Is India Winning the War Against Rising Non-Communicable Diseases? The latest health statistics paint a concerning picture: diabetes, heart disease, and cancer rates are climbing, impacting millions across the country. From rural healthcare access to the burgeoning urban health crisis, challenges remain significant. This week, we delve into the crucial initiatives underway – government policies, technological advancements in telemedicine, and the rising role of preventative healthcare – that aim to address this national health emergency. Experts weigh in on the effectiveness of current strategies and the critical need for increased public awareness campaigns targeting lifestyle diseases. Are these efforts enough? Explore Abtak.com's in-depth coverage on healthcare in India and discover the vital information you need to protect your well-being and the future of public health. Stay informed; stay healthy.
NEW DELHI, July 19: India's leadership in developing a group standard for whole millet grains was appreciated during the 88th Session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88), held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy from July 14-18, it was announced on Saturday. The Committee reviewed the progress of this work, which is being chaired by India with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal as co-chairs, said Health Ministry in a statement. The terms of reference for the same were finalized at the 11th Session of the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (CCCPL11) held in April 2025.CCEXEC88 critically reviewed the works chaired by India on the new standards of fresh dates as recommended by the 23rd session of Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV23) held in February this year. The Executive Committee appreciated the efforts of the CCFFV and India in finalizing these standards and endorsed them for further approval at the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) scheduled for November 2025. India will also serve as co-chair in new work proposals to develop standards for fresh turmeric and fresh broccoli.India actively participated in discussions on the monitoring framework for the Codex Strategic Plan 2026-2031, where SMART Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were finalized for endorsement at CAC48. According to the ministry, the country recommended that monitoring indicators should be outcome-based, measurable and considered. India also informed about its capacity building programme for neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste etc., which has been recognised by FAO. It is noteworthy that India has been chairing the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) since its inception in 2014. (IANS)
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's retail inflation eased in November as soaring vegetable prices moderated, boosting expectations of an interest rate cut by the central bank at its next policy review amid concerns around slowing growth. Retail inflation eased in November to 5.48%, lower than 6.21% in the previous month and below a 5.53% forecast by economists in a Reuters poll. Food inflation slowed down to 9.04% from 10.87% a month earlier. Food accounts for nearly half of the consumption basket. Vegetable prices rose 29.33% in November from a year earlier after rising 42.18% in October. Indi ...Read More >
July 14 (Reuters) - India's annual retail inflation (INCPIY=ECI), opens new tab slowed to a more than six-year low of 2.10% in June, near the lower range of the central bank's tolerance band, as food prices continued to ease, making a case for further interest rate cuts. Inflation was lower than the 2.5% estimated by economists in a Reuters poll. Retail inflation was at 2.82% in May. COMMENTARY: GAURA SEN GUPTA, CHIEF ECONOMIST, IDFC FIRST BANK, MUMBAI "The moderation in inflation is led by a decline in food inflation. Core inflation remains range-bound at 4.5%. The outlook for inflation r ...Read More >
Jaipur, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who is on a day's visit to Rajasthan, travelled by road to Dadiya, approximately 22 km away from Jaipur, after the helicopter did not take off due to adverse weather conditions. HM Shah reached Jaipur Airport on Thursday around 12.15 p.m. He was scheduled to travel by helicopter to Dadiya to attend a major public event. However, due to adverse weather conditions, the helicopter could not take off, said officials here. At Dadiya, the Union Minister inaugurated the Cooperative Conference and Employment Festival. Th ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Centre on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth over Rs 1 lakh crore with 26 leading domestic and global companies, marking one of the largest investment announcements in India's food processing sector, according to the government. In an official statement, the government said that a summit, organised by the ministry of food processing industries, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi held in the national capital from September 25 to 28, and the World Food India 2025 concluded on a historic note with investment commitments of unprecedented scale. ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Overdependence on white rice, refined grains and added sugars is fuelling a surge in diabetes and obesity among Indians, according to an ICMR-INDIAB survey. Telangana reflects the same dietary risks as the rest of the country. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that more than 62 per cent of daily calories in Indian diets come from low-quality carbohydrates, while protein intake remains low and saturated fat consumption exceeds recommended levels in most states. In Telangana, high reliance on refined cereals and inadequate protein has been linked to an elevated risk of t ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Opposition BJD and Congress MLAs Tuesday staged a walkout from the Odisha assembly, accusing the ruling BJP of failing to control prices of essential commodities and resolve the potato crisis in the state. The issues were debated in the House over the admissibility of an adjournment motion moved by the Opposition on price rise of vegetables, pulses, edible oil and fuel. The opposition members took exception to comments made by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister K C Patra that adverse climate conditions, rates in international and domestic markets, and less production by ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Wheat sowing increased by 1.38 per cent year-on-year to 320 lakh hectare so far in the ongoing 2024-25 rabi season, according to the agriculture ministry data released on Tuesday. Wheat, the main rabi (winter) crop, was sown in 315.63 lakh hectare in the year-ago period. Sowing of most rabi crops is nearing end. Harvesting will begin from April. According to the data, pulses' acreage remained flat at 139.81 lakh hectare as on January 14, compared to 139.11 lakh hectare in the year-ago period. Gram was covered in 96.65 lakh hectare and lentil in 17.43 lakh hectare. ...Read More >
Dehradun, Jun 6 (PTI) The Centre and Uttarakhand government are committed to making the state a national hub of horticulture, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Friday. Interacting with farmers at a Kisan Chaupal in Pavwala Sauda village under Doiwala block of Dehradun, the agriculture minister said, "The quality of fruits, grains and vegetables grown in Uttarakhand is unique and they have full potential to make a mark at the global level." "The Centre and the state government together will make Uttarakhand a national hub of horticulture," he said. During his visit, the ...Read More >
New Delhi: Staying at the central bank's tolerance band of 2-6 per cent for more than three quarters in a row, India's headline retail inflation in August rose slightly to 2.07 per cent from 1.61 per cent in the preceding month, mainly due to increase in prices of vegetables, meat and fish, a government data said on Friday. As per the data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO), the inflation based on consumer price index or CPI was 3.65 per cent in August 2024. "An increase in headline inflation and food inflation during the month of August, 2025 is mainly attributed to increase in ...Read More >
New Delhi, Sep 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The annual rate of inflation based on the All India Wholesale Price Index (WPI) number edged up to 0.52 per cent for August, primarily due to the increase in prices of food products and manufactured goods, according to figures released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday. "Positive rate of inflation in August 2025 is primarily due to an increase in prices of food products, other manufacturing, non-food articles, other non-metallic mineral products and other transport equipment, etc.," the government said in a press release. However, the price ...Read More >
ess than 24 hours after he asserted in Nigeria's Abuja that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today's India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the gathering of world's most influential leaders converged in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit that the main reason for India's success lies in his government's 'back to basics' and 'march to the future' approach. Addressing the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty' at the bayside museum of modern art during the two-day 19th G20 Summit, ...Read More >
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 6 (ANI): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday attended a 'Kisan Chaupal' event at Pav Wala Soda village in the Raipur block of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The programme was held as part of the 'Developed Agriculture Resolution' campaign aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector in the state. During the event, Chouhan interacted with local farmers and praised the success stories shared by them, especially in the areas of organic farming and coarse grain production. He also showed strong support for promoting Uttarakhand's organic produce at both n ...Read More >
Kolkata, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The West Bengal unit of BJP, under the leadership of its new State party President Samik Bhattacharya is making all efforts to ensure a political rally in the state, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing it, before Trinamool Congress's annual Martyrs' day rally in Kolkata on July 21. An insider from the state committee of BJP said that the week before July 21, the Prime Minister is scheduled to go for an election campaign in Bihar where the Assembly polls are scheduled later this year. "We are trying hard so that the Prime Minister can spare some time ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI) India's leadership in developing international standards for whole millet grains received recognition at a key global food safety meeting in Rome this week, as the country continues to expand its influence in setting worldwide food regulations, an official release said on Saturday. The 88th Session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88), held at FAO headquarters from July 14-18, reviewed progress on India's millet standards work, which gained approval at last year's Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting, the official release said. I ...Read More >
Dharwad: Joint director of agriculture Manjunath Antarvalli has called upon the farmers to grow millets and supply quality food items to the domestic market. Speaking after flagging off 'Walk for Millet' organised by the agriculture department in Dharwad on Thursday, he said the farmers growing millets should be encouraged in all possible ways. "Popularly known as superfoods, the millets which are little wonders have been the most sought-after food post-pandemic. High in nutritional values, the ...Read More >
Hisar, Jun 5 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Thursday announced the establishment of natural and organic mandis in Gurugram and Hisar to promote natural farming on a large scale in the state. The Gurugram mandi will cater to produce such as wheat, paddy and pulses, while the Hisar mandi will focus on fruits and vegetables grown through natural and organic methods. Also Read | Delhi: High-Level US Team Arrives for Talks on Bilateral Trade Pact With India. In addition, a committee will be formed under the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran to determine fair pricing for produce gr ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday held a review meeting at his Undavalli camp office to address procurement and pricing concerns for cocoa, mango, and tobacco crops, reaffirming his government's commitment to supporting farmers. Naidu stressed a farmer-centric approach, directing officials to conduct field visits, anticipate challenges, and ensure global standards in agricultural production. He announced a dedicated cocoa policy to promote high-quality output and enhance farmer awareness. Support for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and MSMEs to strengthen agro-pr ...Read More >
Ahmedabad: From sabzis to sambhar, the cost of cooking a regular Indian meal for an average family is rising sharply as vegetable prices hit new highs, with everyday greens now as pricey or pricier than exotics. Going by the current prices, a humble bhindi or guvar sabzi may cost more than a takeaway meal. Retail prices of vegetables like okra, ivy gourd (tindora), bottle gourd, and tomatoes surged well beyond the Rs 100/kg mark in Ahmedabad markets, turning daily nutrition into a household budgetary challenge.The steepest spike is seen in ivy gourd (tindora), now priced at Rs 216 a kilogram, ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 17: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated several cooperative and employment-linked initiatives at the 'Sahkar & Rojgar Utsav' in Jaipur, marking India's lead in launching the International Year of Cooperatives - 2025. The event, attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, former CM Vasundhara Raje, and senior officials, featured the virtual inauguration of 24 grain storage warehouses and 64 millet outlets. Loans were distributed under the Gopal Credit Card scheme, micro-ATMs were provided to da ...Read More >
Patna (Bihar) [India], September 12 (ANI): In a significant step towards transforming Bihar into a powerhouse of agricultural and processed food exports, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal inaugurated the Regional Office of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Patna at the Bihar Idea Festival held on 11th September, 2025 in Patna, Bihar, a release from Ministry of Commerce & Industry said. The occasion was graced by the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Chaudhary, and Minister of Industries, Bihar Nitish Mishra, alongside ...Read More >
New Delhi, Sep 28 (PTI) The government has signed agreements with 26 overseas and domestic firms during the 'World Food India' summit for investments worth Rs 1.02 lakh crore in India's food processing sector. The summit, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, was held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital from September 25 to 28. In an official statement on Sunday, the ministry said the World Food India 2025 concluded on a historic note with investment commitments of unprecedented scale. "Over the course of the four-day event, 26 leading domestic and global companies ...Read More >
Ghanaian cuisine, with its richness and diversity, reflects the vibrant culture of Ghana. Its distinctive flavors are derived from a variety of spices, which play a vital role, particularly in vegan dishes. This article delves into the key spices that are integral to creating authentic Ghanaian vegan recipes, highlighting their transformative power in elevating plant-based dishes. Grains of Paradise, a secret weapon in West African (and specifically Ghanaian) cuisine, pack a warm, spicy punch that's like a cross between pepper, cardamom, and coriander. These magical seeds can be used whole in ...Read More >
Hisar, Jun 5 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Thursday announced the establishment of natural and organic mandis in Gurugram and Hisar to promote natural farming on a large scale in the state. The Gurugram mandi will cater to produce such as wheat, paddy and pulses, while the Hisar mandi will focus on fruits and vegetables grown through natural and organic methods. In addition, a committee will be formed under the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran to determine fair pricing for produce grown using natural and organic farming practices. The Chief Minister made these announcements ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): With food prices lagging seasonal trends and driving headline Consumer Price Index-based retail inflation below 4 per cent since February 2025, Union Bank of India has revised downwards its 2025-26 headline inflation forecast from 4 per cent to 3.6 per cent (largely aligned with the RBI' forecast of 3.7 per cent). The June retail inflation data is due early next week. In a report, the bank said June 2025 retail inflation will be at 2.3 per cent, with the worst seems to be over for now. According to them, July figures would be the near-term bottom. '...in ou ...Read More >
Patna (Bihar) [India], September 12 (ANI): In a significant step towards transforming Bihar into a powerhouse of agricultural and processed food exports, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal inaugurated the Regional Office of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Patna at the Bihar Idea Festival held on 11th September, 2025 in Patna, Bihar, a release from Ministry of Commerce & Industry said. The occasion was graced by the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Chaudhary, and Minister of Industries, Bihar Nitish Mishra, alongside ...Read More >
New Delhi, Sep 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) India's retail inflation is projected to settle at 3.1 per cent in FY26, driven by falling food prices and the effects of recent GST rate reductions, a report has projected. The Indian economy may see episodes of disinflation in the coming days as government support through lower indirect tax rates is likely to be passed on to customers, according to the report from Bank of Baroda (BoB). CPI inflation increased to 2.07 per cent in August, up from 1.61 per cent in July, remaining significantly lower than the 3.7 per cent reported a year ago. Food prices cont ...Read More >
Wheat is the unsung hero of African food, the secret sauce (or rather, secret grain) behind some of your favorite dishes. From the cloud-like deliciousness of Ethiopian injera to the satisfying Moroccan couscous, wheat is Africa's culinary backbone. This article features five mouthwatering dishes that highlight the versatility and tastiness of African wheat-based cuisine. Injera is a sourdough-risen flatbread with a slightly spongy texture, made from fermented teff flour. In Ethiopia and Eritrea, it serves not only as sustenance but also as a utensil for eating. The blend of teff flour and wa ...Read More >
Gandhinagar: In households in Gujarat's cities, cereals may take up less space in the grocery bill, but they still dominate the dinner plate. A new Union govt report shows that cereals, while accounting for just 3.8% of household spending, supply 35% of total calorie intake in cities. In villages, their role is even more dominant, making up 43% of calorie consumption while accounting for 4.5% of total spending.Cereals also account for a major portion of protein intake for people in Gujarat.These insights come from the Centre's latest "Nutritional Intake in India" report, which tracks food patt ...Read More >
Srinagar, July 09: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that Jammu & Kashmir's tourism sector is witnessing a strong revival, with a steady rise in the number of tourists visiting the Union Territory each day.Abdullah, while addressing reporters in West Bengal ahead of the Kolkata Tourism Fair, said, "Tourists are coming back to Kashmir in good numbers. The ongoingAmarnathYatra is proceeding smoothly with heavy footfall on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, he said."I spoke to several pilgrims, and they are all happy and satisfied with the arrangements. I have come to Kolkata to ta ...Read More >