July 20, 2026
Middle East flight update amid Iran war: Emirates, Etihad resume limited services; IndiGo, Air India add extra flights

Middle East flight update amid Iran war: Emirates, Etihad resume limited services; IndiGo, Air India add extra flights

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Air travel across the Middle East and the Gulf region has been severely disrupted as airlines cancel thousands of flights amid the escalating West Asia conflict.The crisis has forced carriers worldwide to suspend routes, reroute aircraft and revise schedules, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Middle East crisis Hits Aviation: 1,500 Flights Scrapped As Air India…

Read More
NEW DELHI: After pushing organisation cohesion and laying out BJP’s agenda in West Bengal, home minister Amit Shah will be in another poll-bound state Tamil Nadu for two days from Sunday to give shape to the party’s strategy, where it is a junior partner to AIADMK, but will have to play a key role in guiding the alliance that faces a host of knotty issues.Shah’s schedule includes attending the closing ceremony of a state-wide yatra in Pudukkottai – which was led by BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran and has championed Tamil pride to counter the governing DMK-led alliance’s projection of the party as an organisation arraigned against the state’s values; presiding over a meeting of key BJP leaders and attending Pongal celebration.Sources said key BJP allies, including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, may also meet Shah.His visit to the southern state is expected to push efforts for NDA’s expansion, which has hit roadblocks. While PMK, a BJP ally in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls when AIADMK had fought separately, has split into two factions, one led by its founder S Ramadoss and the other by his son Anbumani Ramadoss, another prospective ally DMDK, founded by actor Vijayakant and now headed by his widow Premallatha Vijayakant, is yet to finalise its stand.That BJP and Palaniswami, known as EPS, do not see eye to eye on the course the alliance must take to put up a strong contest against the DMK-Congress-Left alliance amid emergence of popular actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which has succeeded in draw a few regional satraps, especially from AIADMK, to its fold.While BJP is believed to be a votary of former AIADMK functionaries like O Panneerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran, who either quit or were expelled from the party due to their differences with EPS, returning to their parent party to project a picture of organisational unity and revival, EPS remains wary of welcoming them back, apprehending that they may challenge his grip over AIADMK.Union minister Piyush Goyal was in Tamil Nadu recently after being appointed as BJP’s election in-charge of the state and met EPS, NDA functionaries from the state are of the view that it will require Shah to step in and reach out to current and prospective allies to expand NDA. With his proven political skills and electoral track record, Shah has the authority and mojo to get them around to joining ranks for defeating DMK, which someone like EPS may lack despite AIADMK being the senior partner as his party has struggled to challenge CM M K Stalin.BJP brass will also need to bring its own house in order as its former president Annamalai, popular among the core BJP supporters, has been lying low and, at times, skipped key meetings.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

NEW DELHI: After pushing organisation cohesion and laying out BJP’s agenda in West Bengal, home minister Amit Shah will be in another poll-bound state Tamil Nadu for two days from Sunday to give shape to the party’s strategy, where it is a junior partner to AIADMK, but will have to play a key role in guiding the alliance that faces a host of knotty issues.Shah’s schedule includes attending the closing ceremony of a state-wide yatra in Pudukkottai – which was led by BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran and has championed Tamil pride to counter the governing DMK-led alliance’s projection of the party as an organisation arraigned against the state’s values; presiding over a meeting of key BJP leaders and attending Pongal celebration.Sources said key BJP allies, including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, may also meet Shah.His visit to the southern state is expected to push efforts for NDA’s expansion, which has hit roadblocks. While PMK, a BJP ally in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls when AIADMK had fought separately, has split into two factions, one led by its founder S Ramadoss and the other by his son Anbumani Ramadoss, another prospective ally DMDK, founded by actor Vijayakant and now headed by his widow Premallatha Vijayakant, is yet to finalise its stand.That BJP and Palaniswami, known as EPS, do not see eye to eye on the course the alliance must take to put up a strong contest against the DMK-Congress-Left alliance amid emergence of popular actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which has succeeded in draw a few regional satraps, especially from AIADMK, to its fold.While BJP is believed to be a votary of former AIADMK functionaries like O Panneerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran, who either quit or were expelled from the party due to their differences with EPS, returning to their parent party to project a picture of organisational unity and revival, EPS remains wary of welcoming them back, apprehending that they may challenge his grip over AIADMK.Union minister Piyush Goyal was in Tamil Nadu recently after being appointed as BJP’s election in-charge of the state and met EPS, NDA functionaries from the state are of the view that it will require Shah to step in and reach out to current and prospective allies to expand NDA. With his proven political skills and electoral track record, Shah has the authority and mojo to get them around to joining ranks for defeating DMK, which someone like EPS may lack despite AIADMK being the senior partner as his party has struggled to challenge CM M K Stalin.BJP brass will also need to bring its own house in order as its former president Annamalai, popular among the core BJP supporters, has been lying low and, at times, skipped key meetings.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: After pushing organisation cohesion and laying out BJP’s agenda in West Bengal, home minister Amit Shah will be in another poll-bound state Tamil Nadu for two days from Sunday to give shape to the party’s strategy, where it is a junior partner to AIADMK, but will have to play a key role in…

Read More
JAMMU: Hundreds of Shia Muslims on Saturday staged spontaneous protests in various parts of Kashmir to condemn a suicide bombing at the Khadija Tul Kubra Mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 169 others.The attack took place during Friday prayers in Pakistan’s capital city. The attack on a Shia place of worship triggered strong reactions in Kashmir, with demonstrations reported in Srinagar, Baramulla, and Bandipora on Friday and Saturday.In Magam town of central Kashmir, women protesters raised slogans against the Pakistani govt and denounced the targeting of Shia Muslims. Some demonstrators raised slogans in support of Syed Hassan Nasrallah, Palestine, and Hezbollah. The protests remained peaceful, with participants expressing solidarity with the victims in Pakistan.“We stand with the victims and we are against the Pakistani govt,” one woman protester said, adding, “We want to ask the Pakistan govt why we are being killed.”All J&K Shia Association Chinabal (Pattan) raised slogans against Pakistan on Friday evening and demanded immediate action against those responsible. They also raised pro-India slogans.In the Sumbal area of Ganderbal district, protesters carrying the Indian tricolor raised anti-Pakistan govt slogans. “Our protest is against the Pakistani administration, which we believe is responsible for such killing,” another protester said. “Shia Muslims are targeted in Pakistan. It is painful to see Muslims being killed inside mosques during prayers. What kind of jihad is this?”In Atoora, Baramulla, protesters carried posters of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They also raised slogans against Pakistan. Police said the demonstrations passed off peacefully.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Reiterates Energy Security Priority, Signals Russia Oil Imports Will ContinueGhaziabad Sisters’ Deaths: Father’s Three Marriages Add Twist To Probe“Deal Favours US farmers” Opposition Attacks India-US Trade FrameworkFrom Tamil Pride To Global Trust: How PM Modi Used Culture To Reset India-Malaysia RelationsPM Modi In Kuala Lumpur Says India Malaysia Ties Are Rising, Unveils IMPACT Vision For Asia”To Benefit Farmers….” Shivraj Singh Chouhan Big Claim On India-US Trade DealPiyush Goyal Says Agriculture Is Self Reliant Sector As India Refuses Farm Import Benefits To USFrom Design To Silicon, India Signals Semiconductor Breakout With Semicon 2.0 RoadmapMP Minister Vijay Shah Finally Apologises For Comment Targeting Op Sindoor Face Col Sofia QureshiTurkey Sides With Pakistan On Kashmir At UN After Sharif’s Rhetoric On India’s ‘Integral’ Territory123PhotostoriesExclusive – Yuvika Choudhary on The 50: I took a break after my daughter’s birth to be there for her; now it’s time for me to return as a working momHow Taylor Swift turned fashion into her signature storytelling powerMukaish to Rabari: Underrated embroidery techniques in India that deserve more attention7 most colourful birds of Indian forestsThe 50: Major Fights That Grabbed Attention5 luxury sports cars that combine comfort with extreme powerThomas Edison once said, “I’ve not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”: 4 lessons it teaches students6 celebrities who called out social media as ‘toxic’: Tom Holland, Selena Gomez, Kate Winslet, and moreThe ultimate footwear checklist every girl needs in her closet5 mistakes to avoid when investing in under-construction projects123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingIndia vs USA LiveCooper Kupp WifeKayla NicoleSuper Bowl LX TicketOliver RowlandJustin GaethjeLIV GolfLiam Paro vs Paddy Donovan Net WorthWinter Olympics 2026NBA Trade Update

JAMMU: Hundreds of Shia Muslims on Saturday staged spontaneous protests in various parts of Kashmir to condemn a suicide bombing at the Khadija Tul Kubra Mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 169 others.The attack took place during Friday prayers in Pakistan’s capital city. The attack on a Shia place of worship triggered strong reactions in Kashmir, with demonstrations reported in Srinagar, Baramulla, and Bandipora on Friday and Saturday.In Magam town of central Kashmir, women protesters raised slogans against the Pakistani govt and denounced the targeting of Shia Muslims. Some demonstrators raised slogans in support of Syed Hassan Nasrallah, Palestine, and Hezbollah. The protests remained peaceful, with participants expressing solidarity with the victims in Pakistan.“We stand with the victims and we are against the Pakistani govt,” one woman protester said, adding, “We want to ask the Pakistan govt why we are being killed.”All J&K Shia Association Chinabal (Pattan) raised slogans against Pakistan on Friday evening and demanded immediate action against those responsible. They also raised pro-India slogans.In the Sumbal area of Ganderbal district, protesters carrying the Indian tricolor raised anti-Pakistan govt slogans. “Our protest is against the Pakistani administration, which we believe is responsible for such killing,” another protester said. “Shia Muslims are targeted in Pakistan. It is painful to see Muslims being killed inside mosques during prayers. What kind of jihad is this?”In Atoora, Baramulla, protesters carried posters of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They also raised slogans against Pakistan. Police said the demonstrations passed off peacefully.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Reiterates Energy Security Priority, Signals Russia Oil Imports Will ContinueGhaziabad Sisters’ Deaths: Father’s Three Marriages Add Twist To Probe“Deal Favours US farmers” Opposition Attacks India-US Trade FrameworkFrom Tamil Pride To Global Trust: How PM Modi Used Culture To Reset India-Malaysia RelationsPM Modi In Kuala Lumpur Says India Malaysia Ties Are Rising, Unveils IMPACT Vision For Asia”To Benefit Farmers….” Shivraj Singh Chouhan Big Claim On India-US Trade DealPiyush Goyal Says Agriculture Is Self Reliant Sector As India Refuses Farm Import Benefits To USFrom Design To Silicon, India Signals Semiconductor Breakout With Semicon 2.0 RoadmapMP Minister Vijay Shah Finally Apologises For Comment Targeting Op Sindoor Face Col Sofia QureshiTurkey Sides With Pakistan On Kashmir At UN After Sharif’s Rhetoric On India’s ‘Integral’ Territory123PhotostoriesExclusive – Yuvika Choudhary on The 50: I took a break after my daughter’s birth to be there for her; now it’s time for me to return as a working momHow Taylor Swift turned fashion into her signature storytelling powerMukaish to Rabari: Underrated embroidery techniques in India that deserve more attention7 most colourful birds of Indian forestsThe 50: Major Fights That Grabbed Attention5 luxury sports cars that combine comfort with extreme powerThomas Edison once said, “I’ve not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”: 4 lessons it teaches students6 celebrities who called out social media as ‘toxic’: Tom Holland, Selena Gomez, Kate Winslet, and moreThe ultimate footwear checklist every girl needs in her closet5 mistakes to avoid when investing in under-construction projects123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingIndia vs USA LiveCooper Kupp WifeKayla NicoleSuper Bowl LX TicketOliver RowlandJustin GaethjeLIV GolfLiam Paro vs Paddy Donovan Net WorthWinter Olympics 2026NBA Trade Update

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

JAMMU: Hundreds of Shia Muslims on Saturday staged spontaneous protests in various parts of Kashmir to condemn a suicide bombing at the Khadija Tul Kubra Mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 169 others.The attack took place during Friday prayers in Pakistan’s capital city. The attack on a Shia…

Read More
A new Lancet Series highlights that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are contributing to a global rise in obesity and diabetes, a trend rapidly unfolding in India. Experts urge immediate policy action, including clear definitions, warning labels, and taxes on UPFs, to address the growing health burden. Representative image NEW DELHI: Instant noodles, chips, biscuits, packaged drinks and even “healthy” cereals — these ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have quietly become everyday staples in Indian homes. But a new three-paper Lancet Series warns that these factory-made, additive-loaded products are helping drive a global rise in obesity and diabetes — a trend already unfolding rapidly in India.The Series brings together global evidence, including a review of 104 studies, of which 92 linked UPF-heavy diets to chronic diseases. Meta-analyses of 15 health outcomes showed significant associations for 12, including type 2 diabetes, obesity and even depression. India has not conducted such studies, and therefore no Indian data could be included — a gap experts say the country can no longer ignore.For India, the findings demand urgent policy action, says Dr. Vandana Prasad, community paediatrician and technical advisor at Public Health Resource Society. She argues that UPFs cannot be regulated like ordinary junk food. “Companies reduce salt or sugar to dodge High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) limits, but the product remains ultra-processed because the additives stay,” she says. She calls for a clear legal definition of UPFs, strong front-of-pack warning labels, advertising restrictions, a UPF tax and subsidies for fresh foods, emphasising that healthy eating cannot depend on willpower alone when the entire food environment is engineered for overconsumption.Adding to this, Dr. Arun Gupta, paediatrician and Series co-author, says India is in the middle of the very shift the Lancet warns against — traditional meals being rapidly replaced by industrial UPFs promoted aggressively, especially to children. With no national data on UPF consumption, he cautions that India will struggle to slow rising obesity and diabetes unless it directly addresses the spread and marketing of such products.The scale of India’s health burden makes the warning even more urgent. The ICMR–INDIAB-17 (2023) study reports obesity in 28.6% of Indians, diabetes in 11.4%, prediabetes in 15.3%, and abdominal obesity in nearly 40%. Childhood obesity has increased as well — from 2.1% to 3.4% between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5.Prof K. Srinath Reddy, Chancellor, PHFI University of Public Health Sciences, notes that UPFs do more than add empty calories. By displacing natural foods, they can weaken immunity, heighten inflammation and worsen chronic disease risk. He supports strict regulation across production and marketing, clear ingredient disclosures, strong front-of-pack warning labels and a ban on celebrity endorsements of UPFs.With UPFs now deeply embedded in Indian diets — from school tiffins to office snacks to rural shops — experts warn that India stands at a critical juncture. The new Lancet evidence sends a clear message: reining in ultra-processed foods must become a national health priority if India hopes to contain rising obesity and diabetes.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia And Israel Launch FTA Talks; Piyush Goyal, Nir Barkat Sign Terms Of ReferenceDelhi’s Pollution Forces Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong To Cough, Stop Her Speech MidwayJaishankar Meets Afghan Commerce Minister Azizi In Delhi; Trade, Connectivity DiscussedMEA Outlines Agenda For PM Modi’s South Africa Visit For G20 Summit In JohannesburgPenny Wong’s Cricket Banter With Jaishankar Highlights Warm, Confident India-Australia PartnershipJaishankar, Penny Wong Send A Strong India-Australia Message To China And The World on Indo-PacificIFFI 2025 Opens With A Surprise As Korean Minister Sings Vande Mataram And Wins Standing OvationPiyush Goyal’s 10 D’s Pitch in Israel Recasts India As Future-Ready for Worldwide InvestmentsDelhi Student Suicide Case: Massive Protest Outside School After Note Alleges Harassment By TeachersPiyush Goyal Links India, Israel Through Shared Adversities, Predicts 7% Percent GDP Growth For FY26123Photostories10 Indian etiquette every child should learnReplace this with avocado: 7 local fruits that provide the same nutrients for less5 Japanese mindset shifts for a happier, lighter, less stressful lifeMeet the actress who once outshone Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit but saw her career collapse after a relationship with a star kid5 animals that made an epic comeback from the edge of extinctionRekha to Sharmila Tagore: 5 best celebrity-inspired saree styles for the modern mother-in-law10 nuts for kids for brain health and overall growthAkkineni Nagarjuna Rao shaping Telugu cinema with iconic performances and a magnetic presence on screenHow top Bollywood actresses are embracing a life changing new lifestyleFrom better brain function to stronger heart: 5 reasons why backward walking is excellent for you123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingTravis KelceSavannah JamesGiannis AntetokounmpoTrevon DiggsJeanie BussAdin RossCandace OwensKona TakahashiKatie JohnsonOlivia Dunne

A new Lancet Series highlights that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are contributing to a global rise in obesity and diabetes, a trend rapidly unfolding in India. Experts urge immediate policy action, including clear definitions, warning labels, and taxes on UPFs, to address the growing health burden. Representative image NEW DELHI: Instant noodles, chips, biscuits, packaged drinks and even “healthy” cereals — these ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have quietly become everyday staples in Indian homes. But a new three-paper Lancet Series warns that these factory-made, additive-loaded products are helping drive a global rise in obesity and diabetes — a trend already unfolding rapidly in India.The Series brings together global evidence, including a review of 104 studies, of which 92 linked UPF-heavy diets to chronic diseases. Meta-analyses of 15 health outcomes showed significant associations for 12, including type 2 diabetes, obesity and even depression. India has not conducted such studies, and therefore no Indian data could be included — a gap experts say the country can no longer ignore.For India, the findings demand urgent policy action, says Dr. Vandana Prasad, community paediatrician and technical advisor at Public Health Resource Society. She argues that UPFs cannot be regulated like ordinary junk food. “Companies reduce salt or sugar to dodge High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) limits, but the product remains ultra-processed because the additives stay,” she says. She calls for a clear legal definition of UPFs, strong front-of-pack warning labels, advertising restrictions, a UPF tax and subsidies for fresh foods, emphasising that healthy eating cannot depend on willpower alone when the entire food environment is engineered for overconsumption.Adding to this, Dr. Arun Gupta, paediatrician and Series co-author, says India is in the middle of the very shift the Lancet warns against — traditional meals being rapidly replaced by industrial UPFs promoted aggressively, especially to children. With no national data on UPF consumption, he cautions that India will struggle to slow rising obesity and diabetes unless it directly addresses the spread and marketing of such products.The scale of India’s health burden makes the warning even more urgent. The ICMR–INDIAB-17 (2023) study reports obesity in 28.6% of Indians, diabetes in 11.4%, prediabetes in 15.3%, and abdominal obesity in nearly 40%. Childhood obesity has increased as well — from 2.1% to 3.4% between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5.Prof K. Srinath Reddy, Chancellor, PHFI University of Public Health Sciences, notes that UPFs do more than add empty calories. By displacing natural foods, they can weaken immunity, heighten inflammation and worsen chronic disease risk. He supports strict regulation across production and marketing, clear ingredient disclosures, strong front-of-pack warning labels and a ban on celebrity endorsements of UPFs.With UPFs now deeply embedded in Indian diets — from school tiffins to office snacks to rural shops — experts warn that India stands at a critical juncture. The new Lancet evidence sends a clear message: reining in ultra-processed foods must become a national health priority if India hopes to contain rising obesity and diabetes.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia And Israel Launch FTA Talks; Piyush Goyal, Nir Barkat Sign Terms Of ReferenceDelhi’s Pollution Forces Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong To Cough, Stop Her Speech MidwayJaishankar Meets Afghan Commerce Minister Azizi In Delhi; Trade, Connectivity DiscussedMEA Outlines Agenda For PM Modi’s South Africa Visit For G20 Summit In JohannesburgPenny Wong’s Cricket Banter With Jaishankar Highlights Warm, Confident India-Australia PartnershipJaishankar, Penny Wong Send A Strong India-Australia Message To China And The World on Indo-PacificIFFI 2025 Opens With A Surprise As Korean Minister Sings Vande Mataram And Wins Standing OvationPiyush Goyal’s 10 D’s Pitch in Israel Recasts India As Future-Ready for Worldwide InvestmentsDelhi Student Suicide Case: Massive Protest Outside School After Note Alleges Harassment By TeachersPiyush Goyal Links India, Israel Through Shared Adversities, Predicts 7% Percent GDP Growth For FY26123Photostories10 Indian etiquette every child should learnReplace this with avocado: 7 local fruits that provide the same nutrients for less5 Japanese mindset shifts for a happier, lighter, less stressful lifeMeet the actress who once outshone Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit but saw her career collapse after a relationship with a star kid5 animals that made an epic comeback from the edge of extinctionRekha to Sharmila Tagore: 5 best celebrity-inspired saree styles for the modern mother-in-law10 nuts for kids for brain health and overall growthAkkineni Nagarjuna Rao shaping Telugu cinema with iconic performances and a magnetic presence on screenHow top Bollywood actresses are embracing a life changing new lifestyleFrom better brain function to stronger heart: 5 reasons why backward walking is excellent for you123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingTravis KelceSavannah JamesGiannis AntetokounmpoTrevon DiggsJeanie BussAdin RossCandace OwensKona TakahashiKatie JohnsonOlivia Dunne

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Instant noodles, chips, biscuits, packaged drinks and even “healthy” cereals — these ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have quietly become everyday staples in Indian homes. But a new three-paper Lancet Series warns that these factory-made, additive-loaded products are helping drive a global rise in obesity and diabetes — a trend already unfolding rapidly in India.The…

Read More
Authorities carry out an anti-encroachment drive at a mosque, in Jaipur. (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: With mobile internet services suspended, additional police forces deployed and social media placed under round-the-clock surveillance, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) on Monday launched a major anti-encroachment drive in Jagatpura to clear structures and encroachments standing within the right-of-way of a proposed road expansion project.The demolition drive is aimed at clearing encroachments along a key road corridor near the Nandpuri Underpass to facilitate a long-pending road widening project. Officials said a mosque, two temples, a satsang hall and a mazar that fall within the designated right-of-way are among the structures were marked for removal. Additional police personnel have been deployed and surveillance intensified as the administration seeks to ensure the exercise proceeds peacefully. 24-hour banInternet suspended across parts of JaipurThe Jaipur district administration ordered a temporary shutdown of mobile internet services across Jaipur North and Jaipur East police districts from Sunday midnight to Monday midnight ahead of the anti-encroachment drive.The order, issued by Jaipur Divisional Commissioner V Saravana Kumar, suspends 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G mobile internet services, along with bulk SMS, MMS and social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook and X. Voice calling services remain unaffected.The restrictions apply across all police station areas under Jaipur North and Jaipur East districts, except the Rajasthan International Centre in Jhalana and adjoining localities.Officials said the decision was taken as a preventive measure amid apprehensions that social media and internet-based platforms could be used to spread rumours and disturb public peace.The demolition drive is part of a broader effort to widen the road running parallel to the railway line from the Nandpuri Underpass in Jagatpura to its sanctioned width of 80 feet.Demolition drive in Jaipur (PTI photo)JDA officials said five religious structures fall within the road’s right-of-way and are therefore slated for removal. These include a mosque, two temples, a satsang bhavan and a mazar.Authorities said the road remains significantly narrower than its recorded width at several points, making the widening project necessary to improve connectivity and bring the corridor in line with approved planning norms.Police step up monitoringAuthorities said online platforms would remain under close watch throughout the operation.“Special surveillance will be maintained on social media and other digital platforms during the operation. The police’s cyber unit and law-and-order teams will conduct continuous monitoring,” Jaipur Police Commissioner Sachin Mittal said.He warned of strict action against anyone spreading “religious frenzy, hatred or misinformation” online, saying anti-social elements may attempt to disturb communal harmony through provocative videos, posts or misleading content.Mittal said individuals attempting to inflame religious sentiments or circulate false information would face legal consequences. He added that cyber and law-and-order units had been directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and respond swiftly to rumours or misinformation.Curbs imposed on public gatheringsPolice have prohibited rallies, processions, demonstrations, public meetings and mass gatherings across the Jaipur Police Commissionerate area without prior permission. The restrictions, however, do not apply to wedding processions or funeral gatherings.The administration has also barred the assembly of five or more people at public places without permission and urged residents to cooperate in maintaining peace. Officials warned that action would be taken against those violating the orders.”In today’s operation, there are about 10 to 12 illegal structures that are being removed because they encroach upon the sector road. The situation is completely peaceful, and there is no opposition so far. Internet services have been suspended as a precautionary measure. The public is cooperating in maintaining peace,” said ASP Dhayal.Officials said the operation has so far remained peaceful, with residents cooperating with the administration.Earlier notices issued before actionAccording to Anand Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of the JDA Vigilance Wing, 134 encroachments along the same route were removed during a drive conducted on May 22.He said the managements and individuals associated with the religious structures located within the road boundary had been given time to remove the constructions voluntarily. Following the expiry of the stipulated period, the administration initiated direct action to clear the remaining encroachments.Officials maintained that the current exercise is part of an ongoing effort to reclaim public land and implement the city’s planned infrastructure expansion.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShamli Conversion Row: Gym Trainer, Father Held After Businessman Alleges Son Was Trapped, ConvertedTMC’s Jahangir Khan Arrested Near Nepal Border: The Rise, Controversy & Fall Of Falta’s StrongmanNazia Elahi Khan Writes To Yogi Adityanath Seeking Ban On Weapons During Muharram ProcessionsJaipur Sees 24-Hour Internet Suspension; SOG Identifies 100+ Doctors In Fake FMG Certificate RacketAshok Gehlot Reopens 2022 Congress Presidential Race Debate, Alleges ‘Conspiracy’ Behind LeadershipTMC Headquarters Faces Fresh Trouble As Property Owner Seeks Police Help To Evict PartyNepal Clarifies It Sought Historical Records From UK, Not Mediation In Border Dispute With IndiaNEET-UG Retest Under Maximum Security: Paper Setters Placed In Lockdown At Secret FacilityAAP Rules Out Tie-Up With Cong, DMK Boycotts INDIA Bloc MeetingHundreds Of Nurses Face Visa, Uncertainty After Dubai Hospital Closure; Kerala CM Writes To PM Modi123Photostories5 of the most unique road systems from around the world every traveller should experience at least once5 budget-friendly countries Indians can visit this July5 iconic Bollywood bedrooms that still live rent-free in our minds and were every teenager’s dreamBrahminy blind snake: Meet the world’s “flowerpot snake” that secretly travels through plant soilWalk-in vs modular closets: Which closet design makes busy workday mornings less chaotic?5 succulents that can make even the smallest rental apartment look stylishFrom humidity control to airflow: Top 6 expert tips to keep your home fresh during travelFrom plain to premium: 7 Stunning boundary wall designs that transform homes10 exotic bird-inspired baby names that feel rare and beautifulWhich fast should you observe to attract prosperity; based on your birth date?123Hot PicksGold Rate TodayDana WhiteCockroach janta partyIran AttackSachin TendulkarStephen A SmithNFL Trade RumorFortnite LeaksEngland Kansas City ShootingTop TrendingStock Market TodayStock market crashJaipur internet banIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreDriving Licence ValidityHyderabad Techie MurderSukhendu Sekhar Roy ResignationGurgaon Double MurderDehradun Polytechnic CollegeDU Professor Murder

Authorities carry out an anti-encroachment drive at a mosque, in Jaipur. (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: With mobile internet services suspended, additional police forces deployed and social media placed under round-the-clock surveillance, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) on Monday launched a major anti-encroachment drive in Jagatpura to clear structures and encroachments standing within the right-of-way of a proposed road expansion project.The demolition drive is aimed at clearing encroachments along a key road corridor near the Nandpuri Underpass to facilitate a long-pending road widening project. Officials said a mosque, two temples, a satsang hall and a mazar that fall within the designated right-of-way are among the structures were marked for removal. Additional police personnel have been deployed and surveillance intensified as the administration seeks to ensure the exercise proceeds peacefully. 24-hour banInternet suspended across parts of JaipurThe Jaipur district administration ordered a temporary shutdown of mobile internet services across Jaipur North and Jaipur East police districts from Sunday midnight to Monday midnight ahead of the anti-encroachment drive.The order, issued by Jaipur Divisional Commissioner V Saravana Kumar, suspends 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G mobile internet services, along with bulk SMS, MMS and social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook and X. Voice calling services remain unaffected.The restrictions apply across all police station areas under Jaipur North and Jaipur East districts, except the Rajasthan International Centre in Jhalana and adjoining localities.Officials said the decision was taken as a preventive measure amid apprehensions that social media and internet-based platforms could be used to spread rumours and disturb public peace.The demolition drive is part of a broader effort to widen the road running parallel to the railway line from the Nandpuri Underpass in Jagatpura to its sanctioned width of 80 feet.Demolition drive in Jaipur (PTI photo)JDA officials said five religious structures fall within the road’s right-of-way and are therefore slated for removal. These include a mosque, two temples, a satsang bhavan and a mazar.Authorities said the road remains significantly narrower than its recorded width at several points, making the widening project necessary to improve connectivity and bring the corridor in line with approved planning norms.Police step up monitoringAuthorities said online platforms would remain under close watch throughout the operation.“Special surveillance will be maintained on social media and other digital platforms during the operation. The police’s cyber unit and law-and-order teams will conduct continuous monitoring,” Jaipur Police Commissioner Sachin Mittal said.He warned of strict action against anyone spreading “religious frenzy, hatred or misinformation” online, saying anti-social elements may attempt to disturb communal harmony through provocative videos, posts or misleading content.Mittal said individuals attempting to inflame religious sentiments or circulate false information would face legal consequences. He added that cyber and law-and-order units had been directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and respond swiftly to rumours or misinformation.Curbs imposed on public gatheringsPolice have prohibited rallies, processions, demonstrations, public meetings and mass gatherings across the Jaipur Police Commissionerate area without prior permission. The restrictions, however, do not apply to wedding processions or funeral gatherings.The administration has also barred the assembly of five or more people at public places without permission and urged residents to cooperate in maintaining peace. Officials warned that action would be taken against those violating the orders.”In today’s operation, there are about 10 to 12 illegal structures that are being removed because they encroach upon the sector road. The situation is completely peaceful, and there is no opposition so far. Internet services have been suspended as a precautionary measure. The public is cooperating in maintaining peace,” said ASP Dhayal.Officials said the operation has so far remained peaceful, with residents cooperating with the administration.Earlier notices issued before actionAccording to Anand Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of the JDA Vigilance Wing, 134 encroachments along the same route were removed during a drive conducted on May 22.He said the managements and individuals associated with the religious structures located within the road boundary had been given time to remove the constructions voluntarily. Following the expiry of the stipulated period, the administration initiated direct action to clear the remaining encroachments.Officials maintained that the current exercise is part of an ongoing effort to reclaim public land and implement the city’s planned infrastructure expansion.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShamli Conversion Row: Gym Trainer, Father Held After Businessman Alleges Son Was Trapped, ConvertedTMC’s Jahangir Khan Arrested Near Nepal Border: The Rise, Controversy & Fall Of Falta’s StrongmanNazia Elahi Khan Writes To Yogi Adityanath Seeking Ban On Weapons During Muharram ProcessionsJaipur Sees 24-Hour Internet Suspension; SOG Identifies 100+ Doctors In Fake FMG Certificate RacketAshok Gehlot Reopens 2022 Congress Presidential Race Debate, Alleges ‘Conspiracy’ Behind LeadershipTMC Headquarters Faces Fresh Trouble As Property Owner Seeks Police Help To Evict PartyNepal Clarifies It Sought Historical Records From UK, Not Mediation In Border Dispute With IndiaNEET-UG Retest Under Maximum Security: Paper Setters Placed In Lockdown At Secret FacilityAAP Rules Out Tie-Up With Cong, DMK Boycotts INDIA Bloc MeetingHundreds Of Nurses Face Visa, Uncertainty After Dubai Hospital Closure; Kerala CM Writes To PM Modi123Photostories5 of the most unique road systems from around the world every traveller should experience at least once5 budget-friendly countries Indians can visit this July5 iconic Bollywood bedrooms that still live rent-free in our minds and were every teenager’s dreamBrahminy blind snake: Meet the world’s “flowerpot snake” that secretly travels through plant soilWalk-in vs modular closets: Which closet design makes busy workday mornings less chaotic?5 succulents that can make even the smallest rental apartment look stylishFrom humidity control to airflow: Top 6 expert tips to keep your home fresh during travelFrom plain to premium: 7 Stunning boundary wall designs that transform homes10 exotic bird-inspired baby names that feel rare and beautifulWhich fast should you observe to attract prosperity; based on your birth date?123Hot PicksGold Rate TodayDana WhiteCockroach janta partyIran AttackSachin TendulkarStephen A SmithNFL Trade RumorFortnite LeaksEngland Kansas City ShootingTop TrendingStock Market TodayStock market crashJaipur internet banIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreDriving Licence ValidityHyderabad Techie MurderSukhendu Sekhar Roy ResignationGurgaon Double MurderDehradun Polytechnic CollegeDU Professor Murder

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Authorities carry out an anti-encroachment drive at a mosque, in Jaipur. (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: With mobile internet services suspended, additional police forces deployed and social media placed under round-the-clock surveillance, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) on Monday launched a major anti-encroachment drive in Jagatpura to clear structures and encroachments standing within the right-of-way of…

Read More
‘I will do jihad soon’: How ISIS-linked Christian Sturdivant planned New Year’s Eve ‘terrorist attack’ and how FBI foiled it

‘I will do jihad soon’: How ISIS-linked Christian Sturdivant planned New Year’s Eve ‘terrorist attack’ and how FBI foiled it

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

In a shocking turn of events, North Carolina’s own 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant was apprehended just before the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve. Investigators are alleging that he orchestrated a chilling plot, inspired by ISIS, targeting a local grocery store. Federal authorities say an 18-year-old man from Mint Hill, North Carolina, was stopped just…

Read More
Inside Mohanlal’s half-acre organic farm: How the ‘Drishyam 3’ actor inspires fans to grow food at home in small spaces

Inside Mohanlal’s half-acre organic farm: How the ‘Drishyam 3’ actor inspires fans to grow food at home in small spaces

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

‘Drishyam 3’ star Mohanlal has also explored many interests apart from acting over the years. Apart from entertainment, Mohanlal has also developed a strong interest in sustainable living practices. Farming gradually became one of his important passions and later gained widespread attention among fans. Interest in farming began years ago Although many people noticed his…

Read More
UPTET 2026 registration ends today at upessc.up.gov.in; check eligibility and direct link here

UPTET 2026 registration ends today at upessc.up.gov.in; check eligibility and direct link here

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

UPTET 2026 Application Deadline Ends Today For Teacher Eligibility Test Registration Across Uttar Pradesh UPTET 2026: Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET) 2026 registration closes today, 3 May 2026, as Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission completes the final window for online applications for teacher eligibility in primary and upper primary schools across the state.The…

Read More
PNB Apprentice registration window 2026 closing today: Check direct link to apply here

PNB Apprentice registration window 2026 closing today: Check direct link to apply here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

PNB Apprentice recruitment 2026 PNB recruitment 2026 last date: The Punjab National Bank (PNB) will close the registration window for over 5138 vacancies today, February 24, 2026. The application process started on February 8, 2026. Eligible candidates must submit their forms without delay.PNB’s apprenticeship programme is designed to provide hands-on exposure to real banking operations….

Read More
Dec 05, 2025, 09:46 IST

Dec 05, 2025, 09:46 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Former head-coach Harendra Singh with the team. (Image: File) NEW DELHI: There is growing concern in Indian sports administration circles that the promising gains made by the country’s women’s hockey team over the years might get lost in the latest players-coach standoff. Head coach Harendra Singh’s exit from the national setup amid allegations of mental…

Read More
Kamal Haasan to Vijay Sethupathi: When Tamil stars break stereotypes, shocking on-screen transformations

Kamal Haasan to Vijay Sethupathi: When Tamil stars break stereotypes, shocking on-screen transformations

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Tamil stars are defying expectations, shedding their typical heroic images for transformative roles. Actors like Kamal Haasan and Suriya have embraced challenging characters, proving that depth and authenticity in performance truly resonate with audiences. These bold choices, though initially surprising, ultimately highlight the power of character over mere star image in cinema. It is natural…

Read More