Latest news with #NCPCR
India.com
3 days ago
- Health
- India.com
Baba Vanga's scariest prediction: This thing to become reason for several diseases, will affect people of all age group due to...
Baba Vanga's scariest prediction: This thing to become reason for several diseases, will affect people of all age group due to... We are in an era marked by continuous growth in the digital sphere, technology, and change — it has been dubbed the modern or advanced age. From the moment we wake up until the moment we go to sleep, we are living in a world surrounded by machines, devices, and digital systems. There is everything from smartphones, smart homes, artificial intelligence, avatars, and virtual assistants integrating into our lives to a greater capacity every day. In some cases, we are interacting with machines more than we are with other real human beings. In addition, with the march of science pressing forward and the lines between human and machine becoming ever blurrier, we are becoming part of a change in how we live, work, communicate, and connect beyond what we have ever witnessed before. Baba Vanga's scariest prediction! A primary example of this shift is the smartphone. It is continuing to create distance from the real world, and most people do not even acknowledge that shift. The smartphone, which was designed to alleviate the load on your mind and productivity, is now breeding addiction and beginning to take over your mind. The famous Bulgarian mystic Baba Vanga, many years earlier, warned of this as well. Baba Vanga predicted that a small, yet powerful device (which today we clearly see as the smartphone), would impact human behavior and mental health. At the time, it was odd when she said this. Now, it appears that she was completely accurate. As per a report by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), 24% of children in India use smartphones regularly before sleeping. This steady increase in screen time is causing the incidence of anxiety, depression, and concentration issues in children to rise. They are also becoming increasingly separated from real-world activities and having regular social interactions with friends. Adults are experiencing an increasing mobile phone addiction. Staying up late using mobile phones or constantly consuming social media is leading to eye fatigue, neck pain, and sleeping difficulties. It is also contributing to mental stress, feelings of loneliness and inability to focus. Extended periods of screen time can cause irritation in the eyes, blurred vision, and discomfort. Looking down at the phone over long periods of time can cause something called 'text neck,' which causes strain on the spine. How Smartphone addiction can harm you! Blue light from screens has an effect on the hormone melatonin, influencing sleep patterns and making it difficult to sleep. Although it is generally not classified as a mental illness, smartphone use is associated with higher levels of stress and depression. Smartphone usage is also linked to increased levels of stress and depression. The constant stream of notifications and fast-paced digital content contributes to decreased attention and focus. Although smartphones have assisted individuals with maintaining a connection with family members across distances, they have also developed a distance, as well as an emotional distance, within families, even if they are in the same location. As individuals are physically with family members, they still experience a level of loneliness. As individuals spend considerable time on social media, there is less of an emotional connection in real relationships, which weakens relationships, both socially and as a family. Baba Vanga is widely regarded as one of the most intriguing mystics of the 20th century. Vanga's predictions have been regarded as strikingly accurate by several followers.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Why are ‘sugar boards' necessary in schools?
The story so far: In order to check the sugar intake of school-going children, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed over 24,000 affiliated schools across India to establish 'sugar boards', where information is displayed for educating students about the risks of excessive sugar intake. What are 'sugar boards'? Two years ago, food influencer Revant Himatsingka appealed to schools through a video to start a 'sugar board' campaign, which involves a visual representation of the quantity of sugar contained in a bottle of aerated drink or packaged fruit juice. 'Children need to learn in fun and interesting ways the perils of consuming excess sugar. So, in Do It Yourself (DIY) workshops with school children, we ask the students to stick, say for instance bottles of aerated drinks, or packaged juices, [on a paper/white board] and adjacent to that stick the quantity of sugar in a packet and number of teaspoons of sugar that go into the product,' Mr. Himatsingka told The Hindu. For example, a 300 ml bottle of a popular aerated drink contains eight teaspoons of sugar, with one teaspoon of sugar being nearly four grams. Similarly, a popular brand of a 125 ml packaged mango drink contains five teaspoons of sugar. 'Sugar boards' provide essential information, including recommended sugar intake, the sugar content in commonly consumed foods (such as junk food and cold drinks), health risks associated with high sugar consumption and healthier dietary alternatives. The CBSE has stated that schools may submit a brief report and photos of the activity on 'sugar boards' till July 15. Mr. Himatsingka said that while many schools have already included 'sugar boards' in their activities, CBSE's directive will create awareness in nearly two crore students and their families. Why are 'sugar boards' necessary? The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has pushed for the introduction of a 'sugar board' in all schools, not only in those which are CBSE affiliated, but also in schools which are affiliated to various State boards. In a letter written to CBSE by NCPCR in March earlier this year, the child rights body emphasised, 'Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in Type 2 Diabetes among children, a condition primarily seen in adults. This alarming trend is attributable to high sugar intake… easy availability of sugary snacks, beverages and processed foods within school environments,' the letter states. While population-based data on Type-2 diabetes among children and adolescents are unavailable from India, it is estimated that the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in the group is 397 per lakh population, next only to China which has 734 estimated cases per lakh. Speaking with The Hindu, Dr. Divya Gupta, gynaecologist and a member of NCPCR, said, 'Studies indicate that sugar constitutes 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged 4 to 10 years and 15% of those aged 11 to 18 years —substantially exceeding the recommended limit of 5%.' What is India's regulatory stand? Official sources said that the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) had convened a scientific panel of experts in April and May earlier this year, to decide on a High Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) definition pertaining only to school meals. However, the FSSAI has still not set HFSS standards or finalised the 'health-star rating system', for front-of-pack labelling regulations. 'In the meeting, we could not arrive at definition for HFSS for what comprises a school meal. Discussions are underway and it was decided that the HFSS definition for what comprises school meals cannot be different from that of packaged food. So a holistic HFSS definition should be formulated,' an official said. Currently, FSSAI has regulation for brands making food claims. For instance, a low sugar claim can only be made if a product contains not more than five gm sugar per 100 gm. 'While there are regulations in place for making claims on packaged food, FSSAI has not fixed cut-offs for High Fat, Salt, Sugar consumption for the Indian population,' the official said. India currently relies on World Health Organization (WHO) cut-offs for ideal HFSS intake. For instance, WHO guidelines restrict daily sugar intake in adults and children to 25 grams (six teaspoons). However, experts argue that the Indian cut-off should be lower, and should be derived from indigenous data, as the genetic make-up of Indians make them more prone to heart attacks. 'We need epidemiological data, through a country wide study which monitors dietary intake, along with variables like data on Body Mass Index, insulin resistance, lipid profile, biochemical parameters and so on,' said an expert closely working with FSSAI on the issue. What next? Dr. Gupta said that the child rights body is working on gradually introducing directives for foods high in salt and trans-fats as well. 'NCPCR is also gathering data on children suffering from diabetes from government hospitals. We will be talking to parents during parent teacher meetings about the importance of healthy eating. We have had stakeholder meetings with paediatric doctors who will be roped in to go to schools for workshops and so on. Introducing 'sugar boards' is just the beginning,' Dr. Gupta said.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Top news of the day: May 25, 2025
Lalu Prasad expels elder son Tej Pratap Yadav from party and family for 'irresponsible behaviour' Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad on Sunday expelled his eldest son and Hasanpur MLA Tej Pratap Yadav from the party for six years following his video with a girl going viral on social media on Saturday. Mr. Prasad posted a message on social media X saying, 'Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens the collective struggle for social cause. The activities, public conduct and irresponsible behaviour of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions. Therefore, due to the above circumstances, I remove him from the party and family. From now on, he will not have any role of any kind in the party and family. He is expelled from the party for 6 years.' BJP MP sparks row saying tourists should have fought terrorists and women lacked 'warrior spirit' Haryana Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha member Ram Chander Jangra has courted controversy over his remarks on Pahalgam attack for saying that the women, whose husbands were killed by the terrorists, 'did not have the spirit of warriors' and that's why these women fell victim to the bullets pleading for the lives of their husbands with folded hands. He later clarified that his statement was presented in a distorted manner to create political controversy, and this mentality be shunned, adding that he still did not mind apologising for his remarks if anyone was hurt. Operation Sindoor not just military mission, but reflection of changing India, says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Operation Sindoor was not just a military mission, but 'the face of a changing India' that reflects the country's resolve, courage, and growing strength on the global stage. Addressing his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister termed Operation Sindoor as a turning point in the global fight against terror and a symbol of India's growing strength and clarity of purpose. 'Today the entire country is united against terrorism, filled with anger and determination,' Mr. Modi said. 964 children rescued so far by anti-child trafficking cell: NCPCR About 964 children have been rescued since the formation of an Anti-Child Trafficking Cell, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) said on Sunday. The NCPCR, in a statement, said that it recently rescued 17 minor girls from an orchestra group operating in Bihar's Saran district. The rescue operation was launched after the Commission received inputs from an NGO that several minor girls were being forced to perform obscene dances by local orchestra groups in the region. Shashi Tharoor slams Kerala Govt for aid to Turkiye in 2023, John Brittas responds Amidst a multi-party delegation's visit across the globe as part of government's outreach in the wake of the India-Pakistan conflict, two Parliamentarians from Kerala Congress's Shashi Tharoor and CPI(M)'s John Brittas sparred over Kerala Government's financial assistance to Turkiye after it was struck by an earthquake in 2023. Mr. Tharoor in a post on 'X' on Saturday (May 24, 2025), criticised the Kerala Government's ₹10 crore aid to Turkiye two years ago, as 'misplaced generosity'. To which Mr. Brittas said Mr. Thaoor's comments show 'selective amnesia', since it does not mention Narendra Modi Government itself had launched Operation Dost to help Turkiye. Protesters scuffle with security forces near Manipur Raj Bhavan A scuffle broke out between protesters and security forces on Sunday while they were on their way to gherao the Raj Bhavan in Imphal against the removal of the State's name from a Government bus. The protesters responding to a call by COCOMI (Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity) to stage mass agitation gathered at Khwairamband and took out a rally for some 500 metres before security forces stopped them. They were demanding an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla over an alleged insult to Manipur's identity. Playing cards for entertainment and recreation without gambling is not moral turpitude: Supreme Court Playing cards for entertainment and recreation without an element of betting and gambling does not involve moral turpitude, the Supreme Court has said as it restored the election of a man in a cooperative society in Karnataka. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh noted that one Y.C. Hanumantharayappa, who was elected to the board of directors of Government Porcelain Factory Employees Housing Co-operative Society Ltd., was allegedly fined ₹200 without any trial when some persons, including him were caught playing cards sitting on a roadside. Assembly bypolls to five seats in four States on June 19: Election Commission Bypolls to five Assembly seats in four States will be held on June 19, the Election Commission said on Sunday. While two assembly bypolls will be held in Gujarat, one each will take place in Kerala, West Bengal and Punjab. The counting of votes will take place on June 23, the poll authority said. In Gujarat, the bypoll to the Kadi seat was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki. Another bypoll to the Visavadar seat in the state is taking place due to the resignation of sitting member Bhayani Bhupendrabhai Gandubhai. Overnight heavy rains threw life out of gear in Kerala; IMD issues red alerts for five districts Heavy rains pummelled Kerala overnight, causing some disruption to everyday life, even as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the South West Monsoon will likely intensify on Sunday. The IMD has issued a red alert for five northern districts —Kasargod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram — for the next 24 hours. The rest of Kerala, including Idukki, was under orange alert. The IMD has predicted intense rainfall in the regions until Monday (May 26). The IMD will likely update its weather forecast at 10.30 a.m. Bangladesh court begins first trial of Hasina-era officials Bangladesh began the first trial on Sunday at a special court prosecuting former senior figures connected to the ousted government of Sheikh Hasina, the chief prosecutor said. The court in the capital, Dhaka accepted a formal charge against eight police officials in connection with the killing of six protesters on August 5 last year, the day Ms. Hasina fled the country as the protesters stormed her palace. The eight men are charged with crimes against humanity. Four are in custody and four are being tried in absentia. Trump defends block on foreign students at Harvard U.S. President Donald Trump defended on Sunday his administration's move to block foreign students at Harvard after a judge suspended the action, branded by the top university as unlawful. 'Why isn't Harvard saying that almost 31% of their students are from FOREIGN LANDS, and yet those countries, some not at all friendly to the United States, pay NOTHING toward their student's education, nor do they ever intend to,' Mr. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. Massive Russian drone-and-missile attack on Ukraine kills 12 people, officials say A massive Russian drone-and-missile attack targeted the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and other regions in the country for a second consecutive night, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens, officials said early Sunday. The scale of the onslaught was stunning — Russia hit Ukraine with 367 drones and missiles, making this the largest single attack of the more than three-years-long war, according to Yuriy Ihnat, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Air Force. IPL 2025 | Josh Hazlewood rejoins Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL playoffs Royal Challengers Bengaluru have got a massive boost ahead of the Indian Premier League playoffs with Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood rejoining the side two days before their final league match in Lucknow on May 27, 2025. Hazlewood had returned home during the one-week break due to the suspension of the IPL in the wake of India-Pakistan military conflict and was also dealing with a shoulder niggle from which the right-arm pacer has recovered. It will be a challenge for Gill to lead India in England, says Pujara Test veteran Cheteshwar Pujara on Sunday said it will be a challenge for a youngster like Shubman Gill to captain India in tough conditions in England, but a big opportunity and confidence booster for him if he achieves success as a leader in the marquee series. 'When you go abroad as a captain, whether you are young or matured, it will be challenging. To start off in England, it won't be easy for Shubman but it's a great opportunity for a young player. If he leads well in England it will boost his confidence.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- The Hindu
964 children rescued so far by anti-child trafficking cell: NCPCR
About 964 children have been rescued since the formation of an Anti-Child Trafficking Cell, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) said on Sunday (May 25, 2025). The NCPCR in a statement said that it recently rescued 17 minor girls from an orchestra group operating in Bihar's Saran district. The rescue operation was launched after the Commission received inputs from an NGO that several minor girls were being forced to perform obscene dances by local orchestra groups in the region. The NCPCR directed Saran Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Kumar Ashish to carry out an immediate rescue. Following the directive, the SP formed a special rescue team comprising police officials from Masrakh, Panapur and Isuapur police stations. The coordinated operation led to the rescue of 17 minor girls — six from Masrakh, seven from Panapur and four from Isuapur, it said. The rescued girls were presented before the Child Welfare Committee, which is now overseeing their restoration and rehabilitation. A detailed inquiry into the case is underway. The NCPCR reiterated that it is committed to protecting child rights as enshrined in the Constitution and relevant laws, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The Commission's Anti-Child Trafficking Cell, which has been set up to address the growing challenge of trafficking, has been instrumental in identifying and rescuing children in distress across the country.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
964 children rescued so far by anti-child trafficking cell: NCPCR
About 964 children have been rescued since the formation of an Anti-Child Trafficking Cell , the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) said on Sunday. The NCPCR in a statement said that it recently rescued 17 minor girls from an orchestra group operating in Bihar's Saran district. The rescue operation was launched after the Commission received inputs from an NGO that several minor girls were being forced to perform obscene dances by local orchestra groups in the region. The NCPCR directed Saran Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr Kumar Ashish to carry out an immediate rescue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More Undo Following the directive, the SP formed a special rescue team comprising police officials from Masrakh, Panapur and Isuapur police stations. The coordinated operation led to the rescue of 17 minor girls -- six from Masrakh, seven from Panapur and four from Isuapur, it said. The rescued girls were presented before the Child Welfare Committee, which is now overseeing their restoration and rehabilitation. A detailed inquiry into the case is underway. Live Events The NCPCR reiterated that it is committed to protecting child rights as enshrined in the Constitution and relevant laws, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The Commission's Anti-Child Trafficking Cell, which has been set up to address the growing challenge of trafficking, has been instrumental in identifying and rescuing children in distress across the country.
