National News
Several politicians laud PM Modi’s effort to combat India’s rising obesity crisis
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.
Crime
Mumbai Airport Customs Seizes Hydroponic Weed Worth ₹12 Crore; Passenger Arrested

Mumbai: The Mumbai Airport Customs officers have arrested a passenger for allegedly smuggling hydroponic weed valued at around Rs 12 crore, sourced from Bangkok.
According to the agency sources, on the basis of specific intelligence, the Customs officers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), intercepted one passenger arriving from Bangkok on Wednesday.
During the examination of the baggage, the Customs officers recovered 11.92 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (marijuana), with an illicit market value of approximately Rs 12 crores.
The narcotic substances were concealed inside the checked-in trolley bag carried by the passenger, who was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
In his statement, the passenger told Customs officers that he was aware that smuggling of hydroponic weed and other illegal drugs into India attracts stringent punishment. However, he was getting some inducement in lieu of smuggling the contraband to India.
“The preliminary investigation carried out so far in accordance with the law and the statement given by the accused disclose involvement of other persons who are yet to be traced. The investigation in this case is at the preliminary stage and efforts are on to trace other suspects involved in the case,” said a Customs officer.
On Tuesday, Mumbai Airport Customs officers had arrested two persons – Thane resident Mohammad Irfan Khan (27) and Malwani resident Sara Bi (36) for allegedly smuggling hydroponic weed collectively valued at Rs 7.86 crore.
In the intervening night of October 19-20, on the basis of specific intelligence, the Customs officers at CSMIA intercepted one passenger arriving from Bangkok and seized hydroponic weed worth Rs 10.50 crore.
Business
Colgate-Palmolive India’s Q2 profit falls 17 pc, revenue slips over 6 pc

Mumbai, Oct 23: Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited on Thursday reported a 17 per cent drop in its net profit for the second quarter of the current financial year (Q2 FY26).
The company’s profit stood at Rs 327.50 crore for the quarter ended September 2025, compared to Rs 395.05 crore in the same period last financial year (Q2 FY25), according to its stock exchange filing.
Revenue also fell 6.15 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 1,519.50 crore, down from Rs 1,619.11 crore in the previous fiscal.
Operating income or EBITDA declined 6 per cent to Rs 465.43 crore, while the EBITDA margin was almost unchanged at 30.6 per cent, compared to 30.7 per cent last financial year.
Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive India, said the quarter’s performance reflected a temporary impact from disruptions among distributors and retailers due to the GST rate revision.
She added that the company has worked with its partners to ensure consumers benefit from the lower prices that took effect after the tax change.
“Despite the short-term challenges, we remain focused on our long-term strategic goals and will continue to invest in our brands,” Narasimhan said.
Alongside the results, the company announced a first interim dividend of Rs 24 per share for the financial year 2025–26, amounting to a total payout of Rs 652.8 crore.
The record date for the dividend has been set as November 3, and the payment will be made on or before November 19, according to the company’s exchange filing.
Colgate-Palmolive (India)’s quarterly results were released after market hours. On Thursday, its shares closed 1.16 per cent higher at Rs 2,286.90 on the NSE.
However, the stock has fallen 31.35 per cent over the past year and 14.69 per cent so far in 2025.
Crime
BSF apprehends minor with 11 gold biscuits along India-Bangladesh border

Kolkata, Oct 23: The Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended a minor boy with 11 gold biscuits along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal.
The incident has brought to light how smugglers are now using minors as couriers to evade arrest.
“Troops of the 143 Bn BSF, South Bengal Frontier, deployed at the Bithari Border Outpost, had received intelligence inputs of an attempt to smuggle gold in their area of jurisdiction. During checks, they came across an Indian minor carrying a briefcase. During a search, a black packet with the 11 gold biscuits were found in his possession,” a senior BSF official said.
According to an official, the weight of the seized gold is 1,286.17 grams. It is valued at around Rs 1.64 crore.
During questioning, the boy said that he is a resident of Daharkanda village in the Swarupnagar police station area of North 24-Parganas. He also said that he had been sent by his mother to deliver the packet to a designated point.
The boy has been handed over to concerned authorities, along with the gold, for further legal processing. A search has been launched for the boy’s mother and others involved in the racket.
“This recovery once again underscores the alertness, professionalism, and commitment of BSF troops in curbing cross-border smuggling along the India–Bangladesh border, despite attempts by criminal networks to exploit minors for such illegal activities,” the official said.
While stating that the BSF personnel are fully capable of preventing all kinds of illegal activities along the border, he urged the border population to report any information regarding gold smuggling or other crimes to ensure peace in the area.
“They can call the Seema Sathi Helpline Number 14419 or send a WhatsApp text or voice message to 9903472227. Those providing credible information would be suitably rewarded and their identities kept confidential,” he said.
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