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: Summer has arrived, bringing with it the much-anticipated mango season. Eating ripe mangoes is one of the best things about this time of year, their sweet, juicy flavour can cool you down and lift your mood. Additionally, mangoes are packed with vitamins and fibre. However, eating chemically ripened mangoes can pose serious health risks. Days after 200 kg of chemically ripened mangoes were seized in Hyderabad in Telangana, prominent health experts on Monday cautioned that consumption of such fruit may lead to serious health issues, including oral irritation, throat discomfort, gastritis, nausea or vomiting. Health Risks Linked To Improper Ripening "Excessive use of ethylene (above 100 ppm) or improper use of sachets may be associated with symptoms like dizziness, headache, skin irritation and vomiting, particularly in occupational or high-exposure settings. Although ethylene itself is not highly toxic, deviation from recommended practices indicates inadequate control of the ripening process," former president of the Asian Society for Emergency Medicine, Dr Tamorish Kole, told ETV Bharat. He said that exceeding the recommended dosage can result in unintended overexposure of fruit to ethylene-releasing agents, increasing the possibility of residual chemical contamination on the mango surface. "Consumption of such improperly ripened fruit may lead to oral irritation, throat discomfort, gastritis, nausea, or vomiting. Thus, while ethylene is generally safe within prescribed limits, inappropriate dosing and poor application practices can adversely affect the overall safety of the ripening process," he added. Hyderabad Seizure Raises Red Flags Hyderabad Police last week seized around 200 kg of artificially ripened mangoes along with 25 loose sachets of "Diamond Ripe - Ethylene Ripener," which were being used to ripen mangoes quickly before selling them in the market. Food safety rules allow only five sachets of ethylene ripener for every 20 kg of mangoes. However, the accused was allegedly using 6 sachets per 20 kg tray, exceeding the limit set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Dr Kole said, "Artificial ripening of mangoes using ethylene-releasing products like 'Diamond Ripe' is intended to replicate the natural ripening process and is considered safe when used within prescribed limits. However, in the Hyderabad case, the trader was found to be using six sachets per 20 kg tray, exceeding the recommended limit of five sachets. This overuse raises important food safety concerns, as it reflects improper handling and lack of adherence to regulatory standards." He added that exceeding the recommended dosage can increase the likelihood of residual chemical presence on the mango surface. "Consumption of such fruit may result in symptoms like oral irritation, throat discomfort, gastritis, nausea, or vomiting. While ethylene itself is not highly toxic, improper dosing and poor application practices can alter the safety profile of the ripening process," Kole added. Concerns Over Use Of Banned Chemicals This violation also raises the possibility of broader unsafe practices within the supply chain. In similar cases, there is often concurrent or prior use of banned agents, such as calcium carbide, which releases acetylene gas containing harmful impurities, like arsenic and phosphorus. Such exposure can lead to neurological symptoms, mucosal irritation, and potential long-term health risks, making regulatory non-compliance a serious public health concern. Doctors Warn Of Digestive And Neurological Issues Dr Ramesh Meena, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, told ETV Bharat that artificially ripened mangoes not only reduce nutritional quality, including lower levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, but also increase the likelihood of digestive complaints like bloating and indigestion. Dr Meena added that consumption of chemically ripened mangoes can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. According to him, underweight individuals and children may also face neurological issues, including epilepsy-like symptoms, due to the consumption of such adulterated mangoes. "Availability of such chemically ripened mangoes needs proper enforcement, better vendor education, and increased public awareness to minimise health risks associated with improperly ripened fruits," Dr Meena said. "As calcium carbide is easily available, it is often used to ripen mangoes. Instead, vendors should use ethylene gas within prescribed limits," he added.
A doctor at the hospital said it is a clear case of food poisoning (Representational) ShowQuick Read Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed * More than 100 film unit workers were hospitalised due to food poisoning in Leh * Patients showed symptoms of abdominal pain, headache, and vomiting after meals * Around 600 people ate at the location where the film unit was shooting Did our AI summary help? Let us know. Switch To Beeps Mode Leh: More than 100 workers of a film unit have been h ...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 >
Kalpetta: DMO Dr T Mohandas advised caution in Wayanad after Nipah has been confirmed in Malappuram district. In the sample tests conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research in the previous years, it was found that the fruit bats in the district had developed antibodies against Nipah virus. However, caution has been advised as the risk of Nipah is more during the reproductive season of the fruit bats. The medical officer stated that all the health centres have been urged to observe the symptoms and report them promptly. Nipah symptoms Severe headache along with fever, throat pain, mu ...Read More >
Bhopal, Jul 18 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday said the holistic model of Mercabarna (food logistics hub) in Spain's Barcelona can be useful for his state in view of its increasing agricultural production. In view of the increasing agricultural production in Madhya Pradesh, there is a need for better 'post-harvest management' and export system, an official statement quoted Yadav, who is on the third day of his tour of Spain, as saying. Mercbarnate, a leading food logistics hub of Europe, is spread over 250 acres with systems of production, storage, processing and di ...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 >
New Delhi, June 27: In a significant boost to India's horticultural exports, the Centre's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the flagging off of the first consignment of one metric tonne of rose-scented litchi from Punjab's Pathankot to Doha in Qatar, according to an official statement issued on Friday. In addition, 0.5 metric tonne of litchi was also exported to Dubai, UAE, from Pathankot this week, marking a twin export achievement and reinforcing India's potential in global fresh fruit markets. This milestone initiative, undertake ...Read More >
Guwahati: State is witnessing a concerning surge in Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases, with Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) reporting 47 confirmed infections so far. The mosquito-borne viral disease has already claimed 13 lives across the state. Data provided by GMCH authorities shows that JE cases began emerging in April, with the first fatalities reported in June. While six patients have recovered and been discharged, three left the hospital against medical advice and several others are still undergoing treatment. The infection has been detected across several districts -- Kamrup ...Read More >
NEW DELHI : The idiom advising one not to compare apples and oranges is a cliché -- a figurative expression that a fruit lover can safely ignore. But anyone with an interest in the origin, spread, popularity, and market dynamics of a fruit or a vegetable can and must draw comparisons. In that spirit of enquiry, one may compare apples and mangoes, more so as they appear to be headed in different directions. Apples are vying for eternal glory, while mangoes are in tatters. Sample these numbers: In 2024-25, India's mango exports, including fresh fruit and pulp, were valued at just ₹1,150 crore. ...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 >
Ahmedabad: More than half of the total Covid-positive cases in Gujarat -- over 700 identified so far -- were recorded in the 25 to 50 years age group, or the 'working age group', state health department officials have said. About 10% of the cases were among infants under one year of age, according to govt data. Officials also said that the number of senior citizens in recent cases is relatively very low. Health experts pointed out that three patients who died of Covid -- all from Ahmedabad -- were women aged 18, 20 and 47 years. "No definite pattern is emerging yet, as cases are under control ...Read More >
Chittoor: Chittoor MP D Prasad Rao on Saturday underlined the need for strict adherence to the directives issued by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, whose top priority is the welfare of mango farmers. In a statement, the MP highlighted the importance of implementing the government's measures without deviation. He urged officials to ensure the reopening of mango pulp processing units and facilitate the purchase of Totapuri mangoes directly from farmers to prevent losses. The latter expressed his gratitude to Naidu for announcing a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs.12,000 per tonne for Tot ...Read More >
New Delhi: India has dispatched its first-ever consignment of rose-scented litchis to Qatar, marking a significant step in its push to expand exports of high-value horticultural produce, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday. The shipment, comprising one tonne of the premium litchis from Pathankot, Punjab, was sent to Doha on 23 June, with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda). A smaller, half-tonne batch was simultaneously exported to Dubai. The fruit -- known for its delicate floral aroma and juicy sweetness -- has lon ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 19 (ANI): After US President Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Dr Abhishek Bansal, Senior Consultant and Chief of Interventional Radiology at Aakash Healthcare, warned that even mild symptoms, like Trump's ankle swelling, should not be ignored, as they could signal underlying vascular issues. 'The body often sends out early distress signals, and ignoring them could delay crucial diagnoses. Symptoms like swollen ankles, unexplained bruises, or a persistent limp may appear minor, but they could be the body's way of signalling something m ...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 >
Agartala, June 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a bid to boost the farmers' income, in all 22 foreign improved varieties and 13 indigenous improved varieties of mango are being experimentally cultivated at the Horticulture and Research Centre, at Nagichara in West Tripura, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Sunday. Addressing the Monsoon Mango Fiesta-2025 at Narikel Kunj in Gandatwisa under tribal inhabited Dhalai district, the minister said that since the BJP government came to power in 2018, around 706 hectares of new area have been brought under mango cultivation throug ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Ravada A Chandrasekhar took charge as the new State Police Chief on Tuesday. He succeeds Shaik Darvesh Saheb, who retired on June 30. His tenure will run until July 1, 2027. A 1991-batch IPS officer currently serving as Special Director with the Intelligence Bureau, Chandrasekhar is on central deputation. He was selected over Nitin Agarwal, who topped the official list of probables. The appointment order, issued by Kerala Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak on behalf of the Governor, was released soon after a cabinet meeting held on Monday. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh's Godav ...Read More >
Kolkata: The Kolkata Traffic Police is facing a new challenge in managing vehicle parking for the upcoming Shahid Diwas rally on Monday, as persistent rainfall threatens to render designated parking fields unusable. The fresh spell of rain on Friday, with more occasional rain predicted even on Saturday, has left cops worried as they believe the Maidan area can be filled with slush.The traffic department, which initially planned to utilise various fields across the city for parking buses and cars of parade attendees, is now frantically searching for alternative solutions on the main roads, stre ...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 >
Nagpur: Eminent neurologists from the city joined experts from across the globe on World Brain Tumour Day to raise awareness about the disease.At an event held at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) headquarters in Nagpur, specialists emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, discussed symptoms and treatment options, and highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by patients and their families.Renowned neurologist and Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram stressed the need for timely detection and comprehensive care. He said awareness about the type of brain tumour and its symptoms is c ...Read More >
CHENNAI: In a letter addressed to the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, Member of Parliament from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has highlighted the problems faced by mango farmers in the country, especially in Tamil Nadu. She underlined the decrease in demand for mango produce by the beverage manufacturing companies and to cut down GST charges. The letter explained that the mango farmers have been facing consistent losses over the past few years due to a significant reduction in the quantity of mango pulp used by beverage manufacturers. Ac ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh administration has strengthened security arrangements across several districts including Lucknow, Sambhal, and Moradabad to ensure peace and avoid any disruption, as Muharram processions and the Kanwar Yatra are being held at the same time.Large crowds gathered for Muharram processions across different regions, while preparations for the Kanwar Yatra are also underway. Police personnel have been deployed in all sensitive areas, and surveillance is being carried out using drones and CCTV cameras.In SambhalDistrict Magistrate Dr Rajender Pensiya while speaking to ANI ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 14 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the loss of hockey legend and Olympic bronze medalist Vece Paes, saying that "his contribution to hockey and sports medicine will be remembered". Indian hockey legend and Olympic bronze medalist Vece Paes, also the father of tennis legend Leander Paes, passed away on Thursday morning. The official X of Hockey India (HI) announced his unfortunate demise at the age of 80.Taking to X, West Bengal CM wrote, "Saddened by the demise of Dr Vece Paes, member of the bronze medal winning team ...Read More >
Curchorem : The Sanguem police seized 5.75 kg of whale vomit (ambergris) valued at over Rs 10 crore at Dabamol in Sanguem taluka and arrested three people in connection with the case. The police registered an offence under sections 39, 44, 49B, 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 against Sainath Shet (50) of Sadewada Panchawadi, Ratnakant Karapurkar (55) of Zuarinagar-Sancoale and Yogesh Ramchandra Redkar (40) of Bandwadi-Sawantwadi. Acting on a tip-off, the police on Thursday seized 5.75 kg of the waxy substance, which is used in the perfume industry. The seized whale vomit is valued ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) In a significant boost to horticultural exports, India flagged-off the first consignment of one metric tonne of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, to Doha, Qatar. Additionally, a separate consignment of 0.5 metric tonne of litchi was also exported to Dubai, UAE from Pathankot, marking a twin export achievement and India's growing presence in the global fresh fruit market, an official statement said. The initiative was facilitated by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in association ...Read More >
New Delhi: India has exported 1.5 tonnes of litchi fruit, for the first time, from Punjab to Doha and Dubai this month, the commerce ministry's arm, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), said on Friday. To boost India's horticultural exports, APEDA has facilitated the flag-off of the first consignment of 1 tonne of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot in Punjab to Doha on June 23, and 0.5 tonne of the same fruit to Dubai, it said in a statement. This initiative was facilitated by the authority in association with Punjab's Department of Horticulture and ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) The 34th Mango Festival organised by Delhi Tourism witnessed a steady stream of visitors on its concluding day on Sunday, even as Minister Kapil Mishra used the event to join mango growers from across the country and tune into Prime Minister's monthly radio show 'Mann Ki Baat'. With more than 400 varieties of mango on display and daily competitions and magic shows, this year's Festival held at Thyagaraj Stadium struck a chord with mango lovers who also got a glimpse of a real mango orchard, displaying plants with fruits hanging from branches. Apart from th ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday announced the provisional attachment of assets worth approximately ₹131.45 crore in Spain, including a luxury yacht and immovable properties, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). These assets belong to Pavel Prozorov, a Spanish national and the alleged mastermind behind the unauthorised forex trading platform OctaFX. The attached assets comprise a commercial Italian-model luxury yacht cruising in the Western Mediterranean, a minijet boat, a luxury car, and two residential properties in Spain. The ED's probe was launched ...Read More >
Jorhat, July 6: An illegal ice cream and ice manufacturing unit in Jorhat has sparked alarm after revelations of unhygienic production and unsafe ingredients, with products mostly consumed by children. The factory, located in Letekujan in Titabor, has reportedly been running for a long time without any license or official permission from the authorities. Local sources allege that the factory has been producing various colorful ice creams and ice blocks using dirty water and artificial chemicals, which pose a serious threat to public health. Residents say the factory supplies its products to ...Read More >
Tirupati/Chittoor: After chilli and tobacco farmers, mango growers are now in focus as YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy looks to raise the political heat in the state. A bumper mango yield this year has brought little joy to farmers, who are struggling with falling prices. Despite the state government's swift action, announcing subsidies and deploying officials to assist distressed farmers, the issue has turned political. Looking to capitalise on the unrest, Jagan will visit Bangarupalem market yard on July 9 to console mango farmers. In fact, the government claims that Andhra Pradesh's pr ...Read More >
Ranchi : As Shravan begins, prices of fruits too have started to rise in different city markets. According to vendors, the annual surge in demand for fruits during religious observances and family celebrations is further intensified by supply chain disruptions and higher transportation costs.At Hinoo Chowk, the price of apples has increased from Rs 190 to Rs 200 per kg. Washington apples, which were earlier selling at Rs 240-250 per kg, are now priced at Rs 250-260 per kg. The cost of bananas has gone up from Rs 55-60 to Rs 60-70 per dozen, depending on the size and quality.Pomegranates, previ ...Read More >