NEW DELHI: A consistent bedtime for children displayed better control over emotions and behaviour while working with others or under stress, a new study has found.

Researchers, including those from The Pennsylvania State University, US, analysed sleep and behaviour data of 143 six-year-olds, mothers of whom were trained about responsive parenting in the first 2.5 years following birth.

The parenting style revolves around responding to a child's emotional and physical needs in a warm and consistent manner. One of the aspects of responsive parenting involves creating a supportive and predictable sleep environment, techniques for which include comforting babies by rocking or patting, among others.
 
Responsive parenting helped children develop bedtime routines and sleep behaviours in the first year after birth, according to a 2016 study, published in the journal Pediatrics, which too was conducted by researchers at The Pennsylvania State University.
     
The latest study, which is a long-term one, showed the continued benefits of regular sleep timing in children, the authors said.
     
"Findings support the importance of consistency in sleep timing and how this may play a greater role in children's behavioural and emotional outcomes than mean actigraphic sleep duration and quality (measured using wearable devices)," they wrote in the study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics.
     
"Children who had consistent bedtimes were generally able to regulate their behaviour and emotions. On the other hand, children whose bedtimes and sleep times were all over the place showed more impulsivity and less control," lead researcher Adwoa Dadzie, a doctoral student in biobehavioural health, Pennsylvania State University, said.
     
For the study, the children wore a monitor on their wrist for seven days that measured night-time sleep and activity. Aspects such as time of falling asleep and waking up, along with sleep efficiency and duration were recorded, the researchers described.
     
The data was compared with the children's performance on a task designed to test their response to feeling frustrated, the team said.
     
Each child selected a toy that they wanted to play with from a large selection. The chosen toy was placed in a clear box and locked. The child was given a set of keys, none of which unlocked the box, the authors explained.
     
The team then observed the child for self-regulated behaviour, including self-talk and trying each key, and a lack of self-regulation -- which included throwing the keys without trying them all. After four minutes, the children were handed the correct key to the box and allowed to play with the toy.
     
Another task involved in the study was collaborative, which tested the children for their ability to cooperate.
     
The results showed that the more a child's bedtime changed each night, the worse they regulated their behaviour and emotions.
     
For example, a child whose bedtime varied by 20 minutes a night over the week of the study typically displayed more self-regulation than a child whose bedtime shifted by two hours across the week.
     
The children participants were a part of the university's Intervention Nurses Start Infants Growing on Healthy Trajectories (INSIGHT) study.
 

MUMBAI [Maha Media]: The Mumbai Police on Tuesday arrested a lawyer from Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur in connection with a death threat issued to Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan last week, an official said.

On November 7, the Mumbai police visited Raipur for its investigation in the case and summoned Faizan Khan, who is a lawyer by profession, for questioning.

The Mumbai police on Tuesday morning informed their Raipur counterparts that they have arrested Faizan Khan from Pandri police station area here as a part of their probe into a threat call to Shah Rukh Khan, Raipur's Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Singh told PTI.

As per preliminary information, the threat call to the actor was made by a phone number registered in the name of Faizan, he said.

During questioning, the lawyer told the police that he had lost his phone and lodged a complaint in this connection at Khamardih police station here November 2, he said.

The Mumbai police will produce Faizan in a Raipur court seeking his transit remand, Singh said.

The threat to Shah Rukh Khan follows a series of threats issued to fellow actor Salman Khan, allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Exercising for five minutes per day could reduce blood pressure, a new research has found.

The research, which was published by experts from an international academic collaboration led by the University of Sydney and University College London on Thursday, suggested that doing five minutes of physical activity, such as walking uphill or stair climbing every day may help to lower blood pressure.

According to the study by the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep (ProPASS) Consortium, replacing sedentary behaviour with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day can result in a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure.

"High blood pressure is one of the biggest health issues globally, but unlike some major causes of cardiovascular mortality there may be relatively accessible ways to tackle the problem in addition to medication," Emmanuel Stamatakis, joint senior author and director of the ProPASS Consortium from the University of Sydney, said.

"The finding that doing as little as five extra minutes of exercise per day could be associated with measurably lower blood pressure readings emphasises how powerful short bouts of higher intensity movement could be for blood pressure management."

The research team analysed data from 14,761 volunteers to see how replacing one type of movement with another is associated with blood pressure.

The team estimated that replacing sedentary behaviour with at least 20 minutes of exercise daily could reduce cardiovascular disease incidence by 28 per cent.

The World Health Organisation estimated that 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension, consistent elevated blood pressure, and that 46 per cent of adults with hypertension are unaware they have the condition.
 

MUMBAI [Maha Media]: Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has received a death threat and a demand for Rs 50 lakh, Mumbai police said on Thursday, adding an extortion case has been filed in this connection.

The threat to Shah Rukh Khan follows a series of threats issued to fellow actor Salman Khan, allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. “Bandra police station received a call threatening Shah Rukh Khan and asking for Rs 50 lakh.

An offence has been registered. No arrest has been made yet,” a senior police official said. A case has been registered by the Bandra police under sections 308(4) (extortion involving threats of death or serious injury) and 351(3)(4) (criminal intimidation) of Bharaitya Nyaya Sanhita against the unknown caller who threatened Shah Rukh Khan, the official said.

Police teams have been dispatched at various places for further investigation, he said. While there was no confirmation from Mumbai police on reports that the call was made from Raipur in Chhattisgarh, a Raipur police official said Mumbai police are giving notice to one Faiyaz Khan for threatening Shah Rukh Khan.
 

PATNA [Maha Media]: Popular folk singer Sharda Sinha was cremated with full state honours here on Thursday.

The last rites were performed by her son Anshuman Sinha, who lit the pyre in an emotionally surcharged atmosphere.

Hundreds of fans had gathered outside Gulbi Ghat crematorium in Patna’s Mahendru area for her last glimpse. Senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ashwani Choubey was also present.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Love to wear sarees daily? Beware, draping it tightly may give you skin cancer, warned doctors in Bihar and Maharashtra on Wednesday.

After treating two women with this type of malignancy, doctors from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Wardha, and Madhubani Medical College and Hospital, in Bihar warned that tightly tied waist cord of the underskirt (petticoat) traditionally worn under a saree, particularly in rural parts of India, may cause continued friction linked to chronic inflammation, leading to skin ulceration, and in some cases, progress to skin cancer.

The phenomenon has previously been described as “saree cancer,” but it is the tightness of the waist cord that’s to blame, the doctors pointed out in the study published in the BMJ Case Reports, and dubbed it as ‘petticoat cancer’.

In the first case, a 70-year-old woman sought medical help because of a painful skin ulcer on her right flank that she had had for 18 months and which wouldn’t heal. The skin in the surrounding area had lost its pigmentation. She wore her petticoat underneath her Nauvari saree which was tightly tied around her waist.

The doctors conducted a biopsy, which revealed that the woman had a Marjolin ulcer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma (ulcerating skin cancer).

Another woman in her late 60s consulted doctors for an ulcer on her right flank that wouldn’t heal for two years. For 40 long years, she has been wearing a traditional ‘lugda’ saree daily, which is tied very tightly around the waist without an underskirt.

A biopsy specimen revealed that she too had a Marjolin ulcer. The cancer had already spread to one of the lymph nodes in her groyne when she was diagnosed.

A Marjolin ulcer is rare but aggressive. It develops in chronic burn wounds, non-healing wounds, leg ulcers, tuberculous skin nodules, and in vaccination and snake bite scars, the doctors explained.

The doctors noted that while the exact mechanism by which chronic ulcers or wounds become malignant remains unknown, “every cutaneous lesion that is continuously irritated (chronically inflamed) has been shown to have a higher risk of developing malignant transformation.”

“Constant pressure at the waist often leads to cutaneous atrophy, which ultimately breaks down to form an erosion or an ulcer,” they added.

The experts said that this ulcer often “does not heal entirely due to ongoing pressure from tight clothing. A chronic non-healing wound results, which may develop malignant change”.

The health experts recommend wearing a loose petticoat beneath the saree to ease pressure on the skin, and to wear loose clothing if skin problems develop to allow the area to heal.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Even as India aims to end tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, five years ahead of the global target, a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday showed that the country accounts for 26 per cent -- the highest -- global TB burden.

The Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 showed that India is the highest among the 30 high-burden countries -- Indonesia (10 per cent), China (6.8 per cent), the Philippines (6.8 per cent) and Pakistan (6.3 per cent) -- which together accounted for 56 per cent of the global TB burden.

Globally, TB again emerged as the leading infectious disease killer in 2023, surpassing Covid-19.

It showed that about 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with TB in 2023 -- the highest number recorded since WHO began global TB monitoring in 1995.

This also represents a notable increase from 7.5 million reported in 2022.

The top infectious disease was found to be most common among men (55 per cent). Women accounted for more than 30 per cent, while 12 per cent were children and young adolescents.

“The fact that TB still kills and sickens so many people is an outrage, when we have the tools to prevent it, detect it and treat it,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, in the report.

He called on countries to “make good on the concrete commitments they have made to expand the use of those tools, and to end TB”.

Importantly, the report highlighted five major risk factors that are driving new TB cases. These include undernutrition, HIV infection, alcohol use disorders, smoking (especially among men), and diabetes.

“Tackling these issues, along with critical determinants like poverty and GDP per capita, requires coordinated multisectoral action,” said the report, while calling for increased funding for TB research.

Meanwhile, the report noted a decline in the gap between the estimated number of new TB cases and those reported. It narrowed to about 2.7 million, down from Covid pandemic levels of around 4 million in 2020 and 2021.

While the coverage of TB preventive treatment has been sustained for people living with HIV, multidrug-resistant TB remains a public health crisis.

The report showed that treatment success rates for multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) have now reached 68 per cent.

But, of the 400 000 people estimated to have developed MDR/RR-TB, only 44 per cent were diagnosed and treated in 2023, the report said
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: In a step towards spreading awareness about Dyslexia, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament, India Gate and other government offices have been lit red. This happens every year in October, which is International Dyslexia Awareness Month. The campaign aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and eliminate discrimination around the disease.

To amplify the message of inclusion, the walk4Dyslexia was also organized from Vijay Chowk to India Gate. This walk symbolizes collective action for Act4Dyslexia, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities and support for individuals with learning disabilities.
 

MUMBAI [Maha Media]: Since last few days speculations were doing rounds that Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions is in loss and he is looking to sell some of his stakes to Mukesh Ambani led Reliance industries.

However it’s not Reliance but Adar Poonawala led Serene Productions that acquired a fifty percent stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma. On Monday, 21st October Karan Johar’s Dharma and Adar Poonawalla’s Serene Entertainment released a joint statement stating “Adar Poonawalla led Serene Productions today announced that it has entered into a binding agreement to invest INR 1,000 crore into Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment (collectively, “Dharma”), India’s leading production house. Through this investment, Serene Productions will hold a 50% stake in Dharma, with Karan Johar retaining the remaining 50% ownership. 

Karan Johar as the Executive Chairman will spearhead the company's creative vision, while Apoorva Mehta, in his role as the Chief Executive Officer, will work with Karan in steering the strategic direction and overseeing the operational excellence of the organization. Speaking about the same, Adar Poonawalla, said, "I am delighted to have the opportunity to partner with one of the most iconic production houses in our nation, along with my friend Karan Johar. We hope to build and grow Dharma and scale even greater heights in the years to come."

Commenting on the partnership, Karan Johar, Executive Chairman of Dharma, stated, "From its inception, Dharma Productions has been synonymous with heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of Indian culture. My father dreamed of creating films that would leave a lasting impact, and I've dedicated my career to expanding that vision. Today, as we join forces with Adar, a close friend and an exceptional visionary and innovator, we're poised to elevate Dharma's legacy to new heights. This partnership represents a perfect blend of our emotional storytelling prowess and forward-thinking business strategies.”

Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma, said, "Over the years, I've witnessed Dharma's transformation into a multi-faceted content powerhouse. This partnership with Adar realizes our vision and marks a new era where cinema, streaming, and global content converge. It enables us to explore new avenues in content creation and distribution, elevating the Indian entertainment ecosystem. More importantly, this investment allows us to take bigger creative steps."
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Bollywood actor Shraddha Kapoor says the credit for the resounding success of her latest movie "Stree 2" belongs to its "fabulous team" that crafted a sequel true to the spirit of the original.

The Amar Kaushik-directed horror comedy, a sequel to the 2019 film "Stree", has emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time at the domestic box office, with a collection of over Rs 600 crore.

At an event on Friday evening, where the iconic magazine Screen was relaunched, Kapoor called the film a “pure cinematic joy” and praised the collaborative effort of the crew and her co-stars Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana.

"We have brilliant actors in the film. We have some really entertaining dialogues. So, it has been a fabulous team effort and pure cinematic joy. I'm really proud to be a part of this film," Kapoor said.

For Kapoor, it all began with "Stree", set in the small town of Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, where an evil spirit named ‘Stree' abducts men during the festival season. The story was based on the urban legend of "Nale Ba," which went viral in Karnataka in the 1990s.

"It was about six years ago, and Maddock Films was just up and coming as a production house. All the actors were at very different stages in our careers. We were also growing in our own ways," she said.

"My personal reaction when I heard the first part was that I felt like I hadn't heard a film like that before. It was based on an urban legend, and I was literally falling off the sofa when I heard it. I was so glad that they came to me for this film, which is pure entertainment. I was genuinely laughing at the dialogues and the scenes," she added.

Kapoor, 37, said the movie and her character received immense love from audiences.

"My character is this mysterious girl who comes and goes, and you're constantly wondering about her presence. So, it all began there. And hats off to our producer, our writers, and my director for really cracking the sequel because it's important to not make a sequel for the sake of it.

"You really have to have some substance if you're going to bring people to the theatre and garner genuine appreciation. I feel they stayed true to how a sequel should be made. They did a super job by cracking the story of "Stree 2", getting all the entertainment factors into the film," she said.

Kapoor, known for movies such as "Aashiqui 2", "Ek Villain", "Chhichhore", and "Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar", also opened up about her approach to selecting films.

"I believe that my best is yet to come, and I definitely want to feel, when I am going to be a part of a film, that it is going to be something exciting for me as an actor... To be a part of a particular story that is really riveting, that may have a message subliminally passed on to the audience. I am in that headspace right now," she said.

The actor also said her pace of work has changed.

"There was a time when I was doing a lot of films back to back, and now it's the opposite. It's like one film in three years... And it's fine. I found my comfort in that now because I feel like I want to be a part of films where I feel truly fulfilled and can push myself as an actor while doing something different from what I've done before," she added.

Kapoor also noted that it's not necessary to have a constant stream of film releases.

"My next film hasn't even been announced, and it's okay. It takes a lot for you and for anybody to be a part of a film. It takes months. It takes a lot of work and a lot of prep. I feel that from the bottom of my heart," she said.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Former One Direction singer Liam Payne has died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 31-year-old was found outside the Casa Sur Hotel in the city’s Palermo neighborhood.
    
According to a statement from local police, Mr. Payne fell from the third floor, suffering severe injuries. Medics confirmed his death at the scene.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The World Health Organization, WHO has declared that this year India has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. With this, India has become the third country in the Southeast Asia Region to achieve this milestone. The WHO officially certified India during its Regional Committee meeting in New Delhi yesterday.        

Trachoma is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the eyes and spreads through the eyes, eyelids, nose, or throat secretions of infected people.

During 1950-60, trachoma was among the leading causes of blindness in the country. To tackle the spread, the government of India launched the National Trachoma Control Program in 1963.
 

MUMBAI [Maha Media]: Renowned Marathi-Hindi film actress Suhas Joshi has been selected for this year's prestigious "Vishnudas Bhave Purskar" on behalf of Akhil Bhartiya Natya Vidhyamandir Committee (ABNVC), Sangli, Maharashtra, a statement said. 

Sharad Karale, ABNVC president, said that Joshi has been selected for her outstanding contribution to theatre, Marathi-Hindi films and TV serials as an actor, singer and director, besides training children in acting. Among other things, the award carries Rs 25,000 in cash, shawl and a gold-plated 'Manchinha'. The award distribution function will be held on November 5. Karale said that Joshi has acted in 25 Marathi plays including Natsamrat, Anandi Gopal, remanand Tuza Rang Ksa, Agnipankh, Doctor Tumhi Suddha and others. 

She has also acted in Marathi films like Tu Tithe Mi, Anandi Anand, Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai and others.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Intermittent fasting has become popular among people. Several researches are being conducted on intermittent fasting and how it is beneficial for different chronic diseases. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. Research shows that intermittent fasting is a way to manage your weight and prevent — or even reverse — some forms of disease.”

Now, a recent study highlighted the health benefits of following intermittent fasting for adults with metabolic syndrome - a group of health conditions that include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels and abdominal obesity. More than 1 billion people worldwide are suffering with this condition. It raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease and/or stroke.

As per the study from the Salk Institute and the University of California at San Diego, adults with metabolic syndrome can improve their health by limiting their daily eating to an 8-10 hour window.

As a part of the study, researchers divided 108 prediabetic adults with metabolic syndrome into two groups and only one of these followed intermittent fasting. For this study, the average eating window for the fasting group was from 9:14am to 6:59pm. After nutrition counselling, the researchers found that study participants who followed intermittent fasting lost more fat and had better blood sugar control than the other group.

Only one person in the fasting group reported negative side effects such as irritability, fatigue and difficulty concentrating, researchers say. Their findings were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

What should you eat while intermittent fasting?
While you’re fasting, you do not have to starve yourself. You can drink water and zero-calorie beverages such as black coffee and tea. During your eating window, you should eat normally. However, that doesn’t mean you go crazy over food and eat high-calorie foods. You will most likely not lose weight or get healthy if you are eating high-calorie junk food, super-sized fried items and treats during your eating window.

But you can try different types of foods when you’re intermittent fasting. “Most nutrition experts regard the Mediterranean diet as a good blueprint of what to eat, whether you’re trying intermittent fasting or not. You can hardly go wrong when you pick leafy greens, healthy fats, lean protein and complex, unrefined carbohydrates such as whole grains,” says Johns Hopkins Medicine.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday shared on X a 'garba' song he wrote as a tribute to Goddess Durga.

"It is the auspicious time of Navratri and people are celebrating in different ways, united by their devotion to Maa Durga. In this spirit of reverence and joy, here is Aavati Kalay, a Garba I wrote as a tribute to Her power and grace. May Her blessings always remain upon us," he wrote on X.

He thanked Purva Mantri, whom he lauded as a talented upcoming singer, for singing the garba song and presenting such a melodious rendition of it.
 

MUMBAI [Maha Media]: Actor Govinda on Tuesday sustained a bullet injury on his leg as his licensed revolver misfired, police said.

The actor was about to leave from his Juhu residence around 4.45 am when the revolver misfired, a police official said. The actor hasn’t lodged any complaint, he added.

Govinda, 60, was taken for treatment to a nearby Criticare hospital hospital and has returned to his residence, the official said. His manager explained that the revolver fell while being stored in a cupboard, resulting in the accidental discharge.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan won the best actor award for his role in "Jawan" while Ranbir Kapoor-starrer "Animal" was named the best picture at the IIFA Awards here.

Shah Rukh hosted the awards extravaganza on Saturday night with actor Vicky Kaushal and filmmaker Karan Johar.

The superstar was in his elements as a host whether it was striking his trademark pose of spreading his arms wide or matching steps with Kaushal on the latter's viral dance steps on "Tauba Tauba".

His "Dil Se..." director Mani Ratnam and music maestro A R Rahman were on stage to hand over the trophy to SRK and the superstar touched the feet of Ratnam before accepting the trophy.

Rani Mukerji won the best actress trophy for her role in "Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway" and as she walked back after accepting her award Shah Rukh, her co-star on many film, held her pallu to ensure that it did not touch the ground.

SRK was also there to lend his support to singer Shilpa Rao as he won the best playback singer (female) IIFA trophy for "Chaleya" from "Jawan" by doing an impromptu dance as Rao crooned the opening lines.

Kaushal seemed to enjoying every minute of his hosting duties with SRK, who sportingly matched steps with his "Dunki" co-star on "Tauba Tauba".

The duo also danced on “Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam" from SRK's film "Duplicate" and "Oo Antava" from "Pushpa" to loud cheers from the audience.

Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra won the best director IIFA award for his film "12th Fail".

Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film "Animal" also registered wins for Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in best supporting actor and best negative role categories, respectively.

Deol accepted his award and recreated his popular dance steps on the song 'Jamal kudu' with Vanga providing the prop of an empty glass.

Ranbir Kapoor seems to have given the awards a miss this year to celebrate his birthday with family. The actor turned 42 on Saturday.

"Animal" also won awards for music direction for Pritam, Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Jaani, Bhupinder Babbal, Ashim Kemson, Harshavardhan Rameshwar.

Bhupinder Babbal for his song 'Arjan Vailly' from "Animal" won the best playback singer (male) award as well as best lyrics award for 'Satranga'.

Johar's directorial venture "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" also registered wins.           Actor Shabana Azmi, who played lead star Alia Bhatt's grandmother in the movie, won the best supporting actress IIFA trophy while writers Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, Sumit Roy won best story award.

Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award was given to veteran actor-politician Hema Malini. Shah Rukh Khan gallantly escorted the actor to the stage to receive her award as "Dream Girl" played on.

Alizeh Agnihotri won the best debutante actor trophy while Karan Boolani was named the best debutant director for his film "Thank You For Coming".

Apart from SRK and Vicky's performance on "Tauba Tauba", the song's original singer Karan Aujla was also there to sing live. Rapper Honey Sing performed on his new song "Bonita".

Major dance performances of the night were by veteran star Rekha, Prabhudeva and Shahid Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, Kriti Sanon and Ananya Pandey.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: A special screening of filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra's '12th Fail' took place at the Supreme Court, attended by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and other judges.

The event was attended by over 600 officials and their families, followed by an interaction between Justice Chandrachud, Chopra, lead actors Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, and the real-life inspirations behind the film.

Chandrachud praised the film's storytelling and performances, saying it conveys a strong message of hope and inspiration. Chopra expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to screen the film for the judiciary.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah has witnessed over nine crore sixty eight lakh events held nationwide so far. The annual nutrition and welfare campaign has registered nearly one crore eighty-eight lakh events under Anemia Prevention, one crore sixty-eight lakh events focused on growth monitoring and nearly one crore forty-five lakh events under complementary feeding. 

The campaign’s Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiative has witnessed nearly one crore fifty-nine lakh events as well. Other initiatives under the campaign focused on Mass Sensitization, environmental protection, among others, have also witnessed similar outcomes so far. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has said that the top-performing states in this year’s Poshan Maah have been Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh so far.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The share of out-of-pocket expenditure out of total health expenditure has come down from 64.2 per cent in 2013-14 to 39.4 per cent in 2021-22, said Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog.

This decline in out-of-pocket expenditure “reflects a very positive indicator,” said Paul, while releasing the Union Health Ministry’s National Health Account (NHA) estimates for India 2020-21 and 2021-22.

“More than Rs 1 lakh crore savings have accrued from the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY and this has had a positive impact on the recent NHA estimates,” he added.

He also stated that other schemes “like the free dialysis scheme, launched in 2015-16 have benefited 25 lakh people”.

While calling the decline in out-of-pocket cost of health, “a good sign”, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra said that “a substantial increase has been noticed in the health expenditure of the government”.

This, he said, “reflects the emphasis of the government towards health”.

Further, the NHA estimates for 2021-22 highlight the efforts of the government to increase public investments in the health sector.

The share of Government Health Expenditure (GHE) in the overall GDP of the country has increased from 1.13 per cent in 2014-15 to 1.84 per cent in 2021-22.

In terms of share in the General Government Expenditure (GGE), it has increased from 3.94 per cent in 2014-15 to 6.12 per cent in 2021-22, the estimates showed.

“In per capita terms, GHE has tripled, from Rs. 1,108 to Rs. 3,169 between 2014-15 to 2021-22. The government spending on health between 2019-20 and 2020-21 increased by 16.6 per cent, while between 2020-21 and 2021-22, it grew by an unprecedented rate of 37 per cent,” the estimates showed.

The increase in Government spending on health has an important implication for the reduction of financial hardship endured by households.

In the Total Health Expenditure (THE) of the country between 2014-15 and 2021-22, the share of GHE has increased from 29 per cent to 48 per cent. During the same period, the share of Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in THE declined from 62.6 per cent to 39.4 per cent, the estimates showed.

Further, the Social Security Expenditure (SSE) on healthcare also increased during this period. This has a direct impact on reducing out-of-pocket payments, the health ministry said.

“The share of SSE on health, which includes Government-funded health insurance, medical reimbursement to Government employees, and social health insurance programs, in THE, has increased from 5.7 per cent in 2014-15 to 8.7 per cent in 2021-22,” as per the estimates.

The current NHA estimate is the eighth and ninth in the series of reports released annually by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Leading professional networking platform LinkedIn on Thursday announced it has added 10 new language options, including four Indian regional languages.

The new language options are Vietnamese, Greek, Persian, Finnish, Hebrew, Hungarian, along with four Indian regional languages — Bengali, Marathi, Telugu and Punjabi.

The new additions bring LinkedIn's support to five Indian languages, including Hindi, it said in a statement.

“We're excited to announce that LinkedIn is now more inclusive and accessible than ever. We've expanded our language support to include 10 new languages, each representing a vibrant part of our global community,” said Chief Product Officer Tomer Cohen.

LinkedIn’s member base in India has surpassed 135 million, with engagement rates growing at 20 per cent year-over-year. India stands as LinkedIn's second-largest and fastest-growing market.

By adding these languages, LinkedIn aims to bridge language barriers on the platform, allowing more people to establish deeper professional identities and engage more meaningfully with their networks.

“With these additions, our platform now supports a total of 36 languages, helping professionals around the world connect, communicate, and collaborate more effectively,” said Cohen.

Last month, the Microsoft-owned platform appointed Kumaresh Pattabiraman as new Country Manager and Product Head in India.

According to Pattabiraman, LinkedIn has evolved from being just a jobs platform to becoming a dynamic global community where professionals connect for jobs, learning, networking, and knowledge sharing.

India is among the top five countries with the fastest-growing AI talent and has the highest AI skill penetration globally, and LinkedIn members are using AI skills three times more frequently than the global average.

LinkedIn recently launched a new video experience in India, in a bid to tap into one of the fastest-growing markets with uploads growing 60 per cent year-on-year in the country.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Rhea Singha has emerged as Miss Universe India 2024 and is set to represent the nation on the global stage of Miss Universe 2024. The grand finale held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, was a spectacle of excitement and anticipation.

Speaking to news agency post her win, a jubilant Rhea stated, "Today I won the title of Miss Universe India 2024. I am so thankful. I have done so much work to get to this level where I can consider myself worthy enough for this crown. I am so inspired by the previous winners."

Actress and former Miss Universe India 2015, Urvashi Rautela, who served as a judge, expressed her hope for India's continued success, stating, "I feel what all the girls are feeling. The winners are mind-blowing. They will represent our country very well in Miss Universe, and I am hopeful that India will win the Miss Universe crown again this year. All the girls have been hard-working, dedicated, and extremely beautiful."

With her new title, Rhea prepares to compete in the Miss Universe 2024 contest scheduled for later this year. 
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Dhruvi Patel, a Computer Information System student from the USA, has been declared the winner of Miss India Worldwide 2024. This is the longest-running Indian pageant outside of India.

Patel, who dreams of becoming a Bollywood actor and UNICEF Ambassador, expressed her honor and pride in representing her heritage and inspiring others globally. ''Winning Miss India Worldwide is such an incredible honour. It's more than a crown - it represents my heritage, my values, and the opportunity to inspire others on a global scale,'' Dhruvi said after her crowning in Edison, New Jersey.

The pageant also declared Lisa Abdoelhak from Suriname as the first runner-up and Malvika Sharma from the Netherlands as the second runner-up. In the Mrs category, SuAnn Mouttet from Trinidad and Tobago won the title, and Sierra Suret from Guadeloupe was crowned Miss Teen India Worldwide. The New York-based India Festival Committee, led by Indian-Americans Neelam and Dharmatma Saran, organized the event, which is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has announced that this year's National Cinema Day will be celebrated on September 20.

On this day, cinephiles across the country can enjoy films for just Rs 99 per admission at participating theatres. According to a press release by the national multiplex trade body, cinema halls such as PVR INOX, Cinepolis, Miraj, Movie Time, and Delite will participate, offering screenings on over 4,000 screens nationwide.

The event's film line-up includes both new releases and timeless classics, ensuring something for everyone. Titles include ''Yudhra'', ''Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam'', ''Navra Maza Navsacha – 2'', ''Sucha Soorma'', ''Never Let Go'', and ''Transformers One''. Films like ''Stree 2'', which has been a box office hit since its August 15 release, as well as older favorites like ''Tumbbad'' (2018) and ''Veer Zaara'' (2004), will also be screened.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The 2024 Booker Prize shortlist has been announced, with the largest number of women represented in its 55-year history. The list includes former Women’s Prize winner Anne Michaels, American writer Percival Everett and British author Samantha Harvey. Five of the six-strong shortlist are women, with authors from five countries represented, including the Netherlands for the first time.

Mr. Everett, a 2022 Booker finalist for “The Trees” is again nominated for “James,” which reimagines Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” from the point of view of its main Black character, the enslaved man Jim. Rachel Kushner, another former Booker finalist with her bestseller “The Mars Room,” is a contender again with spy story “Creation Lake”.

The other finalists vying for the 50,000 pounds award are Britain’s Samantha Harvey, for “Orbital”. Canada’s Anne Michaels for “Held”, Australia’s Charlotte Wood for “Stone Yard Devotional” and Yael van der Wouden the first Dutch author to be shortlisted for the Booker for her debut, “The Safekeep”.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Actor couple Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth got married in a low-key ceremony at a 400-year-old temple in Wanaparthy, Telangana, on Monday. The event was attended by close family members.

The couple, who announced their engagement in March, chose the temple due to its significance to Aditi's family. They shared their first photos as newlyweds on Instagram, expressing their love with the caption, 'You are my Sun, my Moon, and all my Stars.'

Aditi, 37, and Siddharth, 45, had both co-starred in the 2021 Telugu film 'Maha Samudram'. Their post also included a heartfelt message, 'To being Pixie Soulmates for eternity…to laughter, to never growing up… To Eternal Love, Light & Magic. Mrs & Mr Adu-Siddhu.'
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Love to binge on savoury snacks, ready meals, and sugar or artificially-sweetened beverages? Beware, every 10 per cent intake of these ultra-processed foods (UPF) may raise your risk of type 2 diabetes by 17 per cent, according to a study published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe on Monday.

Importantly, the study showed that the risk can be lowered by consuming less-processed foods instead, said researchers from the University College London (UCL), University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

To investigate the relationship between the degree of food processing and diabetes risk the team included 311,892 individuals from eight European countries in the study. They were followed over 10.9 years on average, during which time 14,236 people developed diabetes.

In the top 25 per cent of UPF consumers, where UPF made up 23.5 per cent of their total diet, sweetened beverages alone accounted for nearly 40 per cent of their UPF intake and 9 per cent of their diet overall.

On the other hand, substituting 10 per cent of UPF in the diet with 10 per cent of minimally processed food such as eggs, milk, and fruit or processed culinary ingredients such as salt, butter, and oil reduced diabetes risk by 14 per cent.

Further, replacing 10 per cent of UPF in the diet with 10 per cent of processed foods (PF) like tinned fish, beer and cheese reduced diabetes risk by 18 per cent. PF also includes salted nuts, artisanal breads, and preserved fruits and vegetables.

The findings add to the growing body of research that links consumption of UPF with a higher risk of certain chronic diseases including obesity, cardiometabolic diseases, and some cancers, said the team.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Baby Reindeer, the hugely popular but highly contentious British TV hit, has taken the Emmy Awards by storm, winning four trophies at the ceremony in Los Angeles.

The show's creator and star, Scottish comedian Richard Gadd, won three of those - for acting in, writing and executive producing the show.

His co-star Jessica Gunning, who played stalker Martha, was named best supporting actress in a limited series.

"Oh my goodness me, blinking heckers," she said on accepting the award.

"Thank you so much. I honestly feel like I’m going to wake up any minute now and this whole thing has been a dream."

Gadd's account of being stalked by a woman for several years and being sexually abused by a male TV industry figure, has been the most talked about show of the year.

However, its claim to be "a true story" has made it controversial, and the real-life woman who allegedly inspired Gunning's character is currently suing Netflix for defamation, negligence and privacy violations.

In the comedy categories, The Bear won three acting awards including best comedy actor for Jeremy Allen White, who plays Carmy, for the second year in a row.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Richie) and Liza Colon-Zayas (Tina) took the supporting awards, the latter appearing overwhelmed to have beaten legends like Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett.

In the drama categories, Australia's Elizabeth Debicki won her first Emmy, best drama actress for playing Princess Diana in the final season of Netflix's The Crown.

The other drama categories were dominated by Japanese historical epic Shogun.

The show had already broken the record for the most Emmy wins in a single year after picking up 14 prizes at last weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys, mainly for achievements behind the scenes.

It added another four trophies at the main event, including best drama series - the first non-English language show to take that prestigious prize.

There were also lead drama acting awards for Japanese cast members Hiroyuki Sanada (Yoshii Toranaga) and Anna Sawai (Toda Mariko).

Elsewhere, Billy Crudup won best supporting drama actor for The Morning Show, while Jodie Foster won best actress in a limited series for True Detective: Night Country.

Successful British talent included TV host John Oliver, who won best scripted variety series, and Will Smith, who won best drama writing for Slow Horses.

The Traitors host Alan Cumming picked up the programme's trophy for best reality competition show, beating RuPaul's Drag Race, which had won that category in five of the past six years.

Cumming was also named best reality competition host at last weekend's Creative Arts Emmys.
 

MUMBAI [Maha Media]: Diljit Dosanjh and Alia Bhatt are set to reunite in 'Jigra' after their previous success in 'Udta Punjab' eight years ago.

Bhatt took to Instagram to share the exciting news, posting an image of both actors seated with their backs to the camera. Speculations arise as Dosanjh's involvement in the film's music remains unclear.

Directed by Vasan Bala and featuring Vedang Raina, 'Jigra' is slated for an October 11 release. The film, produced by Karan Johar and others, chronicles Bhatt's character as she undertakes extraordinary measures to rescue her brother from prison.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: All eligible senior citizens covered under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) will be issued a new, distinct card under the scheme.

Official sources informed that anyone aged 70 or above, as per their Aadhaar card, will be eligible to apply for the scheme. The scheme is expected to be operational within a week. It is an application-based scheme, and people need to register on the portal. The portal will offer face authentication and will have a designated link for senior citizens above 70 years of age. Sources also mentioned that those with private insurance and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) beneficiaries can also apply for the AB PMJAY scheme.

The Union Cabinet approved health coverage for all senior citizens above 70 years on Wednesday, irrespective of income, under the AB PMJAY, with an outlay of 3,437 crore rupees. This initiative will cover approximately 4.5 crore families in the country and include about 6 crore senior citizens.
 

A first batch of 99,100 doses of mpox vaccines was delivered to Congo, the epicentre of the global health crisis.

"In total, that will make 200,000 doses on Saturday. Today, we received 99,100 doses, and the rest (will be received) on Saturday," said Roger Kamba, Congolese Health Minister, on Thursday, at Kinshasa's N'djili Airport, promising to contain the virus as quickly as possible, especially in the most affected provinces, such as the South Kivu and Equateur.

"It is first the vaccines for adults that have arrived," the Health Minister said, adding that the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) will be in charge of the vaccination campaign in the most affected provinces, without specifying the date for the launch of the vaccination, Xinhua news agency reported.

However, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Congolese Health Ministry plans to start rolling out the vaccines this weekend.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut on Friday said her directorial debut movie "Emergency" has been postponed and a new release date will be announced soon.

The political period drama, also written and co-produced by Ranaut, was scheduled to hit theatres across the country on Friday but the makers are yet to get a clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the matter is currently in court.

"With a heavy heart I announce that my directorial 'Emergency' has been postponed, we are still waiting for the certification from censor board, new release date will be announced soon, thanks for your understanding and patience," Ranaut, the BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, said in a post on X.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The Country will cheer for Desh Ki Shaan Manu Bhaker, India’s trailblasing female shooter with two bronze medals who will sit on the iconic ‘hotseat’ of Sony Entertainment Television’s much loved reality quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 on September 5.

Recounting her historic journey in the 2024 Paris Olympics and sharing her inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph, Manu will be seen alongside Aman Sehrawat, the youngest Indian to win an individual Olympic medal in wrestling in the celebratory KBC episode titled ‘Jeet Ka Jashn’. In an emotional moment on Kaun Banega Crorepati, when asked her inspiration to get into sports, Manu revealed that her mother has been her greatest inspiration. 

Reflecting on her childhood, Manu spoke about how her mother's constant support and encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping her career. As a child, Manu was more focused on school athletics and believed that winning was the ultimate achievement. Her competitive spirit drove her to excel in various sports, and she would feel disheartened by losses. As Manu grew older and learnt more about the Olympics, her aspirations evolved towards winning a Gold medal, a dream she continues to pursue. Driven by a desire to become stronger, she chose shooting as her sport, a decision her mother supported wholeheartedly. Their deep bond highlights the profound impact of a mother’s love and belief, which has been a cornerstone of Manu’s journey to greatness. 

Talking about her inspiration, Bharat Ki Beti - Manu shared, “My mom is my biggest inspiration. She always dreamed of being an athlete but never had the resources or support needed. Although she never thought about the levels she could reach as an athlete, she was very good at sports. She has always given me the freedom to pursue my interests, and even when I was scared, she would motivate me by saying, ‘Don’t worry, just play.’ In a way, it was her dream too, to see me where I am today. Her incredible support has been an inspiration for me." 

"I believe that when a mother is strong, the daughter is definitely strong. And, later, I started  watching Mary Kom ma’am and PV Sindhu didi, who also inspired me a lot, and that’s when I truly began to follow sports and my dream to reach the Olympics stage," she said.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Cardiovascular-disease (CVD) is responsible for deaths among two in three people with a high body mass index (BMI), according to a study.

The study comes as the global prevalence of obesity more than doubled over the past four decades, currently affecting more than a billion individuals.

“Notably, 67.5 per cent of deaths related to high body mass index (BMI) are attributable to cardiovascular disease (CVD),” said Professor Emeline Van Craenenbroeck, Antwerp University in Belgium

Obesity raises the risk of CVDs like atherosclerotic disease, heart failure, thromboembolic disease, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.

Despite the link, “obesity has been under-recognised and sub-optimally addressed compared with other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors,” Van Craenenbroeck added.

The team called for raising awareness of obesity as a major risk factor and providing guidance for implementing evidence-based practices for its prevention and optimal management within the context of primary and secondary CVD prevention.

Obesity not only contributes to well-established cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and arterial hypertension but also has direct adverse effects on cardiac structure and function and leads to the development of CVD -- both atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic.

Obesity also negatively affects various organs and is a risk factor for several chronic diseases.

The study also showed that diabetes and obesity are closely associated. Eighty to eighty-five per cent of diabetes patients are obese or overweight. On the other hand, the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes in obese people is about three times higher than in normal-weight people (20 per cent vs. 7.3 per cent respectively).

Weight loss therapies have demonstrated beneficial effects on glycaemic management, including remission to a non-diabetic state, in patients with established type 2 diabetes. High BMI is assumed to be the cause of 78 per cent of the risk of hypertension in males and 65 per cent of the risk in women between the ages of 20 and 49.

Treatments for obesity include pharmaceutical, dietary, behavioural, and physical therapies. Obesity is avoidable. Management of obesity has, however, gotten less attention than other risk factors for CVD.

The findings will be presented at the ongoing European Cardiology Congress, London (August 30-September 2).
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The cult classic romance 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' is set to return to theatres this weekend!

The 2001 film starring R. Madhavan, Dia Mirza, and Saif Ali Khan will re-release on August 30. Fans have long cherished the movie for its timeless love story and iconic soundtrack, and now it will once again enchant audiences with its old-school romance and memorable music.

It was announced that 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' will be re-released for one week in select theatres in the country.

The news was shared with a note that read, “23 years later, love finds its way back to the big screen. Relive the magic of timeless romance with #RehnaaHaiTerreDilMein! Re-Releasing in Cinemas THIS FRIDAY, 30th August 2024! Are you excited?”

On release in 2001, Gautham Vasudev Menon’s Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein was declared a flop. However, over the years, this angry love story has attained a cult status. It is one of the most avidly viewed films on the internet.

Reacting to this news, Pooja Entertainment's Jackky Bhagnani is quite elated. He calls the film the ultimate classic romance of the 2000s and says, "This film holds a very special place in my heart, as it was my first project as an Assistant Director. I was quite young at the time, and being part of the AD team gave me the incredible opportunity to work closely with Maddy, Saif, and Dia on set. It was truly inspiring to witness such talented performers in action and to be part of what would become a cult classic. Even today, the film enjoys immense popularity among the youth, with its beautiful melodies that continue to sound fresh and captivating and we are really glad to bring this back to our audiences for them to enjoy."

Says Madhavan, “Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein was my entry into Hindi cinema, hence very precious. I had done the original Tamil film Minnale. And I was in the Hindi remake. The other caste members changed in Hindi. It was great shooting with Saif and Dia. We were all young and eager to prove ourselves. I think the film would have worked much better on release if well marketed. A lot of things went wrong, which I don’t want to talk about. I am just happy that the film has a relevance to this day.”

Says Dia Mirza, “Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein is a gift that keeps giving. I am so grateful for the love this film has earned over the years and it’s so wonderful that it’s going to be in cinemas again!”

Saif Ali Khan sees the film as a turning point in his career. “Aha ! I remember the film so well. It wasn’t a big role… an extended guest appearance really. But I was on an upswing. I was looking good, doing much better work. It was part of that whole process. It was the beginning of something.”

Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein, released in 2001, was the Hindi adaption of Minale. The movie revolves around Maddy (played by Madhavan) who impersonates Rajeev (Saif) to woo Reena (Dia). Both the Tamil and Hindi versions featured some hit songs that remain evergreen.
 

BHOPAL [Maha Media]: Certain 'batches' of nine life-saving drugs were banned in Madhya Pradesh following a complaint filed by MGM Medical Hospital in Indore. The decision was taken by Madhya Pradesh Public Health Services after one of the 12 drug samples sent for testing was found to be of substandard quality.

These banned drugs include fentanyl, heparin, dopamine, atropine, and more.

The ban has been implemented after a complaint regarding the substandard quality of the drugs brought in bulk to the state.

According to information, a batch of 12 drug samples was sent by MGM Super Speciality Hospital in Indore for regular testing. In the test, a drug named Noradrenaline did not pass the quality check. The drug is used to maintain blood pressure for serious short-term health issues.

Following the test, a complaint was filed with the MP Public Health Services, and the GM (Quality Control) sent letters across the city to several hospitals, CMHOs, civil surgeons, and medical institutes. In the letter, he asked everyone to stop the use of certain batches of nine life-saving drugs that were sent for sampling but failed the quality check. Furthermore, he asked MGM to send another batch of samples for a check at a government . testing laboratory.

The doctors and the surgeons of MGM hospital said that the use of these drugs haven't caused any major casualties as of now. On the other hand, some surgeons claim that in some cases, the patients encountered problems like internal bleeding which made them suspicious of the drug.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Academy award-winning composer AR Rahman has unveiled the soundtrack of 'Le Musk', a groundbreaking immersive film that he directed. The soundtrack contains 12 different songs.

'Le Musk', described as an innovative sensory cinematic experience, merges music, fragrance, and visual storytelling to immerse audiences in a unique narrative. Rahman's team shared that the soundtrack integrates his signature blend of Jazz, Orchestra, and eclectic elements with soulful melodies.

The film premiered at Cannes XR and is set to be displayed worldwide. Rahman emphasized the central role of music in driving the emotional and sensory journey of the film, highlighting the hard work and technological innovations involved in its creation. Notable collaborators on the soundtrack include Nora Arnezeder, Sana Moussa, and the Budapest Orchestra.

'Le Musk' also marks Rahman's debut as a director and features award-winning music engineer Greg Penny's contributions. Rahman mentioned plans to establish immersive experience studios across the globe to introduce 'Le Musk' to international audiences, recognizing his team's efforts in making the project a reality.

The soundtrack was launched worldwide through Believe Music. 
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The central government has directed airport, ports, and border authorities to remain vigilant in response to the global rise in Mpox cases, according to sources.

Statements Of Official Sources

Official sources told news agency, "We have alerted airports, ports, and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan. Three central hospitals will have facilities for isolation like Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge."

As per sources, the Union Health Ministry held meetings with experts on the new virus scare which "is different" from the previous Monkeypox virus.

"We had a meeting with states and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) last week. Point of entries are on alert. It's a self-limiting virus. There is no correlation between Mpox with COVID-19. Nodal officers are already in Hospitals. Testing facilities are available at 32 ICMR centers. The symptoms of MPox are like of chickenpox," sources said.

"Chances of mortality is high but their is Low chance to affect India. This disease occurs with rashes," they added.

Earlier, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, led a review meeting to assess the nation's preparedness for Mpox. Enhanced surveillance measures are now in place to ensure prompt detection and response.

The high-level meeting was briefed that, as of now, there is no reported case of Mpox in the country. As per the present assessment, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern due to its prevalence in various parts of Africa. However, no travel advisories have been issued by the WHO at this time.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The Delhi High Court has issued an injunction against the unauthorized use of the name, characters, and content from the popular television show 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah'.

The show, which has been on air for over 16 years with approximately 4,000 episodes, has been the target of various entities using its name and images for commercial gain, including selling merchandise and posting 'sexually explicit and vulgar' videos on YouTube. The producers, Neela Film Productions Pvt Ltd, claimed they hold statutory rights over several registered trademarks related to the show and its characters.

Justice Mini Pushkarna, in an interim order, stated that if an ex-parte ad interim injunction was not granted, the plaintiff would suffer irreparable loss. The court's order, passed on August 14, restricts certain entities from using the show's copyrighted material or registered trademarks. Furthermore, YouTube videos featuring the show's content, including pornographic material, are to be brought down, and in case of non-compliance within 48 hours, the IT Ministry and the Department of Telecom will suspend all related links or videos.

The court also granted the plaintiff the liberty to notify YouTube to block or suspend infringing links and directed the platform to provide details of the offending uploaders.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Milind Soman, India's iconic supermodel and fitness advocate, successfully completed the Unity Run 3.0, a 240-kilometer barefoot run from Pune to the historic Vasai Virar Fort. The run celebrated India's 78 years of Independence and symbolized the nation's unity, resilience, and enduring spirit.

Reflecting on the journey, Soman said, 'This run has been a testament to the strength and unity that defines our nation. Facing heavy rains only reinforced my commitment. I'm grateful to everyone who supported me and proud to participate in this significant celebration of our Independence.'

The Unity Run 3.0, supported by Ampere Nexus and Lifelong, passed through cultural hotspots like Lonavala, Panvel, and Vashi, emphasizing Maharashtra's rich heritage. It also involved community engagement activities promoting physical well-being, reinforcing the core message of unity and perseverance.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: In a prestigious ceremony, notable personalities including musician Shankar Mahadevan, actress Shabana Azmi, and former Indian tennis player Leander Paes were awarded honorary doctorates by Techno India University (TIU) in Kolkata.

Expressing his gratitude, Shankar Mahadevan remarked, ''This is a very special day for me. I am completely grateful and honored to receive this Doctorate from Techno India, a very prestigious organization.'' Mahadevan added that the recognition brings with it a responsibility to leverage music for the betterment of humanity and to address various causes. He also captivated the audience by performing his song from the film 'Lakshya.'

Earlier, Shabana Azmi expressed her overwhelming happiness on Instagram, sharing her joy of receiving the honorary doctorate in the presence of Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. Her post elicited congratulatory responses from actor-director Farhan Akhtar and actress Shibani Dandekar, amongst others.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: If you are someone who regularly uses earbuds or earphones, beware as its prolonged usage can significantly damage your ear health, said experts on Monday.

Prolonged exposure to loud volumes through headphones or earphones significantly increases the risk of permanent hearing loss. Regularly listening at high levels can damage the delicate structures in the ear, leading to irreversible hearing impairment. It's crucial to monitor volume levels and take breaks to protect your hearing.

This risk is particularly heightened among young people who frequently use these devices for extended periods. Additionally, using noise-cancelling headphones at moderate volumes can help reduce the need to turn up the sound, further safeguarding your hearing health. Regular hearing check-ups are also recommended.

Excessive noise levels (130 decibels can lead to strong ear pain, and high bass ones compound the damage) can cause damage to tiny hair cells in the inner ear. As these cells cannot regenerate, it can result in partial or complete deafness over time, especially if safe listening practices are not followed.

“Ear pain occurs when sound exceeds 130 decibels, and high bass earphones can cause damage. Use sparingly and avoid sharing earphones to prevent infection spread.” Dr Rakesh Verma, an ENT expert told IANS.

Earphone use can cause noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis, while poor hygiene and enclosed environments can lead to ear infections. Moderation, proper hygiene, and noise-cancelling options are recommended.

“Prolonged use of earphones, especially at high volumes, can cause noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. Poor hygiene practices and the enclosed environment can lead to ear infections like otitis externa or swimmer's ear. To protect hearing, use in moderation, maintain proper hygiene, and consider noise-cancelling options,” Dr. Vijay Verma, Consultant, Allergy & ENT Specialist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.

Low-volume use of earphones, maintaining proper hygiene, and considering noise-cancelling options to protect hearing, are the penultimate points.

To protect your hearing, use these devices in moderation and at a low volume, practise good hygiene, and consider noise-cancelling options.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Hollywood action icon Tom Cruise channelled his inner Ethan Hunt, his iconic character from the blockbuster "Mission: Impossible" films, as he helped bid adieu to the 2024 Paris Olympics and hand things off to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games with a daring skydiving stunt.

At the closing ceremony on Sunday, the 62-year-old descended from the top of the gigantic Stade de France to the "Mission: Impossible" theme song, shook hands with the athletes on his way to the stage, took the Olympic flag from star gymnast Simone Biles, and carried it on a bike through Paris streets to a cargo plane ready to take off for Los Angeles.

Cruise, who shot his 2018 film "Mission: Impossible – Fallout" in Paris, later on his official X account shared a selfie when he was in the air suspended from the safety cables above the stadium.
 

MUMBAI [Maha Media]: Veteran Marathi actor Vijay Kadam passed away on Saturday morning, confirmed Jaywant Wadkar, a close friend and fellow actor.

In a conversation with news agency, Wadkar shared that Kadam died at his Mumbai home at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. Despite initially recovering, his health deteriorated, and he suffered an acidity attack around 25 days ago.

Wadkar fondly remembered Kadam as a versatile and talented artiste. "He explored diverse projects in both Marathi and Hindi films over his decades-long career. It's impossible to find an actor like him again; his death has left a void in the industry. He was like family to me," Wadkar added.

Kadam's cremation is scheduled for this afternoon at Andheri-Oshiwara crematorium.
 

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The custom duty exemption proposed for three cancer medicines in the Union Budget will improve the affordability of the drugs, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

The request for custom duty exemption for Trastuzumab deruxtecan (for breast cancer or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma), Osimertinib (drug for lung cancers with specific mutation), and Durvalumab (for lung and biliary tract cancers) was forwarded by the Health ministry to the Ministry of Finance keeping in view 27 lakh cancer patients in the country.

The government proposes to cut customs duties on the three drugs from 10 per cent to nil.