
DGCA to form a committee to revise medical parameters for Indian pilots: Airline Pilots Association
According to the Airline Pilots Association of India (ALPA), the revised standards would be in line with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
This followed a grievance raised by the association that the mandatory medical evaluations done by the regulator's empanelled medical centres were inconsistent with the international body's recommendations.
An official release said the committee's approval was one of the key outcomes of a meeting between ALPA and the regulator at its head office in New Delhi on Monday (July 14).
ALPA, a Bengaluru-based organisation over two decades old, represents more than 1,000 Indian pilots working both in India and abroad.
Last week, the association had rejected the findings of the probe into the Ahmedabad plane crash by the Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and lashed out at the bias toward pilot error.
As of now, the medical evaluations for civilian pilots are being carried out at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Bengaluru and the Air Force Central Medical Establishment of the Indian Air Force.

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United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
Muscle, exercise studies to maintain crew health in Space
Chennai, July 17 (UNI) After the safe splashdown of four member AX-4 crew, including Indian astronaut Shubhansu Shukla, following their 18-day stay in the orbital platform, NASA today said maintaining muscles and monitoring astronaut health in space were the top research subjects aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Expedition 73 crew also replaced critical life support hardware and serviced a variety of experimental gear. The lack of gravity weighing down on a human living in space contributes to muscle loss since it takes much less effort to move around in weightlessness. Spaceflight crews exercise daily for two hours to counteract space-caused muscle atrophy and bone loss to stay healthy in microgravity and remain in shape for the eventual return to Earth. Scientists are studying electrical muscle stimulation in combination with exercising in space to improve muscle function, reduce workout times, and design lighter exercise equipment. NASA Flight Engineers Nichole Ayers and Jonny Kim joined each other in the Columbus laboratory module on Wednesday for the muscle study that may benefit future long-duration space flights as well as patients on Earth with mobility issues. Ayers wore electrodes that sent electrical signals to her legs as Kim operated the biomedical equipment that also recorded how her muscles responded. Next, Ayers removed the electrodes then wore a sensor-packed headband and vest collecting her heart and breathing rate as she worked out on the advanced resistive exercise device that mimics free weights on Earth and then pedaled on an exercise cycle. Researchers will use the health data to continuously adjust crew exercise plans and improve aerobic and cardiovascular conditioning in microgravity. Ayers and Kim later assisted NASA Flight Engineer Anne McClain as she replaced a catalytic reactor in the Tranquility module. The catalytic reactor introduces oxygen into the station's water processor assembly and oxidizes organic material in the wastewater. Station Commander Takuya Onishi from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) helped the trio conclude the maintenance work as he reinstalled hardware removed in Tranquility so the crew could access the advanced life support components. Onishi began his day in the Kibo laboratory module troubleshooting and inspecting combustion research hardware in the Multipurpose Small Payload Rack. Onishi then replaced a device, the Microgravity Measurement Apparatus, that measures the vibrations Kibo experiences due to astronaut activities and spacecraft dockings that may affect sensitive science experiments. Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Kirill Peskov also participated in an exercise study as they took turns jogging on the Zvezda service module's treadmill for a fitness evaluation. Doctors will use the data to determine a crew member's energy requirements to stay fit in space and ensure readiness for strenuous activities such as spacewalks and the return to Earth's gravity. Roscosmos Flight Engineer Alexey Zubritskiy started his shift cleaning ventilation systems and smoke detectors. He then trained to perform medical procedures on the orbital outpost including eye checks, needle injections, injury treatments, and more. The Progress 91 cargo craft docked to the rear port of Zvezda fired its engines for nearly 12 minutes on Wednesday. The reboost lifts the space station's orbit to the correct altitude for the approach and docking of the Progress 93 cargo craft planned for September. UNI GV 1755


India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Can an Indian version of Mediterranean diet protect your heart? AIIMS finds out
Doctors and researchers are testing a new diet plan designed especially for Indians suffering from heart by the popular Mediterranean diet, this Indian-adapted version could be a way to offer simple, local, and effective strategies to protect the heart, especially at a time when India faces a high burden of cardiovascular Indian Adapted Mediterranean Diet (IAMD) is now in its third phase of testing through a clinical trial involving 140 patients at the All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, and funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).advertisement Developed by experts at AIIMS and The George Institute for Global Health, with help from researchers in the US, the diet uses Indian ingredients to recreate the health benefits of the original Mediterranean diet, known for its heart-protective and anti-inflammatory details of the IAMD have been published in the peer-reviewed journal BMC THIS DIET MATTERSCoronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and one of the leading causes of death in India. CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked due to plaque buildup (sticky, waxy substances made of cholesterol, fat, calcium, protein in the blood or even waste products from cells).This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and even heart risk factors contribute to CAD like poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and family history. Multiple studies show that changing the way we eat can lower the risk and help prevent future heart problems. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and one of the leading causes of death in India. () 'The first phase was about the development of the diet,' Dr. Ambuj Roy, professor of cardiology at AIIMS Delhi, who is leading the trial, told 'We explored what the Mediterranean diet is and whether we could create equivalents within the food constraints here in India, while retaining its anti-inflammatory properties.'ADAPTING THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET FOR INDIAThe traditional Mediterranean diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. These foods are linked with lower rates of heart disease and better overall for Indian patients, eating olives and fava beans isn't practical, or affordable. That's why the researchers created a local version of the diet using ingredients easily found in Indian of farro and bulgur, they used broken whole wheat and Basmati rice. Mustard and peanut oil replaced extra virgin olive oil. Herbs like tulsi (holy basil), ajwain (carom seeds), turmeric, and nutmeg were used in place of Mediterranean vegetables were swapped thoughtfully. 'We supplemented green leafy vegetables with Indian greens like bathua, chaulai, fenugreek, and radish leaves,' said Dr. Suparna Ghosh Jerath, a nutrition researcher at The George Institute and part of the IAMD THE DIET PLANSThe team from The George Institute didn't just stop at picking the ingredients. They built detailed seven-day diet plans that matched the calorie needs of different people. These included five calorie options: 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800, and 2000 kcal diet was split into six meals a day - three main meals and three smaller ones. Meals were built to balance nutrients, with 15% from proteins, 25–30% from fats, and 50–53% from carbohydrates. The traditional Mediterranean diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. ( advertisement"We developed 7-day diet plans tailored to each individual's calorie needs and gave them these meal plans. For now, we are experimenting with North Indian cuisine. As you know, food habits change every 100 kilometres in India. So, we do plan to extend this to other parts of the country—South Indian, Eastern, and Western cuisines," Dr. Roy researchers provided a detailed matrix representing recommendations for the Mediterranean Diet, the Indian counterparts, their availability and acceptability, and the adaptations based on the North Indian food environment. Except for quinoa, cannellini, and fava beans, the whole grains and legumes found in the MD were also present in North Indian whole wheat and local rice varieties (Basmati) were substituted for bulgur and farro, respectively, and maize flour was added instead of virgin olive oil was partially replaced with the more culturally acceptable and available mustard and peanut oils. Some condiments and spices in the MD, like thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, were supplemented with other herbs and condiments used in Indian cuisine, such as Indian basil (tulsi), carom seeds (ajwain), turmeric (haldi), Nutmeg (jaiphal) and mace (javitri).advertisementSimilarly, the green leafy vegetable list was supplemented with Chenopodium Album (Bathua), amaranthus viridis (Chaulai), fenugreek leaves (methi), and radish leaves (mooli ke patte).The team has already applied for grants to expand this work into other regions of INFLAMMATION WITH DII SCORESThe researchers also used a scientific tool called the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), pioneered by Dr. James Hebert of the University of South Carolina, to check how much inflammation each diet could cause or plays a big role in heart disease, and diets that reduce inflammation can help protect the heart. Inflammation plays a big role in heart disease, and diets that reduce inflammation can help protect the heart. () Most Indian diets studied in CAD patients had DII scores between -1.8 and 3.8, with a median score of 1.1, which is slightly pro-inflammatory. The adapted Mediterranean diet, however, scored between -7.8 and -8.4, which is strongly anti-inflammatory.'We tried to make the recipes highly anti-inflammatory by including foods known for such properties,' said Dr. Jerath. 'For example, if we prepare dal and add garlic tadka and spices, it becomes more anti-inflammatory because of the properties of these ingredients.'advertisementMAKING THE DIET PRACTICAL AND AFFORDABLEA common worry about healthy diets is affordability. Many believe that plant-based diets rich in nuts, seeds, and oils are too expensive for the average Indian household.'When we talk about nuts and oils, there's a perception that this kind of diet is for the rich. But we've tried to divide the portions and design recipes in a way that even people from humble backgrounds can follow," Dr. Jerath added that it's not just about copying the Mediterranean diet, but making it culturally relevant and accessible. 'We didn't just copy the Mediterranean diet. We looked at Indian equivalents like whole grains and pulses and built from there.'FROM HOSPITALS TO HOMESThis study isn't just about feeding hospital patients. The researchers hope to eventually promote these diets at a community level.'We need to engage with community health workers and create an impact once we find that it's effective,' said Dr. Jerath. 'We focus on promoting traditional diets, especially in rural areas, things like consuming unpolished rice, whole grains, vegetables from kitchen gardens, and using natural farming methods.'She added that people have moved away from home-cooked food and rely more on processed food from the market. This shift has contributed to poor health HAPPENS NEXTCurrently, the third phase of the trial is underway at AIIMS Delhi. So far, 115 patients have been recruited. The plan is to recruit a total of 140 patients, who will be followed for six months. While the study is not large enough to test for major heart health outcomes, it is designed to measure dietary changes, anti-inflammatory effects, and improvements in health underway, the results from this trial could help shape future dietary guidelines for patients with heart disease and encourage more widespread adoption of healthier eating habits rooted in traditional Indian Dr. Roy summed it up, "It's not just the ingredients that matter, but the quantity, portion, intensity, and lifestyle factors that come with it."- Ends


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
New Delhi hosts mega meet to celebrate Dalai Lama's birthday
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in commemoration of the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama , conducted a daylong celebration on the 13th of July at New Delhi. Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, SecretaryGeneral of IBC began the glorious celebration by welcoming His Holiness 43rd Sakya Rinpoche, His Holiness 105th Gaden Tripa, Most Ven. Arayawangso, Most Ven. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, Most Venerable Samdhong Rinpoche and Ven. Bhikkhu Kaboggoza Buddhrakkhita. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Healthcare CXO Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Management Data Science Project Management Digital Marketing MCA Finance Degree Product Management Leadership Public Policy Data Analytics Others Operations Management PGDM Cybersecurity healthcare Data Science MBA others Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details The Secretary General emphasized that this occasion aimed to reflect on the joy that His Holiness brings into our lives, the wisdom he shares, and the unique spirit that makes him so undeniably holy, kind, inspiring, and dependable. He stated how dedicated His Holiness is towards common causes like world peace, universal responsibility, environmental protection and the oneness of the entire humanity. His Holiness is looked upon for embracing change while remaining dedicated to ancient wisdom and values. He said, His Holiness often says, 'I am son of India as far as my body is concerned, as it has survived on Indian dal and roti for more than 60 years, and as for my mind, it is fully influenced by thoughts of thinkers like Nagarjuna and other Nalanda masters'. In His Holiness' words, the relationship between Indians and Tibetans is like Guru and Chela (teacher-disciple relation). The Secretary General expressed his indebtedness towards His Holiness for his generosity towards the IBC since its inception and how His Holiness was a mentor throughout. As part of the celebrations, there was screening of film on 'Celebrating the Legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama'. The occasion was blessed when the special message from His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama was read out by our Guest of Honour Most Venerable Samdhong Rinpoche. Notable lines from his letter expressed how Tibetans refer to India as 'Arya Bhumi'. He mentioned how he feels a 'special closeness to India'. He believes that if aspects of India's ancient wisdom, of which the Buddha's teachings are a part, are combined with modern education, they can make a beneficial contribution to greater peace and happiness in the world. He further said that the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS) at Sarnath, Varanasi, which was founded in 1967 with the Government of India's assistance, facilitated scholars from the Himalayan Region and Tibetans to be part of major projects torestore several texts that have been preserved in their Tibetan translation. He said, at present, there is growing interest in Buddhism among Chinese people, including those from mainland China, which is part of their cultural inheritance. His Holiness also expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of India for the warm hospitality shown towards them since 1959 and for the generous support to protect and preserve the Buddhist culture that is founded on India's age-old values of karuna and ahimsa. Moreover, scientists around the world are interested in knowing more about Buddhist philosophy and the Buddhist explanation of the interlinkages between the mind and emotions. Respect from other parts of the world was represented in the form of messages from countries such as Russia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, South Korea, Laos, Japan, Myanmar and Mongolia, and were handed over to the Most Venerable Samdhong Rinpoche. Senior member of Thailand's Supreme Sangha council Most Ven. Arayawangso talked about the 'Triple Gem' that includes the virtues of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha is to be seen as a power to protect the Tibetan people. He also highlighted how the foundation of a great civilization is rooted in recognizing the good and the evil with wisdom. Furthermore, Most Venerable Samdhong Rimpochereiterated how His Holiness compiled teachings of Buddha in a suitable medium which is understandable in the post-modern civilization of the 21st century. His Holiness is known as the fearless teacher of the 21st century. He reiterated that we should do our best to materialize objectives of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama. Violence is one of the horrendous challenges faced by humanity. He talked about how the negative emotions of people can be tackled through compassion. Here he quoted Mahatma Gandhi by stating 'hate the sin, not the sinner'. He further stated how Ethics or moral conduct is necessary for believers and non-believers equally. He drew parallels between Gandhi's Sarva Dharma Sambhava and the teachings of His Holiness, that there should be a feeling of equality of all religious traditions and non-religious people's mindset. If equilibrium is not there, then it may be hard to preach His Holiness' message. The Head of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism and our keynote speaker Most Venerable Sakya Trizin, delved into the realms which we are most cognizant, that is, the outer activities of His Holiness, which have shaped our contemporary understanding of compassion. He reflected on the four commitments which has defined His Holiness's life and continue to guide his tireless service to humanity. First commitment being promoting basic human values which touched countless lives transcending boundaries of religion, cultures, and nationality. His holiness identified himself as one among the 8 billion people. Buddhist values of compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and contentment are universal which is essential for happiness and peace. His Holiness' voice is unifying in a world of differences, as he always says 'My religion is kindness'. His second commitment is to foster harmony among the world's religious traditions and to recognize wisdom in all spiritual paths. He emphasized on how different religions can learn from one another while maintaining their unique identity. His Holiness' non-sectarian approach demonstrates true spirit of Buddha's teachings. The Third commitment involves preserving Tibetan Buddhism culture & identity. Through His Holiness' visionary efforts, Tibetan Buddhism found new soil to grow, primarily in India and preserving it has gone beyond mere survival. It has contributed in its ways to the world's civilization. Profound philosophical insights, meditation practice and compassionate world view of Tibet enriched the spiritual landscape of humanity as a whole. His fourth commitment is promoting ancient wisdom of India; the Nalanda tradition is seen as a gift to the eastern and western intellectual traditions. His Holiness constantly emphasizes how Buddhism was born in India and the comprehensive system of Buddhist philosophy with regard to logic, meditation that developed thereafter is humanity's greatest intellectual achievements. The world has come to recognize that ancient Indian wisdom incorporates not only Buddhist philosophy. It also involves advanced traditions incorporating logic, epistemology, psychology and contemplative science. It offers invaluable insight for facing challenges of the contemporary world. Scholars have demonstrated how these ancient traditions can enrich contemporary understanding of our consciousness. His Holiness showed us that ancient wisdom is not merely a historical interest, but contains practical methods for cultivating inner peace and understanding the nature of reality. The four prominent commitments of His Holiness realize thebodhisattva ideals.