secures about 40 per cent of the vote while RJD and Congress share 30 per cent and 25 per cent respectively, the NDA retains the seat despite a combined opposition vote of 55 per cent. Going by the example, if such divisions remain unresolved, it could impact 15–20 constituencies across the state.The ruling NDA has used the situation to question the opposition’s ability to coordinate. Party leaders have remarked that those unable to manage seat-sharing may struggle to run a cohesive government.Efforts at damage controlRJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and senior Congress leaders have begun internal reviews to identify “official” candidates in disputed constituencies. Both parties are reportedly trying to persuade duplicate candidates to withdraw or coordinate campaigns jointly.Leaders within the Mahagathbandhan have maintained that disagreements are “routine” in multi-party coalitions and will be settled before polling.The Mahagathbandhan’s coordination problems, however, have brought to the fore the challenges of managing Bihar’s coalition politics. The contest is expected to remain competitive, but the level of internal cooperation could determine the alliance’s performance in key regions.While the bloc remains intact formally, its internal friction highlights the difficulty of translating national opposition unity into effective ground-level coordination in Bihar.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian-Origin Navjot Singh’s Heartbreaking Struggle Against Deportation To A Country He Doesn’t KnowPolitics Heats Up Over Namaz At Pune’s Shaniwarwada Fort, 3 Women BookedPragya Thakur Says Parents Should Beat Daughters Who Marry Or Meet Non-Hindus‘Evidence Clear’: Afghanistan Condemns Pakistan Over Airstrike That Killed 3 Players in Paktika”Congress Only Party To Respect Him…” Pappu Yadav Alleges BJP Sidelining Nitish Kumar in NDAPakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Wished Hindus On Diwali, Faces Social Media Backlash Over Hypocrisy’Never Trust an Indian’: Racist Revelations Threaten Trump Pick Paul Ingrassia’s Senate ConfirmationBig Relief For Indians: Donald Trump Clarifies 0K H-1B Fee Won’t Apply To Existing Visa HoldersPM Modi’s Diwali Message To India Highlights Lord Ram, Op Sindoor, And Naxal Eradication SuccessesJammu & Kashmir Integral To India: BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi Blasts Pakistan At United Nations123 Photostories  5 high-fiber foods to combine with cauliflower and easy dishes10 vibrant flowers to attract sweetly chirping birds to the balcony garden5 essential things one must know before getting a goldfish: Complete care guideBigg Boss Telugu 9: Wildcard entrant Ayesha’s most memorable moments in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 6Suhana Khan to Sobhita Dhulipala: Who wore what in Bollywood for Diwali 2025Durgabai Kamat – The woman who broke barriers as Indian cinema’s first female actorPhotos: Mumbai’s Mega Redevelopment Revolution — How MHADA’s Landmark Projects Are Rebuilding the City of Dreams with Dignity, Safety, and Modern LivingNoida’s New Metro Link Takes Shape: L-Shaped, Air-Conditioned Skywalk Promises Seamless Connectivity Smart Mobility Boost for Sector 51–52 Commuters (In photos)From Laxmi Puja to a Fun Rangoli Competition- Archana Puran Singh Shares a Glimpse of Her Diwali Celebration with Family8 birds known for their vibrant plumage123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingDaniel Naroditsky Cause of DeathHow to get Greninjite in Pokemon LegendsAdam SandlerStephen A SmithHouston Texan vs Seattle SeahawksLauren KyleDoug Martin Net WorthDaug Martin Cause of DeathConor Mcgregor and Dee Devlin Net WorthBrad Marchand

Bihar’s Mahagathbandhan alliance is experiencing internal friction. Seat-sharing issues are causing confusion and overlapping nominations for the upcoming 2025 assembly elections. Smaller allies feel sidelined, with JMM withdrawing from the state-level arrangement. These coordination challenges could impact vote splits in key constituencies. Leaders are working to resolve disputes before polling begins. Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi (File photo) NEW DELHI: The opposition Mahagathbandhan in Bihar is showing visible signs of internal tensions ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The coalition, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties, has struggled to finalise seat-sharing arrangements, resulting in overlapping nominations, last-minute withdrawals, and what leaders describe as “friendly fights” across several constituencies.At the centre of the friction lies the distribution of Bihar’s 243 assembly seats among alliance partners. The RJD, the dominant party in the bloc, has fielded 143 candidates, while Congress is contesting 61 seats and the remaining seats are being shared among the CPI(ML) and smaller allies.In several constituencies, including Vaishali and Darbhanga, both RJD and Congress candidates have entered the fray, creating confusion within local units.In Darbhanga’s Gaura Bauram seat, for instance, an RJD nominee remained in the contest even after the constituency was allocated to the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) following last-minute negotiations.With the nomination deadline already over for Phase 1, the candidate could not withdraw, forcing RJD leaders to campaign in a seat technically assigned to an ally. The withdrawal date for Phase 2 ends on Thursday.A similar overlap has been reported in parts of the Vaishali district, where local committees of both RJD and Congress have announced nominees despite attempts by the central leadership to coordinate. Reports say the absence of a formal, written seat-sharing pact has contributed to these overlaps.Smaller allies ‘sidelined’Smaller partners within the Mahagathbandhan have voiced concern over being sidelined during seat negotiations. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which was expected to contest a few constituencies in Bihar’s tribal belt, has announced its withdrawal from the alliance’s state-level arrangement. The party has stated that its demands were overlooked and its traditional strongholds, such as Chakai, Katoria, and Pirpainti, were allotted to other partners without prior consultation.The JMM’s exit may have limited numerical impact but weakens the alliance’s presence in tribal-dominated areas along the Bihar–Jharkhand border. Political observers note that these constituencies, though few in number, carry symbolic importance for the alliance’s claim of statewide unity.The coordination challengeAnother factor behind the infighting is the timing of decisions. Seat-sharing talks extended until the final week of nominations, leaving little room for adjustments once candidate lists were announced. According to reports, a compressed timeline led to confusion at the constituency level, with multiple candidates filing papers under different assumptions about which party would ultimately get the seat.Regional hotspotsThe friction is most visible in northern Bihar, particularly in the Darbhanga, Vaishali, and Muzaffarpur regions, where both RJD and Congress have significant local presence and overlapping support bases.In the southern border districts, the fallout from JMM’s withdrawal is expected to be felt in tribal-majority seats, where coordination with Left allies and local independents will be crucial. These regions were earlier part of a planned joint campaign involving RJD and JMM leaders.Implications for the allianceThe immediate concern for the alliance is the possibility of vote-splitting in constituencies where partners are contesting against each other. In Bihar’s closely fought seats, even a small division of votes can alter outcomes.For example, if an NDA candidate secures about 40 per cent of the vote while RJD and Congress share 30 per cent and 25 per cent respectively, the NDA retains the seat despite a combined opposition vote of 55 per cent. Going by the example, if such divisions remain unresolved, it could impact 15–20 constituencies across the state.The ruling NDA has used the situation to question the opposition’s ability to coordinate. Party leaders have remarked that those unable to manage seat-sharing may struggle to run a cohesive government.Efforts at damage controlRJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and senior Congress leaders have begun internal reviews to identify “official” candidates in disputed constituencies. Both parties are reportedly trying to persuade duplicate candidates to withdraw or coordinate campaigns jointly.Leaders within the Mahagathbandhan have maintained that disagreements are “routine” in multi-party coalitions and will be settled before polling.The Mahagathbandhan’s coordination problems, however, have brought to the fore the challenges of managing Bihar’s coalition politics. The contest is expected to remain competitive, but the level of internal cooperation could determine the alliance’s performance in key regions.While the bloc remains intact formally, its internal friction highlights the difficulty of translating national opposition unity into effective ground-level coordination in Bihar.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian-Origin Navjot Singh’s Heartbreaking Struggle Against Deportation To A Country He Doesn’t KnowPolitics Heats Up Over Namaz At Pune’s Shaniwarwada Fort, 3 Women BookedPragya Thakur Says Parents Should Beat Daughters Who Marry Or Meet Non-Hindus‘Evidence Clear’: Afghanistan Condemns Pakistan Over Airstrike That Killed 3 Players in Paktika”Congress Only Party To Respect Him…” Pappu Yadav Alleges BJP Sidelining Nitish Kumar in NDAPakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Wished Hindus On Diwali, Faces Social Media Backlash Over Hypocrisy’Never Trust an Indian’: Racist Revelations Threaten Trump Pick Paul Ingrassia’s Senate ConfirmationBig Relief For Indians: Donald Trump Clarifies $100K H-1B Fee Won’t Apply To Existing Visa HoldersPM Modi’s Diwali Message To India Highlights Lord Ram, Op Sindoor, And Naxal Eradication SuccessesJammu & Kashmir Integral To India: BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi Blasts Pakistan At United Nations123 Photostories 5 high-fiber foods to combine with cauliflower and easy dishes10 vibrant flowers to attract sweetly chirping birds to the balcony garden5 essential things one must know before getting a goldfish: Complete care guideBigg Boss Telugu 9: Wildcard entrant Ayesha’s most memorable moments in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 6Suhana Khan to Sobhita Dhulipala: Who wore what in Bollywood for Diwali 2025Durgabai Kamat – The woman who broke barriers as Indian cinema’s first female actorPhotos: Mumbai’s Mega Redevelopment Revolution — How MHADA’s Landmark Projects Are Rebuilding the City of Dreams with Dignity, Safety, and Modern LivingNoida’s New Metro Link Takes Shape: L-Shaped, Air-Conditioned Skywalk Promises Seamless Connectivity Smart Mobility Boost for Sector 51–52 Commuters (In photos)From Laxmi Puja to a Fun Rangoli Competition- Archana Puran Singh Shares a Glimpse of Her Diwali Celebration with Family8 birds known for their vibrant plumage123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingDaniel Naroditsky Cause of DeathHow to get Greninjite in Pokemon LegendsAdam SandlerStephen A SmithHouston Texan vs Seattle SeahawksLauren KyleDoug Martin Net WorthDaug Martin Cause of DeathConor Mcgregor and Dee Devlin Net WorthBrad Marchand

Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi (File photo) NEW DELHI: The opposition Mahagathbandhan in Bihar is showing visible signs of internal tensions ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The coalition, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties, has struggled to finalise seat-sharing arrangements, resulting in overlapping nominations, last-minute withdrawals, and what leaders describe…

Read More
Rawalpindi Test: 38-year-old debutant keeps hosts in the game after Keshav Maharaj’s seven-fer floors Pakistan | Cricket News

Rawalpindi Test: 38-year-old debutant keeps hosts in the game after Keshav Maharaj’s seven-fer floors Pakistan | Cricket News

Pakistan’s Asif Afridi bowls during the second day of the second test cricket match between Pakistan and South Africa, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed) In a remarkable Test cricket display on Tuesday, 38-year-old debutant spinner Asif Afridi claimed two crucial late wickets against South Africa,…

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Watch: 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi spotted bursting crackers on Diwali | Cricket News

Watch: 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi spotted bursting crackers on Diwali | Cricket News

Vaibhav Suryavanshi spotted bursting crackers (Screengrabs) It was a Diwali to remember for cricket’s newest teenage sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, as the 14-year-old was spotted celebrating the festival of lights in his trademark energetic style on Monday, bursting crackers after Bihar’s emphatic Ranji Trophy win over Arunachal Pradesh.The video, now viral on social media, shows Suryavanshi…

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Industrial leasing boom: India’s top 8 cities see 28% rise; Delhi-NCR leads with 11.7 million sq ft

Industrial leasing boom: India’s top 8 cities see 28% rise; Delhi-NCR leads with 11.7 million sq ft

Leasing of industrial and warehousing spaces across India’s eight major cities surged 28 per cent to a record 37 million sq ft during January-September 2025, driven by robust demand in Delhi-NCR, according to real estate consultancy CBRE. In comparison, total leasing across these top cities—including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad—stood at…

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John Stamos defends ‘Full House’ co-star Lori Loughlin; calls her ex ‘terrible narcissist’ for 2019 scandal |

John Stamos defends ‘Full House’ co-star Lori Loughlin; calls her ex ‘terrible narcissist’ for 2019 scandal |

John Stamos defends his ‘Full House’ co-star Lori Loughlin, blasting her “narcissistic” ex-husband Mossimo Giannulli, who he claims dragged her into the illegal mess of college admissions in 2019. The couple officially separated earlier this month after 28 years of marriage, and were at the center of a scandal. John Stamos puts Lori Loughlin’s ex…

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Anand Mahindra struck by the beauty of this South Indian village calls it ‘the ultimate getaway’

Anand Mahindra struck by the beauty of this South Indian village calls it ‘the ultimate getaway’

Anand Mahindra—top industrialist, frequent tweeter and a travel enthusiast, paused all his important business to praise a simple village morning from South India. He recently took to X and shared a video of a beautiful village in Palakkad district, Kerala. He called it “the perfect escape from the relentless pace of modern life.”He wrote: “This…

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NASA opens SpaceX’s moon lander contract to rivals amid Starship delays, sparking new competition for Artemis 3 mission

NASA opens SpaceX’s moon lander contract to rivals amid Starship delays, sparking new competition for Artemis 3 mission

NASA has signalled a significant change in its lunar exploration plans by opening the prestigious US moon landing contract to additional bidders. The decision comes amid growing delays with SpaceX’s Starship lunar lander, which was originally selected in 2021 to carry astronauts back to the Moon under the Artemis 3 mission. Acting NASA administrator Sean…

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