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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.

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241 dead, one survivor as Air India Dreamliner crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad: Air India

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New Delhi, June 13: In what is being described as one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.

The aircraft, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, plunged into a residential complex near BJ Medical College, killing 241 people on board.

The ill-fated flight had 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and two pilots. According to officials, only one person, a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A, survived the crash and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

The aircraft took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.38 p.m. (IST) on Thursday before losing control moments later and crashing into a densely populated area, igniting a massive blaze and triggering emergency response teams across the city.

Air India confirmed the accident in an official statement on X: “UPDATE: Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital.”

The airline also shared the nationality breakdown of passengers: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

“Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones. A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support,” the statement added.

The national carrier has pledged full cooperation with authorities investigating the cause of the crash and has established dedicated helplines for families seeking information.

Domestic callers can reach the support team at 1800 5691 444, while international callers are advised to dial +91 8062779200.

Regular updates will be provided through Air India’s official website and its X handle.

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Plastic nurdle spill from sunken cargo ship reaches TN’s Dhanushkodi sanctuary, raising alarm

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Chennai, June 10: A plastic nurdle spill from the sunken cargo ship MSC ELSA 3 has spread into the newly declared Dhanushkodi Greater Flamingo Sanctuary in Ramanathapuram district, threatening one of India’s most fragile coastal ecosystems.

The MSC ELSA 3, a Liberian-flagged vessel, sank off the Kochi coast a few weeks ago while carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials, 12 with calcium carbide, 367 tonnes of furnace oil, and 84 tonnes of diesel.

The ship’s cargo manifest remains undisclosed, fuelling speculation about the full extent of environmental risk.

Dhanushkodi Sanctuary, located within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, supports 128 species of birds — including Greater and Lesser Flamingos — and is home to sea turtles, crustaceans, molluscs, and fish. Its dunes, marshes, and seagrass beds form part of the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds.

The nurdles — tiny plastic pellets used in industrial manufacturing — resemble fish eggs and can be deadly to marine life. When ingested, they cause internal blockages, starvation, and often death. They also absorb toxins, entering the food chain and posing long-term health hazards.

About 80 bags, each weighing 25 kilograms, have reportedly washed ashore along a 12-km coastal stretch. Affected sites include the Dhanushkodi old church, Irattaithalai, Mugandharayan Chathiram, Gothanda Ramar temple, and Patchappatti village.

Carried by ocean currents from the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanniyakumari coast, the spill now threatens the adjacent Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, home to vital coral reefs and seagrass beds.

Experts warn these habitats could be smothered by plastic debris, blocking sunlight and disrupting photosynthesis.

Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon said, “We’ve identified between 15 and 30 nurdle bags along the coast. A special team has been deployed for cleanup, and additional teams are monitoring for further debris.”

He urged the public not to panic, stating that swift action was underway.

The disaster evokes memories of the 2021 X-Press Pearl incident in Sri Lanka, where 1,680 tonnes of nurdles led to mass marine deaths and crippled fisheries.

Studies showed severe impacts on plankton and larval life forms, threatening entire food chains.

Cleanup efforts in Ramanathapuram face challenges due to the nurdles’ buoyancy and small size, worsened by monsoon waves that break them into microplastics.

With the 61-day annual fishing ban nearing its end, fishermen fear reduced fish catches and consumer hesitancy could harm their livelihoods if the spill worsens.

Environmentalists are calling for urgent intervention, cargo transparency, and long-term containment measures to prevent irreversible damage to one of India’s most critical marine ecosystems.

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Eight Punjab and Haryana HC judges take lead to boost Kashmir tourism post Pahalgam terror attack

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Srinagar, June 9: To give a boost to Kashmir tourism post Pahalgam terror attack, eight judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court are visiting the valley along with their families.

The visit of the legal personalities along with their families carries a powerful message for the revival of tourism in Kashmir, which got shattered after the Pahalgam terror attack.

On April 22, Pakistan-backed terrorists of Lashkar-e-Kashmir (LeT) killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local pony owner.

The pony owner sacrificed his life while trying to protect the tourists from the bullets of the terrorists.

The terror attack caused outrage in the entire country, and to avenge the killings of innocent civilians, the Indian Armed Forces carried out airstrikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.

In retaliation for India’s attack on terrorist infrastructure, Pakistan resorted to heavy mortar shelling on civilian facilities in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts.

Eighteen civilians were killed in Pakistan shelling, 13 of them in Poonch district, in addition to the destruction of scores of homes, shops, a temple, a mosque, a church and a Gurudwara.

The itinerary of the visiting high court judges includes visits to the Mughal Gardens of Nishat and Shalimar, Shikara rides on the Dal Lake, a visit to the historic Pari Mahal and buying a few handicrafts at the local market.

There could be no better omen for the revival of tourism in Kashmir than the decision of the honourable justices of the High Court to come here along with their families.

Coinciding with the visit of these dignitaries, local tour and travel operators and hotel owners are reporting a gradual rise in the tourist bookings that had virtually stopped after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Tour and travel operators and others connected with the tourist industry have expressed hope that the visit by the most respected legal dignitaries, like the high court judges, will restore confidence among visitors, both domestic and foreign, that Kashmir is a safe tourist destination.

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