The Monsoon Illusion: Why Boiling Water Isn't Enough Anymore
As monsoon rains sweep across our towns and cities, they bring much-needed relief from the heat and a renewed sense of vitality to our surroundings. But beneath this welcome transformation lies an often-overlooked danger: contaminated drinking water. For generations, boiling water has been seen as a reliable way to ensure its safe to consume. In 2025, however, that belief is dangerously outdated.
The Boiling Myth
Boiling water can effectively eliminate many biological contaminants bacteria, viruses, and parasites. But it is powerless against chemical pollutants like heavy metals, pesticide residues, and industrial waste. These contaminants, increasingly common due to urban runoff, deteriorating infrastructure, and monsoon-related flooding, remain invisible to the naked eye but pose serious long-term health risks.
During monsoons, overflowing drains and compromised sewer systems often infiltrate groundwater and municipal supplies. Even treated water can pick up contaminants like arsenic, lead, or nitrates by the time it reaches your tap. The real danger lies in the false sense of security boiled water may appear clean and taste fine, but it may still be loaded with harmful toxins that boiling can't remove. The shift to Intelligent Purification traditional practices like boiling or basic filtration are no longer sufficient. Research confirms that modern water challenges require advanced, multi-stage purification systems RO, UV, UF, and activated carbon filtration to eliminate both biological and chemical threats. Yet, many households continue to rely on outdated habits, unaware of the invisible risks in every glass.
Today's water challenges are far more complex than those of the past making outdated solutions like basic filtration and boiling insufficient. Ensuring modern water safety now requires intelligent, multi-stage purification systems designed to tackle both visible and invisible threats.
'Boiling water may have worked in the past, but it's no longer enough,' says Dr. Anil Kumar, Water Scientist, Eureka Forbes. 'Today's water safety calls for intelligent, multi-stage purification. At Eureka Forbes, our mission is to provide every Indian household with solutions that go beyond promises delivering purity, drop by drop.'
This monsoon, don't just boil purify with purpose. Opt for water solutions designed to tackle today's challenges, not outdated beliefs. Because when it comes to your family's health, safety shouldn't be an illusion it should be absolute.

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Mint
30 minutes ago
- Mint
Don't have time to workout? It's time you picked the skipping rope
Before donning his black robe and stepping into the courtroom, Shravan Patel picks up something humbler than a gavel—a jump rope. A Hyderabad-based lawyer with little time and no gym membership, Patel swears by the few square feet in his living room and the rhythmic flick of a rope. 'It charges my body, burns fat, boosts heart rate, keeps my joints mobile," he says. 'And the best part? Ten minutes is enough." Once dismissed as playground paraphernalia, the jump rope is undergoing a serious image makeover. From spine surgeons to cardiologists, health professionals are now prescribing it as a near-perfect exercise—low on cost, high on return, and surprisingly gentle on the joints. In a post-pandemic world where wellness often competes with time, space, and budget, the jump rope may be fitness's most unassuming comeback kid. 'Jump rope workouts may look simple, but there's good reason they're making a comeback," says Dr Venkata Ramakrishna, head of spine surgery at Arete Hospitals, Hyderabad. 'As a spine and orthopaedic specialist, I often hear patients ask for exercises that are gentle on the joints but still help with fitness goals like fat loss, stamina, and mobility. Surprisingly, skipping fits that brief well—if done with care." WHAT MAKES JUMPING ROPE A COMPLETE WORKOUT Its appeal lies in the combination of minimal space and maximum impact. 'Not everyone has time for the gym or access to expensive machines," Ramakrishna adds. 'A skipping rope, used correctly, can get your heart rate up, engage major muscle groups, and help burn calories in just a few minutes. That's especially helpful for people who are short on time or prefer to work out at home." From a physiotherapy standpoint, skipping is far more than cardio. 'Jump rope is not only good for your heart, it's also great for your body," says Dr Sachin Sethi (PT), principal lead – Physiotherapy at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon. 'It helps with functional movement by improving coordination, balance, and motor control on both sides of the body. All of these things are important for staying safe and getting better." According to Sethi, jump rope also strengthens the knees and ankles without imposing excessive stress—provided form is correct. 'It's an affordable way to help people who are looking for low-impact exercises and don't want to go to the gym or who sit around a lot and want to improve their posture, endurance and neuromuscular control." Emerging research continues to highlight the multifaceted benefits of jump rope as a physical activity. A 2024 study conducted by Wu, Chang, and Liu, published in the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, found that structured jump rope interventions improve both motor and cognitive functions in elementary-aged children. Similarly, a 12-week study by International Journal of Health and Clinical Research (2023) on Indian schoolchildren found that both traditional and freestyle skipping significantly improved muscular strength (by 11–13%), grip strength, and bone mineral density—especially in underactive adolescents. GOOD FOR THE HEART AND THE BRAIN From the cardiovascular perspective, skipping is no slouch. 'Jump rope is known to be an extremely effective cardiovascular exercise when compared to traditional aerobic activities like running or cycling in improving heart function and VO₂ max," says Dr Rahul Gupta, director of cardiology at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai. 'Various studies have proven that jump rope can offer similar cardiovascular benefits as 30 minutes of jogging." In fact, skipping's intensity and rhythm make it especially suited for High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), a format known to lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, and improve insulin sensitivity. 'The intense bursts of activity followed by brief rest periods boost metabolic rate and insulin sensitivity," Gupta adds. 'This can help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, and manage blood sugar levels—cutting the risk of type 2 diabetes." What sets skipping apart from many cardio routines, according to Sethi, is its neuromuscular engagement. 'The rhythmic, repetitive movement makes your feet, eyes, and hands work together all the time, which helps your body know where it is in space," he explains. 'Each jump needs to be timed, accurate, and controlled, which helps with balance and reflexes." Moreover, it stimulates the nervous system in ways that enhance neuroplasticity. 'Skipping makes your fast-twitch muscle fibers work and forces you to change posture quickly and correctly. Over time, this constant communication between the brain and body helps the brain make new neural connections." WHY SKIPPING IS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR REHAB Contrary to its high-intensity reputation, skipping can be modified for rehabilitation and older adults. 'Jump rope can be safely used for rehabilitation and by older people if you make some careful changes," says Sethi. 'When you're getting older or recovering from an injury, you should do low-impact activities like marching in place with a rope or phantom jumps." He suggests beginning on soft surfaces, keeping sessions short—30 to 60 seconds with breaks—and gradually building confidence and muscular endurance. 'Over time, these small changes can help with balance, proprioception, and bone density. These are all important for both recovery and healthy ageing." Beyond its physical merits, jumping rope may offer something rarer: psychological restoration. 'The jump rope is a simple but powerful tool that helps you connect your body and mind in today's tech-driven fitness world," says Sethi. 'It can be very calming to watch it move in a steady, rhythmic way—like a moving meditation. The steady rhythm of skipping helps you breathe better, lowers stress, and makes you more aware of your body." CAUTION IS CRUCIAL Despite its benefits, skipping isn't injury-proof—particularly when poor form or pre-existing conditions come into play. 'Jump rope is usually low impact if you do it right, but bad form can cause injuries," cautions Sethi. 'In clinical practice, it is often told not to hit their heels too hard, not to move their ankles too much or land hard without bending their knees." Those with flat feet, weak core muscles, or a history of lower back problems are at greater risk, he adds. 'They can't absorb shock or stay stable as easily. Not getting enough sleep, or skipping proper stretching or warm-ups, can make the problem worse." Ramakrishna echoes the warning: 'People with arthritis, recent surgeries, or balance concerns should check with their doctor first. Those with a high BMI should also pay caution, as the added joint load may require modified routines and medical guidance." Gupta underscores the point from a cardiac lens: 'While it can be modified for low-impact routines, standard jump rope is still a high-intensity activity—particularly for those with pre-existing cardiac concerns." In such cases, walking or cycling may be more appropriate initially, followed by slow, supervised reintroduction of skipping under medical guidance. 'Start with just 10 reps, then slowly increase. It is not at all a good idea to go overboard," Gupta cautions. JUMPING INTO THE FUTURE The jump rope market—projected to reach $2.62 billion by 2031—is expanding steadily, with Asia-Pacific leading in growth due to rising fitness demand in India and China. At the center of innovation are customizable, weighted, and modular systems like Crossrope's interchangeable sets and Renpho's corded/cordless hybrids, catering to increasingly diverse consumer needs. According to a 2024 trend analysis by John Jing on Alibaba Reads, a B2B platform, sustainability is shaping manufacturing too. Brands are pivoting to eco-conscious materials—like ropes spun from recycled plastic bags ('plarn"), biodegradable bamboo, and organic cotton—while embracing lean production and minimalist packaging. Tech is also skipping ahead: smart jump ropes like Tangram Factory's LED model and Everlast's Bluetooth-integrated gear offer real-time feedback, app sync, and virtual coaching—an appeal to the data-driven athlete. The Jump Rope Federation of India (JRFI), though battling inconsistent government recognition, continues to host national championships and send athletes to international stages like the upcoming IJRU World Championship in Japan. Influencers such as Chetan Tambe and record-setters like Yahan Palia (77,364 skips in 8 hours) have brought the sport to screens nationwide, while school-based studies show tangible gains in strength and bone health among young practitioners. As the jump rope evolves from fitness tool to lifestyle product, brands that blend performance, personalization, and planet-conscious design are setting the pace. Tanisha Saxena is a Delhi-based independent journalist. She writes stories that are on the intersection of art, culture and lifestyle.


The Print
an hour ago
- The Print
BJP asks CM to apologise for linking COVID vaccines with heart attacks as expert panel rejects claim
The BJP said the Chief Minister must issue an unconditional apology for making what it called a 'baseless allegation.' Calling Siddaramaiah's remarks 'irresponsible,' Union Minister Pralhad Joshi pointed out that premier national institutions including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and AIIMS-Delhi have all clarified that there is no scientific evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to heart attacks. A panel constituted by the government concluded that there is no single cause behind the observed increase in sudden cardiac deaths. Rather, it described the phenomenon as multifactorial, with behavioural, genetic, and environmental risk factors contributing. Bengaluru, Jul 6 (PTI) BJP on Sunday demanded an apology from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for attributing a spate of cardiac arrests in Karnataka—particularly in Hassan district—to COVID-19 vaccination, after an expert panel found no evidence to support the claim. 'Siddaramaiah is deliberately making such statements because the vaccine was developed during Prime Minister Modi's tenure,' Joshi said in Hubballi. 'They assumed the pandemic would politically damage the Prime Minister—people would suffer and turn against him. But PM Modi handled COVID with sensitivity and care.' Joshi said that because the Prime Minister was widely credited with managing the pandemic effectively, the opposition was resorting to unfounded claims. 'After ICMR, NCDC and AIIMS refuted any link between vaccines and cardiac events, now the Karnataka government's own Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology—a reputed institution not just in the state but across India—has also found no correlation,' Joshi said. He noted that the committee, led by Dr. Ravindranath, Director of the Jayadeva Institute, was set up by Siddaramaiah himself to examine any possible link between COVID vaccination and cardiac deaths. 'The panel has clearly stated that COVID vaccines are not the cause of heart attacks. Will Siddaramaiah apologise now? I strongly condemn his statement,' Joshi added. BJP spokesperson Dr CN Ashwath Narayan also criticised Siddaramaiah, alleging that his statement was aimed at discrediting Indian-made vaccines and undermining the Prime Minister. 'He questioned the efficacy of a vaccine that saved millions of lives, without citing any scientific basis. Chief minister should apologise to the people of the state for spreading misinformation,' Narayan said. The observational study conducted at Jayadeva Institute found no association between premature cardiovascular disease and prior COVID-19 infection or vaccination. 'Most global studies and reports did not find any causal link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden cardiac events. On the contrary, vaccination has been shown to offer long-term protection against cardiac issues,' the panel noted. Recently, Siddaramaiah had suggested that a spate of heart attack deaths in Hassan district could be linked to the COVID-19 vaccination drive. He had also claimed that the vaccines were 'hastily' approved. His comments drew strong criticism from Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. PTI GMS ADB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
BJP asks Karnataka CM to apologise for linking COVID vaccines with heart attacks as expert panel rejects claim
Synopsis Karnataka BJP demands an apology from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for linking cardiac arrests in Hassan to COVID-19 vaccination. An expert panel found no evidence supporting the claim, attributing the rise in cardiac deaths to multifactorial risks. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and BJP spokesperson Dr CN Ashwath Narayan criticized Siddaramaiah's remarks as baseless and aimed at discrediting Indian-made vaccines.