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Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Kerala alert after Nipah virus cases: Here's why it happens every monsoon, know about signs and symptoms
The Kerala Health Department has stepped up vigil against the Nipah virus after two positive cases of the deadly zoonotic disease were detected in two districts. One of the affected is undergoing treatment while another has died. State Health Minister Veena George has said the alert has been sounded in Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad, where 345 people are in the contact list of the two cases, which were confirmed after samples tested in NIV-Pune. Why does Nipah spiral every year? According to Dr Rakesh Gupta, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, 'With global warming, changes in wildlife behaviour and human lifestyle factors, such viruses may continue to pose a risk, making constant monitoring essential.' With Nipah cases resurfacing in Kerala, it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid eating fruits that look partially eaten or pecked by birds and bats, as the virus is often linked to contamination from fruit bats. Wash fruits thoroughly before eating. Maintain good hand hygiene and avoid visiting hospitals unless absolutely necessary, especially in areas with reported cases. Stay alert for symptoms like fever, headache, drowsiness, confusion or respiratory issues — and seek immediate medical care if these occur. Also, limit contact with patients' bodily fluids. Follow government advisories and avoid spreading rumours, which can cause panic. Health workers and caregivers should use protective gear. If there are deaths in the family or neighbourhood from unknown fever, inform health authorities for proper containment. Vigilance and early detection play a huge role in preventing the spread of Nipah. Nipah virus outbreaks have recurred in Kerala primarily because of the ecology of the region. Its climate and landscape support dense fruit tree cover and a large population of fruit bats (the natural hosts of the virus). Changing patterns in land use, human encroachment into bat habitats, and the habit of consuming fresh fruits or toddy can increase the chance of bat-human contact. With the monsoon, there is more fruiting, attracting bats closer to human dwellings. Increased moisture can also spoil fruits faster, making them more attractive to bats. Additionally, water-logging and changes in local ecology during the monsoon might bring humans, bats and domestic animals into closer contact, raising the chance of spillover. Additionally, Kerala's strong disease surveillance system helps identify cases quickly, which is why outbreaks are promptly reported. Nipah virus primarily spreads from animals (especially fruit bats) to humans through contaminated food, such as fruits or raw date palm sap tainted with bat saliva or urine. It can also spread through direct contact with infected animals like pigs, though this is less common in India. Once in humans, the virus can spread from person to person via close contact, especially through bodily fluids, saliva, urine, or respiratory droplets. Caregivers and health workers are at higher risk if proper precautions aren't taken. Hospital-acquired infections have been documented in previous Kerala outbreaks. Unlike COVID-19, Nipah does not spread through casual airborne transmission over long distances; it requires close or direct contact. Hence, avoiding exposure to possibly contaminated food, maintaining personal hygiene, wearing masks around patients, and isolating suspected cases are key measures to stop its spread.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
TT Nagar summer sports camp concludes with focus on holistic athlete development
Bhopal: The Summer Sports Camp-2025 at Tatya Tope Stadium has concluded. Organised by the sports and youth welfare department, the event's concluding ceremony witnessed felicitation of outstanding students in various sports disciplines. Sports director Rakesh Gupta said that the camp served as a robust platform for the state's talented athletes, offering comprehensive training alongside intellectual, physical, and spiritual development opportunities. Joint director B S Yadav, sports officers, and parents attended the programme. The camp featured innovative elements, transforming the conventional summer sports training format. The camp introduced a novel structure focusing beyond athletic training to include personality development, leadership skills, and mental strengthening of participants. The department officials said that students received thorough instruction in multiple sports: volleyball, gymnastics, judo, taekwondo, boxing, kabaddi, fencing, karate, mallakhamb, table tennis, skating, wrestling, lawn tennis, badminton, football, basketball, aerobics, squash, athletics, and shooting (rifle/pistol). Additional activities included yoga, meditation, leadership workshops, dialogue sessions, and moral education, aimed at nurturing well-rounded individuals. Over 100,000 students had registering online through the MYMP portal (
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
GIMS, Galgotias University sign MoU to boost joint medical research
GREATER NOIDA: The Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida, and Galgotias University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the utilisation of animal house facilities for research work in a step to advance medical research and academic collaboration, officials said on Wednesday. The partnership, officials said, marks a crucial step forward in fostering institutional synergy and strengthening the research ecosystem in the region. According to officials, the MoU aims to support and promote collaborative efforts in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, facilitating access to specialised infrastructure, and providing opportunities for both faculty and students to engage in globally relevant scientific studies. Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony on Wednesday, vice chancellor, Galgotias University, Prof K Mallikarjunna Babu emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership. 'The pact is a transformative milestone that lays the foundation for long-term cooperation and innovation within the vital domains of healthcare and medical research. This agreement represents our shared vision to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science and healthcare innovation by leveraging each other's strengths,' he said. Calling the move a significant boost to the institution's research capabilities, GIMS Greater Noida director Dr (Brig) Rakesh Gupta said, 'The MoU with Galgotias University will substantially strengthen our research infrastructure and allow faculty and students to undertake cutting-edge biomedical studies aligned with global standards'. In a parallel development, Galgotias University, in collaboration with Tata Technologies, inaugurated a cutting-edge learning centre focused on product development and next-generation engineering technologies, on Wednesday said officials. The centre, inaugurated by Pawan Bhageria, global president – HR, IT and Education, Tata Technologies, and Dr Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, will provide hands-on training in MCAD/PLM, electric vehicle (EV) technologies, and other emerging fields. The training will be delivered via Tata Technologies' globally acclaimed, 'I GET IT' platform, said officials. 'This learning centre represents our deep commitment to delivering practice-based, globally relevant engineering. Through our partnership with Tata Technologies, we are creating an environment where students can acquire industry-ready skills,' said Dr Galgotia. 'We are passionate about enabling future engineers with practical skills. This collaboration ensures students are prepared for careers in the fast-evolving engineering sector,' said Bhageria of Tata Technologies. The centre will also run Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) and sessions by subject matter experts to enhance faculty expertise and provide industrial exposure to students. Placement support from Tata Technologies is also part of the initiative.
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Gulshan Devaiah eats just 1 meal a day to stay fit at 47: Fat loss and other benefits plus 'challenges' of extreme diet
Birthday boy Gulshan Devaiah eats just once a day to maintain a lean physique and stay healthy. The actor, who turned 47 on May 28, spoke about following the One Meal a Day (OMAD) diet in a June 2024 interview with CNN-News18. Gulshan believes in consuming all his daily calories in one single meal, but admits eating one meal a day can be 'challenging', especially when it comes to nutrient deficiencies. Also read | What is OMAD? Extreme form of intermittent fasting Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan follow for toned bodies in their 50s He said, 'Mostly I eat once a day; I say mostly because it's not every day; but I try and be as consistent with it as much as possible. So, I would say 300 out of 365 days I would eat one meal a day. I started it in 2018 as I was finding it very difficult to be consistent with my eating habits because most of us eat more than what is really necessary for us. And then that ends up in some weight gain and some other health problems... I was finding it very difficult to maintain a certain ideal weight and look... it's (OMAD) not for everybody but I think I really like it because I don't really like to be on diets. So this way I'm able to eat foods that I enjoy, but also because I eat mostly once a day, how much will I eat? So it automatically restricts potions.' Asked how he gets in all essential nutrients in just one meal a day, Gulshan said, 'That is a challenge. You have to eat a variety of different types of foods. The one common mistake that I made initially was, when I'm working during the day, I eat my meal after I'm done – so that's almost like half an hour before going to bed. That sometimes would cause me a little bit of acidity in the morning. So, I had to also cut out certain types of foods... I have to keep switching between foods and include different vegetables and fruits and keep changing them seasonally, which I was not very good at doing. So, I would have some deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies, for which I would take vitamin supplements... my D3 is usually on the lower side because I don't consume a lot of dairy products.' In a November 2024 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rakesh Gupta, senior consultant in internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. said that the one meal a day (OMAD) diet, a form of intermittent fasting, has gained attention for its potential to facilitate rapid weight loss. If you're looking to really lose weight, lose fat, change your body's measurements, and go down a dress size or two, the OMAD diet is a worthy option. But should you consider this extreme form of intermittent fasting, which involves incorporating a long period of fasting (not eating)? First, let's understand what the OMAD diet really is. According to Dr Rakesh Gupta, this approach involves consuming all daily caloric intake in a single meal, typically within a one-hour eating window, while fasting for the remaining 23 hours. He said, 'The diet is believed to create a significant calorie deficit, which can lead to weight loss. Proponents argue that it simplifies meal planning and allows for greater food variety during the single meal.' * Nutritional deficiencies: Consuming only one meal may lead to inadequate intake of essential nutrients, according to Dr Gupta. This can result in deficiencies that affect overall health and well-being. * Increased hunger and cravings: Many followers experience intense hunger throughout the day, which can lead to irritability and difficulty concentrating, Dr Gupta said. This may increase the risk of binge eating during the single meal. * Potential for muscle loss: He added rapid weight loss may not exclusively come from fat; muscle mass can also decrease, negatively impacting metabolism and physical strength. * Mood swings and fatigue: The extreme calorie restriction associated with OMAD can lead to mood fluctuations and fatigue due to unstable blood sugar levels, Dr Gupta said. Long-term sustainability issues: Many individuals find OMAD difficult to maintain over time, with dropout rates reported as high as 65 percent, according to Dr Gupta. The restrictive nature of the diet may not be suitable for everyone. * Rapid weight loss: Many individuals report significant weight loss due to drastic calorie reduction, Dr Gupta said. The diet can lead to fat loss while potentially improving metabolic health markers such as blood sugar levels and inflammation, he added. * Simplicity: With only one meal to prepare and consume, followers often find it easier to manage their eating habits without the need for constant meal planning or calorie counting, said Dr Gupta. * Flexibility in food choices: Unlike many restrictive diets, OMAD does not typically limit food types, allowing individuals to enjoy a wide range of foods during their meal, he added. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Should Delhi residents take a booster Covid shot as cases rise? Here's what a doctor says
Delhi has reported a total of 104 active Covid-19 cases so far, the third highest after Kerala and Maharashtra. As per the Centre's Covid dashboard, the surge in the national capital happened over the last week when 99 cases were added from May 19. Should residents be worried about the surge in India, which follows a spike in cases in South Asia? Are booster shots needed? Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, sheds light on some frequently asked questions: Why are cases rising in Delhi? Covid-19 cases are rising everywhere due to a combination of waning immunity, relaxed public behaviour, and the emergence of new variants with higher transmissibility. Many people have resumed pre-pandemic routines such as large gatherings, travel, and not wearing masks, especially in urban areas. Additionally, immunity from earlier infections and vaccines administered over a year ago is decreasing, making people more susceptible. Changes in weather and air quality can also influence respiratory infections, contributing to the surge. Limited testing may be underestimating actual cases, allowing community spread to go unnoticed until hospitalisation numbers begin to rise. Will the vaccines taken almost two years ago still provide protection? Vaccines taken two years ago may still offer some protection, particularly against severe illness and hospitalisation, but their effectiveness against infection has likely diminished significantly. This is because over time, immunity from vaccines wanes, especially in the face of new variants that are more adept at immune escape. However, those who received booster doses — especially updated ones — may still have more robust protection. The primary series, although outdated against some newer strains, still helps the immune system recognise the virus faster than in unvaccinated individuals. It's advisable that senior citizens and those with comorbidities should consider getting a booster doses, if eligible. Why did the surge happen in South Asia? The recent Covid-19 surge in South Asia stems from a mix of socio-economic, climatic, and healthcare-related factors. Many countries in the region have densely populated cities, making social distancing difficult. Public fatigue toward COVID-appropriate behaviour has led to a sharp decline in mask usage and hygiene practices. Cross-border travel, underreporting, and uneven vaccine booster coverage contribute to the resurgence. Seasonal changes — particularly the shift from warm to cooler weather — also play a role in viral spread. Moreover, health systems in some areas are not fully equipped to detect and respond rapidly to new outbreaks, enabling the virus to spread unchecked. What does the current surge signify? It signals that Covid-19 remains a public health threat, even if it's no longer dominating headlines. It suggests that the virus continues to evolve, potentially outpacing existing immunity from prior infections or vaccinations. The rise in cases may lead to localised strain on healthcare systems, especially if accompanied by an increase in hospitalisations or severe cases. It is also a reminder to maintain vigilance — especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or immunocompromised. While full lockdowns are unlikely, this surge may prompt governments to reintroduce preventive measures and reassess their vaccination and public health strategies moving forward. What are the characteristics of this strain? The new strain appears to have mutations that make it more transmissible than earlier variants, though early reports suggest it may not cause significantly more severe disease. Like previous Omicron subvariants, it might evade immune protection to some extent, leading to reinfections even in those previously vaccinated or infected. Common symptoms remain largely respiratory — cough, fever, fatigue — but anecdotal reports mention faster spread within households. Researchers are closely monitoring whether it impacts hospitalisation rates. However, severity seems manageable for most healthy individuals. The real concern lies in its potential to disproportionately affect older adults or people with pre-existing conditions. When do we need to worry? If the number of severe cases and hospitalisations rises significantly, especially among vaccinated or previously healthy individuals. Additionally, if a new variant begins to evade immunity to the extent that it causes widespread reinfections or longer illness duration, it would indicate the need for renewed public health measures. We should also be alert if essential services, like healthcare staffing, start to get disrupted due to illness. Another red flag would be rising mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations. Until then, while widespread panic is unnecessary, maintaining cautious behaviour and staying informed through credible sources is prudent. Do we need to start testing more? Yes, increased testing — particularly among symptomatic individuals, healthcare workers, and the vulnerable population — is important during a surge. Testing helps identify outbreaks early and allows for timely isolation, reducing the virus's spread. It's also essential for tracking which variants are circulating and determining the appropriate public health response. While mass testing of asymptomatic individuals may not be necessary, targeted testing in high-risk zones, workplaces, and schools can help prevent larger outbreaks. If testing rates remain low, it becomes difficult to assess the true scale of the surge or to implement effective containment strategies in affected communities.
