Health
Global Study Reveals Alarming Rise of Obesity in India

Obesity is becoming a pressing health concern in India, with new research indicating that lifestyle, diet, and nutrition significantly influence obesity rates among the population. A global study titled “Obesity and its Genetic Basis in South Asians – Insights from Indian cohorts” highlights that lifestyle changes and targeted nutrient supplementation may be more effective than genetic predisposition in managing obesity risk for Indians. The findings, led by Dr. Giriraj Ratan Chandak from the CSIR-CCMB in Hyderabad, underscore the urgency of addressing this growing epidemic.
The World Obesity Federation predicts that by 2035, more than half of the global population will be classified as overweight or obese. These conditions are linked not only to social stigma but also to serious health risks, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, reproductive issues, and certain cancers. The study, published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine, calls for urgent intervention to prevent obesity from escalating further.
Understanding the Indian Context
Obesity poses a significant threat in India, where the prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension is already high. The pattern of obesity in India differs markedly from that observed in Europe, with a tendency towards central obesity. Previous research by Dr. Chandak has shown that the genetic factors influencing non-communicable diseases in Indians are distinct from those in Europeans.
In this latest study, researchers at CSIR-CCMB analyzed the genomes of the Indian population, focusing on individuals with diabetes and those maintaining normal blood glucose levels. This long-term study, spanning nearly two decades, has provided a unique platform to explore the genetic underpinnings of obesity in Indians. Researchers identified several genetic changes associated with obesity and developed a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) specifically for the Indian population, creating a “virtual individual” model to assess obesity risk.
Genetics and Lifestyle: A Complex Relationship
The research reveals a crucial link between genetic risk and lifestyle interventions. Individuals with a higher genetic predisposition to obesity showed a greater response to lifestyle changes such as diet and physical activity. However, they also faced a higher likelihood of regaining weight after interventions ceased. This finding emphasizes the need for sustained lifestyle management rather than short-term solutions.
Moreover, the study indicates that ancestry plays a significant role in obesity risk assessment. The PRS proved more accurate for individuals of European ancestry compared to those of South Asian descent. Many genetic variants associated with obesity in Europeans do not have the same impact on Indians, reflecting the unique obesity patterns within the Indian demographic.
Dr. Chandak commented, “The observations made from this study echo earlier results regarding height, where genetic variants identified in Europeans predicted a lower risk in Indians, highlighting the importance of environmental influences on gene expression.”
A Global Perspective on Obesity Research
This international study involved a collaboration of over 600 researchers from 500 institutions, utilizing the largest and most diverse genetic dataset to date. The dataset included genetic information from the GIANT consortium and 23andMe, covering more than five million individuals across various countries, including India. This comprehensive approach enabled the development of the PRS, which can predict the likelihood of obesity in adulthood based on genetic information available as early as childhood.
Assistant Professor Roelof Smit from the University of Copenhagen and lead author of the research, stated, “What makes the score so powerful is its ability to predict, around the age of five, whether a child is likely to develop obesity in adulthood, well before other risk factors start to shape their weight later in childhood. Intervening at this point can have a huge impact.”
As the issue of obesity continues to escalate, this research highlights the critical need for targeted interventions in early childhood and the importance of understanding the unique genetic landscape of different populations. The findings not only pave the way for better obesity management strategies in India but also contribute to a global understanding of the complexities surrounding this health crisis.
Health
Lawyers Turn Out in Force for HCBA Elections in Prayagraj

In a significant turnout for the elections of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association (HCBA), approximately 85 percent of registered lawyers participated in voting on Wednesday. The election aimed to fill 28 office-bearer positions and took place in Prayagraj, with the polling conducted from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the parking area of the newly constructed chamber building.
According to Radha Kant Ojha, the chief returning officer for the HCBA election, 8,337 lawyers exercised their right to vote, ensuring that all participants adhered to the dress code and presented valid identity cards issued by the association. The polling process was closely monitored by Ojha and other returning officers to guarantee a smooth and orderly election.
Security Measures Implemented for Smooth Polling
To maintain order and safety during the election, a contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local civil police were stationed at each polling booth. Additionally, the election committee enforced a 500-meter no-tent zone around the court building to prevent any potential interference and ensure that the election proceeded without disruption.
As part of the security measures, traffic routes were diverted to accommodate the polling process, and the entire area surrounding the court was designated as a no-parking zone. These steps were taken to facilitate a smooth voting experience for the lawyers participating in the election.
Vote Counting Scheduled for July 25
The counting of votes is set to commence on July 25 in the library hall of the HCBA. This crucial stage will determine the new leadership for the bar association, following an election that has generated significant interest among the legal community in Prayagraj.
The successful conduct of this election reflects the active engagement of lawyers in the democratic process within the legal profession, showcasing their commitment to shaping the future of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association.
Health
Discover 7 Sleep-Enhancing Drinks to Combat Insomnia

Insomnia affects millions worldwide, disrupting sleep patterns and overall well-being. This condition can manifest as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving quality rest. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), insomnia can be categorized into short-term and chronic forms. Short-term insomnia often arises from stress or changes in routine and typically lasts a few days to weeks. Chronic insomnia, however, persists for more than three months and occurs three or more times a week, significantly impacting health.
The consequences of insomnia extend beyond fatigue. Chronic insomnia can impair memory and concentration, increasing the risk of serious health issues, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer, as noted by the NIH.
Natural Remedies for Better Sleep
Fortunately, several natural drinks can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Consuming these beverages before bedtime may assist in calming the mind and preparing the body for rest. Here are some popular options:
Milk: This classic bedtime drink contains amino acids that help produce serotonin and melatonin, essential hormones for facilitating sleep.
Tart cherry juice: Known for its sleep-enhancing properties, tart cherry juice gained popularity in 2023 as the ‘sleep girl mocktail.’ Research indicates that it is a rich source of melatonin, making it an effective option for those struggling with insomnia.
Chamomile tea: Celebrated for its mild sedative effect, chamomile tea is a go-to choice for many looking to unwind before sleep. Packed with antioxidants and the compound apigenin, it helps reduce anxiety and promote drowsiness.
Valerian root tea: Often used in herbal medicine, valerian root may improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Its calming effects are attributed to its ability to enhance GABA levels in the brain.
Golden milk: This soothing beverage, made with turmeric and milk, is not only delicious but also boasts anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of spices and warm milk can create a calming effect, making it an ideal pre-sleep drink.
Lavender tea: Renowned for its relaxing aroma, lavender tea may also aid sleep by lowering heart rate and promoting relaxation.
Banana and almond smoothie: A nutritious option, this smoothie combines bananas, which contain magnesium and potassium, with almond milk, providing a creamy, sleep-friendly drink that is both satisfying and effective.
Incorporating these drinks into your evening routine may offer a simple yet effective way to combat insomnia. As sleep plays a crucial role in overall health, finding natural remedies can significantly enhance well-being and quality of life. For further health updates and tips, following reliable health sources can be beneficial.
Health
Experts Warn: Unexplained Fever May Signal Kidney Cancer

A persistent fever without an identifiable cause may indicate the presence of kidney cancer, according to medical experts. This condition, known as Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO), can signal underlying health issues, including renal cell carcinoma, which often remains undetected until advanced stages.
Dr. Mohammed Mithi, a Surgical Oncologist at Saifee Hospital, emphasized that while fevers are typically associated with infections, unexplained recurring fevers could be linked to kidney cancer. He noted that this type of cancer is often discovered incidentally during imaging tests. “In certain cases, it arises with what is termed a paraneoplastic syndrome, which includes symptoms not directly caused by the tumor but by chemicals released by the tumor or by the immune system,” he explained.
Kidney cancer is frequently asymptomatic in its early stages. According to Dr. Iti Parikh, a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, the classic symptoms—flank pain, hematuria (blood in urine), and abdominal masses—only appear in approximately 9 to 10 percent of cases. “When symptoms do manifest, they typically indicate an advanced local stage of the disease,” Dr. Parikh added.
Fever occurs in about 20 percent of kidney cancer patients, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue. The exact cause of fever in these patients is frequently unknown. Dr. Parikh noted, “When fever appears, it can indicate more extensive or systemic disease.”
Dr. Mithi explained that persistent fever in kidney cancer cases is often due to the release of inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6, which disrupts the body’s temperature regulation. This can lead to misdiagnosis, with patients receiving repeated antibiotic treatments instead of a cancer diagnosis, delaying timely intervention.
Other symptoms associated with kidney cancer include fatigue, weight loss, anemia, hypercalcemia, and in rare cases, liver dysfunction or Stauffer syndrome. “If fever is persistent without any evident source—especially if accompanied by systemic manifestations—clinicians must consider cancer in their differential diagnosis,” Dr. Mithi stated.
To diagnose kidney cancer, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans are often employed. Kidney cancer, characterized by abnormal cell growth in the kidney tissue, can metastasize to other organs if not detected early.
This type of cancer predominantly affects individuals aged between 65 and 74 years, with men being twice as likely to develop it compared to women. While kidney cancer is rare in children, its early stages often do not produce noticeable symptoms, leading to late diagnoses as the tumor grows.
Some common symptoms of kidney cancer include:
– Blood in urine
– A lump or mass in the kidney area
– Flank pain
– Chronic fatigue
– General malaise
– Loss of appetite
– Persistent low-grade fever
– Bone pain
– High blood pressure
– Anemia
– Elevated calcium levels
Recognizing these signs can be critical for early detection and treatment. Patients experiencing unexplained fevers or other concerning symptoms should consult with healthcare professionals to rule out serious conditions like kidney cancer.
Health
Passenger Attacks Autorickshaw Driver with Knife in Pune

A violent incident occurred on the morning of March 10, 2024, in Pune, where a man attempted to murder an autorickshaw driver with a knife over a dispute regarding a stop. The victim, Subhash Chavan, aged 66, sustained serious injuries to his throat and was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment.
According to the Dehu Road police, Chavan had been en route to the Pimpri station to collect a delivery of vegetables when he picked up a passenger who requested a ride to Shirgaon. The passenger offered ₹500 for the trip, which Chavan accepted.
As the autorickshaw approached the old octroi post in Nigdi, the passenger suddenly demanded that Chavan stop the vehicle to answer a call of nature. Given the speed of the vehicle on the Pune-Mumbai highway, Chavan could not halt immediately. He managed to slow down and stop in front of Kendriya Vidyalaya around 7:30 AM.
Upon exiting the vehicle, the passenger began to verbally abuse Chavan for not stopping sooner. In a shocking turn of events, he brandished a knife and attacked Chavan, inflicting severe wounds to his throat before fleeing the scene.
Despite his injuries, Chavan drove himself to the hospital, where he received urgent medical attention. Following the incident, the Dehu Road police were notified and registered a case under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to attempted murder. Senior Inspector Vikram Bansode stated that investigations are ongoing, although there were no CCTV cameras in the vicinity to aid in identifying the suspect.
Authorities are actively searching for the assailant, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. This troubling attack highlights the risks faced by public transport operators and raises concerns about passenger safety in the region.
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