Tashi Namgyal, the Ladakhi shepherd who played a pivotal role in alerting the Indian Army about Pakistan's intrusion during the 1999 Kargil War, has passed away at the age of 58 in Aryan Valley, Ladakh. Known for his vigilance, Namgyal spotted Pakistani soldiers digging bunkers on the Batalik mountain range and swiftly informed the Indian Army, a timely warning that shaped the military response during the conflict. His actions were instrumental in India’s victory, earning him recognition as a national hero. The Fire and Fury Corps and the Army have paid tribute to his invaluable contribution, with his legacy etched in history.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the Narendra Modi government over the complexity of the GST system, particularly the "absurdity" of having three different tax slabs for popcorn. He called for a complete overhaul of the system, highlighting how its growing intricacies were facilitating tax evasion, input tax credit fraud, and the establishment of bogus companies. Ramesh also pointed to the recent revelation by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence, which reported a staggering ₹2.01 lakh crore in GST evasion for FY24. As the Union Budget approaches, Ramesh urged the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to launch a GST 2.0 to address these issues.
Feeling cold could be more than just a reaction to chilly weather—it may be linked to vitamin deficiencies. Low levels of vitamins like B12, folate, and vitamin C can disrupt your body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to sensations of coldness. Deficiencies in these essential vitamins can result in anemia, where insufficient red blood cells impair oxygen transport, causing fatigue and weakness. To stay warm, ensure you're getting enough of these vitamins through diet or supplements, and consult a healthcare provider for guidance on addressing any deficiencies.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young people is a rare but serious condition, often caused by undiagnosed heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, or arrhythmias. While it is more common in athletes, it can occur without physical exertion. Signs like unexplained fainting, chest pain, or a family history of sudden death can indicate a risk, making early detection crucial. Prevention may involve avoiding competitive sports, medications, or implantable devices like defibrillators. Screening is recommended for those with risk factors, and proper emergency measures like AEDs can save lives. Consult with a healthcare professional to understand and manage these risks.
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that begins in the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing enzymes that help digest food and regulate hormones. Dr. Abhishek Purkayastha, Consultant in Radiation Oncology at TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre, emphasizes the difficulty in detecting pancreatic cancer early due to its lack of clear symptoms, often leading to late-stage diagnoses. Risk factors such as obesity, age, smoking, poor diet, and diabetes increase the likelihood of developing this cancer. Dr. Purkayastha stresses the importance of early detection and regular screenings for individuals at higher risk, highlighting the need for proactive health management to improve outcomes.
Solo travel is often seen as a luxury reserved for the single or childless, but it’s essential for personal growth, even when you’re happily married with kids. While society may place pressure on individuals, particularly women, to prioritize family over self-care, experts stress the importance of taking time for yourself. Solo travel allows you to reconnect with your individuality, improve mental health, and strengthen relationships by fostering trust and autonomy. Whether you’re exploring new places or simply enjoying some quiet time, solo trips can benefit both you and your family, providing a refreshed perspective and a sense of empowerment.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched the intensified national ‘100-Day TB Elimination Campaign’ on December 7, 2024, in Haryana. The campaign, aimed at identifying and treating ‘missing TB cases,’ particularly in high-risk groups, is set to run across 347 districts. Nadda highlighted India’s progress, with the TB decline rate doubling from 8.3% in 2015 to 17.7% today, surpassing the global average. The initiative also includes the use of mobile AI-enabled X-ray units and molecular tests to improve diagnostics, especially in remote areas, and emphasizes the mandatory notification of TB cases by private practitioners to enhance follow-up care.
Non-invasive beauty treatments have become increasingly popular due to their ability to enhance beauty without the need for surgery. These treatments offer benefits like shorter recovery times, cost-effectiveness, and personalized solutions. Some of the most popular non-invasive treatments include Brotox, which lifts and shapes the eyebrows for a youthful look; Thread Lifts, which tighten sagging skin using dissolvable threads; Chemical Peels for treating acne, pigmentation, and aging signs; Laser Resurfacing for improving skin texture and tone; and Radiofrequency Microneedling to improve skin tightening, tone, and reduce wrinkles. It’s essential to seek qualified professionals for these treatments to ensure safety and effectiveness.
An urgent health warning has been issued as Marburg, Mpox, and Oropouche viruses spread across at least 17 countries. The Marburg virus, also known as the 'Bleeding Eye' virus, has claimed 15 lives in Rwanda, with hundreds more infected. Mpox cases have surged in multiple African nations and the UK, with the disease being highly contagious in household settings. Meanwhile, Oropouche virus, spread by midge bites, has infected over 10,000 people in South America and the Caribbean. Travelers are urged to take precautions, including avoiding contact with sick individuals and practicing good hygiene.
World AIDS Day, observed every year on December 1st, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, remembering those lost to the disease, and offering support to those living with it. This year's theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”, emphasizes the importance of protecting human rights in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. World AIDS Day highlights the ongoing need for education, access to life-saving treatment, and the elimination of stigma, while calling for collective action towards a future with zero new infections and zero discrimination.
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reconsider restrictions on physical classes in Delhi-NCR schools, particularly for classes 10 to 12, due to rising air pollution. The court emphasized that many students are deprived of mid-day meals and lack access to online education. In response, the CAQM announced that educational institutions may now conduct classes in a "hybrid" mode, allowing for both physical and online attendance. Additionally, the court criticized the Delhi Police and authorities for failing to implement air quality measures effectively, ordering action against negligent officials. The case will be revisited on Thursday.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Friday described the severe air pollution in northern India as a "national emergency," urging a collective response to address the crisis. He emphasized that the pollution is not only a public health issue but also an environmental and economic disaster. "Air pollution in North India is a national emergency—a public health crisis that is stealing our children's future, suffocating the elderly, and ruining countless lives," Gandhi said. He called for a unified approach, stressing that cleaning up the air will require a national effort, not political blame games. As Delhi's air quality remains in the "severe" category, Gandhi underscored the urgency of tackling the pollution to protect public health and India's global reputation.
A new survey by LocalCircles has revealed that 75% of families in the Delhi-NCR region are grappling with pollution-related health issues, with many suffering from respiratory problems like sore throats, coughs, and asthma. The survey, which involved over 21,000 residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, highlights the severe health impact of deteriorating air quality. The findings also show an alarming rise in the use of air purifiers and a significant increase in health complaints, as the region’s air quality remains in the 'severe' category.
In response to Delhi’s worsening air quality, the Aam Aadmi Party government has directed 50% of its employees to work from home, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit a "severe" level of 422. Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced the move, citing the need to reduce pollution. The government has also introduced staggered office timings for all government employees, with revised schedules in place until February 2025. The city has activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, which includes measures such as banning non-essential trucks and halting construction at public projects. Additionally, Rai has written to the Centre requesting approval for artificial rain to combat the crisis.
