The water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj have surged sharply, affecting more than 150,000 families as floodwaters inundate both rural and urban areas. By Sunday morning, floodwaters reached 16 villages and seven city neighbourhoods, prompting local authorities to remain on high alert while they continue their flood management efforts.

As of Sunday at 08:00, the Yamuna River at Naini rose significantly, increasing by 56 cm to reach 83.19 meters, just 1.5 meters below the danger mark of 84.734 meters. The Ganga at Phaphamau measured 83.06 meters, having risen by 45 cm. Other locations, including Chhatnag and Buxi STP, recorded levels of 82.41 meters and 82.90 meters, respectively.

By 16:00 on Sunday, there was a slight decline in water levels, with the Yamuna at Naini dipping to 82.86 meters. The Ganga’s levels showed mixed changes; Phaphamau increased marginally to 83.09 meters, while Chhatnag and Buxi STP experienced decreases of 4 cm and 9 cm, respectively. Despite these slight improvements, local officials remain vigilant as the threat of flooding persists, particularly in low-lying areas such as Baghdara, Salori, Beli, Rajapur, and Ashok Nagar.

Residents in these regions are taking precautions. Abhishek Yadav, a resident of Baghdara, expressed his concerns, stating he has gathered essential items in anticipation of his home being submerged. Local officials are conducting assessments in the hardest-hit areas. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Abhishek Kumar Singh visited Daraganj, Salori, and Rajapur on Saturday, advising residents to evacuate early.

Relief operations have commenced, with two camps established in Sadar Tehsil—Annie Besant Relief Camp and Cantt Marriage Hall—offering shelter to 50 individuals as of Saturday evening. These numbers are expected to grow as more areas become submerged. The District Magistrate, Ravindra Kumar Mandar, reassured the public that relief efforts are ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and civil defence actively rescuing residents using boats.

In the Badra Sonoti region, 11 boats are currently operational, ferrying residents as road access becomes increasingly compromised. Although water levels have stabilized, experts caution that the situation remains precarious. Additional rainfall upstream could potentially lead to renewed flooding.

The irrigation department is actively managing water levels, reporting controlled releases of 46,000 cusecs from Bhuraghat Barrage and 80,000 cusecs from Ken Barrage, which are anticipated to reach Prayagraj by Sunday night. Executive Engineer Digvijay Narayan Shukla noted that while the release rates have declined, both rivers are still under substantial pressure.

As conditions remain uncertain, officials are on high alert, closely monitoring the situation and urging the public to prepare for possible evacuations should circumstances worsen. The community’s resilience is being tested, and local leaders continue to emphasize the importance of safety and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

Health insurance is undergoing a significant transformation as Gen Z asserts its priorities and preferences in the marketplace. Unlike previous generations, this cohort emphasizes immediate health needs, innovative technology, and a holistic approach to well-being. With a keen focus on affordability, mental health, and preventive care, Gen Z is reshaping the landscape of health insurance.

Mobile-First Expectations

For Gen Z, traditional insurance models that rely heavily on paperwork and in-person consultations are becoming obsolete. More than half of Gen Z consumers in India prefer insurance solutions that are mobile-first and app-based. They expect to find, purchase, and manage their policies entirely through their smartphones. This generation is accustomed to rapid digital transactions, such as ten-minute deliveries and teleconsultations, making it clear that simplicity and speed are not optional but essential.

Emphasis on Mental Health and Affordability

The conversation around health is shifting dramatically. Unlike older generations that focused primarily on chronic physical conditions, Gen Z prioritizes mental health issues, including anxiety and burnout. This shift is reflected in their demand for insurance plans that incorporate mental health support. Many traditional health plans do not cover these essential services, leading to an increased interest in mental health riders or add-ons that are viewed as dealbreakers.

Financial considerations also play a vital role. With rising living costs, including rent and education, affordability is crucial for Gen Z. They are actively searching for low-cost, flexible plans that deliver maximum value. This generation is financially savvy, preferring plans that provide clarity in coverage and flexibility for future adjustments. In contrast, older generations often opt for broader coverage despite higher premiums, reflecting different health needs and financial circumstances.

Preventive care is another area where Gen Z is raising expectations. They prioritize early intervention and value insurance that includes coverage for outpatient visits, annual check-ups, and diagnostics. The traditional model of insurance that pays only for hospitalizations feels outdated to them. Instead, they seek plans that emphasize preventive measures, allowing them to address potential health issues before they become serious.

Gen Z’s approach to selecting insurance policies is also changing. Many are now independently researching and personalizing their plans, often at a younger age than previous generations. This early adoption can lead to lower premiums and fewer underwriting challenges, ultimately providing access to better coverage and modern preventive features.

In summary, Gen Z is driving a significant shift in health insurance, demanding a balance of digital convenience, empathetic support, and meaningful coverage that aligns with their lifestyles. The transformation reflects a broader trend where the health insurance industry must adapt to meet the unique needs and preferences of a new generation. As this shift continues, insurance providers must respond to the evolving expectations or risk losing relevance in a rapidly changing market.

The city of Pune is experiencing a troubling rise in Hepatitis A cases, with reports indicating that the number of infections has more than doubled compared to the same period last year. As of June 2025, health authorities have confirmed a total of 57 cases of Hepatitis A, significantly higher than the 27 cases recorded during the same months in 2024. Officials attribute this surge to contamination of water and food sources, a common concern during the monsoon season.

According to the Puna Municipal Corporation (PMC), the increase in Hepatitis A cases is closely linked to the onset of rains, which often lead to waterborne diseases. Dr. Nina Borade, Chief Health Officer of PMC, expressed concern about the public’s eating habits, noting that many affected individuals have consumed food from outside vendors. “The early onset of monsoon is bound to bring in more vector-borne and waterborne infections,” she stated. Additionally, she highlighted that changes in the mosquito breeding cycle and altered climate conditions might also impact public health.

Understanding Hepatitis A and Its Risks

Hepatitis A is an inflammatory liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the primary modes of transmission include contamination of food and water, inadequate sanitation, and poor personal hygiene. The virus can be particularly dangerous for individuals who are unvaccinated or have never been previously infected.

The symptoms of Hepatitis A can vary widely among individuals. However, common signs include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Anyone who is not vaccinated or previously infected is at risk, making awareness and preventive measures crucial, especially during the rainy season.

Preventive Measures Against Hepatitis A

To safeguard against Hepatitis A, health officials recommend several precautions, particularly during the monsoon months. Individuals should prioritize personal hygiene, ensuring thorough handwashing with soap and clean water after using the restroom and before handling food.

Additionally, it is advisable to consume only properly cooked food and bottled or boiled water. Avoiding food from street vendors during heavy rains can also significantly reduce the risk of infection.

As Pune grapples with this health challenge, public awareness campaigns and community engagement will play vital roles in mitigating the spread of Hepatitis A. Local health authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families during the monsoon season.

In a novel development within India’s wedding industry, couples can now hire professional dancers known as ‘rent-a-baraatis’ to enliven their celebrations. This service caters to those who want to create a vibrant atmosphere, even when guest attendance falls short. Particularly popular among non-resident Indians (NRIs), this trend allows couples to infuse traditional flair into their weddings.

Couple Fatima and Aidan, originally from Turkey, have embraced this concept for their grand Indian wedding. They celebrate each anniversary in a different country, and last year, they sought a full traditional experience, including a lively baraat. “They needed both guests and baraatis, so we helped them hire about 100 people for their wedding,” said Mohsin Khan, a wedding planner based in Delhi. “The couple received stunning photos and videos from the functions.”

For some, the decision to hire baraatis stems from family expectations. Vijay, who married Shweta from Chandigarh, faced pressure from her family for a raucous baraat. “Hardly anyone in my family is confident in dancing because our weddings are usually quiet,” he shared. “I had to compromise and rent baraatis. It turned out to be quite enjoyable.”

Demand for rented baraatis varies, with clients typically requesting between 20 to 50 performers, depending on the wedding size. “Some prefer more friends dancing, while others want a mixed crowd,” Khan explained. Agencies often provide costumes to match the wedding theme, ensuring a cohesive look.

This perspective highlights the underlying debate regarding rented baraatis. While many view it as a harmless enhancement to wedding festivities, others see it as a response to societal pressures to showcase a certain image. Agencies hiring these performers conduct thorough background checks to ensure a seamless experience.

Arvind Vishwakarma, who operates a baraati rental agency in Bhopal, noted the growing demand for these services, particularly for NRI and destination weddings. “We train performers to fit the occasion, even hiring actors for specific roles like older relatives,” he said, adding that they prepare them to respond vaguely if questioned about their connection to the family.

The costs associated with renting baraatis can be significant, ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per performer, which includes outfit rental. Abhishek, a seasoned baraati from Bhopal, shared his experiences, stating, “I have danced at almost 30-35 weddings over the past few years. I enjoy the energy of every baraat.” He operates within fixed hours, typically around three hours for local weddings, with travel and accommodation covered for destination events.

Event planners like Tushar Gawande, founder of Happy Minds Events, confirm that renting baraatis is particularly advantageous for destination weddings. “Clients prefer this option to avoid the hassle of booking rooms and arranging travel for numerous guests,” he explained. “We train them based on the playlist or theme and source external manpower for special requests, especially for carnival-themed weddings.”

The trend of renting baraatis continues to grow, with agencies like Raj Events in Ambala reporting strong demand. “We conceptualize baraat themes and even have a DJ on wheels. There are also requests for international dancers, such as Russian performers,” noted Sukhraj Singh of Raj Events.

For couples like Pooja Prema, hiring baraatis became a practical solution to their celebration desires. “We wanted a grand celebration with dance and music, but our families are shy,” she said. “Hiring an agency to rent baraatis allowed us to enjoy the festivities without the pressure of getting everyone to dance.”

As the trend evolves, it reflects changing attitudes toward weddings in India, where the desire for a lively celebration often meets the realities of guest attendance. The rent-a-baraati phenomenon not only enhances wedding experiences but also sparks conversations about authenticity and societal expectations in contemporary celebrations.