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.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 30 (ANI): According to the latest evidence generated from the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study published in Nature Medicine, India's rapidly changing eating habits are fueling dramatic rises in diabetes and obesity. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in collaboration with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) and included a nationally representative sample of 1,21,077 Indian adults from urban and rural areas of 36 states, union territories, and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Detailed dietary data from every fifth participant were used to characterise India's dietary profile across regions and examine inter- and intra-regional differences in macronutrient intakes and associated metabolic risk. The major findings of the Indian dietary profiles in terms of macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat and protein) intake are mentioned below. carbohydrate">Carbohydrate intake: While there was a huge diversity in intakes of nutrients across the states, most Indians get a staggering 62% of their calories from carbohydrates, one of the highest in the world. Much of this comes from low-quality sources like white rice, milled whole grains, and added sugar. White rice dominates diets in the South, East, and Northeast, while wheat is more common in the North and Central regions. Millets as a main staple are consumed in only three states: Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra with major types including finger millet (ragi), sorghum (jowar) and pearl millet (bajra). High sugar intake is concerning: 21 states and union territories exceeded the national recommendations of <5 per cent E for added sugar intake. Dietary fat intake: While average total fat intake stayed within national guidelines (<=30 per cent of energy), saturated fat intake exceeded the recommended threshold for metabolic health (<7 per cent of energy) in all but four states (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur). Consumption of monounsaturated and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats remains low across regions Protein intake: Overall protein intake in India is suboptimal, averaging 12 per cent of daily calories, with the highest intake (14 per cent) in the Northeast region. Most protein in Indian diets comes from plant-based foods like cereals, pulses and legumes (9 per cent). Intakes of dairy and animal protein varied widely, but intakes remained low nationwide (2%E and 1%E, respectively). High carbohydrate calories and their major food sources (white rice, milled whole grains and added sugar) were associated with increased metabolic risk (diabetes, prediabetes and obesity). A simple diet tweak may help cut the metabolic risk: Modelled substitution analysis found that replacing just 5% of daily calories from carbohydrates with plant or dairy proteins significantly lowers the risk of developing diabetes and prediabetes. Importantly, replacing carbs with red meat protein or fats did not have the same protective effect. Dr R M Anjana, lead author and President, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, emphasised, "Our findings clearly show that typical Indian diets, heavy in carbohydrates from white rice or whole wheat flour, and low in quality protein, are putting millions at risk. Simply switching from white rice to whole wheat or millets is not enough unless total carbohydrate intake decreases and more calories come from plant or dairy proteins." Sudha, joint first author and Sr. Scientist & Head, Department of Foods, Nutrition & Dietetics Research, MDRF, noted that similar metabolic risks were observed across all regions, regardless of the main carbohydrate sources. Dr V Mohan, senior author of the paper and Chairman, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, says, "These nationwide findings should inspire policy reforms, especially regarding food subsidies and public health messaging to help Indians shift towards diets richer in plant-based and dairy proteins, and lower in carbohydrates and saturated fats." Dr Shilpa Bhupathiraju, co-senior author, stated, "Reducing saturated fat remains a challenge. Encouraging healthier oils and more pulses and legumes could make a major difference to the health of the Nation." Dr V. Mohan stressed that such dietary changes can help reverse current nutrition trends, address widespread protein gaps, and improve overall diet quality. Healthcare is a state government matter, and these findings will be of interest to states to consider the right healthier food subsidies. This certainly requires a multisectoral approach - across health, agriculture, food processing and welfare sectors - to realign food subsidies and public messaging. The Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study was funded by the ICMR and the Health Ministry and was done over 15 years. MDRF was the national coordinating centre for this study. (ANI)
Srinagar: The Centre on Tuesday announced new reservation and domicile policies for Ladakh, reserving 85% jobs for locals and one-third of the total number of seats in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils for women. Both Kargil Democratic Alliance (KBL) and Apex Body Leh (ABL), which are fighting for implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in the Union Territory (UT), statehood, a separate public service commission and two Lok Sabha seats for Ladakh, welcomed the noti ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The MSC IRINA, recognised as the world's largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, is set to dock at the Adani Group's Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday and will be berthed till Tuesday. The monumental arrival marks a significant milestone for the seaport, which was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, making it a formidable player in global shipping. With a length of 399.9 metres and a width of 61.3 metres, the vessel is approximate ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged five individuals, including goldy Brar, in relation to the 2024 Gurugram club bombing plot, as revealed in a recently filed chargesheet. This case involves a conspiracy to bomb two clubs, aiming to disrupt communal harmony in Haryana, with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) implicated. The NIA's investigation highlights the severity of the plot. Those charged include satinderjit Singh (Goldy Brar), Sachin Talian, Ankit, Bhavish, and Randeep Singh. News Directory 3 provides crucial updates on sensitive cases such ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) A sea of 1000 cyclists and fitness enthusiasts created a lively atmosphere at the JLN Stadium here on Sunday morning in the 26th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. Organised in collaboration with Indian Railways as special partners, the event saw the presence of Indian actress Madhurima Tuli, wrestler Anirudh Kumar, and mountaineer Narender Kumar, among the special guests. Madhurima, who has starred in the Bollywood movie 'Baby', was formally recognised as a Fit India Icon on the occasion by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. She has been a state- ...Read More >
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a special national integration camp organised by the Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh NCC Directorate here, Abdullah also lauded the sanctioning of several projects for the UT. "Let there be discussions, it is a good thing. But we would want the discussions to conclude soon and that we get what we are demanding," he said. Welcoming the sanctioning of several projects for Jammu and Kashmir, including tunnels, costing ₹10,600 crore, the CM said these projects wi ...Read More >
This is a Mint Premium article gifted to you. Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: The debate on laboratory-grown meat, dairy, and egg products may soon be settled, with the issue reaching India's apex food regulator, three people aware of the development said. The development comes in the backdrop of concerns about public health, food security and ecological sustainability. While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put in place a regulatory framework for plant-based protein products, manufacturers and sellers of fermentation-derived and cultivated protein ...Read More >
Silica is an essential mineral for strong, healthy hair, but it's often missing from our daily diets. For vegans, adding silica-rich foods to your routine can transform your hair health. This article lists down yummy and healthy vegan snacks that are not only easy to make but also rich in silica. They provide a delicious way to strengthen your hair. Cucumbers are rich in silica, and turning them into chips is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy snack. Just thinly slice cucumbers, season with your favorite herbs and spices, and bake until crispy. These chips provide hydration with their high wa ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 15: The 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, officially known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, will not be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Revised Business List of the Lower House for the day does not mention the Bill. The first list had scheduled the Bill for Monday. It mentioned, "... Arjun Ram Meghwal to move for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Constitution of India. Also to introduce the Bill." One Nation, One Election: Union Cabinet Approves Bills for Simultaneous Lok Sabha, State Assembly Elections, Say Source ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
SRINAGAR/KATRA: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday expressed optimism about Jammu and Kashmir's statehood being restored sooner than later. Terming the Centre's splitting the erstwhile state of J&K into two Union territories in August 2019 as "demotion", Abdullah said, "I was the Chief Minister of a state. Now I'm the Chief Minister of a Union Territory. But I firmly believe that this will be corrected very soon -- and it will be under your leadership and with your support, Mr. Prime Minister, that Jammu and Kashmir will once again regain the status of a full-fledged state." The Chief Min ...Read More >
Katra, June 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday described the launch of the Vande Bha-rat Express to Kashmir as a "historic accomplishment," saying the new railway link connecting the Valley with the rest of India will transform tourism, boost trade, and improve the daily lives of people across the region. Speaking at a large gathering in Katra after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Che-nab and Anji bridges and flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srina-gar, Abdullah said, "The benefits to Jammu and Kashmir will be substantial. Tourism will receive a ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jun 06: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have extended greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. They expressed hope that the revered occasion brings peace and prosperity to the region. Dr Farooq Abdullah National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the people on Eid-ul-Adha, wishing them peace, prosperity and unity. In his message, Dr Abdullah reflected on the profound significance of the day, saying, "As the Muslim Ummah comes together in celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, I extend my warmest greetings to ever ...Read More >
Srinagar: Before towering cranes and cutting-edge engineering transformed the Himalayan landscape, the monumental dream of connecting "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" by rail began with the plodding footsteps of humble mules. This extraordinary backstory underpins the official realization of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, a project crowned by the awe-inspiring Chenab Bridge. According to Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the company behind the Chenab Bridge, the earliest and most formidable hurdle wasn't just the design of ...Read More >
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term project by the Indian Railways aimed at transforming more than 1,300 railway stations across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is inaugurating 103 redeveloped Amrit stations across India on Thursday via video conferencing from Bikaner. The redeveloped stations are spread across 86 districts in 18 States and Union Territories and have been built at a cumulative cost of over Rs 1,100 crore, according to a release by the ministry of railways. ...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 >
Srinagar, June 7: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, congratulated the University of Kashmir for getting an A++ grade in the NAAC inspection. The Lt Governor extended his heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, and students of the University of Kashmir for attaining the prestigious A++ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and securing an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.68 on a seven-point scale. Calling it a proud moment for J&K UT, the Lt Governor said, "The A++ Grade places the Un ...Read More >
Jammu, June 8 (PTI) Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a mega industrial unit in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, saying that massive infrastructure development is stimulating rapid economic growth of the region. He said that the union territory will soon become a manufacturing hub, a principal market of north, and a competitive provider of services. Also Read | Chennai Shocker: Doctor Kills Woman Who Blackmailed Him With Nude Photos, Arrested After CCTV, Call Records Reveal Truth. The LG reiterated his commitment to decentralising the industrial infr ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Highlighting a recent directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on the establishment of 'sugar boards' in schools, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged states to support and implement the initiative to help curb excessive sugar consumption among schoolchildren and foster healthier dietary habits from an early age. The matter was discussed during the 47th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting of the FSSAI, held on May 27. According to the FSSAI, in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for urgent action against obesity ...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 >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government completes 11 years of governance, India's agricultural sector has undergone a profound transformation over the years which is rooted in the philosophy of Beej Se Bazaar Tak (seed to market), while also championing inclusivity, supporting small farmers, women-led groups, and allied sectors, while making India a global agricultural leader, said a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW). PM Modi also highlighted today about ensuring prosperity of farmers and also focussing on issues ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): On the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, delivered the keynote address at a special programme themed 'Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy' at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru on Saturday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a release. JP Nadda said that a healthy India is necessary for Viksit Bharat, and that can be ensured through the right types of food, healthy food habits, and lifestyle. Organized by the Food Safety an ...Read More >
Pune: Hospitals in Pune have started reporting an increase in dengue cases among children following recent heavy rainfall and intermittent showers. Conditions are now ripe for mosquito breeding, experts said, as they warned citizens to ensure there's no waterlogging or stagnant pools near homes and offices. "Dengue is typically seen first in children as they often play outside," said Dr Sagar Lad, a senior neonatologist and pediatric intensivist at Jehangir Hospital and Sahyadri Hospital, Shastrinagar. Dr Lad said he's seen at least three children admitted for dengue this week, with all of the ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 17 (UNI) The Opposition on Tuesday strongly opposed the introduction of the One Nation One Election Bill in the Lok Sabha, calling it as an attack on the Constitution and the federalism of the country and demanded that it must be withdrawn immediately. Objecting to the introduction of the Bill, Congress member Manish Tewari said, "The Bills moved by the Law and Justice Minister is assault on the basic structure of the Constitution and are beyond the legislative competence of this house. Therefore they need to be opposed and the introduction of the Bills need to be stopped," he ...Read More >
Bengaluru, 26th May 2025: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will convene the 38th Meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) on 26th May 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Council, reconstituted in October 2024 under the chairmanship of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, plays a pivotal role in advising the Government on key policies related to apprenticeship training across the country. The last CAC meeting was held in June 2021. Since then, India's apprenticeship landscape has evolved considerably -- with over ...Read More >
KATRA, June 6: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha today said "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" is no more a slogan but has become a reality with Vande Bharat train to the Valley getting flagged off. Sinha said the inauguration of the Kashmir rail service has connected the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country and will pave the way for the economic prosperity of the region. "Kashmir to Kanyakumari is no longer a slogan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned this decade-long dream into reality. He has connected the hearts of millions of Indians, forging an unbreakable bond from ...Read More >
Jaipur: The much-awaited first AC train under the Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme left for Rameswaram from Jaipur's Durgapura railway station on Friday. About 600 passengers left for Rameswaram-Madurai from Jaipur and 176 from Sawai Madhopur. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma flagged off the Rajasthan Vahini Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train. The elderly passengers had to wait for several hours at the railway station due to an inordinate delay. After reaching the station at the scheduled reporting time between 7 am and 8 am, the elderly tourists had to wait till 3:45 pm there in the scorching heat ...Read More >
India's next space hero is here. It's Shubhanshu Shukla.In a historic leap for India's space exploration, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled for launch on June 10, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla's journey will make history as he becomes the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS.Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a pioneering private spaceflight mission that will not only send India's first private astronaut to space but also mark the return to human spa ...Read More >
Chandigarh, Jun 27 (PTI) The mother of jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and another person accompanying her died after being shot at by unidentified bike-borne people in Punjab's Batala, police said on Friday. Harjit Kaur was critically injured after the incident on Thursday late evening and was referred to a hospital in Amritsar, but she succumbed to the bullet injuries, a senior police official from Batala said over the phone. Also Read | Mounjaro KwikPen: Eli Lilly and Company's Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity Drug Gets Approval in India, To Compete With Novo's Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy. The ...Read More >