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Several politicians laud PM Modi’s effort to combat India’s rising obesity crisis

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New Delhi, Feb 24: In a bold move to combat India’s rising obesity crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed 10 prominent figures from various fields to lead a nationwide campaign against weight issues, following his call for action in the monthly radio address, ‘Mann Ki Baat.’ The move has received widespread acclaim from politicians across the spectrum.

Addressing the media, BJP MP Anurag Thakur expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasising the significance of personal responsibility in combating obesity.

“At the right time, Prime Minister Modi raises such important societal issues. By appointing new people from the community as brand ambassadors, he has expressed his concern over the growing obesity rates. It’s not just about diet and exercise; it’s about fostering a healthier lifestyle to reduce the strain on our health system,” said Thakur.

He stressed the direct link between reducing obesity and boosting productivity, not only for individuals but also for the nation.

Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande, reflecting on a recent interaction with PM Modi, highlighted his focus on personal health.

“A strong country is one that focusses on the health of its people. Modi ji’s efforts to promote regular checkups, exercise, and yoga show his commitment to a healthy India. Obesity, much like any other disease, should be fought with the same seriousness,” she remarked, lauding the inclusion of multiple influential figures in the initiative.

Mahesh Tapse, NCP’s chief spokesperson, also pointed out India’s alarming rise in obesity rates.

“India has surpassed the US as the obesity capital of the world due to changing lifestyles. PM Modi’s campaign is a step in the right direction, especially since he has involved Opposition leaders as well. A fit population is essential for a productive nation,” Tapse stated, adding that the Prime Minister should also consider addressing the overall fitness of the nation.

Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, responded to the PM’s call with enthusiasm, expressing his readiness to support the initiative.

Omar Abdullah even nominated 10 more influential figures to carry the message forward.

The campaign, which was initially launched with PM Modi’s call to reduce oil consumption by 10 per cent, has now become a community-wide effort, with leaders from all walks of life taking up the cause.

CM Omar Abdullah further nominated 10 names in which there is a rhythmic gymnast Palak Kour Bijral.

Palak Kour Bijral expressed her excitement over being tagged by CM Omar Abdullah in PM Modi’s obesity awareness campaign.

“It’s an honour for me that the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah sir, has included me among the ten people he has nominated as part of PM Modi’s obesity awareness campaign. This is a huge opportunity to raise awareness about how we can tackle obesity and live healthier lives,” she said.

Palak plans to take the initiative forward by nominating ten more individuals to spread the message further.

“The key to fighting obesity is awareness—understanding how to combat it, how to live a healthier life, and what the road map looks like,” she added.

For Palak, the first step in this journey is physical activity.

“Obesity occurs when we overeat, and the best way to handle it is through fitness. I urge everyone to engage in some form of physical activity—start with walking if you haven’t been active, or challenge yourself to go to the gym. Activities like gymnastics, which I practice, are fantastic for overall body development,” she added.

Palak also emphasised the importance of nutrition.

“Eat clean food, avoid junk and fried foods. These are the two key aspects—physical activity and healthy eating—that can help you fight obesity,” she said.

Reflecting on her own journey, Palak shared how she went from Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi and received recognition from the President of India.

“I am extremely grateful for the support I’ve received from Omar Abdullah and for the opportunity to be part of this campaign. Now, I want to take this forward by raising awareness through social media and by inspiring the children I coach in my academy,” she added.

Palak is committed to using her platform to spread the message about combating obesity, sharing tips on fitness and nutrition, and empowering others to live healthier, happier lives.

National News

Government Cracks Down on OTT Platforms Over Obscene Content

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New Delhi, July 25, 2025 — In a significant move targeting explicit digital content, the Government of India has taken steps to block several over-the-top (OTT) platforms accused of streaming obscene and vulgar material. Platforms such as ALTBalaji, ULLU, and a few others have come under the scanner for allegedly violating Indian content regulations and societal norms.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, acting on multiple complaints from citizens and civil society groups, initiated the ban after conducting an internal review. Authorities stated that certain shows and web series available on these platforms contained content that was “sexually explicit,” “vulgar,” and “not suitable for public viewing,” especially in households with children.

The decision has stirred a wider debate around content regulation and creative freedom in India’s rapidly growing digital entertainment sector. While officials maintain that the step was necessary to uphold decency standards and protect cultural values, critics warn of overreach and censorship.

A senior official said, “This is not about targeting creative freedom. This is about ensuring that OTT content does not cross legal and moral boundaries. There are clear guidelines, and platforms are expected to adhere to them.”

The platforms affected reportedly failed to comply with warnings issued earlier regarding their programming. Despite advisory notices and reminders to filter or restrict adult content, several web series continued to feature nudity, explicit scenes, and suggestive themes without proper age-gating or viewer discretion tools.

In recent years, OTT platforms have grown in popularity, especially among younger audiences, with many bypassing traditional film and TV regulations. The government had previously introduced a self-regulation framework for digital content providers, but critics say enforcement has been lax, leading to the current clampdown.

Some media rights advocates and artists expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the banning process and called for an independent review mechanism. Others, however, welcomed the move, stating that unchecked access to graphic content could have a detrimental effect on social behavior and minors.

As of now, the banned platforms remain inaccessible in India. The Ministry has hinted at further actions if other OTT providers do not align their content with the prescribed code of ethics and IT rules.

This development marks a turning point in India’s digital media regulation and sets the stage for possible stricter content monitoring across streaming platforms in the future.

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National News

2 Teachers Killed, 10 Injured In Van-Truck Collision In Chhattisgarh’s Korba

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Korba: Two women teachers were killed and ten other persons injured after a van in which they were travelling collided with a trailer truck in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district on Thursday, police said.

About The Accident

The accident occurred in the morning near Tanakhar village when 11 staffers and two students of Eklavya Model Residential School, run by the tribal development department, in Pondi Uproda village were heading to their institute from Katghora town, a police official said.

As per preliminary information, the van driver attempted to overtake another vehicle and ended up colliding with a truck, coming from the opposite direction.

A total of 12 occupants of the van sustained injuries, he said.

The victims were taken to the Community Health Centre Katghora, from where the seriously injured persons were referred to different hospitals, he said.

Two teachers, identified as Anjana Sharma (30), a resident of Delhi, and Manju Sharma (32) of Haryana, succumbed to their wounds during treatment at a hospital, he said.

The two deceased were staying in rented houses in Katghora.

Five injured persons have been admitted to a hospital in Korba, two in Bilaspur, and three others, who sustained minor injuries, in Katghora, he said.

A case has been registered and a probe is underway, he added.

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Maharashtra

Supreme Court Stays Bombay High Court’s Acquittal in 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts Case

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New Delhi, July 24, 2025 — The Supreme Court of India has issued a stay on the Bombay High Court’s recent decision to acquit 12 men previously convicted in the 2006 Mumbai suburban train bombings. The apex court, however, clarified that the accused will not need to return to jail while the legal process continues.

The move comes days after the Maharashtra government filed a challenge against the High Court’s ruling, expressing serious concern over the acquittal of all 12 individuals who had been found guilty nearly a decade earlier. The Supreme Court agreed to examine the appeal and put the acquittal order on hold until further notice.

Background of the Case

On July 11, 2006, a series of coordinated bomb blasts targeted local trains on Mumbai’s Western Railway line during evening rush hour. The attacks resulted in the deaths of around 190 people and left over 800 injured. It was one of the deadliest terror strikes in India’s history.

In 2015, a special court convicted 12 men under anti-terror laws, sentencing five to death and the remaining to life imprisonment. However, the Bombay High Court overturned these convictions in July 2025, citing weak and unreliable evidence, inconsistencies in witness testimonies, and procedural lapses in the investigation.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

Responding to the state’s petition, the Supreme Court noted the seriousness of the matter and temporarily suspended the High Court’s decision. The court stated that although the acquittal order is stayed, the accused who had already been released will not be required to surrender at this stage.

Government’s Stand

The Maharashtra government described the High Court’s judgment as deeply concerning, arguing that the earlier trial had followed due process and that crucial evidence—such as confessions and material recovered—was improperly dismissed. The government urged the Supreme Court to uphold the original convictions in the interest of justice for the victims and their families.

What Lies Ahead

The Supreme Court is expected to conduct a detailed review of the High Court’s findings and the prosecution’s evidence. The final verdict could have a significant impact on how terrorism-related cases are investigated and prosecuted in the future, especially with respect to the handling of confessional statements, forensic evidence, and procedural safeguards.

The case continues to be a matter of national attention due to its historical gravity and implications for the justice system. Families of the victims, legal experts, and civil rights advocates are all watching closely as the country’s top court re-evaluates one of India’s most complex terror cases.

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