&w=3840&q=100)
Need curbs on MNCs marketing junk food: Milind Deora on oil-sugar directive
He also said that the Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation, which he heads, is currently reviewing plans of the country's apex food regulator, FSSAI, to tackle India's growing obesity crisis, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a healthier nation.
"We have unanimously advocated uniform regulations across all food categories, including alcohol, so Indian food isn't unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked (sic)," Deora said in a post on X, referring to ministry's move to "to inform consumers about ingredients in samosas and jalebis".
The Union health ministry has urged all ministries, departments and autonomous bodies to display "oil and sugar board" mentioning the sugar and oil content in snacks such as samosa, kachori, french fries, pizzas and vadapav to promote healthy lifestyles and combat obesity and non-communicable diseases.
Obesity is a growing concern and is likely to become a major social and economic issue, Deora said as he emphasised on regulation of all foods-- be it Indian or foreign.
He also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching an anti-obesity" campaign.
In a letter dated June 21, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said that India is witnessing a sharp rise in obesity among both adults and children which significantly raises the risk of non-communicable diseases, affects mental health, mobility and quality of life, and imposes a heavy economic burden through increased healthcare care costs and productivity losses.
Early prevention and health promotion are critical to reversing these trends.
"At the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games in Dehradun on 28 January 2025, the prime minister invoked the Fit India Campaign and urged citizens to adopt active, healthy lifestyles as part of the broader vision of Swastha Bharat. In his Mann Ki Raat, he called for a 10 per cent reduction in oil consumption," the letter said.
In response to this national appeal, and as part of the ministry's flagship initiatives under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), it is imperative to promote sustainable behavioural changes at our workplaces. These include reducing excessive consumption of oil and sugar, both of which are key contributors to increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related disorders, Srivastava stated.
"We are proposing the display of 'Sugar and Oil Boards' initiative to promote healthier dietary habits in various settings. These boards serve as visual behavioural nudges in schools, offices, public institutions, etc displaying key information about hidden fats and sugars in everyday foods," the letter stated.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
5 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Ultrasonic laser spine surgery study from Guntur wins Asia-Pacific Award
A research study from the Mallika Spine Centre in Guntur won the best paper award at the Annual Conference of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery – Asia-Pacific (SMISS-AP). In a press release here on Monday, J. Suresh Babu, spine surgeon at the centre, who led the research, informed that the achievement marked the first time an Indian research team earned this distinction. The study explores the integration of ultrasonic laser technology in endoscopic spine surgeries for back and neck pain. It demonstrates that procedures can be performed through incisions as small as 4 millimetres, using ultrasonic sound waves to achieve high precision, minimal bleeding, and faster recovery. 'This is the first documented global instance of ultrasonic technology being applied successfully in endoscopic spine surgery. The award announcement was made by SMISS-AP president Y. Kotani during a conference held in Mumbai from July 10 to 13. A travel fellowship was also granted to team member Dr. Pudhvi Reddy to pursue further research exposure across Asia-Pacific,' Dr. Suresh Babu said.
The Hindu
5 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Israeli tanks, snipers opened fire on crowd seeking aid in Gaza, says UN food agency
The UN food agency accused Israel of using tanks, snipers and other weapons to fire on a crowd of Palestinians seeking food aid, in what the territory's Health Ministry said was one of the deadliest days for aid-seekers in over 21 months of war. The World Food Programme in a statement on Sunday (July 20, 2025) condemned the violence that erupted in northern Gaza as Palestinians tried to reach a convoy of trucks carrying food. The Health Ministry in Gaza said at least 80 people were killed in the incident. The Israeli military has said it fired warning shots 'to remove an immediate threat,' but has questioned the death toll reported by the Palestinians. The accusation by a major aid agency that has had generally good working relations with Israel builds on descriptions by witnesses and others, who also said Israel opened fire on the crowd. The bloodshed surrounding aid access highlights the increasingly precarious situation for people in Gaza who have been desperately seeking out food and other assistance, as the war that has roiled the region shows no signs of ending. Israel and Hamas are still engaged in ceasefire talks, but there appears to be no breakthrough and it's not clear whether any truce would bring the war to a lasting halt. As the talks proceed, the death toll in the war-ravaged territory has climbed to more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Its count doesn't distinguish between militants and civilians but the ministry says more than half of the dead are women and children. The ministry is part of the Hamas government, but the UN and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties. Israel has meanwhile widened its evacuation orders for the territory to include an area that has been somewhat less hard-hit than others, indicating a new battleground may be opening up and squeezing Palestinians into ever tinier stretches of Gaza. WFP condemns violence at food distribution points In northern Gaza on Sunday, the Health Ministry, witnesses and a UN official said Israeli forces opened fire toward crowds who tried to get food from a 25-truck convoy that had entered the hard-hit area. The WFP statement, which said the crowd surrounding its convoy 'came under fire from Israeli tanks, snipers and other gunfire,' backs up those claims. The statement did not specify a death toll, saying only the incident resulted in the loss of 'countless lives'. After Sunday's incident, a photographer cooperating with The Associated Press counted 31 bodies at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and 20 others in the courtyard of Sheikh Radwan clinic. 'These people were simply trying to access food to feed themselves and their families on the brink of starvation,' it said, adding that the incident occurred despite assurances from Israeli authorities that aid delivery would improve. Part of those assurances, it said, was that armed forces would not be present nor engage along aid routes. 'Shootings near humanitarian missions, convoys and food distributions must stop immediately.' The Israeli military declined to comment on the WFP claims. Military spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani posted on X Sunday that soldiers were told 'do not engage, do not shoot,' and shared a video of troops near a crowd of Palestinians gathering around a truck as one soldier yells repeatedly, 'Do not shoot!' The Associated Press could not immediately verify the video and it was not clear where it was filmed. Israel has not allowed international media to enter Gaza throughout the war, and the competing claims could not be independently verified. Sunday's incident comes as Palestinian access to aid in the territory has been greatly diminished, and seeking that aid has become perilous. A U.S. and Israeli-backed aid system that has wrested some aid delivery from traditional providers like the UN has been wracked by violence and chaos as Palestinians heading toward its aid distribution sides have come under fire. The group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, has said that the majority of the reported violence has not occurred at its sites. Violence rages on in Gaza Gaza health officials said on Monday at least 13 people, including two women and five children, were killed in Israeli strikes since the previous night. At least two people were killed Monday morning when crowds of Palestinians waiting for aid trucks were shot at in the area of Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, according to Dr Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, director of Shifa Hospital where the dead were taken. He said Israeli forces had opened fire. An Israeli strike overnight hit a tent in the Muwasi area of Khan Younis, killing at least five people, according to the Health Ministry. The dead include two parents, two of their children and a relative, it said. Other strikes hit tents in the Muwasi area and a residential building in Gaza City, according to health officials. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes. It blames Hamas for civilian casualties because the group operates from populated areas. Gaza's Health Ministry meanwhile said Israeli forces detained Dr Marwan al-Hams, acting director of the strip's field hospitals and the ministry's spokesman. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. Hamas triggered the war when militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Fifty remain in Gaza, but fewer than half are thought to be alive. Israel again struck rebels in Yemen The fighting in Gaza has triggered conflicts elsewhere in region, including between Israel and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have fired missiles and drones at Israel in what they say is in solidarity with Palestinians. The Israeli military said it struck the Hodeidah port in Yemen on Monday morning, saying that the Houthis were rebuilding the port infrastructure. Israel said the Houthis used the port to receive weapons from Iran and launch missiles towards Israel. The Israeli military said it targeted the parts of the port used by the Houthis and accused the Houthis of using civilian infrastructure for militant purposes. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the targets included areas of the port that Israel had destroyed in previous strikes. 'The Houthis will pay heavy prices for launching missiles towards the state of Israel,' Mr. Katz said. Israel last struck Hodeidah port two weeks ago.
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
This of Ayurvedic Ashwagandha Bramhi tea helps in boosting health
Blame it on the fast-paced life, hectic schedules or increasing stress levels with the day-to-day hassles; occasional forgetfulness can be a common issue. Sadly, this forgetfulness can take a concerning turn in the long run and also lead to cognitive decline, dementia and even Alzheimer's disease in some cases. However, there's no sure-shot remedy, but there is a potent Ayurvedic combination that may help heal the damage, reduce memory decline and reduce stress levels. Falling back to the basics Stress, lack of sleep, and cognitive overload can all contribute to memory lapses. However, nature has a powerful remedy to help support cognitive function and improve mental clarity: Brahmi and Ashwagandha tea. These two ancient herbs have been revered in Ayurvedic medicine for their cognitive benefits and stress-relieving properties. Here's why adding this tea to your routine might be a beneficial step toward enhancing your mental sharpness and overall well-being. What is Brahmi? Brahmi, also known as Bacopa monnieri, is an herb widely used in traditional Indian medicine for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It is known for its ability to support memory, concentration, and mental clarity. Brahmi contains active compounds called bacosides, which are believed to improve synaptic communication in the brain and protect against oxidative stress. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like When Knee Pain Hits, Start Eating These Foods, and Feel Your Pain Go Away (It's Genius) Read More Undo Studies have shown that Brahmi can enhance cognitive performance, reduce anxiety, and support overall brain health. What is Ashwagandha? Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is another cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, often referred to as Indian ginseng. This adaptogenic herb is celebrated for its ability to help the body adapt to stress, balance cortisol levels, and promote a sense of calm. Ashwagandha's cognitive benefits include improved memory, enhanced learning capabilities, and reduced mental fatigue. Its active compounds, such as withanolides, have been shown to have neuroprotective effects and support cognitive function. Benefits of consuming Brahmi and Ashwagandha Tea Enhanced cognitive function: The combination of Brahmi and Ashwagandha offers a synergistic effect on cognitive performance. Brahmi's memory-boosting properties, combined with Ashwagandha's stress-reducing benefits, can help improve focus, concentration, and mental clarity. Regular consumption may lead to noticeable improvements in learning and memory recall. Reduced stress and anxiety Chronic stress and anxiety can impair cognitive function and memory. Ashwagandha's adaptogenic properties help regulate the body's stress response, while Brahmi has calming effects that may help alleviate anxiety. Together, they create a balanced environment for optimal cognitive health. Improved sleep quality Quality sleep is crucial for cognitive function and memory consolidation. Ashwagandha has been shown to promote better sleep by reducing stress and anxiety. By improving sleep quality, this tea can support memory and overall brain health. Neuroprotective Effects Both Brahmi and Ashwagandha contain antioxidants that protect brain cells from oxidative damage. This protection helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline and supports long-term brain health. Support for Mental Clarity The combined adaptogenic and cognitive-enhancing properties of Brahmi and Ashwagandha can lead to greater mental clarity and focus. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals facing demanding mental tasks or those seeking to improve their cognitive performance. How to Prepare Brahmi and Ashwagandha Tea Preparing Brahmi and Ashwagandha tea is simple and can easily be added to your daily routine. Here's a basic recipe to get you started: Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Brahmi powder 1 teaspoon Ashwagandha powder 2 cups of water Honey or lemon Instructions: Boil 2 cups of water in a pot. Add 1 teaspoon of brahmi powder and 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes. Strain the tea into a cup. Add honey or lemon, if desired, for added flavor.
